Will I need a baby carrier (Ergo) right away?

arcook0307

DH won't be back until after the baby is born.  So I will have a newborn and a 19 month old.  I am having nightmares just thinking of how I will handle both in the doctor's office or grocery store.  I have a Moby wrap but I can't stand how complicated (I feel) it is to wear.  Thinking about an Ergo for new baby......  Trying to plan out the most important things to buy first so wondering if this would be money well spent now or if anyone can think of a reason not to get one before the new baby gets here since obviously I am not 2u2 just yet.    Thanks!

orangecurls

Get a carrier, I don't know what I would have done without one. Maybe look at a Boba or beco, something that doesn't require an infant insert. My friend has a Boba and really likes it.

lkm2006

I have the ergo but I'm planning on using it when DS is older. Right now I have the k'tan which I love!!

Believe me, when it comes to wraps.. I need simple simple simple and this really is. It's honestly given me such a confidence in taking them both out by myself because DS2 loves the k tan so much.

I have a 19 month old and a 2 month old.

diana.filipi

I love the Ergo and didn't bother with an infant insert (I have one but didn't use it).  I just frogged the legs and it was great.

drcolleen

I used a K'tan from the 2 day check up until DD2 then switched to my MaiTai when she could hold her head up.  Then again, I used a sling (then others) from 2 day check up on with DD1.  I don't know how people have kids without carriers to wear them though, I've never used a stroller except when we borrowed one for DisneyWorld and have NEVER carried the bucket seat -- they are crazy awkward for more than living room to car.  I did comment to my pediatrician when I brought DD1 + DD2 last week that I will need reinforcements with DC3, that will be too much at an office though at the grocery store I'll throw DDs in the cart and wear DC3.

Look into options, I loved the Ka'tan for NB stage.  I used a ring sling a lot with DD1 then it hurt my shoulder by the time she was 15mo.  I love my MaiTai (homemade but there are many nice ones) as it is fast to put on and comfortable. I liked the Ergo for a much older kid but have trouble bucking the back buckle if I have kid on my front so can't be as independent with this and my girls didn't want to be on my back until they were 9mo+. 

NNGnome

I have the Beco butterfly and I loved it for DS, I bought it when he was about 4 months, but it can be use straight away without an extra insert (there is an extra piece that comes with it for young babies, but DS had grown out of it by 4 months).

The bit I loved was that you can put it on before you go anywhere, then when you get out of the car, you just undo one clip slide the baby in and clip up again it was so easy, and you don't have to worry about doing up the back clips when you are out, I just always left them done up and put it on over my head, then did up the waist strap.

The only thing against it is that it takes a while to adjust if more than one person want to use it, but DH never wanted to use the carrier so that was never an issue for us, it was always left at my size.

For this baby I intend to have the stroller for long walks, but mostly have DS#1 walking (probably with a harness so he doesn't wonder off) and DS#2 in the carrier, if we are out for a while I will take both the stroller and the carrier, so DS #1 can rest in the stroller, or if he wants to walk DS#2 can be in the stroller to give me a break.

HTH

ETA: I agree with pp at the grocery store, one in the cart one in the carrier will work fine, I used to have DS in the carrier at the grocery store all the time.

Also most baby stores have carriers out so you can try them on, you can go see which one you like before you choose one, but I would def. get one before the baby is born, they are a lifesaver. I got mine for half price on Craigslist, which is always an option if you are on a budget.

aandg

I liked the K'tan for the newborn stage. Its similar to the Moby but all one piece and really easy to use. When they got a little bigger I used the Baby Hawk a lot.  

watercolor5

I used an ergo, with infant insert, from the beginning with DD1.  I love it, with or without the insert, but the insert made her really really warm, so I wouldn't recommend that if you're in a state with brutally hot summers.  However, I've heard of ladies making do without the insert or using a blanket instead to add some support.