Baby Carriers/ Wearers : )

Brandi81012 · November 2015

I don't believe this has been asked, if so FLAME me : )

I am overwhelmed with researching for a baby carrier. With DD1 I had the moby and never used it because it was too much fabric. I also had a Chicco one that I absolutely hated! It hurt my back even when she was tiny.
So I need suggestions. I would prefer one made of cloth just have no idea where to start. I am thinking baby wearing will be my savor with DD2! TIA!

Eta because my eyes are still sleepy!

rebelone · November 2015

A lot of my S'13 moms are strong Tula followers, and that's when I discovered it actually has a following. You might want to check into that.

briterfly84 · November 2015

I used the Moby wrap with DD when she was tiny, then moved up to the Ergo. I have a LOT of friends who like the slings, and have heard lots about the Tula too. I just liked the comfort of feeling DD was more secure against my body with the Moby/Ergo than the sling, but I truly think baby-wearing is a personal preference. Depends on your strength, body type, comfort level, wiggly-ness of LO, etc. Maybe head to a store and try some on to see what works best for you before you buy it?!

AEG84 · November 2015

You may want to see if you have a Babywearing International chapter near you. Like PPs said, there are a LOT of different options and everyone has a different preference/comfort level. I know the chapter near me has a large lending library and you can borrow carriers for a month at a time for a nominal membership fee (like, $25 a year) to try them out before buying.

I've got a Beco ring sling and am planning to also get a Lillebaby airflow since it's so hot here in AZ, but I'd looooove a Tula wrap conversion someday. *drool*

Ellenlbishop · November 2015

I wasn't a huge baby wearer with DD but I'm guessing i will be with this LO so I can have my hands free to chase a 2 year old around. I have the Ergo 360 and I would definitely recommend it. I'm going to buy the newborn insert this time around so I can start using it right away.

imrachellea · November 2015

I wanted to wear DD but she was a little stinker and WOULD NOT STOP moving, and hates HATES being confined in a carrier, has since the beginning. She used to let me carry her on my hip with the assistance of a ring sling but she even hates that now. I am hoping so much that this LO will want to be worn! I'm starting with a wrap, probably the Boba Baby Carrier (I've heard good things about the Solly wrap as well, but its not on Amazon). If DD2 takes to baby wearing, I'm going to get the Tula. From all the reading I've done, this is the best one for hip positioning, weight distribution, and comfort for the wearer. The Ergo is good, but I looked at side by side pictures of the Ergo vs. Tula with blog reviews and it is just a better overall carrier. As far as price, its $150 on Amazon which is actually less than Ergo 360, so that is definitely what I'm getting. The Tula is also able to be used with toddlers, if you get the extender seat thing.

ETA: A friend of mine on Facebook (actually a long time bumpie back from our weddings) is a huge baby wearing advocate, actually is a leader for some national group. She made a comment to me that "all babies can be worn if the mother wants it enough", which honestly really pissed me off. She clearly had not had experience with my daughter, and NO, not all babies want to be worn. I also don't feel its something we should "force" them into because its what we want. There is nothing wrong with using a stroller, and nothing wrong with your kid if they don't like being worn! My DD still loves to be held...just by my arms and nothing else (as exhausting as that is).

linaboop · November 2015

I have a set of sling rings that work well when they are super tiny, but I found myself constantly readjusting it. My favorite is my Ergo baby that I bought on eBay. We used it with the first baby on our trip to Germany when she was 10 months and wished we had gotten it sooner. I used it shopping, walking and other errands with my second baby and it worked well. We'll be using it again with the next one until he/she is old enough to sit up in the jogger or shopping cart.

I did find that sometimes the kids were not in the mood to be in the carrier. Neither of my girls liked being swaddled either, so that could explain it.

NachosAndPeaches · November 2015

Tula has a cult like following. If you want something practical but don't think you'll get that into babywearing, I really suggest a lillebaby or a beck Gemini. They are a bit cheaper than Tula, but generally preferred over ergo. They do not require hit, uncomfortable infant inserts like the edge, and they allow safe forward facing positions unlike the bjorn. Do NOT get a baby bjorn. They're not comfortable or ergonomic.

If you want a soft carrier but you didn't like wrapping, a ring sling is a great option. Can be used from nb til toddler age, and it's super fast and compact. Once the babes are bigger (like 1+), I don't recommend it for very long use like hikes or touring a city all day, but running into target is still just fine. Most moms who are super into babywearing and wrapping will almost always eventually switch their wraps Soft structured carrier when the kids are bigger (usually Tulas)

pinottoparenthood · November 2015

I am currently trying to decide between Ergo360, Lillebaby, and Tula. All have options for front carry and back carry. Ergo360 and Lillebaby also have the option to face out, although generally it's better for baby to face inward. I would love any feedback people have on these three! We had a Bjorn last time and it was super uncomfortable for me, hurt my back, etc. If you plan to baby wear a lot, I think it's worth it to splurge for a nice carrier. Hoping to snatch one up on black Friday!

pinottoparenthood · November 2015

Also wanted to add, I'm thinking of getting a k'tan or a ring sling for the newborn stage as well.

imrachellea · November 2015

I want to second the Beco Gemini as @nachosandpeaches mentioned. This was the one I originally picked off of online blog reviews, until I saw the Tula was available on Amazon. If I can't convince DH to shell out the bucks for a Tula ($150) then this is the one I will try and convince him on next ($130).

mrstrax · November 2015

We have a k'tan for itty-bitties (it's like a moby that starts half wrapped - two connected rings of fabric instead of one long piece), the Infantino MT (in between a wrap and a buckle carrier) and an Ergo. The Ergo actually fits me better than the Tula I tried on, so I would definitely recommend finding a local group and attending a meeting (sooner than later while you don't have to avoid a bump!) to try them on before buying.

Jules08 · November 2015

I had a carrier like the Ergo with DS, but didn't wear him a ton because he was born in October and we weren't out and about a whole lot through the winter.

This time, I am getting a Boba (on a recent girls vacation, a few brought all of theirs for me to see/ try on).

You might want to look into the K'tan (less fabric, but wrapped like a moby/ boba) and the Beco Gemini, which has a little more structure to it, BUT be aware that the buckles need two hands to open.

thaisac1 · November 2015

I have no clue about all of the brands being named here, but how difficult is it to use the wrap thinguie?

imrachellea · November 2015

@thaisac1 I haven't actually tried a wrap myself since DD refused, but there are tutorials on how to wrap them, both video that are easy to look up on YouTube and written that come with the wraps. I've heard that once you get it, its really easy.

Poppy16 · November 2015

I loved my Moby wrap for the newborn stage. It is a lot of fabric, but it's easy to get on once you figure it out (you can find Youtube videos that show how to wrap it).

From newborn on I love my Ergo.

duendef · November 2015

I started with a Moby and an Ergo with DD. I liked the Moby enough for the first few weeks, but mainly for just around the house and walks down our road. It was a hassle to put on if out of the house. The Ergo is nice, but it was difficult for me to buckle by myself (I may have just needed to mess with the adjustments, I don't know), so I could only really wear it with DH around. When she was bigger I got the Sakura bloom ring sling and loved it. So easy to throw on on the go and comfortable. I don't know how it works with a little one, but I'm excited to try it, it seems like it would be such a comfy hammock!

Also I have the infant insert for the ergo but never once used it. DD was born over 8 pounds and had awesome head control from the beginning, so by the time I started using it she had no need for the insert. But you never know what your LO will be like...

emgee27 · November 2015

After many suggestions from friends and much YouTube-video-watching, I have registered for the K'tan and the Ergo. I'm excited to use the K'tan myself, but also wanted the sturdiness of an Ergo as well for the grandparents and my husband - I feel like they'll be more comfortable with something more structured.

Jules08 · November 2015

thaisac1 said:

I have no clue about all of that brands being named here, but how difficult is it to use the wrap thinguie?

Getting the wrap on is easy, but it takes practice getting the baby in gracefully

and it definitely takes practice getting it tight.

NachosAndPeaches · November 2015

@thaisac1 wrapping is not that hard in my opinion, but some people just want something simple. I'll message you some pics since the pic feature is still broken!!!! I use woven wraps though, not the moby. In my humble opinion the moby is a waste of money because it's so short lived.

DougalMcG · November 2015

I have a k'tan, the original ergobaby, and a bjorn miracle and I wasn't really thrilled with any of them. I think for this one I might try the LILLEbaby 6 in 1 or the Tula. I've come this far. Might as well just waste all my money!

NachosAndPeaches · November 2015

@Jules08 I love my friends beco Gemini but couldn't stand the buckle thing!!! So we went with lillebaby instead and couldn't be happier.

BrittnyS10 · November 2015

My sister has a k'tan that she only used a couple times with her LO but said she'll let me borrow. I've tried on a few when I went to a baby fair. I liked the ring sling so I'm going to get one of those.

I didn't like the lillebaby or the ergo because I felt they were both just too big for me. I'm a pretty small person and didnt like the feeling of my baby + carrier being bigger than me, and I felt like my arms were too short to really be able to acomplish much while trying to reach around it. That being said, they were comfortable on and felt like they had good support and I liked the weight being more on my hips than shoulders.

My sister also made herself a may tai (sp?) from a pattern she found on pinterest and she uses it all the time. I'm hoping i can get her to make me one too.

Edited because my thumb posted before I was ready.

Also, you could check if you have a cloth diapering store near you. There's one in my town called Circle Me and they let people try on the different wraps and carriers and even have a class once a month about them!

amaniupendo · November 2015

I liked my ergo for my fall newborn, my sling for the summer baby, and my ergo all other times. My 4yo can still ride the ergo. I am tempted to get a Tula, because the patterns are pretty, but I don't know.

briterfly84 · November 2015

OMG>>>> I just looked up Tula! Where have they been all my life?! Hello Sugar Skulls! Dangit...my poor Ergo is going to be put to the side for the sake of adorable patterns! Hmmm, maybe I will sell it and offset the cost of the Tula.

And @nachosandpeaches...woven wraps--hello colors! What kind do you use? I am really liking all the colors, so much different than 4 years ago when it was all black (don't get me wrong, my entire wardrobe is black). Bring on the pretty!

katynnew · November 2015

I was just looking at the lillebaby ones. Is the neck support breathable? It looks like it completely covers the babies face in the video but it could just be the angle.

dancingsphinx22 · November 2015

I forgot quotes don't work on mobile app right now

emgee27-- Im looking at the K'tan myself. They look comfy and easy to use. I don't like all the wrapping and extra material of other brands/models.

They have a "Breeze" model (I think that's the name) that is more mesh, and breathable. I think it will be best for the heat of Arizona. That was my most important feature to consider when buying, because it gets too dang hot to be wearing a lot of layers.

mojomama6 · November 2015

I'm also a wrapping mom. I formerly had a didymos natty linen indio, and a Girasol ardent creme weft. The linen had great support, but I worried about catching it on things all the time. The Girasol was less supportive, but much easier to care for. Unfortunately, I lost both in a fire, and have had to repurchase. I went with a natibaby and... Crap, I'm not going to remember, and I'm not home to check. I woukd have rebought the Gira, but couldnt find the same one. I didn't get enough use out of the indio to justify buying again, but I'm looking for a different linen because that was so great.

NachosAndPeaches · November 2015

I have a natibaby and a didymos. I had a Pavo but sold it. I don't really wrap that much but it was a fun little stage.

@dancingsphinx22 the breeze model of the Ktan doesn't stretch as much so I would go a size uo in it, unless they've changed it in the last couple years.

brie_and_almonds · November 2015

I loved and got lots of use out of both my k'tan and ergo performance (bought when DD was 5 mos for a big trip... still use it pretty frequently -- most recently while sightseeing in Japan -- DD is almost 3 and still fits in it pretty well, she's average height and slim -- nowhere near the weight limit.). K'tan saved my sanity in the newborn stage, and ergo has made being on-the-go with a little one much more manageable (many times when she wouldn't eat/sleep anywhere else, she would in the ergo).

I'm thinking about getting a woven wrap as well, but have been scouting for a good deal on a decent one.

MrsCayEye · November 2015

When DS was a newborn I loved the baby k'tan, it was great to learn with. My favorite carrier was a ring sling made from a wrap, so easy to use, store in my purse/diaper bag, and comfortable! I have a wrap, but it's in my closet Bc I've never had the patience to learn it. I also have an ergo, which I like, but I like my kinderpack (similar to Tula) soooo much better! It is so comfortable to wear for long periods of time even now that DS is 2.

NachosAndPeaches · November 2015

I second that ring slings are the easiest.

I hate the pouch type slings. They're a waste. Many companies have them for free "just pay shipping". Don't. Not even worth it.

cortney626 · November 2015

All these words are so foreign to me. I never had a carrier with my DD (now 8 yo). But I feel like I will want to attempt to carry/wear this baby with my daughter's activities (sporting events, etc).

thaisac1 · November 2015

imrachellea said:

@thaisac1 I haven't actually tried a wrap myself since DD refused, but there are tutorials on how to wrap them, both video that are easy to look up on YouTube and written that come with the wraps. I've heard that once you get it, its really easy.

So much to learn! I'm overwhelmed.

Mailmans Baby Momma · November 2015

I loved my moby until he got too big, and then I got a Tula. WORTH. EVERY. PENNY.

elasticheart13 · November 2015

I am planning on getting the Moby wrap while baby is still small and then get the Ergo 360. My friends have raved about the Ergo for so long and I am really excited about it

AmadorRose · November 2015

Is there anywhere/anyone with online, real-life reviews? I really like the idea of baby wearing but I don't want to get one that I hate and give up on it.

dayj11 · November 2015

I have a Sakura single lined linen ring sling. Never wore before my third baby and she is now 9 1/2 months. We still use it. I LOVE IT Easy to figure out use and pack up to take with me. I paid $90 for it which I thought was expensive at the time however it's been worth every penny! My husband loves it just as much

NachosAndPeaches · November 2015

AmadorRose said:
Is there anywhere/anyone with online, real-life reviews? I really like the idea of baby wearing but I don't want to get one that I hate and give up on it.

it's hard because there is the baby wearing community that is addicted and then there is the regular mom community that just wants a carrier for the grocery store. Do you have a feeling which "category" you may fall into?

Babywearing 102 is a great fb group with lots of info

K&Elizabeth · November 2015

For all of the ladies wanting a moby for the newborn stage (I loved it with DD), don't buy one. Seriously, go to your fabric store and pick out a cotton fabric with a slight give. Jersey is great for newborns, but is too stretchy when they get heavier. I used a 50/50 blend and it wasn't too hot for the AZ summer. Ask for 5 yards and have them cut it in half lengthwise. Tada. That's it. You can surge the edges of you could call it a day at cutting. If you're just going to use it during the newborn stage and then move up to a soft carrier, $10 at the fabric store is way better than $60 at BuyBuyBaby.

MrsCayEye · November 2015

AmadorRose said:
Is there anywhere/anyone with online, real-life reviews? I really like the idea of baby wearing but I don't want to get one that I hate and give up on it.

Some websites rent out carriers so you could try different options before buying. I am pretty sure granola babies rents some out. I've made purchases through them and they have excellent customer service.

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