I'm so confused - baby carrier

UberBiz · July 2013

Every time I search through this board looking for a "what carrier should I get?" post, I am bombarded by a new type of carrier that I have never heard of!!

I really would like to get a carrier for my LO, but all of the ones I've googled (after reading about them here) all seem to be very similar in shape/size, so it's really confusing as to which would be 'best' for me without spending a ton of money on something that may not be good. I'm considering just making a "carrier wheel" and spin an arrow and get whatever one it lands on!

I was, just this morning, considering either a boba 3g or a beco gemini, but then someone posted saying that the beco gemini is small and her petite LO outgrew it at 7 months. My chubster is only 3 months and 15 pounds, so now I'm rethinking that option. Tula, babyhawk, bloo kangaroo, beco, boba, action baby, onya, kinderpack, the list is immense!! How in the heck do I choose?? (I purposefully left Ergo out, because I did hear it doesn't fit well on smaller people, and I'm only 4'10"!).

Help??

tokenhoser · July 2013

it helps a lot if you can find some to try on. then you just buy one you like. otherwise... it's kind of like buying jeans online - it's a gamble.

I like my mei tai, and it is very flexible in sizing, so the babyhawk is a good bet. So is the boba 3G being as you're already through the "newborn" stage.

UberBiz · July 2013

tokenhoser:
it helps a lot if you can find some to try on. then you just buy one you like. otherwise... it's kind of like buying jeans online - it's a gamble.
I like my mei tai, and it is very flexible in sizing, so the babyhawk is a good bet. So is the boba 3G being as you're already through the "newborn" stage.

Thanks! Unfortunately trying before buying is not possible, I live in a very rural area and the only stores we have in-town are Kmart and Walmart. Also, no chance of finding a baby wearing group anywhere within 3 hours of me to maybe try different carriers.

ForeverEverAfter · July 2013

Like you said, they are all very similar, just differing in fit. Your baby won't need a newborn insert or harness at this point in any of them. So the main comparison should be the length of the carrier (for your LO, like you mentioned, Beco Gemini is a smaller one) and the fit for you. I had planned on getting an Ergo, but we went to a CD store on vacation and tried a bunch on and DH picked the Chimparoo (sorry to throw another name at you!).

Do your best to narrow down based on reviews for what works on shorter people. If the one you order is a really bad fit you can always exchange it-but odds are it will work. Most are quite adjustable, and there wasn't a big difference between the 4 I tried on.

st.augbride · July 2013

There actually are some websites that sell carriers that will let you try them out and send them back within 90 days or so if they aren't a good fit. I ordered our Beco (which I LOVE, but have a smaller baby!) off of one. We have both the Beco Butterfly 2 and an Ergo, which dh uses with dd. Honestly, they are both great! I doubt you'd be disappointed in an Ergo if you go that route, and many big name stores carry it so you should be able to return it without a problem if needed.

plusoneblog · July 2013

If you order it from Amazon I think you can return it, you just pay return shipping. I like the Britax carrier (can't think of the name) and the Ergobaby.

cpmich · July 2013

The two I have heard repeatedly come up as great for short people are Bloo Kangaroo Kanga carriers and Tulas. I know Tula rents them from the website. There are a few Kangas for sale used on thebabywearer.com FSOT forum right now.

Tula is actually super versatile and good for both petite or tall plus out of the box. It is one of the easiest to find a good fit.

cpmich · July 2013

cpmich:
The two I have heard repeatedly come up as great for short people are Bloo Kangaroo Kanga carriers and Tulas. I know Tula rents them from the website. There are a few Kangas for sale used on thebabywearer.com FSOT forum right now.

Tula is actually super versatile and good for both petite or tall plus out of the box. It is one of the easiest to find a good fit.

Also the Angelpack Max. I would limit it to those 3.

futuremrsburrow · July 2013

I've been really pleased to see that carriers have great resale value. I'd consider buying a used one off the Facebook babywearing swap group and trying it out. If you don't like it you can always sell or trade it.

82Sonia · July 2013

UberBiz:

I purposefully left Ergo out, because I did hear it doesn't fit well on smaller people, and I'm only 4'10"!.

FWIW I'm 5'2" and I love the Ergo.

ncbelle · July 2013

My siggy link has lots of info on pros and cons of different carrier types. I would definitely see if you have a babywearing group in your area - particularly since you are short, you will find many buckle carriers don't fit you. A mei tai like the Babyhawk or Freehand would be a good choice and would definitely fit since they tie on.

=Lee=B · July 2013

So sorry...but Manduca. It is highly adjustable. It has a steep learning curve but once you have it fitted there is no need to adjust it any more.

UberBiz · July 2013

I've always loved the look of a mei tai and how adjustable they are. I did actually order an ergo on zulily (the sale was too good to pass up), so if it doesn't work, I guess I could always resell it.

Also, there's no baby wearing groups near me, so there's no chance of that happening.

Thanks for all the comments and advice, ladies, it really helps!

sometimesalwayschaotic · July 2013

Paxbaby has a rental program. She is also wonderful with any questions. If you told her what you're wanting and your size she will help you out.

fryrat · July 2013

I tried the mei tai that Target carries (Infantino, I think), as I am also in an area with no babywearing groups. I really liked the way it fit, but since I'm 5'2", I nearly tripped all over the straps every time I tried to put it on. Once it was on, I loved the way DD fit in it, it was comfy, and I really liked the options for wearing her. Because of that, I decided on Action baby. The buckles do away with having to tie the insanely long straps, and if you look on their site, the design gives the same "under the butt" support as the mei tai.

I chose this over the Tula because of the fact that the straps can be crossed. The Tula straps are fixed to a backpack style.

I hope my experience helps you in your decision process! I had no issues returning the Mei Tai after trying it at home.

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