Carriers/Baby Bjorns/Slings etc.

peachy0709

If this conversation has been started else where, please don't hesitate to direct me to it.  I went back a few pages and didn't see it, but hey, I'm pregnant, I could have missed it. 

For first time moms, what have you been reading/thinking for a carrier? For STM+, what did you use last time? Will you use the same? 

We used a baby bjorn, it worked just fine for DD (although I know a lot of baby wearing mamas feel they are ergonomically the best), but I'm thinking I need to explore other options this time around.  Additionally, DH is very tall and I'm of normal height, so there is almost a foot between us. Adjusting straps every time we want to wear the baby is a pain, so having two would be beneficial as well. 

Let me know your thoughts! 

schef070911

We did discuss it but it was a loooooong time ago and I don't think there's a problem with bringing it up again - I'll try to find the link later if I have a slow moment at work so you can see the feedback there as well.

I'm a FTM and I've acquired a collection of carriers thus far - most secondhand - it's actually on my to-do list for the weekend to look at all of them, try on with a stuffed animal and make sure I know how they work.  So I have a used baby K'tan (I don't know what size) for me when LO is a newborn, DH has a used Baby Bjorn that I don't plan on using but he perceives as "manly" because his guy friends use them with their infants, and I also got a Moby wrap from a friend but I'm not sure if I'll use that one right away because it's really thick flannel-like fabric and I live in the South.  Haha.

THEN we registered for and received a Lillebaby all seasons (which appealed to me because of the mesh, again because it's darn hot here).  That one is for both DH and myself when LO is a little older, but who knows if it'll actually work out that way because we have a height difference of almost 10 inches and I don't know how difficult it is to adjust yet.

I'm not sure how helpful that is as a FTM who has no experience with any of the carriers I just mentioned, but basically I'm planning on experimenting and figuring out what LO likes best.  I found the K'tan and Baby Bjorn at a consignment shop and I think they cost $20 together, so at that price I thought they were worth a try.

Limie

I started out with a baby Bjorn.  I think for newborns they are fine but as baby gets bigger it's uncomfortable for baby and mom.   
I always heard great things about tula but then you have to have an infant insert and the carrier cost so much to begin with,  adding more to that was not something I was willing to do.  I went to my local baby store and tried on a tula, a beco,and a chimparoo trek and ended up going with the chimparoo trek.  It's an affordable woven soft structured carrier that's so comfortable!  Plus it has a built in infant seat so there is nothing extra to buy.   
There are a ton of options though!  You should look up if you have a local baby wearing group.  That way you can try on different kinds.  

peachy0709

@schef070911 - so helpful!! And I will agree, DH always liked the bjorn and felt it was masculine. 

mrsstuessy

Sorry that is massively huge. I am a sort of babywearing expert. Like, I taught how to babywear in our local group, have babywearing playdates and go to babywearing conferences. haha! Here are some of my favorites with visuals. This (up above) is a ring sling. I have 3 and plan on using them pretty much every day for the first few months for sure. But, honestly, I could still use one with my 3 year old. They are THE BEST! 


This is a woven wrap. They are also my favorite. haha! Just a long piece of woven cloth. It takes a bit to get good at using them, but they are hands down the most comfy once you master the wrapping technique. I have about 5 of them ready for this baby. If you want any tips or anything just ask. I have been using them for 3 years now. 


My favorite carrier with buckles is Emeibaby. They don't require an infant insert, which is a huge plus. This is the toddler size with my 3 year old back in November. (We went to go vote with her up there) They are just amazing! 

MWoodside

Experienced babywearer here. I am so glad you guys are looking forward to wearing your babies! There are so many benefits to keeping baby up close to you.

I love woven wraps most and my husband uses a grey Tula with infant insert for the first few months, then removes the insert when baby is bigger. We used an Ergo for DD1, but now we love the wraps and Tula more. I also have a mei tei I use once baby is bigger.

This link explains the importance of leg/hip positioning and that certain carriers (Baby Bjorn is one example) force hip positions that are not advisable and can lead to dislocations and/or hip dysplasia. I've known several babies who have had hip dysplasia and it's a big concern for me so I felt this was important to share in this conversation.

https://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/prevention/baby-carriers-seats-and-other-equipment/

Magheeta

I just ordered a Hip Baby wrap that I plan to use along with a k'tan while babe is small, then switch over to our Ergo around 6 months or so. DH and I are both short, so I don't have any advice on that part.  

mrsstuessy

And just for the record... narrow based carriers do NOT cause hip dysplasia. They can only make a case of hip dysplasia that already exists worse. 

KirstinH88

I wasn't into baby wearing with DS, but he was a pain in my ass and I probably should have worn him. I just was ignorant on the topic and didn't know much about baby wearing. I tried out a friends Moby and just couldn't get the hang of it. For this one, I'm not even considering wraps because they are just too complicated for my little mind and I could never get the Moby tight enough to where I felt comfortable with him in there. About a month ago, I bought an Ergo on clearance and I'm hoping that one will work out for us. 

I'll post it it here again, but tmrw (Saturday) at noon, LilleBaby is having a sale on select styles for 24 hours. I was originally looking at getting an All Seasons LilleBaby for the mesh part (100+ degree summers here!), and if I can get one that I like for an amazing price I will probably get it and possibly return or sell the Ergo (unopened yet). 

schef070911

Found the original thread: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12692865/babywearing/p1

ebloom3

I had an Ergo with DS once he was old enough to use it (which was almost immediately because he was a big boy at birth--10 pounds.I also used a Moby wrap when he was a NB because I had a 20 month old who needed a lot of attention.

This time around we ordered a Lillebaby carrier (All Seasons because here in MD we get all the weather and temperatures) and a baby K'tan. I still have the Ergo and Moby. DH likes the Ergo and I suppose it looks more manly because it's sort of a dark khaki color. I know I will be wearing this baby all the time because I have a 3 and 5 year old. I might invest in a ring sling, but DH questions my need for so many carriers...

catem07

I'm getting a Lillebaby. I got a Moby at my shower, and I think I'm going to get a ring sling too. I get super hot, so I'll probably wear baby in the Moby or ring sling for April/May and not wear her during the summer much, then break out the Lillebaby in the fall. 

jennielynn+

LOVE THIS THREAD and it can pop up as many times as it needs too. STM, for my 1st I had the boba stretchy wrap (I'm avg height and thinnish). It was great for newborn and easy to bf in because of the stretch. During the cluster feeding stage, it was indispensable. My husband had the bjorn and I let it be his special thing with our daughter. She loved it and would bring it to him. No problems with "bjorn dangle". You can adjust it to perfect hip position. 

This baby, I'm adding a boba Air for me. This is a carrier made of nylon, parachute type material. Its the lightest on the market, has pockets, cheap at 65$ new and can roll up into any small space. No newborn insert but, starting weight is 15lbs. We live in the South East so, it can be hot all months of the year. Like no joke, its 40d today and was in the 70s last week. 

Also, going to add in a woven wrap, Oscha probably. https://www.oschaslings.com/ Woven wraps can handle a newborn and do back carries later when the baby is older. Oscha has both linen and a variety of fabric blends for any climate. They are slightly cheaper than Tula, Didymos and LennyLamb. I'm just not sold into the high price tag of the other brands, unless I was into resale value. They certainly hold their own on BST though. 

doozenberg

I'm planning on baby wearing DS. I'm a noob (FTM) but have a moby wrap and a 360 Ergo with vents (both bought second hand). I really, really want a woven wrap, but I think I should wait until baby is here as they are expensive. My area has a baby wear group and they offer a 101 course for free every month. So I'm going to hit that up next month and try on some of the gear. 

MWoodside

mrsstuessy said:

And just for the record... narrow based carriers do NOT cause hip dysplasia. They can only make a case of hip dysplasia that already exists worse. 

Actually, they can. Bjorns put infant legs in the unadvisable position described in the second paragraph. This is from the link I posted above, which is from hipdysplasia.org:

After birth, it takes several months for the joints to stretch out naturally. Babies that have been in the breech (bottom first) position may need even more time to stretch out naturally. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. During the first few months of life the ball is more likely to be loose within the socket because babies are naturally flexible and because the edges of the socket are made of soft cartilage like the cartilage in the ear. If the hips are forced into a stretched-out position too early, the ball is at risk of permanently deforming the edges of the cup shaped socket (hip dysplasia) or gradually slipping out of the socket altogether (hip dislocation). Hip dysplasia or dislocation in babies is not painful so this may go undetected until walking age and may also result in painful arthritis during adulthood. The risk of hip dysplasia or dislocation is greatest in the first few months of life. By six months of age, most babies have nearly doubled in size, the hips are more developed and the ligaments are stronger, so are less susceptible to developing hip dysplasia.

The most unhealthy position for the hips during infancy is when the legs are held in extension with the hips and knees straight and the legs brought together, which is the opposite of the fetal position. The risk to the hips is greater when this unhealthy position is maintained for a long time. Healthy hip positioning avoids positions that may cause or contribute to development of hip dysplasia or dislocation. The healthiest position for the hips is for the hips to fall or spread (naturally) apart to the side, with the thighs supported and the hips and knees bent. This position has been called the jockey position, straddle position, frog position, spread-squat position or human position. Free movement of the hips without forcing them together promotes natural hip development.

I am not trying to be preachy here. I have just seen babies require surgery or long-term use of a large brace and if there is a way that could have been potentially prevented then I feel like it's important to share that. Will some babies get hip dysplasia regardless? Of course. But certain carriers can cause and contribute. And there are so many other alternative options that place the babies hips/legs in a safe and recommended position so why not just use one of those?

KirstinH88

@mrsstuessy I suppose this is something I could google, but do you happen to have a picture of wearing a ring sling with a TINY newborn baby? Like days/weeks/one month old? I'm thinking of getting one, because I keep hearing that they are better for the newborn stage (over the Ergo or LilleBaby). Do you have any recommendations on brand/type of ring sling?

I really want to baby wear from the beginning. My boys will be in baseball during the time that I give birth, and I don't miss baseball (practice or games) for anything (other than labor obviously). Yes, I'm one of those crazy moms cheering from the bleachers. So Samuel will be with us out at the ball fields as early as days old. I'd like to keep him in a carrier as I think that would be the safest bet while taking him outside for the first few months until he gets shots.

mrsstuessy

@MWoodside Totally your right to say anything. I just have never heard a Certified Babywearing Educator agree that it causes hip dysplasia, just makes it worse for babies already prone to that. 
This seems to be the consensus from everything out there:

"There are very limited studies on the matter, and although it is suggested that they may contribute to triggering hip dysplasia, particularly if your child is at high risk for developing it, they do not cause it. While it is more ideal (and comfortable) to wear your child in a more ergonomically friendly carrier, we do not consider narrow-based carriers to be dangerous"

I have not seen the article that you posted above though. I think it is just a judgement call. 

peachy0709

KirstinH88 said:

I'll post it it here again, but tmrw (Saturday) at noon, LilleBaby is having a sale on select styles for 24 hours. I was originally looking at getting an All Seasons LilleBaby for the mesh part (100+ degree summers here!), and if I can get one that I like for an amazing price I will probably get it and possibly return or sell the Ergo (unopened yet). 

Uhmmmm... @KristinH88 I can't decide if I should thank you or be sad that I've discovered LilleBaby...... My wallet is sad but my fashion sense is thankful!!! Any more info on the sale and which ones are included? 

mrsstuessy

@KirstinH88

I didn't wear DD until she was a few months old. I did wear my newborn nephew in a ring sling a ton last year, but I don't have any pictures on my computer. Here is an example I found on the web though. 
I prefer a ring sling made with a woven wrap. I usually get mine used from the Facebook swaps. There are som super cheap ring slings out there, but in experience it is worth it to pay a little more because the woven wrap conversions are a million times more comfy. 

super_sam03

I really REALLY want to baby wear so I'm brushing up on all the youtube wrapping videos for twins.  What I don't know is what really are the best wraps for twin wearing.  

rachelmiller03

I plan to do a lot more baby wearing this time around- with a toddler and infant I am sure it is a lifesaver. I planned with DS too, but for some reason just didn't as much as I should have. I have a Boba- which I used when DS was a tiny infant. At first it was a little daunting, but after watching some YouTube videos I got the hang of it.  I really liked it, but DH didn't. We switched to an Ergo when he got older- which DH liked it a lot more. Honestly, I like them both enough to not spend any more money on a new carrier at this point. 

KirstinH88

@kcasset I haven't heard about which styles or actual offers they are doing the discount on. Not sure if we have any CO people on here, but apparently their warehouse is in CO and they are doing a huge in person sale that day too. So if you are in CO (and near the warehouse), it might be worth it to check it out in person (although, it might be crazy with tons of people).

@mrsstuessy Thanks for the picture. Is it unsafe to babywear (either in the ring sling or Ergo) at such a young age? Or is it basically if you have them positioned correctly, that you can babywear at any age?

mrsstuessy

It is safe to use the ring sling at any age. You just want to make sure their back is supported in the C shape. And make sure their neck is supported. In a ring sling you can take the end and twist it and then stick it behind their head sort of like a neck support thing you wear in the car. An Ergo is ok with the infant support thing you buy separately. 

HGRich

I'm registered for a linen ring sling since we'll be vacationing in the desert in July. Haha. And also a moby for later. Both in colors DH wouldn't mind wearing. I'm into the idea of wearing her, and am hoping to volunteer at my church a lot since I'll be leaving my job there, and I'd like to be able to wear her around while I'm doing so. 

chelle087

I used a moby with DS when he was little and am Ergo when he was a bit bigger. I plan to do the same this time. It was way easier than dealing with a stroller.

I never adjusted the straps on the ergo for DH, so I would just wear him. We will probably end up doing the same this time around.

jennielynn+

@super_sam03  Omg, finding out how to wear twins is an awesome thought. I hope you let us know what works when the time comes.
 
@rachelmiller03  I'm in the same boat. Going to the park or any store, I know will be easier carrying one. I'm curious if the toddler will want to back carry more or sit for stroller duty. My daughter loves the stroller or walking but, with the new baby, I wonder if she will be jealous and want the carrier cuddles. 

lovelongdog06

@KirstinH88 here's another newborn in a ring sling pic for you. He was only like 8 lbs here. They're great for newborns but I had a bigger learning curve than I expected with it. I think I'll get a lot better use out if it with this baby now that I have an idea of what I'm doing.

KirstinH88

@lovelongdog06 Are they difficult to use? As I said above, the Moby was too complicated for me and I gave up. Off to YouTube I go! 

cafedisco

KirstinH88 said:

@lovelongdog06 Are they difficult to use? As I said above, the Moby was too complicated for me and I gave up. Off to YouTube I go! 

I didn't get my ring sling until DD was older (1.5? 2?) but I found the learning curve MUCH easier than with other carriers.  I was really intimidated by them but it's my favorite.  I can't carry her now so much with my bump, but before I was still using my RS when she was 3 for quick ups at the store or around the house.  

I got a used wrap converted one and I'm so glad I did - it's soooo buttery soft and I think that makes it easier to use.  

Just because it hasn't come up - for any slings or wraps, they will likely need to get broken in.  I didn't fully understand this and bought a wrap new with DD.  I couldn't get it to wrap and I gave up.  Only later did I learn that the problem was probably just that it wasn't broken in. You can skip that step entirely if you buy used but that can be daunting as well. 

KirstinH88

I think I watched 1.5 hours of YouTube videos about ring slings last night!  They seem pretty easy, but so do the videos about Mobys. I put a RS on my registry so if someone buys it, cool. If not, I'll probably wait til baby is here and then rent one from my local baby wearing group to see how I like it.

lovelongdog06

No, they're not particularly hard, but I struggled with how to spread the fabric through the rings to keep it from catching when I tried to tighten or loosen it. I finally found a video to help and heard it described as "finger walking". There's also the aspect of making a seat and making sure not to over tighten, which I struggle with. If the seat is wrong, it will feel like baby is falling out.

 I do plan to use the ring sling more with this baby, but with DS I felt more secure using wraps. DS is also a leaner, and insists on having his arms out, which reduced the comfort of having him in the sling greatly. I reach for soft structured buckle carriers the most.

schef070911

All right, so I practiced using the carriers I have this afternoon just so I'm not totally intimidated by them, accompanied by a zillion Youtube videos.  The Moby was not as difficult to do as I thought (granted this was with a stuffed animal and not a tiny wiggly human...) but I only practiced one newborn position.  I feel slightly less intimidated about using that one now should LO really enjoy it.

If any of you have used the K'tan, this is a random question, but is the size printed somewhere on the carrier?  I got mine secondhand (no packaging), didn't know they come in different sizes and after trying mine I'm thinking it's too small - maybe it'll be perfect when I don't have a third trimester bump in the way

cafedisco

@schef070911 I can dig out my K'tan to see if it says the size somewhere, but you will want it very snug.  That was my biggest problem with it...it stretched over time but there's really no way to adjust it like a wrap.  Don't get me wrong, I loved it still and used it nearly every day!

SnarkasaurusRex

@schef070911 My K'tan has the size listed on the inside of the little loop that connects the two big loops. @cafedisco is right in that you want it to be pretty snug since you can't adjust it. Mine didn't stretch out too badly, but I wound up switching to the Ergo for most of my baby wearing when DS got bigger because he liked it better. There's also a sizing guide on the K'tan website (based on your pre-pregnancy dress size) so you can make sure you've got the right size: https://www.babyktan.com/sizing

Pic for reference...my size is listed on the inside of that small loop in the middle.

SnarkasaurusRex

For those of you that use ring slings, which brands do you prefer? My mom likes to sew and has offered to make me one, but I'm just curious if there really is a brand that's better than the others or if it just comes down to the fabric.

schef070911

@cafedisco @SnarkasaurusRex Thanks!! I'll go take a look

KirstinH88

It's been really quiet (as quiet has already having 3 boys can be) day in my house. I was kind of bored, so I busted out the Ergo. After hours of watching videos, I wanted to try it on. And of course I needed an infant sized stunt double, so baby elephant would have to do!

Nolegirl1185

Okay babywearing experts...what is the best for large mamas and dads (300 lb)?  I bought a Moby wrap from a friend and plan to try that out as I know there is lots of fabric.  We can't afford a Tula right now, and not even sure it would fit comfortably?  I live in Fl where summers feel like 9568549060 degrees so something light would be great.  Obviously most important is the fit and safety for my little man.

schef070911

@KirstinH88 I totally used a stuffed animal from childhood when I was practicing with my carriers... I should've taken pics!!

MWoodside

@Nolegirl1185, I was looking up which carriers have waist extenders and I found this:

https://plussizebirth.com/babywearing-for-the-plus-size-mom/

shaunessa

I went to Motherhood Maternity yesterday and got a welcoming package of giftcards/coupons. One was for a Seven Sling.  Has anyone used this one?