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March 2020 Moms
kagesstarshroom
member
Product Spotlight: Baby Carriers
kagesstarshroom
member
Our Product Spotlight Series continues! Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product. If you discover something new or are new to the board, you're welcome to comment on threads like these throughout your time here, not just when it's their week in the spotlight.
FTMs are encouraged to ask questions & STM/+s encouraged to share their knowledge based on experience. You can use any or all the prompts relevant to you below to share info in an easy-to-read format--or none of them. Pictures/screen grabs, if put in spoilers, are welcome! This week we're talking.... Baby Carriers!
For S+TMs:
FTMs are encouraged to ask questions & STM/+s encouraged to share their knowledge based on experience. You can use any or all the prompts relevant to you below to share info in an easy-to-read format--or none of them. Pictures/screen grabs, if put in spoilers, are welcome! This week we're talking.... Baby Carriers!
For S+TMs:
- Favorite baby carrier (brand &/or type)
- 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:
- Carrier(s) you're interested in:
- Link/picture:
- Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
- Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:
Big thanks to all who participate in these threads!
To view the upcoming PSS schedule, based off of S19's, see here: March 2020 PSS Spreadsheet!
Up next week: strollers!
To view the upcoming PSS schedule, based off of S19's, see here: March 2020 PSS Spreadsheet!
Up next week: strollers!
Re: Product Spotlight: Baby Carriers
I bought a Sakura linen ring sling second hand, but never got the hang of it with a wiggly, older baby. Will probably attempt again cos I know a lot of parents like them. $200 new. I spent $80 maybe? https://sakurabloom.com/collections/shop-all/ring-sling
Since she outgrew the Solly, we’ve primarily used the basic model of the ergo baby (not the 360), which has also been great, though at 16 months she is too heavy for it to be very comfortable. Since she became mobile (crawling), we really only wore her when hiking or something similar. $120, but I found it for 75 or so around christmas.
https://ergobaby.com/baby-carrier/original-collection/original-pearl-grey
Considering the more heavy duty osprey carrier for hiking. But so far we just do simple, easy hikes with her and let her run around in the woods. $290
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/poco-ag-plus-POCOPLUS.html?sku=10000121&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=fy18_us_ecomm_shopping_google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=smart
In general, I recommmed choosing any given carrier with your partner, since you’ll want both of you to be using it.
Price wise, you can get most of them pretty affordably, especially in BST. Though a new handwoven wrap, especially if you have input in the design with the weaver, gets very expensive (though I did really enjoy the experience of designing my own wrap.)
Stretchy wraps like the K'Tan or the Moby will only really be useful for tiny baby stage. Once baby gains some weight, it is better to go with a less stretchy material - my favorites being 100% cotton and cotton/Tencel blends as they don't really take much if any breaking in and are soft after a wash. I especially like ring slings for the first year because they are quick up and down and fold up small for taking out of the house. Wraps and structured carriers are better if you want to wear an older baby/toddler since you can distribute the weight on both shoulders instead of just one with the ring sling.
I've found that DH is willing to do ring slings and structured carriers with the kids too, since they are the simplest to learn to wear, so that's also a bonus.
Some pics of the different carriers I have owned or tried (many many unpictured....
DS2 10/2017
DS3 due 03/2020
We also have a Lillebaby. My husband and I both loved wearing it. I loved that with the infant adjustment, we could put her in it from day 1. We were drawn to the fact that it says it can carry a child “up to four years old” (we laugh at this now that we have a 3 year old. No way would I wear her now). It’s light, versatile, breathes well, and easy to put on! It’s a little pricy, but less than some other soft structured carriers. I think we paid $120 for it new.
When DD was 5 or 6 months, I got a ring sling. It’s Sakura Bloom. I really love it for easy ups with a bigger babe (6-9 months). But there’s definitely a learning curve and I couldn’t wear her that way for super long. After 30-40 minutes I’d be constantly adjusting it.
Older Baby: Had and loved the Ergo as it goes on very easily, and was very convenient for outings while chasing a toddler and letting the baby actually see what’s going on.
We have an Ergo 360 which we love and still use often with our 16 month old. Both DH and I can easily take it on and off and switch between the two of us.
We also have a Deuter hiking pack which I got used. It's an essential for hiking IMO because it distributes the weight better and I feel safer with the weight on my back as opposed to the front. I've tried DD on my back in the Ergo and am not a big fan.
I’m deciding if I want to try anything new for the new baby. I’d love to wrap and have a wrapsody breeze but never got the hang of it with DS. He was super wiggly by the time I tried.
Soft structure carriers are by far the easiest imo but they aren’t one size fits all. I preferred Ergo to the Lillebaby bc it fit me better (but unfortunately doesn’t have a toddler version) however my SIL who has a longer torso and is probably a size medium where I’m a small preferred the Lillebaby. I know other people who swear by Tula but I haven’t tried one personally. I’d check out a local babywearing group where you can try different carriers and sometimes even rent them before you buy bc SSC aren’t the cheapest.
edited bc mobile turned my post into one paragraph
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
As for ssc, after that I used Tulas and the Ergobaby Omni 360. I really liked the patterns the Tulas came in, but I thought the Omni was much more comfortable for everyone. Me, my husband and my son.
I do very much enjoy handwoven wraps though, because they can be used at any age, and they're wearable art. Plus I weave, so I'll be making my own wraps for this pregnancy soon.
DS loves it, I love it. The k’tan is 8 billion times easier than other wraps. You just need to read the instructions or watch youtube and practice and then it’s easy.
if you want the easiest carrier ever, get the nesting days carrier. But it’s $88 (whereas k’tan is like $60). The nesting days carrier is only for newborns though and the k’tan goes up to 35 lbs. I don’t have one but our friend does and loves it. I didn’t wanna pay that much when the k’tan works already.
DH wears DS in the ergo 360. We like it okay. Does the job. Def sturdier than a wrap.
i’ve heard good things about Tulas for more structured carriers.
I have a wildbird ring sling. I will switch that more when DS is heavier. I had to watch a youtube to figure it out. Don’t love it, but when dS outgrows the k’tan, I think it’s what i’ll need to do.
But k’tan all the way!
Married: 8/22/15
BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18
BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
For this baby we will definitely use the Lillebaby carrier. I would also like to get a ring sling for a less structured feel. I originally wanted a Tula and have heard great things about them. But now DD is too big and heavy for it so unless I find one on a great deal we will stick with the Lillebaby.
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
I have older models of both of them, and they both have their pros and cons. Although, I think the newer versions of the carriers have remedied a lot of the issues that I had with either of them. But, just for info: the older model of the Lillebaby has great lumbar support, but seemed to rub DS's legs when facing outward. The Ergo 360 seemed more comfortable for DS, but the lumbar support was lacking. Again, I think both of these issues are fixed in the newer versions.
DS didn't like to be worn until about 3 months, and even then he preferred to face out. It's not recommended to face them out until at least 6 months, and even then you have to make sure they're in hip-friendly positions (no crotch-dangling carriers). Both the Lillebaby and Ergo 360 are hip-friendly carriers when using the out-facing position. Having said that, DS demanded to be either constantly bounced on a yoga ball, or constantly worn while I walked/cleaned/danced (i.e. moved in any way, shape, or form) from roughly 3-6 months. Needless to say, he was a high-needs infant. The good thing was that, as long as I was moving, I could wear him for hours and he'd be happy. I continued to wear him quite a bit until about 12 months when he discovered that having freedom was more fun.
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20
@kailanae - Those sling ring wraps are so beautiful
@EmilyLove25 - Same, I have high wrapping expectations, but who knows how I'll actually be
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The first wrap that I've looked at on my own is this one
- Beluga Baby
- https://belugababy.com/
- $64.95 + shipping = $68.95 (They also have a buy/sell/trade group)
- Has anyone heard or used this one?
What I've read/like so far:- Made from bamboo material
- Wear newborn to 25 pounds
- Easy transition to nursing position, and back up without having to re-tie.
- Small business - Momma created, and is active on social media (listens and interacts)
I will probably create a spreadsheet with everyone's recommendations for wraps/carriers, just so I can compare. Already I see that it's similar to the K'tan, and the K'tan holds up to 35 pounds....EDD: 3/19/20
Married: 8/22/15
BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18
BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
I’m really enjoying reading all your examples because it’s helping me think about what likely makes sense with our lifestyle....but it seems like a big risk to spend so much on something I could end up hating. Is there any way to like, try different carriers out to help narrow down which ones we might like? I’m thinking friends with babies already could be a resource but otherwise not sure if this is even an option!
but still good practice to see which ones seem easier to use. Buy buy baby won’t have everything though.
Married: 8/22/15
BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18
BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
With baby carriers I’ve found if it’s really cheap, there’s probably a reason. Good ones cost!
I used a k’tan with DD and liked it well enough, but I didn’t wear her that often. I picture myself wearing this baby a lot more often as i will be following DD around at the park, zoo etc and won’t want baby far away in a stroller.
I kept my k’tan (i have the standard and the breezy) but got rid of my ergo 360 which I’m now thinking was a mistake.
My main issue with the Ergo was back pain once DD got bigger, so I’m thinking of maybe a Lillebaby if this baby likes to be worn.
Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
Boba wrap - stretchy, self tie, like the Moby. I loved this for when he was tiny. With the self tie, you can get the baby really secure and close to you. After about 3 months, my son felt too heavy in this and it hurt my shoulders carrying him, but it was definitely my favorite option when tiny.
Baby Bjorn original - from 3 -6 months this was my favorite option, it's easy and quick to get on an d to get baby in and it's very comfortable until the baby gets heavier. I felt like my son was too enclosed and covered in the ergobaby at this age.
Ergobaby 360 - my favorite overall carrier but I think it's better suited from 5 or 6 months plus. Once my son could face outwards in the ergo, he was so happy. He loved going on long walks in it, and until he got to about a year I found it easy to carry him in it and more convenient often than taking a stroller.
I do think think it's trial and error finding one you really like. I only bought the wrap initially, and then after trying various types of carriers through friends and baby wearing groups, I figured out what I liked. I
I would still like to try the Lillebaby carrier, which is one I never got to try. But I also feel pretty happy with my collection as is.
Also if you aren't registering for a carrier, you can always look second hand - I got two in great condition for a third of the original price that way.
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20