I have several baby carriers, I have a moby wrap, a ring sling, an ergo and a Bjorn (I think?).
I don't even use the Bjorn or whatever it is because I hate it as well.
The moby wrap is great until baby gets bigger than like 20 lbs, maybe even smaller than that. I find that it stretches out too quickly and I'm constantly readjusting. It is also crazy long and really thick and hot.
My ring sling is great, super versatile, but it definitely has a learning curve and it took me a while to get comfortable using it. I probably will be selling it and getting a linen or gauze wrap for this baby.
I really wanted to love my ergo, but I have a crazy short torso, so I found it a little hard to get just right. When I would wear a baby I could hardly see over his head because of how short I am. This may not matter for you, but if you are shorter (I'm 5' 2") you may want to try one on before getting it. My husband LOVES it though so we keep it around.
If you are looking for something really affordable and don't mind second hand I'm on several baby wearing pages on Facebook where people sell used carriers - all kinds - and the page max. is $50. I could PM you the link if you would like to just check it out.
You could also consider getting a linen or similar woven wrap. They are like moby wraps, but not stretchy. You can do countless carries with them and I've seen women wearing 3 YOs without back pain or discomfort because the material is so supportive. I realize you didn't exactly *ask* for all of this info but I figured I'd share anyway just incase.
Thanks. The ergo is not terribly expensive (more then I would like to spend though), but I am willing to splurge if it is worth it.
Since it's kinda early, you can keep an eye out. Sometimes they go on sale. About 6 months ago they had them on zulilly for $50ish. They sold out insanely fast. You can watch on b/s/t sites and ebay too--though on ebay you have to be careful because the "cheap" ergos are usually knockoffs and are notorious for being a safety hazard because the buckles break
I think carrier usage varies as your baby grows!!! I started with a Moby Wrap when DS are born til about 14-16lbs. I then moved onto a Ring Sling for quick trips when running errands but as DS got bigger and more mobile I started using my Ergo Performace more! He was more contained in it and I loved back carries. Also, DH used the Ergo the most. Since DS is now 2.5yrs old and 30lbs, we have invested in a Tula - Toddler Size. I also used a Girasol wrap when DS was little too, but again the SSC (soft structured carriers) with buckles are faster and easier with a mobile baby/toddler.
TTC#1 11.1.2010 | BFP 1.4.2011 | Benton Henry born 9.13.2011
TTC #2 11.1.2013 | BFP 12.17.13 | Due Date 8.22.14
Tula and Kinderpacks are really popular as a another option for an Ergo-like carrier. I never liked our Ergo, but I tried a Tula from someone in my local babywearing group and loved it even though my son would have needed the toddler size.
I liked my Beco carrier when we had it too, but I sold it when I got into wraps. But they definitely take a bit getting the hang of putting it on. There are tons of youtube videos for the various carries though.
Babywearing 102 is a great resource on FB, and definitely check if you have a local babywearing group like PPs said.
I'm going with the Tula because I can put either my toddler or the new baby in it. My toddler is almost too big for the ergo, just because he is tall and wiggly. The Tula goes higher up on his back.
Becco Gemini for all of the above reasons AND cute colors! BOOM! I loved it for when I traveled and could carry DD in the airport into the plane. I didn't wear it outside a lot because I live in South Florida and it was just way too hot to wear a baby around. I did use it while needing to get things done around the house when DD was clingy.
'I loved you for a thousand years and I will love you for a thousand more'
I also have the becco gemini. I liked that they could forward face. I used it from the beginning and still use it. We are going to Disney(planned before pregnancy) shortly after baby and I am so glad I will have this carrier.
We have and love the Ergo. We've used it from when DD was ~2 months old (when we got it) and still use it, though less often lately. It fits both me and DH.
I'm looking into getting another carrier now that's easier for the tiny baby stage. Maybe a ring sling and or a woven carrier...I'm not interested in spending a fortune, though so we'll see what I find.
Thanks, OP! This is what I spent last weekend researching! I think I'm getting convinced to try an Ergo. Two questions, though.
Did anyone use it from birth? I think you have to get a newborn insert for that (?). Does it work okay or do you feel like you're smothering LO?
Also, I am a super sweaty girl. I see that Ergo has a few different models and the higher end ones have more sporty, wicking fabrics, but most of the reviews I've seen are for the original model. Am I going to be drenched in sweat under all the straps?
We have an Ergo and love it. We use it for hiking, disc golf, putt putt etc. Not great for infants but we have used it so much. Ring Sling: I have a Maya but there are a lot of good brands. I didn't get one until DD was about 6 months but I wish I had one sooner. I love how easy it is to use and how easy it is to take her in and out. Woven Wrap: Really comfy for the newborn stage and great for back carries as they get older. Can also use for hip carries. Can be intimidating but with some practice isn't so bad. Mei Tai: I have the Infantino one and love it but you said you didn't like Infantino so maybe a babyhawk.
Join the Babywearing Swap on fb and Babywearing 102, find your local babywearing group.
I like Maya ring sling for new borns and Boba or Tula for bigger babies and toddlers. I don't have the patience to wrap. I only used a Moby for a few weeks and thought it was a waste.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Lillebaby COMPLETE. I used my Ergo religiously until a friend introduced me to the Lillebaby. It's about the same price point as other SSC's and doesn't need any extra stuff to use from the newborn stage. It has a taller back than the Ergo-so it fits toddlers better and it has lumbar support that you can't find anywhere else.
I have the organic because it's SO soft, but I'm also getting an All Seasons for the flexibility.
I have a Moby and a Tula. Love both! I can still comfortably wear my 16 month old in my Tula for a short while. I back carry him, so I need help getting him up only because I can't reach our turn. And if my back could handle the weight, I would totally do it all the time. The carrier is still comfortable, the weight isn't.
I'm hoping I can use the Moby this summer with the newbie, but it's pretty warm, so we'll see.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Lillebaby COMPLETE. I used my Ergo religiously until a friend introduced me to the Lillebaby. It's about the same price point as other SSC's and doesn't need any extra stuff to use from the newborn stage. It has a taller back than the Ergo-so it fits toddlers better and it has lumbar support that you can't find anywhere else.
I have the organic because it's SO soft, but I'm also getting an All Seasons for the flexibility.
With DD, I used a Moby for the first few months and then switched to my Ergo. Loved them both.
This time, I'm going a little carrier crazy with all the options out there. I got a mei tai, a maya wrap ring sling, and a catbird baby pikkolo carrier. They were all given to me and I am super excited to use them. Debating getting a second hand k'tan for $20 because I can't stop collecting.
Re: Sell me on your baby carrier:
'I loved you for a thousand years and I will love you for a thousand more'
We have and love the Ergo. We've used it from when DD was ~2 months old (when we got it) and still use it, though less often lately. It fits both me and DH.
I'm looking into getting another carrier now that's easier for the tiny baby stage. Maybe a ring sling and or a woven carrier...I'm not interested in spending a fortune, though so we'll see what I find.
Did anyone use it from birth? I think you have to get a newborn insert for that (?). Does it work okay or do you feel like you're smothering LO?
Also, I am a super sweaty girl. I see that Ergo has a few different models and the higher end ones have more sporty, wicking fabrics, but most of the reviews I've seen are for the original model. Am I going to be drenched in sweat under all the straps?
Thanks so much, ladies!
Ring Sling: I have a Maya but there are a lot of good brands. I didn't get one until DD was about 6 months but I wish I had one sooner. I love how easy it is to use and how easy it is to take her in and out.
Woven Wrap: Really comfy for the newborn stage and great for back carries as they get older. Can also use for hip carries. Can be intimidating but with some practice isn't so bad.
Mei Tai: I have the Infantino one and love it but you said you didn't like Infantino so maybe a babyhawk.
I like Maya ring sling for new borns and Boba or Tula for bigger babies and toddlers. I don't have the patience to wrap. I only used a Moby for a few weeks and thought it was a waste.
I have the organic because it's SO soft, but I'm also getting an All Seasons for the flexibility.
I'm hoping I can use the Moby this summer with the newbie, but it's pretty warm, so we'll see.
This time, I'm going a little carrier crazy with all the options out there. I got a mei tai, a maya wrap ring sling, and a catbird baby pikkolo carrier. They were all given to me and I am super excited to use them. Debating getting a second hand k'tan for $20 because I can't stop collecting.