Let's Talk Babywearing

Briala · July 2016

So, I have seen a few comments around the board mentioning babywearing and how it was a struggle in the past, but would like to try again for this next baby. I know that there is a lot of information out there on babywearing and with so many types of carriers and carries that it can be overwhelming at first. There is also some important safety information and tips that can really make a difference in comfort for both you and your baby. I was hoping that by starting a thread that it would allow for a space for you guys to ask questions and concerns your might have about babywearing in general. If you have never looked at a carrier in your life or have worn for years there is still a lot to learn. I have done a lot of independent research on babywearing benfits/risks/history and have worn DS extensively since he was about a month or so. I am working on getting certified as a certified babywearing educator and consultant and I love to talk babywearing and pass along some knowledge. Now that I know more I plan on wearing this baby from the first moment I can. I have experience with stretchy wraps (moby, k'tan), Soft Structured Carriers or SSC's (ergo, tula, kinderpack), and wovens. I also hve experience weraing from newborn stage to toddler

. While I don't know everything I can at least help answer any questions and point you guys towards some resources. I love talking babywearing it is a big passion of mine I love the bond that I have with DS because of it and how much comfort it brings both of us.

TLDR
Feel free to ask any and all babywearing questions here!

scgirl6113 · July 2016

I am not looking for too much advice but did want to throw one tidbit out there for anyone looking at carriers. With my first I couldn't justify getting an expensive carrier like an ergo/Tula etc when we were needing to purchase so many other things. I bought a cheap one. And then ended up buying 3 more cheap ones throughout the first year because nothing was comfortable and I was having a hard time. I had always wished I bought an ergo because I ended up spending almost as much by the time I was done.

for my second one I decided to get an ergo because we didn't have too much to buy. Then I contemplated getting the new 360 or the standard original. In trying to be frugal I went with the original and have always regretted it.

now I'm looking to get a 360 with this one.

moral of the story: buy the carrier you want even if it's a little more. A good carrier is SO SO SO worth it!

Teach123 · July 2016

What do you do if baby doesn't seem to like it? My son hated being restricted, and he cried when I tried to wear him. I had a K'tan.

aishmc · July 2016

What works best for both mom and dad to do baby wearing? My cousin uses his wife's wrap to wear his daughter, but he isn't a fan of how hot it gets. I don't want this to scare my husband as I've heard it's great for both parents to do.

Briala · July 2016

@aishmc My husband has a woven wrap of his own to use, but he finds the Tula easier to use. The SSC's can have some good airflow and some are coming out with mesh carries to allow for better airflow. Lillebaby is a great option for that, their mesh carrier is super comfortable and easy to use. I tend to leave the Tula set up for my husband to use so it's easier for him.

@Teach123 It can take a little getting used to for a newborn, it is an entirely new experience for both them and you. I have found that most newborns fuss while getting placed in the carrier and 'settled in' but after that if you sway a little and just rub their backs they calm right down and fall asleep. It is also a position they are not used too, upright and froggy legged is safest, but once they realize they are with mom (or dad) and can snuggle all they want they settle into it quickly. DS fussed the first few times I actually wrapped him around 3 months but after a few tries he loved it and still does he is 21 months now.

Briala · July 2016

Briala · July 2016

Baby could be a tad higher here but this is a great example of a good seat. Spine curved, head supported, froggy legs, bottom lower than knees in the "M" posistion

moosette113 · July 2016

This may be a dumb question, but is there a style of carrier that people with bigger boobs should steer towards? I'm really interested in wearing baby as much as possible since I live in a city and public transportation always looks like such a hassle with the big prams here, but I'm mildly concerned my G/H's (which will only get bigger) will impact baby's position.

Renee1105 · July 2016

I had the ktan and ergo with my daughter and I hated both. The ktan I felt like I could never get her positioned properly and she always looked like she was going to fall out. So then I bought the ergo with the infant insert. I also hated that it felt bulky and uncomfortable.

Maybe with this baby it will work better, anything is better than carrying around the giant infant carrier.

gapeachrn · July 2016

I am so excited about the thought of baby wearing. I know having a winter month baby, I won't want to get out much. BUT I'm a huge crafter and have an etsy store. I'm going to need my hands!

What are your thought on the solly wrap and the Tula? What is recommended for babies at the newborn stage? What kind of wraps have you noticed men prefer?

I want all of the information! Thanks for the help!

zdmd_14 · July 2016

I only baby wore some with my first two--partly because like a PP said, I couldn't justify the expense of nice carriers and cheap ones aren't comfortable. That said, the moby wrap saved her dads sanity when DD1 was little.
This time, a friend is giving me her very used ergo. We'll see how that goes, I'm nervous it'll be worn out but she says it's still in amazing shape (5 years old). And I plan on getting a wrap (maybe a moby).

*question* were planning on skipping the infant bucket seat and getting a convertible car seat that can truly be used from birth, so baby wearing on errands will be essential. Is there any other baby wearing gear that I should have from the beginning or should I wait and see how the ergo/wrap work for us?

TinaBelcher · July 2016

Anyone have experience tandem wearing with twins? I joined a tandem FB group but would always love more advice!

I bought a solly because I'm in love with them, I know I can only tandem wear them for a little while in that. Looking at wovens and hybrids and ring slings but woahhhhh there's so much to choose from.

Anyone use Action Baby Carriers?

stumptownmama · July 2016

I wore DD from birth to 4 months in a stretch Boba wrap - similar to a moby. Then I used an Ergo. When she was 15 months i bought an embossed lillebaby and it was so much more comfortable than the ergo. It has lumbar support and just more ways to adjust. I would have bought it instead of the ergo if I had known about it earlier. I like that you can use it from birth without an insert and there are several approved carrying positions. They make an airflow version to help with ventilation. I highly recommend this company. They just came out with a stretchy wrap that I have my eye on.

I loved wrapping during the infancy stages. It feels so natural and like they are still in the womb, safe and cozy. I'm going to get a ring sling this time around for quick ups and convenient nursing. I do have a woven wrap but I didn't get it until DD was 15 months and she doesn't like it. She likes to get up and down and it's just not worth the effort. I hope to get the hang of it this time around.

If you are interested in babywearing, look into your local chapter of BWI (babywearing international). You can find them through Facebook and join their group. They have meet ups and a lending library and are full of information. @TinaBelcher that would be an excellent place to learn about safe tandem wearing.

amaren-2 · July 2016

@underthesea I'm so glad you talked about the lillebaby. My sister has raved about them with her 3 month old, she convinced my other sister who just gave birth to get one, and she has mostly talked me into it. Lol.

scgirl6113 · July 2016

@TinaBelcher I have a friend who has a TwinGo and she loves it! Although I think it cannot be used for newborns. https://twingocarrier.com

ETA to add that one of the reasons she loves it is because she can wear both babies or it can be broken apart so her husband can wear one and she can wear the other.

laujam31 · July 2016

I have a maya wrap and an ergo. Love the maya for when they are super new and the ergo was given to me used by a friend bc my crappy infantino was crushing my kid lol.. I love it but kinda wanna splurge on a new one. Don't know if it's worth it tho. I just bought my sister in law the ergo adapt. I've looked at the lillebaby and ergo 360 also. I'd love to hear some opinions on those! TIA. (I wear alot.)

ElleMF728 · July 2016

@Briala I'd love to know if you have an opinion of the new Bjorn Carrier One. My issue is that I'm very small, like 90 lbs soaking wet when I'm not pregnant but my boys seem to take after DH in that they are huge. They start out little but pack on the pounds quickly. DS2 is 90% for height and weight. They quickly become too uncomfortable for me to wear on a regular basis.

DS1 was a fussy baby and loved being worn. I was also desperate because we were in a unique job situation at the time so I was by myself with him 6 days a week. The back pain was brutal, by Monday morning I was in tears.

I have a Ring Sling, Moby and a previous model of the Bjorn. I'm aware of the issues with earlier versions but I love the easy on/easy off of the carriers vs. wraps and slings. I also feel a bit more secure in them if I'm doing a lot of active up and down which will definitely be the case with 2 toddlers to take care of as well.

I've heard really good things about the newer Bjorn in terms of addressing certain issues and better weight distribution. Do you have any knowledge of these or know anyone who uses one?

aishmc · July 2016

Thanks for the advice @Briala. My husband is actually more excited about baby wearing than I am as he wants to be hands free to do things and still bond.

Are the carriers typically adjustable enough to fit both mom and dad? This may be a stupid question, but does anywhere let you try them on first?

stumptownmama · July 2016

aishmc said:

Thanks for the advice @Briala. My husband is actually more excited about baby wearing than I am as he wants to be hands free to do things and still bond.

Are the carriers typically adjustable enough to fit both mom and dad? This may be a stupid question, but does anywhere let you try them on first?

Yes there are a lot of baby boutiques that have s good selection and will let you try on and help you.

aishmc · July 2016

Cool. Thanks @underthesea

Briala · July 2016

@moosette113 I personally do not have experience with large boobs I am on the other end of the spectrum but from what I have heard ringslings, and wovens tend to work really well for larger chested women. Sometimes the buckle carriers can be a little more difficult to adjust but I know it can be done. Also breastfeeding can be done easier in a ringsling than a buckle carrier in my experience. Babywearing 102 or a local babywearing chapter are on facebook groups and you can get more specific advice from there.

@gapeachrn I really like my Tula for quick up and downs, same thing with the Lillebaby my husband finds the buckles to be easier for him to manage. They can be adjusted for multiple sizes pretty easily, and quickly. Make sure you have an infant insert though for safety purposes at the very least a rolled up receiving blanket under baby's bottom (I can post a picture if you like). He does have a wrap of his own but he usually only wraps when I am there to help him tighten properly. A Solly is a great option for a stretchy wrap but they can be overwhelming too. A stretchy wrap is usually comfortable to babies around 15 pounds or so and can start to sag after that. Stretchy wraps also require three passes over baby otherwise there is not enough support, so you are pretty limited to a FWCC. Also if you are interested in really getting into babywearing then you cannot back wrap in a stretchy wrap. They are a great started option though if you like it and get comfortable with tightening and wrapping then I would definitely suggest a woven wrap which has more carry options, support, and adjust ability.

@zdmd_14 you don't really need much babywearing gear except the carrier and possibly a large jacket. When DS was little in the winter I would pre-tie my wrap so I could put it him in quickly and wrap a jacket around us then go into the store. They do sell babywearing jackets that have options to back wear and front wear but they can get pricey. I got one last winter and it was amazing, it has option for front expansion, back expansion, and pregnancy insert. For an ergo it is a little more difficult to set it up early I would just have the waist buckled and put baby in the carier in the store. As I mentioned above a moby like a solly is a great option for beginning babywearing, they can be warm though.

@TinaBelcher I second the twingo they are awesome, you can also tandem with a woven wrap you can have both in front or one in front one in back (woven not stretchy). However, I should note that back wrapping a newborn is considered an advanced carry and should only be done with a spotter and instruction.

@laujam31 both of those are great options! The Lillebaby has lumbar support which is a great bonus and the straps are padded slightly more than the Ergos. I have used both and I personally preferred the Lillebaby as DS got bigger. The ergo requires and infant insert and pillow to be used in the newborn and infant stages 3-5 months and the lilebaby has an adjustable bottom that can be cinched in for a newborn. But which ever option you prefer or like the look of will serve you well.

@ElleMF728 While I am not quite your size I understand how uncomfortable that would get. Honestly I would not recommend the Bjorn for you. They just do not have the support that many of the other carriers do both in the straps, and the structure of the carrier itself. The bjorns tend to force babys back into a straight line which causes you to lean back as well which can cause a lot of back strain. If you see the posistioning picture I put up earlier you can see how the babies spine is curved, the helps the spine develop properly until they are able to sit and stand on their own. Even the newer ones have some major flaws in proper posistioning and comfort. A ring sling or a wrap can be adjusted according to where you are feeling pressure but as you mentioned can take a little time to get situated. I would recommend a Lillebaby they have extra lumbar support and padding on the straps, it is a buckle carrier so it is easy to get on and off. The tula would be a good second option but my first would be a Lillebaby. If you like the wrapping process and comfort but want something quicker a Mei Tai would be another great option! They are super comfy and very adjustable. Infantino has a Mai Tai available in stores but I would recommend Fidella FlyTai they are relatively inexpensive and it will be comfortable for much longer.

@aishmc Yes very adjustable my husband is more than 2 of me and we use the same Tula.

Briala · July 2016

This is a good run down on the different types of carriers:
https://babywearinginternational.org/what-is-babywearing/choosing-a-baby-carrier/

And this is a funny comparison between a stretchy wrap vs. a woven:
https://www.thestayathomefeminist.com/blog/2011/08/16/stretchy-vs-woven-winning-the-wrap-race

More woven info:
https://whereintheworldiserin.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-woven-wraps/

A great example of why you shouldn't attempt a back carry in a Moby or Stretchy Wrap:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J19oOkQ61hI

mommywesley · July 2016

I've used a ring sling and a hotsling, I like the hotsling for when baby is little and the ring sling for when older.

KRB22 · July 2016

Can you talk a little more about how to safely wear an infant with a stretchy or woven wrap in cold weather? Is it ok to wear the baby under a coat if the coat is partially zipped?

FTM here and definitely on board with baby wearing, but since I live in the northeast and am expecting a January baby, this has been on my mind already.

stumptownmama · July 2016

I love that so many are interested in babywearing! There are so many benefits. It's great you are learning and gathering info now so you can choose the best carriers and wraps. i wanted to mention that there are several buy/sell/trade groups on fb you can join to find a used carrier/wrap a bit cheaper. Babywearing on a budget caps prices at $100.

BAJDesigns · July 2016

FTM here.I have been really interested in the k'tan since it seems more beginner friendly than the Moby. All the wrapping of a Moby kind of intimidates me. My husband desperately wants the structured "utility" carrier put out by a company called Mission Critical. Anyone have advice on either of these?

Briala · July 2016

@KRB22 Yup, I live in Alaska so we worry about the cold here too. It's definitely ok to wear under a coat. I would zip it up to the base of DS neck and then wear a scarf to cover mine. I would pre-tie your moby or wrap under your coat so you can just pop baby in really quickly zip up your coat and go. There are a few excellent carries are that set up before hand so you can take them in and out without undoing the wrap. With a moby you're limited to a FWCC (Front Wrap Cross Carry) or newborn hold. with a woven there are a few more options, my favorite is Short Cross Carry with a ring finish really easy to adjust and it super quick. It also lies flat on your back so you don't have to worry about tying off you just pull down to readjust.

This is an example of how to properly use a stretchy wrap, If you make the x-passes before hand and tighten up beforehand it makes it quicker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CTjgUrqCZM 

Here is the other carry I mentioned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D88O86hiK0A

KRB22 · July 2016

@Briala thank you!

Vivi20 · July 2016

I totally recommend baby wearing. It saved my sanity. But I also agree that it's better to spend the money on a good quality one. I didn't want to spend the extra dollars for a more expensive one, and I ended up getting a cheap one from Walmart. It destroyed my back. This time I'm going to get the Ergo.

stumptownmama · July 2016

@jlea05 I had trouble with my back in the ergo. Have you been able to try one out? It may be more comfy for you. Now that I've done more research I've learned there are so many types of SSCs that I never knew about. I would suggest trying some on and seeing which one works best for you. I ended up with a Lillebaby because of the lumbar support, but there are so many- Tula, beco, kinderpack. They vary in price but I think the Lillebaby is about the same as an ergo.

azwildcat62 · July 2016

I live in AZ and worry about the heat. Which of these are breathable and good for hot weather?

Briala · July 2016

Ergo and lilebaby both have a mesh option also there are cooling towels you can place between you so you don't overheat.

stumptownmama · July 2016

Ladies! My favorite carrier (lillebaby embossed) is on sale on Amazon prime for $130 from $170. This is such a good deal. They don't go on sale very often. I'm tempted to get another!

BriannaE129129 · July 2016

I was thinking about getting a boba wrap for when the baby is smaller and mostly around the house and then a gemini beco baby carrier for out of the house or for my husband to use as well. I've read great reviews on both but wasn't sure if anyone had any negative reviews or opinions? Baby carrying is all new to me!

ceclarlinetlo · July 2016

I'm thinking I am going to go with a baby Ktan for when baby is tiny (seems less intimidating than a full wrap) and then a lillebaby complete airflow (I like the idea of lumbar support for me, and breathability for baby and DH).

stumptownmama · July 2016

@BriannaE129129 I used a boba wrap for the first three or four months with my daughter and loved it. I practiced wrapping with a stuffed animal before I had my daughter and it wasn't difficult to get the hang of it. It can be pretty warm. I had an October baby so it wasn't even hot out. I've heard that the Solly wrap is thinner and its the same kind of wrap.

mommy2ane · July 2016

I have a Sakura bloom ring sling and a Bijorn. I used the Bijorn a lot with my son, and it was good. I got the ring along later but I'm hoping to use it more with the new baby. I'm also thinking about getting a LILLEbaby. I hear some awesome things about it.

curlysue22 · July 2016

Thanks for the heads up on the lillebaby sale @underthesea! I just ordered one! I ordered the lightning deal on the All Seasons one as well so I can compare and return one.

stumptownmama · July 2016

@vgempis do it! I love mine. I want a ring sling this time around too.

ajmcarroll · July 2016

I loved my Moby wrap for when my DD was itty bitty. It was not hard to wrap and I could make it tight and secure (more than a ktan). My DD loves being worn and we use an Ergo Original for our morning commute from the parking garage to the daycare when I go to work (all three are withing a two block radius). I also have a Cari Sling Ring Sling (converted by My Favorite Slings) and a Ring Sling made out of a Target Threshold tablecloth.

If your city has a local babywearing chapter join their Facebook group and go to some local meet ups! Ours (and many of them) have a lending library so you can borrow and try many different carriers. One type of carrier may work for one mom but not another and vice versa.

ajmcarroll · July 2016

I loved my Moby wrap for when my DD was itty bitty. It was not hard to wrap and I could make it tight and secure (more than a ktan). My DD loves being worn and we use an Ergo Original for our morning commute from the parking garage to the daycare when I go to work (all three are withing a two block radius). I also have a Cari Sling Ring Sling (converted by My Favorite Slings) and a Ring Sling made out of a Target Threshold tablecloth.

If your city has a local babywearing chapter join their Facebook group and go to some local meet ups! Ours (and many of them) have a lending library so you can borrow and try many different carriers. One type of carrier may work for one mom but not another and vice versa.

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