Babywearing?

court115

Does anyone have any tips, tricks, or advice on this? I wasn't interested in it with DS but now with Baby #2 coming, it's becoming more and more appealing. Which wraps are best for beginners? Are there some good sites on how to learn how to do this?

ambmama

The baby bjorn is super easy if you don't think you have patience for a wrap. The only issue is if your babay has chubby legs, it doesn't last long. We got one as a shower gift and it lasted maybe to 4 months before I felt guilty it wasn't comfortable. I then got a moby wrap. I wasn't a pro with it but could get him in it and facing me and he would instantly fall asleep. Honestly I only used it at home when I had to carry DS for a long time to get him asleep. He only like it for a short time (along with a stroller) because he's so active. But it definitely saved me many times in getting him to fall asleep. They give you a great booklet and there are a ton of online tutorials.

spainy17

I had a ring sling with DD since she hated the Baby Bjorn.  It was easier for me to figure out than a true wrap and I still use it at times to side wear her if she is clingy at a store or something.  It is fabulous.  

ReeceFamily

The Attachment Parenting board has lots of posts/people who know lots, as well.  I had a ring sling for early days (Hotslings) which worked but I was always paranoid about DD's head position and whether she was breathing.  Later on we switched to Ergo, which was great.  She preferred being front-facing, which is controversial (apparently), but she loved it.

this decaf life

We started with the Ergo as soon as DD was big enough to sit in it with a towel rolled up under her bottom. I still use it sometimes, especially when cooking, I'll wear DD on my hip so she can watch if she's being a little needy.

ConstanceGoodspeed

I used a K'tan until he was big enough for the Ergo without an insert. I loved both.

JJsMum

I have used a variety of baby carriers.  I baby wore with DS#2 quite often, but DS#3 pretty much lives in a carrier.  

My favourites for the NB stage were my ring sling (Maya Wrap), or the Moby.  The Moby takes some time to get used to, but is worth it in the end.  I tried the k'tan, but I could just never get a good fit out of it.  It always seemed to stretch out and get too loose even though I got a size smaller than recommended.  Right out of the wash it was fine, but by the 2nd time using it post wash, it was getting loose.  I never liked the Bjorn, because it seemed awkward for my boys to basically be hanging from their crotch, and there are some reviews that say the Bjorn is not good for their hips.

Once my boys were big enough (usually around 3 months) I adore my Ergo.  Hate it for the NB stage with the stupid insert, but love it later.  I tried a friends Becco Gemini and loved that too.  The nice thing about the Gemini is that LO can do the forward facing or face you.  I really want to try the Ergo 360 that supposedly lets LO forward face too.  I also have a fleece cover that I can put over the Ergo so that I'm not worried about them when we are out in the weather (note, I did NOT pay that much for the cover).

emja0214

I had the Ergo with DD1, but did not like it when she could not hold her head. I had the same thought process as you for DD2 and bought the Baby K'tan from Amazon. I absolutely love it!! There is a perfect position for newborns and then more positions as baby gets older and has more strength.

ohiodoxiemama08

Another vote for the Ergo here. We used it with DD and I plan to use it a lot more with baby #2. We had the infant insert which really helped with head support. Ergos are pricey but if you watch Target and mom deals sites occasionally you can get them on super discount.  Also, I've noticed in my local Facebook mom swap/sell sites that they tend to show up quite often.

I have back issues (previous back surgery due to scoliosis) and when I did my research the Ergo was the best rated for distributing weight safely. I don't know a lot about the Bjorn, but have had friends that really liked it. However, I know it's not suggested to let the baby "crotch dangle" facing out, it can be really bad for their hips.

I also had a Moby which I really liked. There's a definite learning curve with any wrap though. I'm planning on getting a light weight wrap this time too, similar to the one @MichieU70 posted. I am hoping baby wearing won't be too hot/uncomfortable in the summer.

Kyleedawn08

Obviously I need to post more. Been MIA since little Austin came. I have a stretchy boba wrap, a ring sling, a boba carrier, and a woven wrap & love them all & have used them all comfortably with ds2 a lot already. Makes chasing a toddler so much easier!!!
For ease of use I rec a SSc with a wide seat like a boba, beco, ergo, tula etc. they work well from birth to toddlerhood and are easy to get up and down. If you want one carrier I would rec one of these. Skip the infant insert, use a receiving blanket rolled up instead. Less bulky & hot and way more comfortable. Will try to insert a picture of how it is supposed to be positioned.
Ring sling I would say is the next most versatile and easy- again you can use from birth to toddler. Little bit more difficult than an ssc, but less bulky
Woven wrap is next it is the most versatile, but has a learning curve. Easy as pie once you get it down. Best thing about them is the many different ways you can wear them to find a wrap that is most comfortable for you
Stretchy wraps are amazing for newborns & the one I probably reach for right now most. So comfortable but doesn't last long term because it isn't supportive enough

There are YouTube videos galore on how to use each kind of carrier, these were so helpful to me. To buy, especially if you are planning on getting a woven wrap, there are Facebook pages where you can buy used. "Babywearing on a budget" is carriers all under $100 and "the babywearing swap" buying used usually means it will already be worn in. To be able to use a woven wrap easier you have to wear it in and it's a huge process, buying used makes it so much easier for a beginner because it will already be soft

court115

Thanks for all of the awesome feedback!! Looks like I have a lot to research but this post is definitely pointing me in the right direction of where to start. I had a Bjorn with DS but he hated it and I didn't love it. A friend offered to lend me her Moby so maybe I'll start there and look into ring slings too. There's just so much info out there on this topic that it came be so overwhelming to jump right in. You ladies made me feel much less overwhelmed! I'll be back with more questions I'm sure