Thank you @duckmay going to look for that group now! I joined the Car Seats for the Littles FB page, and it was very helpful! Thanks for the suggestion. Also looking up Wrapsody!
I never really had an issue with my Solly stretching out until my LO was bigger. The trick with stretchy wraps is you put it on tight and when you put baby in it will stretch just enough. If you don't do that, it becomes quite uncomfortable and loose. Despite then saying they are good up to 25lbs, I honestly think they're perfect for newborns and the first couple months unless your baby chunks up fast. After that you're better off with a woven or another carrier.
As as for wovens, they're definitely better for long term use as you can usually carry babies to toddlers. They're more expensive because of how they're made, like others said, and are often more limited.
And I have the grey stripe and love it! I'm biased but you should totally get that one.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
Ladies, reading this thread has resulted in about 15 open tabs on my browser! I didn't even know about several of these brands you mention!
So my sister (who is semi-crunchy and a huge baby-wearing advocate) said something like "well if you're going to buy a wrap, you should get something woven, like Oscha... the Solly's are lightweight but they tend to sag after a while because they aren't woven". Is this true? Or is she just forcing me to use the brands she loves? LOL.
Then she said something like "for ease, if you are intimidated by a wrap, you can always get a hybrid first". What does that mean a hybrid?
I have an oshca and it's seriously like wrapping with butter (figuratively speaking) I absolutely love it! It's one of my fav!
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Thanks ladies! I signed up for a class in June. I found out about this local store in my area that sells wraps and SSCs and everything else about babywearing. They conduct classes and help you figure out what's the best kind of carrier for you. I'm excited!
Just ordered a Tula ring sling. My toddler is about 33 lbs. I know it says it's best for up to 35 lbs, but is that feasible? Is it really uncomfortable to carry 35 lbs on one shoulder? I bought it mostly for the new one, but I'm excited and I thought I might give it a spin before he's born.
Seriously they are all so expensive. Ugg. And I want so many!
I am not even going to think about how much I've spent on wraps and carriers. Too much! I'm usually a fairy thrifty person but this is the one baby related thing I have really splurged on. If you buy good condition used ones you can find good deals and sell used and loose very little if any money. Some wraps actually go up in value from retail if you can believe it. Some patterns are sought after people will pay through the nose for them.
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Okay I need a little advice from BTDT babywearing mommies. First time wrapper so zero experience but would love to wear baby #3. So I am looking into getting a woven wrap that is lighter weight but is also supportive of a toddler. I was looking into the Didymos Indio, BBSlen, or a Tekhni. We live in Florida so it is basically hot all the time this is why I would like a lighter weight fabric. Any advice or preferences on these brands?
Also, I am short 5'1" around 130lbs normal weight. I was thinking a size 5 would be plenty but don't want it to be to short. I mostly want to do the basic carries but specifically back carries for a toddler. Do you think this size would work?
Just wanted to let anyone interested know that there are a whole bunch of wraps, carriers, and ring slings on Zulily today! Under the "Ergobaby and more" event. Happy shopping!
I'm really interested in the solly wraps, but my concern is that I'm only 5' tall and I'm wondering if the extra fabric is going to be super annoying ... anyone have any experience with this?
I'm also looking at the baby k'tan active as well ... anyone use this before and like/dislike it? Any comparisons between a k'tan and a more freeform wrap?
As a FTM, I'm pretty clueless here. So far I've registered for a tula structured carrier and then I want to pick between one of these types for a softer option.
I'm really interested in the solly wraps, but my concern is that I'm only 5' tall and I'm wondering if the extra fabric is going to be super annoying ... anyone have any experience with this?
I'm also looking at the baby k'tan active as well ... anyone use this before and like/dislike it? Any comparisons between a k'tan and a more freeform wrap?
As a FTM, I'm pretty clueless here. So far I've registered for a tula structured carrier and then I want to pick between one of these types for a softer option.
There is many ways to tie off extra fabric! I'm not super tall or big either and I have a size 6 woven and even for back rucks I can still find cool ways to tie the tails off! That being said when I grocery shop or wear somewhere that I have to get baby up in public I use my Tula cause I hate having my wrap touch the ground. Tulas are seriously the bomb!
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@babyblues3, 5 will probably be your base size, but it wouldn't hurt to get a 6 depending on how big your toddler is.
I wouldn't recommend a BBSlen for hot weather. They're wonderfully supportive but really densely woven. Indios vary a lot in their thickness, from paper thin to about medium weight, so it really depends. I'm not a fan of thinner wraps with my toddler, but others are, and you never know what you like until you try! A Tekhni wrap with Repreve would be my recommendation; the Repreve makes it breathable.
@babyblues3, 5 will probably be your base size, but it wouldn't hurt to get a 6 depending on how big your toddler is.
I wouldn't recommend a BBSlen for hot weather. They're wonderfully supportive but really densely woven. Indios vary a lot in their thickness, from paper thin to about medium weight, so it really depends. I'm not a fan of thinner wraps with my toddler, but others are, and you never know what you like until you try! A Tekhni wrap with Repreve would be my recommendation; the Repreve makes it breathable.
+1 for Tekhni with Repreve. By far my favorite -- they're so soft and great for warmer climates.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
Ok, so...I'm very, very petite in both height and weight. I have a baby k'tan for the early days, but due to a bad back I won't be using it long. I need recommendations on the best SSC for petite women?! I wanted a lillebaby for the lumbar support but after joining the lillebaby love fb page, I have seen a ton of complaints from women bigger than I am about not being able to tighten it down without removing the lumbar support, which defeats the purpose of having it. Seems impossible that it will ever tighten down for me. Someone else recommended Pognae, but it seems their US distribution center has closed and they are sold out 100% on their website, plus they haven't updated their fb page since 2014. We have an Ergo and I hated it with DS, way too bulky and a bad fit for me. Tula's are soooo wide, I don't think it would work for me either. I think I want a lenny lamb, but would also like something that can safely forward face when baby is older. Help?!
@LizaKate1213 I think the Beco Gemini could be good. I'm 5'8" though so I can't speak from experience. IMO you may benefit from finding a babywearing play date to go see the different carriers in person.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
Thank you, @nsquaredlife13! I looked at their website a lot last night and I think they might be better. My local babywearing shop rents them for $10/week so I think I will wait until baby is here then try it out before purchasing!
@LizaKate1213 I'm also petite, I hadn't heard that about tulas being so wide? I'm pretty clueless on this, so that's good to know. Maybe I'll look into a different kind.
@LizaKate1213 I love my Beco, but I'm 5'6". I do have a friend who is probably just around 5' who has the Gemini, and she likes it but primarily back carries (not sure if that is more preference or because it's more comfortable on her petite frame). Renting would be a great option to try it out!
@Blonde1817, they just look really super wide in the pictures I have seen. I don't think they can forward face in them either, which isn't a huge deal but might be nice once in a while when baby is a bit older.
PSA to those who are wrap curious. Tekhni, one of my faves, just announced their new line of wraps geared towards beginners, with a budget friendly price point ($99). Goes on sale on weds. Here's their Instagram post for details:
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
I did it mamas! I purchased my very first wrap. I got a sollybaby and I'm so excited!!! Also signed up for a babywearing 101 class at a local boutique in my hood.
Oh oh and my Barre studio just told me they'd be holding baby at the Barre classes for new mamas and I'd get to workout wearing my baby! So excited! )
I wanted to bring this post back up, and show my new ring sling purchase! A Lenny lamb! So excited for it to arrive. I've saved my sold wrap money for one, and have been shopping for a month for the one! I finally made my mind up!
Yes, I basically lived in our Boba Wrap after my daughter was born. I'd just get up and put it on, taking my DD in and out as needed (mostly in) and we totally (completely) avoided the stroller. Once in a while, I'd tighten it a little. It was so much easier to get around town and take care of her while babywearing. Some people think it's extreme, but it was just SOOO convenient. Have you seen some of these SUV strollers? Too much. Hugs!
I finally got my SollyWrap in the mail (so happy with it!) and I really like it. I think I will be using the solly when bebe is itty (like till 5 months maybe?) but then I want to graduate to a SSC.
I also want an SSC that we can use from birth. And I want both DH and I to be able to wear it.
So questions:
1.) Is that pretty feasible? Both DH and I sharing an SSC? Or is that a hassle having to re-adjust each time? Would it be better if we EACH had an SSC so there is no re-adjusting, etc?
2.) What SSC's are out there that don't require an infant insert so we can use it from newborn? I've read about the Beco Gemini and the Lillebaby 360. Do you ladies have any experience with those carriers? Feedback?
@annabenanna... FTM too, but some carrier experience b/c my bestie wears her LO. My thoughts on your questions: My friend and her DH just used the same carrier without the need to adjust much... and I also used it when carrying their LO, without the need to adjust. That said, we're all about the same height and the waist size wasnt' too different. In my opinion, the waist was super easy to adjust. What would be difficult is if you had to constantly adjust the over shoulder straps because of huge height differences... More experienced moms who have dealt with this can confirm that suspicion though. My friends used a Tula (which requires an insert) and have later also purchased a Kinderpack (or Kindercarry, I forget what the name of that one is, but it's basically the same as a Tula with some small differences depending on the one you get... from what I've seen). I don't have experience with the Lillebaby but I believe the Gemini is a carrier that I was able to get for dirt cheap when we had just started on this BMB. It was through an event I was going to go to where, if I got the more expensive ticket, I got the carrier for free. I offered it up at the cost difference of the ticket and no one on the board wanted it. Some of the more experienced BW moms said they didn't hear great things about that carrier. If you end up ever looking onto carriers with inserts, check out Tula. I seriously love that thing and my friend is gifting me one for our shower b/c I love it so much lol.... I plan to stretchy wrap until our LO is big enough for the Tula. Good luck choosing!
ETA- have you looked into ring slings? I'll also RS until Ella is big enough for the Tula
@bnsmith85, thanks girl for the input! Good thing you mention height differences.... DH is about 6'1 and I'm 5'1. LOL. So I have a feeling we'll be constantly adjusting shoulder straps.
@annabenanna... yeah, I thought I remembered him being tall from your wedding pics
Girl you mentioned ring slings... Are you going to use a ring sling because it's much easier than like the full wrap? I don't know much about ring slings... Only that the prints on most wraps and ring slings I see are way too psychedelic for me. Like why are they always so funky??? I won't be able to pull that off. I feel like I need to wear dreadlocks and patchouli oil to rock the prints. Aren't there prints for a white shirt, denim and pearls kinda girl?
@annabenanna... bahaha! 1. Yes, RS because they're SO easy. Watch a tutorial on youtube and you'll be able to successfully use it right away. Also, RS are going to be cooler in the summer months. 2. I considered making RS on the side for a while (I've made water RS before to sell on the side so it's an easy-ish transition) so I bought a bunch of fabric but ultimately decided against it b/c I didn't want to have to go through all the safety checks and such and was worried about legal issues if I didn't go through those checks. That said, because I was looking into it, I have some fabric on hand and rings to make one so I made one for myself and my LO out of a fabric I liked... partially for the same reason as you. I just didn't love a lot of the fabrics available. Can you sew? If so, do a little research on the fabrics and you could make one you love on your own. You can also make them out of table cloths if you find one you like.
ETA: here's the one I made for myself b/c, ya know... I love the fact that I can make sh*t lol (I know, this is very AW of me lol)
@bnsmith85, girl LOVE! I love that you can make this! How awesome is that???? You should start taking orders from O16...Just sayin' .
ETA: No I cannot sew with a sewing machine for the life of me. I mean, I can do basic things, like they have to be square (think a placemat or a napkin), but nothing like that! Maybe I'll ask my mom!
@annabenanna - check out kinderpack. if you are very petite it may be harder to share a single KP between the two of you, but there's lots of feedback about even petite women appreciating the plus size KP's because they are still adjustable and feature more padding. they don't require infant inserts. they sell out quickly so they take a little work to get one, but really it's not too hard. you can also find them used on local babywearing FB type pages if you look.
regardless of what brand carrier you get, with your size difference you will always be readjusting between you and your H. however even when I was the only one using my ssc with DS I always had to readjust anyways between wears - you get fast at it and it's really NBD to readjust, it takes like 10-15 seconds. GL.
ETA: a close friend loves her lillebaby all seasons, and it doesn't need an insert - plus it has a mesh back for warm weather but can also be covered up for cooler weather. I used an ergo 360 for DS which was ok but too narrow once he started getting past 18lb - both for him and me (uncomfortable). I know there's a newer ergo that doesn't require an insert, if you di a quick google.
Thank you @kmvisioli! Gonna look them up! Never heard of Hava Chic!
@NoraAurora, thanks so much. I was looking at Pavo Wraps, and I had no idea they sold out that quick.... I guess it's the same for KP. I saw they come out with new releases on Tuesdays and Fridays.... so I'll look on Friday again!
@annabenanna most of the other replies covered it, but the Ergo Adapt or Beco Gemini may be worth looking into for SSC options. Both are usable from newborn (8lbs) and up without an insert, and would fit you and hubby no problem. I personally hated having to adjust my SSC everytime I went to wear it after H did, so I gave him the Ergo and bought myself my first Tula. Problem solved! Until he wanted to use my tula since it's more comfortable for us... Vicious cycle!
ETA: To clarify, we had the Ergo 360. It's great, super comfortable, but the BIGGEST pain in the ass when you are trying to transition your sleeping babe from the carrier to the crib/bassinet/stroller. The velcro waistband is the biggest buzzkill as it's pretty much a guarantee to wake up the baby. I would recommend the Adapt over the 360.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
@annabenanna also, in regards to wraps check out Tekhni. They make most of their wraps out of Repreve blend which is a recycled material, super breathable, lightweight yet very durable, and they are fairly inexpensive (especially compared to Pavo). They also have a new wrap that is for beginners and is $99, but still the same excellent quality.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
Re: The Official Babywearing Thread: ask your questions here!
also for hybrids- I think maybe she's referring to "wrap-tei's" which are a combo of sorta ssc and mei-tei.
I never really had an issue with my Solly stretching out until my LO was bigger. The trick with stretchy wraps is you put it on tight and when you put baby in it will stretch just enough. If you don't do that, it becomes quite uncomfortable and loose. Despite then saying they are good up to 25lbs, I honestly think they're perfect for newborns and the first couple months unless your baby chunks up fast. After that you're better off with a woven or another carrier.
As as for wovens, they're definitely better for long term use as you can usually carry babies to toddlers. They're more expensive because of how they're made, like others said, and are often more limited.
And I have the grey stripe and love it! I'm biased but you should totally get that one.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
Also, I am short 5'1" around 130lbs normal weight. I was thinking a size 5 would be plenty but don't want it to be to short. I mostly want to do the basic carries but specifically back carries for a toddler. Do you think this size would work?
Thanks in advance for any adivice!
I'm also looking at the baby k'tan active as well ... anyone use this before and like/dislike it? Any comparisons between a k'tan and a more freeform wrap?
As a FTM, I'm pretty clueless here. So far I've registered for a tula structured carrier and then I want to pick between one of these types for a softer option.
It's a boy!
Tulas are seriously the bomb!
I wouldn't recommend a BBSlen for hot weather. They're wonderfully supportive but really densely woven. Indios vary a lot in their thickness, from paper thin to about medium weight, so it really depends. I'm not a fan of thinner wraps with my toddler, but others are, and you never know what you like until you try! A Tekhni wrap with Repreve would be my recommendation; the Repreve makes it breathable.
E born 6/2014
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
It's a boy!
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
Oh oh and my Barre studio just told me they'd be holding baby at the Barre classes for new mamas and I'd get to workout wearing my baby! So excited! )
I finally got my SollyWrap in the mail (so happy with it!) and I really like it. I think I will be using the solly when bebe is itty (like till 5 months maybe?) but then I want to graduate to a SSC.
I also want an SSC that we can use from birth. And I want both DH and I to be able to wear it.
So questions:
1.) Is that pretty feasible? Both DH and I sharing an SSC? Or is that a hassle having to re-adjust each time? Would it be better if we EACH had an SSC so there is no re-adjusting, etc?
2.) What SSC's are out there that don't require an infant insert so we can use it from newborn? I've read about the Beco Gemini and the Lillebaby 360. Do you ladies have any experience with those carriers? Feedback?
Thanks a bunch ladies!
My friend and her DH just used the same carrier without the need to adjust much... and I also used it when carrying their LO, without the need to adjust. That said, we're all about the same height and the waist size wasnt' too different. In my opinion, the waist was super easy to adjust. What would be difficult is if you had to constantly adjust the over shoulder straps because of huge height differences... More experienced moms who have dealt with this can confirm that suspicion though.
My friends used a Tula (which requires an insert) and have later also purchased a Kinderpack (or Kindercarry, I forget what the name of that one is, but it's basically the same as a Tula with some small differences depending on the one you get... from what I've seen). I don't have experience with the Lillebaby but I believe the Gemini is a carrier that I was able to get for dirt cheap when we had just started on this BMB. It was through an event I was going to go to where, if I got the more expensive ticket, I got the carrier for free. I offered it up at the cost difference of the ticket and no one on the board wanted it. Some of the more experienced BW moms said they didn't hear great things about that carrier. If you end up ever looking onto carriers with inserts, check out Tula. I seriously love that thing and my friend is gifting me one for our shower b/c I love it so much lol.... I plan to stretchy wrap until our LO is big enough for the Tula. Good luck choosing!
ETA- have you looked into ring slings? I'll also RS until Ella is big enough for the Tula
1. Yes, RS because they're SO easy. Watch a tutorial on youtube and you'll be able to successfully use it right away. Also, RS are going to be cooler in the summer months.
2. I considered making RS on the side for a while (I've made water RS before to sell on the side so it's an easy-ish transition) so I bought a bunch of fabric but ultimately decided against it b/c I didn't want to have to go through all the safety checks and such and was worried about legal issues if I didn't go through those checks. That said, because I was looking into it, I have some fabric on hand and rings to make one so I made one for myself and my LO out of a fabric I liked... partially for the same reason as you. I just didn't love a lot of the fabrics available. Can you sew? If so, do a little research on the fabrics and you could make one you love on your own. You can also make them out of table cloths if you find one you like.
ETA: here's the one I made for myself b/c, ya know... I love the fact that I can make sh*t lol (I know, this is very AW of me lol)
ETA: No I cannot sew with a sewing machine for the life of me. I mean, I can do basic things, like they have to be square (think a placemat or a napkin), but nothing like that! Maybe I'll ask my mom!
regardless of what brand carrier you get, with your size difference you will always be readjusting between you and your H. however even when I was the only one using my ssc with DS I always had to readjust anyways between wears - you get fast at it and it's really NBD to readjust, it takes like 10-15 seconds. GL.
ETA: a close friend loves her lillebaby all seasons, and it doesn't need an insert - plus it has a mesh back for warm weather but can also be covered up for cooler weather. I used an ergo 360 for DS which was ok but too narrow once he started getting past 18lb - both for him and me (uncomfortable). I know there's a newer ergo that doesn't require an insert, if you di a quick google.
@NoraAurora, thanks so much. I was looking at Pavo Wraps, and I had no idea they sold out that quick.... I guess it's the same for KP. I saw they come out with new releases on Tuesdays and Fridays.... so I'll look on Friday again!
ETA: To clarify, we had the Ergo 360. It's great, super comfortable, but the BIGGEST pain in the ass when you are trying to transition your sleeping babe from the carrier to the crib/bassinet/stroller. The velcro waistband is the biggest buzzkill as it's pretty much a guarantee to wake up the baby. I would recommend the Adapt over the 360.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18