Product Spotlight: Baby Carriers (USE THIS THREAD)

okayestmom12 · July 2018

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... baby carriers! Ring slings, wraps, you name it.

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.

For S+TMs:

Favorite [baby carrier]:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like about it:
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [baby carrier] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [baby carriers]:

For FTMs:

[Carrier(s)] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past product spotlights, add suggestions for future spotlights see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NZB2b3JaDWH7WnSQ0ZZMP4cMmKjUHFjlPanVeDTuzPY/edit?usp=sharing

Please feel free to add in suggestions at the bottom if there is anything you want to discuss... if you can't edit the spreadsheet, tag me below or shoot me a message.

(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)

okayestmom12 · July 2018

Like my obsession w/ Strollers, I've bought & sold many baby carriers in the past 6+ years of being a mom.

Favorite [baby carrier]: I really like a Ring Sling for the early days and then a soft structured carrier for when baby is bigger.
What you like about it: I love the ease of nursing in a RS and how they just pop on. With the SSC, it's pretty foolproof with buckling everything and plopping the baby in.
Is there a [baby carrier] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I'm digging the WildBird RS and will probably go that route. I've heard great things about Lilebaby carriers so I might grab one of those too. I've owned Ergos, Tulas, Becos, Bobas... I'm not brand loyal (Clearly )

lokibear89 · July 2018

Any recommendations for a carrier that would be good for mum and dad even if there is quite a big difference in size?

conchispita · July 2018

@lokibear89 you and DH might want your own. I like wraps/ring slings, my husband prefers more structure (like the ergo). Having your own also helps in the sense that you don’t have to resize it all the time.

conchispita · July 2018

I’ve had a moby, a wildbird sling, and an infantino carrier.

Moby wrap ($40) - this one was my first and worked ok, but I was not a fan. I’m short, so it drug on the floor when putting it on, which is a problem if you go out. Also felt like it hugged me in all the wrong places, and I was pretty lumpy PP. Lastly, it got really hot in there. The material is thick, and even in the winter my daughter would be sweaty when I pulled her out.

Infantino Carrier (not expensive) We got this one as a gift. I hate adjusting straps so I didn’t use this one, but my husband liked it so it became his. This type of carrier is better for when they are older and want to be forward facing.

Wildbird sling (65-120): I got this when DD was older. I found it was easier to use than the Moby and breathed better. She got less sweaty in the summer with the sling than with the moby in the winter. I’m waiting for them to go on sale at the end of the season to buy another one.

allthingsgo · July 2018

I had a Solly wrap I got for a great price off eBay which I loved. So much less fabric than the moby and way more breathable. Plus a lot easier to use imo. I will be using it again.

I tried a generic ring sling (which was gifted to me) but found it really hard to use. Is the wild bird ring sling easier than a normal one?

kayjay44 · July 2018

Wildbird ring sling and a Tula. RS works great when they are little. Tula is great when they are older. Even DH can use them.

@allthingsgo - I find that once you have it threaded correctly, it’s super easy to use. You tube videos are super helpful.

smm1118 · July 2018

I have a moby wrap, Tula ssc and lillebaby ssc. I liked the wrap when DS was really little. I’m on the taller side and plus sized so I didn’t have too much of an issue with the extra fabric. I liked the Tula enough but I tended to use the lillebaby more because I used it when we would be out for a while and I liked that it had more pockets and it had a head support thing for if he would fall asleep.

I really want to get a ring sling for this next one. I think I will babywear a lot more with this baby because I’ll also be chasing after a toddler as well. I took a look at the wildbird site yesterday and really liked their stuff. Does anyone have any other suggestions on RS brands that they’ve liked?

madreofdragons · July 2018

I started with a Maya wrap ring sling when she was tiny and used my Tula for every other time. I absolutely love my Tula. I’d like to add that they’re great for the plus size ladies as well. At my heaviest I was a size 20 and I still had slack on the waist strap.

susykat77 · July 2018

Moby for newborn days. Lillebaby has great lumbar support. I like ring slings too. I have something similar to a k’tan and that’s nice because it’s easy but I liked it once she as more stable. I’ve used the lillebaby the most though especially when hiking or on longer walks.

icehockeylady · July 2018

I love moby style wraps for when they are little. I did not have the heat problem and didn’t like when ends touched the ground when we were out but just went with it / tried to re-wrap in cleanish space.

After ~4 mo I used ergo/Tula.

I still use the Tula with my 2 year old and occasionally with my 4 year old when he asks. He weighs 35 lbs so it’s a little ridiculous but if it gets him to be contained for a bit of time and I can get something done (like walking through an airport), I call it a win.

denma2015 · July 2018

Love my LilleBaby! I like that it doesn’t require newborn insert. Still use it all the time with my 2.5yo son. Super comfortable to hike with when their little legs get tired

BourbonBiscuits · July 2018

We had one of the backpack style ones (idk the brand, it was inexpensive, from target) and rarely used it with our first. I think the only time anyone used it was at a baseball game - and only my husband used it. I think he felt like Zach Galifianakis in The Hangover when he wore it (in a good way). I anticipate wearing #2 more since I’ll be chasing after a 2 year old, so I’ll definitely have to revisit this thread since I have literally no idea where to start

ksd20 · September 2018

Lillebaby all seasons are 30% off this weekend (fall30 coupon code) do I get it myself or cross my fingers I get it for my baby shower...

madreofdragons · September 2018

I’m volunteering at a consignment sale in a couple of weeks for a free Tula or Lillebaby. 6 hours is worth it to me.

allthingsgo · September 2018

@madreofdragons that sounds like a sweet deal

okayestmom12 · September 2018

@ksdelong20 - I'd wait! I've actually seem them on deeper discount (maybe Black Friday? I can't remember.)

sjnsjnsjn · September 2018

@ksdelong20- I hope you get it as a gift! As a mom, now I allllways either get that or a nursing pillow if either are on a registry, because they were both essential daily needs for me.

lifeislove87 · September 2018

Favorite [baby carrier]: I love the ktan for the early days, when they are older I like the ergo or the Tula (my husband loves the ergo the most
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I bought everything new but I know you can get them all second hand, I just waited for good sales (Black Friday) I also bought one for my sister in law
What you like about it: I did everything babywearing, helped me be able to cook, clean and grocery shop easily.
What you don't like about it, if anything: I literally love everything about baby wearing

wifemomme · October 2018

My husband is quite a bit bigger than me and the only carrier that we found that we can both use is a Mei Tai. The first one we had was the cheap one you can get at Target for like $25. It worked just fine, and I didn't really have any problems with it, but then I found a wrap conversion that I fell in love with and it is divine. DH really spoiled me with that one because it was over $400. The only downside to a mei tai is it is not great for quick ups and downs. A buckle carrier like a tula or ergo are so much better when you are running errands or something and will be taking baby in and out a couple times.

danixbanani24 · October 2018

I didn’t baby wear a ton with DS but I had the moby and used it a lot when he was very small but mostly in the house. I also had an ergo but never used it and sold it. I’m considering maybe a Tula this time around? We are going on a cruise when the babe in my belly is around 6 months old so I’m thinking it might come in handy...

bww_0331 · October 2018

I never I never wore DS but have a feeling I will need to with this one since I will be chasing DS around. I want something lightweight and easy to use. Also one that isn’t super expensive since I’m unsure on if I will like it. This thread has been helpful! I’m going to research Lillebaby, Tula, and Ergo

kayjay44 · October 2018

bww_0331 said:

I never I never wore DS but have a feeling I will need to with this one since I will be chasing DS around. I want something lightweight and easy to use. Also one that isn’t super expensive since I’m unsure on if I will like it. This thread has been helpful! I’m going to research Lillebaby, Tula, and Ergo

Get a ring sling for early on!

bww_0331 · October 2018

@kayjay44 I’ll definitely check into those as well!

cmjenkies · October 2018

Favorite carrier: This is really age specific, although I am fairly brand loyal to Tula. I prefer ring slings for tinies and then a good, ergonomic SSC for 4m-5m and on.

Cost: I’ve paid anywhere from 100-600 for a carrier in the past. RS on the lower end, HTF wrap conversion SSC on the higher end. I actually just bought another carrier today - a half buckle WC Tula that I’m really looking forward to because I like the mei tai style for customizing fit with the top straps but the convenience of the buckle waist. It was $270 ($50 off retail).

What I like about them: I like the fit and the styling options. I’m a much bigger fan of full wrap conversion SSCs vs half’s/canvas ones, but I really think that’s personal preference.

What don’t you like about them: How much they cost

Is there a carrier you don’t have but are considering?: Here’s what I currently have in house at this time - 1 ring sling, 2 full standard WC Tulas, 1 full toddler WC Tula, a standard canvas Tula, a half WC Tula (which is NIP and is either going to be sold or gifted), a Fidella FlyTai, and a size 7 Tula wrap (that I’ve never used) + the new WC half buckle Tula that’s en route. I have a lot to choose from. What I would like to try is an onbuhimo carrier, maybe more wraps, and a different brand of ring sling - considering a Wildbird.

Additional thoughts: I am passionate about babywearing and am also very much against forward facing babywearing. I will not buy structured carriers that allow this as a design option. Tula recently released one and it really irritates me because I don’t think it’s a good practice.

I actually wore my toddler in the toddler Tula for the first time in months tonight at a huge local street festival. I snapped the buckle above bump and it was really quite comfy. Here we are Tula-ing at the same festival last year!

cmjenkies · October 2018

ThePax89 · October 2018

I have two SSCs- an Ergo and a Tula. I prefer the Ergo. It is a more comfortable fit for me and easier to nurse in.

Two wraps- a moby. I LOVE it and used it a ton. I also have a mesh wrap ideal for hot days and pools. I love it as well. I used it in the summer with my infant while my toddler was playing at the splash pad.

A ktan- it’s fine. Not my favorite. Can’t adjust size.

ohsunnydays · October 2018

Hi friends, saw on IG that Lillebaby is 40% off. Good deal, or could I possibly get a deeper discount Black Fri?

wifemomme · October 2018

@ohsunnydays I don't follow the Lillebaby specifically, but 40% is a great discount. I would be really surprised if it ever got deeper than that.

ohsunnydays · October 2018

Thank you! I thought the same, but wasn’t sure.

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