April 2017 Moms

Carriers/Baby Bjorns/Slings etc.

If this conversation has been started else where, please don't hesitate to direct me to it.  I went back a few pages and didn't see it, but hey, I'm pregnant, I could have missed it. 

For first time moms, what have you been reading/thinking for a carrier? For STM+, what did you use last time? Will you use the same? 

We used a baby bjorn, it worked just fine for DD (although I know a lot of baby wearing mamas feel they are ergonomically the best), but I'm thinking I need to explore other options this time around.  Additionally, DH is very tall and I'm of normal height, so there is almost a foot between us. Adjusting straps every time we want to wear the baby is a pain, so having two would be beneficial as well. 

Let me know your thoughts! 
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Re: Carriers/Baby Bjorns/Slings etc.

  • We did discuss it but it was a loooooong time ago and I don't think there's a problem with bringing it up again - I'll try to find the link later if I have a slow moment at work so you can see the feedback there as well.

    I'm a FTM and I've acquired a collection of carriers thus far - most secondhand - it's actually on my to-do list for the weekend to look at all of them, try on with a stuffed animal and make sure I know how they work.  So I have a used baby K'tan (I don't know what size) for me when LO is a newborn, DH has a used Baby Bjorn that I don't plan on using but he perceives as "manly" because his guy friends use them with their infants, and I also got a Moby wrap from a friend but I'm not sure if I'll use that one right away because it's really thick flannel-like fabric and I live in the South.  Haha.

    THEN we registered for and received a Lillebaby all seasons (which appealed to me because of the mesh, again because it's darn hot here).  That one is for both DH and myself when LO is a little older, but who knows if it'll actually work out that way because we have a height difference of almost 10 inches and I don't know how difficult it is to adjust yet.

    I'm not sure how helpful that is as a FTM who has no experience with any of the carriers I just mentioned, but basically I'm planning on experimenting and figuring out what LO likes best.  I found the K'tan and Baby Bjorn at a consignment shop and I think they cost $20 together, so at that price I thought they were worth a try. :)
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  • LimieLimie member
    edited January 2017
    I started out with a baby Bjorn.  I think for newborns they are fine but as baby gets bigger it's uncomfortable for baby and mom.   
    I always heard great things about tula but then you have to have an infant insert and the carrier cost so much to begin with,  adding more to that was not something I was willing to do.  I went to my local baby store and tried on a tula, a beco,and a chimparoo trek and ended up going with the chimparoo trek.  It's an affordable woven soft structured carrier that's so comfortable!  Plus it has a built in infant seat so there is nothing extra to buy.   
    There are a ton of options though!  You should look up if you have a local baby wearing group.  That way you can try on different kinds.  
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  • @schef070911 - so helpful!! And I will agree, DH always liked the bjorn and felt it was masculine. 

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  • I just ordered a Hip Baby wrap that I plan to use along with a k'tan while babe is small, then switch over to our Ergo around 6 months or so. DH and I are both short, so I don't have any advice on that part. :( 
    BFP 9/13/2020 with Baby #3 <3  
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  • And just for the record... narrow based carriers do NOT cause hip dysplasia. They can only make a case of hip dysplasia that already exists worse. 

    Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula
    DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer 
    Married: October 8, 2011
    DD1: September 24, 2013
    BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
    DD2: April 16, 2017
    BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
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  • I had an Ergo with DS once he was old enough to use it (which was almost immediately because he was a big boy at birth--10 pounds.I also used a Moby wrap when he was a NB because I had a 20 month old who needed a lot of attention.

    This time around we ordered a Lillebaby carrier (All Seasons because here in MD we get all the weather and temperatures) and a baby K'tan. I still have the Ergo and Moby. DH likes the Ergo and I suppose it looks more manly because it's sort of a dark khaki color. I know I will be wearing this baby all the time because I have a 3 and 5 year old. I might invest in a ring sling, but DH questions my need for so many carriers...

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    DD: 6/20/11
    DS: 2/23/13
    EDD: 4/15/17 

  • I'm getting a Lillebaby. I got a Moby at my shower, and I think I'm going to get a ring sling too. I get super hot, so I'll probably wear baby in the Moby or ring sling for April/May and not wear her during the summer much, then break out the Lillebaby in the fall. 
    DD #1: April 2017
    DD #2: May 2020
    Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022

  • I'm planning on baby wearing DS. I'm a noob (FTM) but have a moby wrap and a 360 Ergo with vents (both bought second hand). I really, really want a woven wrap, but I think I should wait until baby is here as they are expensive. My area has a baby wear group and they offer a 101 course for free every month. So I'm going to hit that up next month and try on some of the gear. 

    MMC @ 10w March 2016
    Cautiously expecting April 5, 2017

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  • And just for the record... narrow based carriers do NOT cause hip dysplasia. They can only make a case of hip dysplasia that already exists worse. 

    Actually, they can. Bjorns put infant legs in the unadvisable position described in the second paragraph. This is from the link I posted above, which is from hipdysplasia.org:

    After birth, it takes several months for the joints to stretch out naturally. Babies that have been in the breech (bottom first) position may need even more time to stretch out naturally. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. During the first few months of life the ball is more likely to be loose within the socket because babies are naturally flexible and because the edges of the socket are made of soft cartilage like the cartilage in the ear. If the hips are forced into a stretched-out position too early, the ball is at risk of permanently deforming the edges of the cup shaped socket (hip dysplasia) or gradually slipping out of the socket altogether (hip dislocation). Hip dysplasia or dislocation in babies is not painful so this may go undetected until walking age and may also result in painful arthritis during adulthood. The risk of hip dysplasia or dislocation is greatest in the first few months of life. By six months of age, most babies have nearly doubled in size, the hips are more developed and the ligaments are stronger, so are less susceptible to developing hip dysplasia.

    The most unhealthy position for the hips during infancy is when the legs are held in extension with the hips and knees straight and the legs brought together, which is the opposite of the fetal position. The risk to the hips is greater when this unhealthy position is maintained for a long time. Healthy hip positioning avoids positions that may cause or contribute to development of hip dysplasia or dislocation. The healthiest position for the hips is for the hips to fall or spread (naturally) apart to the side, with the thighs supported and the hips and knees bent. This position has been called the jockey position, straddle position, frog position, spread-squat position or human position. Free movement of the hips without forcing them together promotes natural hip development.


    I am not trying to be preachy here. I have just seen babies require surgery or long-term use of a large brace and if there is a way that could have been potentially prevented then I feel like it's important to share that. Will some babies get hip dysplasia regardless? Of course. But certain carriers can cause and contribute. And there are so many other alternative options that place the babies hips/legs in a safe and recommended position so why not just use one of those?

    DD1 born 5/24/10.

    Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.

    DD2 born 5/14/13.

    Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.

    Expecting someone new 4/17/17.
  • @MWoodside Totally your right to say anything. I just have never heard a Certified Babywearing Educator agree that it causes hip dysplasia, just makes it worse for babies already prone to that. 
    This seems to be the consensus from everything out there:

    "There are very limited studies on the matter, and although it is suggested that they may contribute to triggering hip dysplasia, particularly if your child is at high risk for developing it, they do not cause it. While it is more ideal (and comfortable) to wear your child in a more ergonomically friendly carrier, we do not consider narrow-based carriers to be dangerous"

    I have not seen the article that you posted above though. I think it is just a judgement call. 

    Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula
    DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer 
    Married: October 8, 2011
    DD1: September 24, 2013
    BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
    DD2: April 16, 2017
    BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
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  • I'll post it it here again, but tmrw (Saturday) at noon, LilleBaby is having a sale on select styles for 24 hours. I was originally looking at getting an All Seasons LilleBaby for the mesh part (100+ degree summers here!), and if I can get one that I like for an amazing price I will probably get it and possibly return or sell the Ergo (unopened yet). 
    Uhmmmm... @KristinH88 I can't decide if I should thank you or be sad that I've discovered LilleBaby...... My wallet is sad but my fashion sense is thankful!!! Any more info on the sale and which ones are included? 
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  • @KirstinH88

    I didn't wear DD until she was a few months old. I did wear my newborn nephew in a ring sling a ton last year, but I don't have any pictures on my computer. Here is an example I found on the web though. 
    I prefer a ring sling made with a woven wrap. I usually get mine used from the Facebook swaps. There are som super cheap ring slings out there, but in experience it is worth it to pay a little more because the woven wrap conversions are a million times more comfy. 

    Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula
    DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer 
    Married: October 8, 2011
    DD1: September 24, 2013
    BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
    DD2: April 16, 2017
    BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
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  • I really REALLY want to baby wear so I'm brushing up on all the youtube wrapping videos for twins.  What I don't know is what really are the best wraps for twin wearing.  
    TTC Numero uno since 01/13
    Me 31, DH 32, Married 08/08
    02/13/15-HSG-All Clear
    07/25/15-50mg Clomid CD3-7+IUI #1 cd14-3 Follicles; SA 21Mill- BFN
    08/19/15-25mg Clomid CD3-7+IUI #2 cd15-just ovulated, SA 42Mill- BFN
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    ER 02/05-20 Retrieved - 11 Matured, 9 Fertilized, ET 2/10 (1 Transferred, 4 Frz) - BFP 2/19, M/C-3/5-Trisomy 16
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    06/21/16-IVF #2-BCP CD3-23, Lupron 10IU CD18-CD2, 5IU-CD13, Gonal-F 225IU CD3-13, hCG 5000IU,
    ER 07/14-14 Retrieved,11 Matured, 10 Fertilized, ET 07/19 (2 Transferred, 6 Frz), BFP 7/28, 8/16 U/S-TWINS! 
    Due Date - April 6, 2017  UPDATED March 23, 2017
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  • @kcasset I haven't heard about which styles or actual offers they are doing the discount on. Not sure if we have any CO people on here, but apparently their warehouse is in CO and they are doing a huge in person sale that day too. So if you are in CO (and near the warehouse), it might be worth it to check it out in person (although, it might be crazy with tons of people).

    @mrsstuessy Thanks for the picture. Is it unsafe to babywear (either in the ring sling or Ergo) at such a young age? Or is it basically if you have them positioned correctly, that you can babywear at any age?
    Me: 29 DH: 33
    Married: 5/30/2013
    DSS #1: 5/25/2007
    DSS #2: 1/22/2011
    DS #3: 7/8/2012
    BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
    DS #4: 4/21/17
  • It is safe to use the ring sling at any age. You just want to make sure their back is supported in the C shape. And make sure their neck is supported. In a ring sling you can take the end and twist it and then stick it behind their head sort of like a neck support thing you wear in the car. :) An Ergo is ok with the infant support thing you buy separately. 

    Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula
    DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer 
    Married: October 8, 2011
    DD1: September 24, 2013
    BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
    DD2: April 16, 2017
    BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
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  • I used a moby with DS when he was little and am Ergo when he was a bit bigger. I plan to do the same this time. It was way easier than dealing with a stroller.

    I never adjusted the straps on the ergo for DH, so I would just wear him. We will probably end up doing the same this time around.
  • @lovelongdog06 Are they difficult to use? As I said above, the Moby was too complicated for me and I gave up. Off to YouTube I go!  ;)
    Me: 29 DH: 33
    Married: 5/30/2013
    DSS #1: 5/25/2007
    DSS #2: 1/22/2011
    DS #3: 7/8/2012
    BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
    DS #4: 4/21/17
  • @lovelongdog06 Are they difficult to use? As I said above, the Moby was too complicated for me and I gave up. Off to YouTube I go!  ;)
    I didn't get my ring sling until DD was older (1.5? 2?) but I found the learning curve MUCH easier than with other carriers.  I was really intimidated by them but it's my favorite.  I can't carry her now so much with my bump, but before I was still using my RS when she was 3 for quick ups at the store or around the house.  

    I got a used wrap converted one and I'm so glad I did - it's soooo buttery soft and I think that makes it easier to use.  

    Just because it hasn't come up - for any slings or wraps, they will likely need to get broken in.  I didn't fully understand this and bought a wrap new with DD.  I couldn't get it to wrap and I gave up.  Only later did I learn that the problem was probably just that it wasn't broken in. You can skip that step entirely if you buy used but that can be daunting as well. 
    Me: 31
    DH: 36
    Married 5 years
    DD born 8/30/13
    #2 expected 4/25/17
  • For those of you that use ring slings, which brands do you prefer? My mom likes to sew and has offered to make me one, but I'm just curious if there really is a brand that's better than the others or if it just comes down to the fabric.
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  • @cafedisco @SnarkasaurusRex Thanks!! I'll go take a look :)
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  • Okay babywearing experts...what is the best for large mamas and dads (300 lb)?  I bought a Moby wrap from a friend and plan to try that out as I know there is lots of fabric.  We can't afford a Tula right now, and not even sure it would fit comfortably?  I live in Fl where summers feel like 9568549060 degrees so something light would be great.  Obviously most important is the fit and safety for my little man.
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  • @KirstinH88 I totally used a stuffed animal from childhood when I was practicing with my carriers... I should've taken pics!!
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  • @Nolegirl1185, I was looking up which carriers have waist extenders and I found this:

    https://plussizebirth.com/babywearing-for-the-plus-size-mom/

    DD1 born 5/24/10.

    Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.

    DD2 born 5/14/13.

    Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.

    Expecting someone new 4/17/17.
  • I went to Motherhood Maternity yesterday and got a welcoming package of giftcards/coupons. One was for a Seven Sling.  Has anyone used this one?  
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