Yet another babywearing question...

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

So the only way I make it through most days with my fussy DD and my toddler is to wear DD. I've been using the Ergo, but since I'm wearing her so much around the house, would like something a little less cumbersome/bulky/structured.

Ideally want to invest less than $75 and be able to carry DD for the first year. We have the moby and she hates it.

Other suggestions? Ring slings? Etc?

ETA: would prefer something that doesn't kill my back (duh)

blathnat · December 2013

I'd also suggest a Mei Tai. They aren't too expensive and if you are crafty, you could even make one. I've used this tutorial- https://www.afullerday.com/2008/01/diy-hood-to-headrest-mei-tai-tutorial.html There are also a bunch of cute ones on etsy.

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

Can you wear a newborn in a mei tai? One of the websites i saw said not til 3 months..

Gwyneddlesliegrace · December 2013

jgslr said:

my personal rec is a woven. it is good for cradle, front, hip and back carries and goes from nb to toddler. but they can be $$$$. if you are handy with sewing you can make one or try to get a used one.
I can't get over how pricey they are! 100s of dollars..not happening. I live really close to Mexico so next time I go in going to pay extra close attention to their rebosos and see if a diamond weave gem is hidden in there. One can dream..I mean what do they use in the rural parts of the world that baby wear?

You can buy 100% linen and use that. All you have to do is hem the edges.

SnoopyLuv · December 2013

You could go to the fabric store and buy osnaburg fabric and make your own. It doesn't have to cost $100s of dollars. My first wrap was a $75 Ellaroo, it had a rip that was repaired on the end so it didn't affect wearing and I got a great deal for a good wrap. I stalked and stalked to find one. There's a FB group "Babywearing on a Budget" I see good, cheap carriers all day long there.

Right now, my wovens and my RS are all I'm using to BW. I won't use my mai tei until she's a lot bigger- unfortunately mine is toddler sized, and I have a Boba 2G that can't be used for littles.

The Infantino Mai Tei actually gets rave reviews and is like $35 on Amazon. I tell people all the time to try that out.

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

@snoopyluv can you use the infantino mei tai with a newborn? In a carrier like that do you put their feet inside in frog position or out to the side? And do you recommend that or a maya rs? (I'm looking on amazon...)

Gwyneddlesliegrace · December 2013

JenMatt2010 said:

@snoopyluv can you use the infantino mei tai with a newborn? In a carrier like that do you put their feet inside in frog position or out to the side? And do you recommend that or a maya rs? (I'm looking on amazon...)

I personally have legs out. There is some talk in the bw world that it should be do from the beginning.

SnoopyLuv · December 2013

JenMatt2010 said:

@snoopyluv can you use the infantino mei tai with a newborn? In a carrier like that do you put their feet inside in frog position or out to the side? And do you recommend that or a maya rs? (I'm looking on amazon...)

You froggy them for now. I don't think I spread her legs out for a few months. I definitely have spring pictures with them out so I'm thinking 4 ish months old?

I love my Maya wrap. Between the two, if you already have an ergo, I'd probably do the RS. They're great to have in your diaper bag or car for quick trips even when they're toddlers. I still wear DD1 in a shortie wrap I use as a sling.

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

Thanks for all the tips! I'm going to see if any of my mom friends have a mei tai or rs I can borrow to try out before I buy, but looks like i have some shopping to do!

SnoopyLuv · December 2013

JenMatt2010 said:

Thanks for all the tips! I'm going to see if any of my mom friends have a mei tai or rs I can borrow to try out before I buy, but looks like i have some shopping to do!

Too bad you're not still in MD!

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

SnoopyLuv said:

JenMatt2010 said:

Thanks for all the tips! I'm going to see if any of my mom friends have a mei tai or rs I can borrow to try out before I buy, but looks like i have some shopping to do!

Too bad you're not still in MD!

Boo! We'll be up visiting for New Year's week...I can't wait for some cold weather

blondolphn · December 2013

We have a catbirdbaby baby brand mei tai. It can be used with newborns. Pricey though.

lindsaymcc · December 2013

We have the baby k'tan and like it! Much easier to put on than the moby!

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

@snoopyluv I'm 5'3 1/2"... Should i go with a small or medium maya wrap? The website says small is for under 5'2" but a lot of the reviews make me think that would work better for me...?

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

Also @Gwyneddlesliegrace ... Help with sizing for a maya ring sling?

Karadee1 · December 2013

Lurking from Nov.13...I absolutely love my boba wrap. I bought it on amazon for $35. It is so easy to use and LO loves to sleep in it.

SnoopyLuv · December 2013

comeongetdown said:

JenMatt2010 said:
@snoopyluv I'm 5'3 1/2"... Should i go with a small or medium maya wrap? The website says small is for under 5'2" but a lot of the reviews make me think that would work better for me...?
Not an expert, but from what I've read the longer the wrap the more options you have. You could probably get a smaller one but you may be limited in the number of different wraps. However, your tails will likely be shorter and less likely to get in the way if that's a concern.

The maya wrap is a sling. Very misleading.

Jenn it really depends on how much tail you want. I have a large size and at 5'4" it goes down past my knee. A med would be right above the knee and small probably mid thigh. It is really just a personal preference though for resale a medium is more popular. I got a large so I can do a back carry with it. it is annoying to have the long tail bit then I just wrap it around the rings.

JenMatt2010 · December 2013

SnoopyLuv said:

comeongetdown said:

JenMatt2010 said:
@snoopyluv I'm 5'3 1/2"... Should i go with a small or medium maya wrap? The website says small is for under 5'2" but a lot of the reviews make me think that would work better for me...?
Not an expert, but from what I've read the longer the wrap the more options you have. You could probably get a smaller one but you may be limited in the number of different wraps. However, your tails will likely be shorter and less likely to get in the way if that's a concern.
The maya wrap is a sling. Very misleading.

Jenn it really depends on how much tail you want. I have a large size and at 5'4" it goes down past my knee. A med would be right above the knee and small probably mid thigh. It is really just a personal preference though for resale a medium is more popular. I got a large so I can do a back carry with it. it is annoying to have the long tail bit then I just wrap it around the rings.

Great, thank you!!

chuicafina · December 2013

Like @crunchymama11 I am pretty much exclusively using my woven wraps right now. I love how supported she is and how versatile wraps are. I've even gotten her up on my back and been able to really get things done. That being said, I realize wraps aren't for everyone because of their learning curve.

If you end up deciding to get a mei tai, our own @Gwennedlesliegrace makes them. I know she's not allowed to share the link, so I'll do it for her

https://www.jubileebabyco.com/mei-tai-carriers.html

She's going to make a doll carrier for my older kiddo to wear his dolls with. She's a talented mama!