Babywearing

schef070911 · October 2016

Hi all - I haven't seen anything about this so thought I'd start a new thread - I'm looking at different babywearing options and want to see what BTDT (been there done that) mamas have used and loved previously. I'm particularly worried about summer heat in the South and finding an option that breathes well, but curious to hear all of your opinions no matter where you're from! Thanks in advance!

MWoodside · October 2016

Big babywearer here!

With DD1 I used a Moby at first, then an Ergo. When she was a toddler I got into woven wraps and never looked back!

So for DD2 I cultivated a stash of woven wraps of various lengths/sizes and materials (cotton, hemp, linen, silk, etc) before she was even born. I prefer wovens b/c they are super versatile; I can do front carries, side carries and back carries; I can nurse while wearing baby. DD2 has always been a very challenging sleeper and wearing her was the only way we could put her to sleep for the longest time. I could really go on all day about this, but I'll spare you Let me know if you have specific questions.

DH prefers to use a Tula and he has an infant insert for up to 15lbs.

mylittleirvz · October 2016

I need to follow this thread and get all the info I can as I didn't do it much with DS (had a mei tai or however you spell it but didn't use it much) but I have a feeling with #2 it may be more of a necessity and a good thing to get started on!

Magheeta · October 2016

I loved the k'tan and ring sling. I have an Ergo, too, which I enjoyed wearing more once he could go on my back. If I was wearing him in the front/side, I preferred the k'tan or ring sling. I didn't have a fancy ring sling, but it sure did the job. I can't wait to use it again!

Koukonei · October 2016

For new squishes, I'm a big fan of woven wraps and ring slings. Stretchy wraps are fine in the beginning, but become un supportive pretty quickly and I find them hot! I'm a fan of lillebaby if you're looking for a SSC carrier. You can start using it when babe is around 7 pounds, and it doesn't require an insert, just a rolled blanket. The panel adjusts so baby can be legs out sooner as well, it comes with a lumbar support, the straps can criss cross, and it can be used for a variety of carries (I still wear my 20 month old on my back almost daily). I plan on tandem wearing my twins in a woven wrap this time around!

mrsstuessy · October 2016

ok, I am a crazy babywearing lady. Crazy! I have owned at least 40 different carriers for DD. There are a few options. SSC, is one with buckles, like an Ergo or Tula. Ring slings are awesome! There are woven wraps, which are my favorite. There are also mei tais. Or even onbus, which is another form of SSC, but without a waist strap. I would join the Babywearing 102 Facebook group and see if there is a babywearing group local to you. It is hard to know what to recommend because people all like different things. I hands down recommend ring slings for newborns however. So, that is the one that will get you started the best. Linen wraps are my favorite in the summer heat. Stretchy wraps are comfy too, until about 15 pounds, then they get pretty uncomfortable. Feel free to message me for any more info. I was one of the teachers in my old babywearing group. So, I am pretty experienced. I can even share photos if you are interested.

HGRich · October 2016

As a FTM with no nieces or nephews, little babysitting experience, and few mom friends, threads like these are going to be invaluable. I have idea what most of any of what you're talking about is.

Amanda041104 · October 2016

This is my third child but I only really have experience with the ergo. I've heard great things about the solly baby wrap so I'm probably going to try that one this time around. I'm going to need my hands free as much as possible! Anyone have experience with the solly?

andrea0418 · October 2016

I had a Moby of with ds. I loved it.

visualcircus · October 2016

I live in Houston and am familiar with the summer heat. For breathability, I don't recommend a moby which is what I have, it's only useable in AC or the winter, cool spells. We had a fall/winter baby last time and wore DS1 around mainly the first 6 months and after that he just got too heavy and it was too hot. I plan on doing so again with LO2 but I'll be only going to areas with AC. If we're outside my preference is to use a stroller so we both stay cooler.

ConstanceGoodspeed · October 2016

I use a K'tan for the newborn weeks and an Ergo after that. Does anyone have a toddler sized Tula? It is tentatively on my Christmas list.

cafedisco · October 2016

I agree with a ring sling for newborn days.

Otherwise, I honestly think you won't know until baby is here and you see what your needs are. I got carriers when I was pregnant and was trying to accommodate DH and myself....I should have just waited, IMO. I would definitely recommend shopping used if you can so you don't feel badly about changing your mind later.

Also, I don't know anyone who babywears on a regular basis and only has 1 carrier...be warned!

twistsandturnsto2 · October 2016

@cafedisco I managed to wear DS with just an ergo, but that's only because I hated the ring sling I made and was too chicken to try a wrap. He was also such a chunk I didn't wear him much after he could sit in a shopping cart.

I am really interested in trying a wrap this time around but I have no idea where to start.

Cook3133 · October 2016

I've used those cheap crotch hanger carriers and they got the job done but weren't that comfy. I have a moby wrap that is great at first. With my 4th kid I invested in a Tula, I also got a used ergo, but being on the bigger side I LOVE my Tula!! I have a canvas standard, a mesh standard, and a toddler! I tandom wear often with no worries. You can wear on the front or back. I now own 4 carriers plus my moby!

I am thinking of a ring sling for the new baby or maybe just the insert for the Tula. I am not a fan of wrapping, it's not convinient enough for me out and about. One thing I learned with canvas and woven carriers is they are actually better used and broken in. I have joined a ton of Tula bst FB pages and we even have a local group. It's a fun baby wearing community. I have gotten to know a ton of wonderful women and they even have play dates! You can search locally to find baby wearing libraries where you can try out different types of carriers. I learned about Tula through my last bump group

Wear all the babies!!!

allybadry · October 2016

I used a k'tan with DS when he was small and loved it. We have an Infantino but I don't like it so much (it doesn't fit me too well so I don't get much lumbar support and DS is getting heavy), but DH loves it. I picked out an ergo for this new little peanut. I can't speak much to heat... DS was late summer so most of my baby wearing was fall/winter/spring. DH carried DS for most of our summer outings.

herewegrow · October 2016

I use a K'tan for when they're still tiny and a Lillebaby Complete with the mesh panel that zips up/down when they're more stable. I'm looking into a toddler carrier soon!

SnarkasaurusRex · October 2016

I used a K'tan when DS was smaller. I was able to nurse in it as well. I tried the ring sling and he hated it, and I never felt like I had him in securely enough in the woven wraps, so I liked that the K'tan was more structured but still versatile. When he got bigger I switch the the Ergo 360...we like to hike a lot so backpack mode was one of DS's favorites! We've since invested in one of the fancy baby backpacks for hiking (I can't remember which one) that let him see a lot higher up.

With this one, I plan to babywear A LOT. I'm sure I will have my hands full with a toddler and a newborn.

Also, look to see if there are any babywearing groups in your area...a lot of them will let you come to meetings and try different ones out so you can get a feel for them before spending the money on them.

schef070911 · October 2016

You ladies are so awesome... and now I'm going to spend most of my time at work today Googling all these wraps/slings because I haven't heard of many of them!! I'll look into babywearing groups in my city as well because I'd love to try some of these out before registering/buying. Much mama love

M&Max · October 2016

We used an Ergo with DS - mainly because I felt so much more comfortable having the buckles, etc to make sure I knew he was secure. I live in GA and DS was born in August - it was hot. This time around I'm definitely trying a Solly Baby wrap. I have a friend that has one and she raves about it being great. We're really looking for options that will work for DH to carry the baby as well. He's a tall guy and most of the carriers just didn't fit well.

Definitely head to your local baby store and try them on before buying (assuming they sell the ones you're interested in). I know BuyBuyBaby always has ones out that you can try on.

MrsBakes · October 2016

I love my Ergo. I got the lighter one, not sure if it was called active or sport or something , but it was a lighter material. I've never tried a wrap so not sure if that would be any cooler. I think you'll be hot no matter what having a tiny human body stuck on you

I loved the Ergo because it was so easy on my back, I felt DD was really secure in there and you can use it for a very long time. I would carry DD around until she was about 3 when we would go hiking etc and she was too tired. It was also very easy to use and ergonomically correct for the baby, too. You can't wear your baby facing forward but that's also not recommended as it's not a natural position for baby's hips the way they are pushed out when a baby is facing forward.

jennielynn+ · October 2016

Also, live in the South. Had: Boba Wrap ~40$ and Baby Bjorn ~60$ I recommend both.
Want: Tula Woven Wrap ~120$+ and Boba Air Carrier ~100$ I should mention that my husband and I are thinner framed. I think it does make a difference because the larger carriers were not comfortable for me. I don't have a long torso either so, that might be why I preferred the wrap for so long.

1-I bought the boba wrap for my 1st because it is so cheap and it was magical once I learned to nurse in it. Sitting on the couch during cluster feeds was making me nuts. I would wear a tank top so, it didn't make me hot. Boba washes well and was great for my 6lb nb up to infant. I have since passed it on to a friend and her baby. I agree the wovens might support an older baby or toddler easier. I'm going woven this go round.

2-Husband received the Baby Bjorn as a gift and I let him wear her in it exclusively. I thought it could be special for the two of them. Sure enough at 22 months she grabs it and asks him to wear her sometimes. So cute! Its lighter with less padding than ergo or tula. Also, I thought it had more structure when my daughter was in it vs. the bulkier carriers. It has a flap you can adjust to their height. I have to say though that my husband is over 6ft tall so, it might have just looked that way.

3-This go round, we have a ton of baby stuff from the 1st so, I want to splurge on a woven tula wrap. They are over 100$ so, very pricey as far as wovens go. They truly last during all growth spurts though and well into toddler if you needed to back carry as well.

4-I'm also going to invest in the Boba Air. It is parachute type material and super light. Perfect for the Southern Summer. Also, the heavier your baby gets the less weight you want your actual wrap or carrier to weigh. Common sense. I looked and you can back carry with the boba air up to toddler size.

lovelongdog06 · October 2016

Ahh babywearing, a wonderful slippery slope! I have pretty much at least one of everything, or I've owned it at some point. A local babywearing international chapter is amazing. You can try on all the carriers or even borrow them as a member (I pay $30 a year for the privilege). Soft structured carriers like Ergo are like jeans...everyone likes a different style and fit. Trying them all helps you decide which one to invest in. Ring slings can be great for the newborn phase, as can stretchy or woven wraps. Around 3-4 months I get into SSCs and a nice soft wrap conversion mei tai is a personal favorite for all ages and stages. Good luck and have fun shopping! Included for your amusement, a pic of my first real attempt at a woven wrap with my 2 week old DS. Embrace the learning curve!

ashleym112 · October 2016

lovelongdog06 said:

Ahh babywearing, a wonderful slippery slope! I have pretty much at least one of everything, or I've owned it at some point. A local babywearing international chapter is amazing. You can try on all the carriers or even borrow them as a member (I pay $30 a year for the privilege). Soft structured carriers like Ergo are like jeans...everyone likes a different style and fit. Trying them all helps you decide which one to invest in. Ring slings can be great for the newborn phase, as can stretchy or woven wraps. Around 3-4 months I get into SSCs and a nice soft wrap conversion mei tai is a personal favorite for all ages and stages. Good luck and have fun shopping! Included for your amusement, a pic of my first real attempt at a woven wrap with my 2 week old DS. Embrace the learning curve!

^totally agree. I haven't gone to a meeting yet, but I follow the FB page for the local one in my area, and the info is still invaluable. I plan on going to a meeting to learn more about wraps. You can also join local baby wearing swap groups too, I'm in 2 and the budget one only allows sales for $100 or less which is nice. We had a Moby with DS, and agree with everyone that it was hot and got hard to use when he got bigger. I bought a Tula about 6mo ago and I love it, DS loves being in it! I'm going to get the infant insert before this LO is born so we can use it with that one. But I'd also like a woven wrap too.

Moms who like the woven wraps, where do you go finding yours? I'd love to get a Tula one but other options would be good too.

chelle087 · October 2016

With DS I preferred a wrap when he was really little (mostly used a moby because that is what was passed along to me from a friend). I thought it was super easy after watching a video or two on YouTube. Once he was big enough, I carried him in an ergo carrier. I actually still do if we go on long hikes or hikes with lots of climbing and he will be 3 in less than a month.

MWoodside · October 2016

I'm not trying to be negative or single anyone out, but Bjorns are absolutely not ergonomic for baby. It's a crotch dangler. Any carrier that is safe and a good fit for baby- be it a soft structured carrier, ring sling or wrap- needs an actual seat position where the knees are higher than the bum.

MWoodside · October 2016

Here are some links explaining why:

https://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/prevention/baby-carriers-seats-and-other-equipment/

https://m.babygearlab.com/a/11099/Best-Practice-Tips-for-Baby-Wearing

cafedisco · October 2016

@lovelongdog06 I didn't want to overwhelm anyone but my wrap converted mei tei is my favorite thing! I tried wrapping and it wasn't for me (although I think if I had one already broke in, it would be a different story), a nice, soft, silky mei tei is such a good middle ground

jennielynn+ · October 2016

@mwoodside I respectfully disagree. We were very careful and followed all instructions being very cautious of hip position. It has a very easy to adjust bottom flap where the crotch is so, no dangle. Simply, pull it tight before use. She was always well seated on her bum and mostly in the face to face position.

I totally agree, crotch dangle can be serious. You have to watch out for hip position, especially when wearing for long periods. That goes for any carrier. The links you posted are a great visual for proper seating! I hope everyone takes a peek.

Also to add, I really do prefer to wrap a newborn. Personally, I have much more control over seat position and air flow to the face. Plus, it has the added bonus of breastfeeding while doing house stuff with two hands.

lovelongdog06 · October 2016

@cafedisco I am totally a mei tai girl! I love my Fly Tai and I'll be looking for a girly one if we end up with a girl this time. I actually get a lot of good use out of my cheapie Infantino mei tai too because it's easy to cram in a bag. Last night my husband had a marching competition (band teacher) and we walked around so much I was glad I had it when little legs got tired or couldn't keep up. I always recommend them to the babywearing curious on a budget because they're so easy and cheap to get! I have some wraps but I don't do a ton of wrapping for lack of patience. I prefer them for newbies though.

Regarding the conversation on narrow based carriers aka "crotch danglers", you'll find in the US babywearing community and organizations the consensus is that they are not usually the most long lived or comfortable choices, but the official stance is that they are not harmful UNLESS pre-existing hip conditions exist. I don't personally choose to wear one, but if a mom gets into babywearing with a Bjorn, I'm not out to judge her.

lovelongdog06 · October 2016

ConstanceGoodspeed said:

I use a K'tan for the newborn weeks and an Ergo after that. Does anyone have a toddler sized Tula? It is tentatively on my Christmas list.

I don't have a toddler Tula, but I do have a toddler Beco and prefer it to Tula. The seat is better, the straps are nicely padded, and it has a nice little bag, PLUS it's cheaper because they often have sales. We use it a bunch!

cafedisco · October 2016

@lovelongdog06 I eyed the Fly Tai FOREVER. Do you love it? I may need a 2nd one (I have a diva milano....it's amazing).

lovelongdog06 · October 2016

cafedisco said:

@lovelongdog06 I eyed the Fly Tai FOREVER. Do you love it? I may need a 2nd one (I have a diva milano....it's amazing).

Yes I love the Fly Tai and apparently so does everyone else. They have a baby and toddler size now and seem to be churning out colors and patterns. It's ridiculously soft and the padded waistband and shoulders are great!

doozenberg · October 2016

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Those of you who love the ergo, how did you find it in the summer months? Did baby get really hot and sweaty?
I looked and saw that the ergo 360 now has a air vented model so just wondering if it's worth the extra cost.

MWoodside · October 2016

The ergo is thick so it was very hot in the summer. Plus mine was black. The infant insert is also very thick as well. I found the ergo lasted around a year and then my child was no longer knee-to-knee in it so I needed something different for toddler time.

doozenberg · October 2016

@MWoodside thanks for the info. It does look pretty hot! Maybe the air vented one would be better.

Limie · October 2016

I have a chimparoo trek and absolutely love it! it's a woven ssc and it's so comfy and doesn't get as hot as canvas. I'm also in the south and baby wearing in general is going to get warm no matter what but the right carrier does help.

lovelongdog06 · October 2016

Kinderpack, Tula, Lillebaby, and Ergo all offer a vented mesh carrier. I like my Kinderpack.

ladameperdue · October 2016

Can any experienced baby wearers chime in on the difference between the Lillebaby and similar Tulas? They look so similar but Tulas can get crazy expensive. Is the price difference worth it?

Cook3133 · October 2016

ladameperdue said:

Can any experienced baby wearers chime in on the difference between the Lillebaby and similar Tulas? They look so similar but Tulas can get crazy expensive. Is the price difference worth it?

From what I have been told there are a lot of variables the go into it. For instance I am 6ft and at the moment heavier than I would like to be. My first carrier was an ergo and it was great! I then found a Tula I loved and when I put it on I fell in love! I've heard Tulas are really good for "bigger" gals. It's such a personal choice it's always best to try them both out before you invest. One thing with Tula is they hold they're value pretty dang well!

MWoodside · October 2016

The pricey Tulas are wrap conversions. The standard canvass tulas are the less expensive ones. A wrap conversions tula uses a woven wrap to make the Tula from. So the cost includes factors in the price of the woven wrap and the cost of converting it into a tula. Then the market value prices get crazy. our Tula that DH uses a grey canvas one with the infant insert.

clover28 · October 2016

I'm more of a wrap person than a SSC, but I do have a Tula and an Ergo. I really dislike mei tais but I have lots of babywearing friends who swear by them. My favorite wrap is my didymos aurora, second favorite is my Tula tensil wrap... its soo soft.

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