Product Spotlight: Baby Carriers

bserena · May 2020

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions about, S+TMs to share their prior experience with, and everyone to share what they're eyeing in the world of maternity, baby and postpartum products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week we're discussing [ITEM]!

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 navigate and respond to.

For S+TMs:

Individual (e.g., lifestyle) factors that might influence your choice:
Favorite baby carrier:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like and don't like about it:
Is there a baby carrier you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a baby carrier you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on baby carriers?:

For FTMs:

Baby carrier you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions for S+TMs?:

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bserena · May 2020

Baby carrier you're interested in: I like the idea of baby wearing and so far I like the Boba Wrap for when baby is smaller and then the Lillie baby for when he/she is bigger.
Link/picture:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/4f/l72xskyt5nhv.jpg

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): The boba wrap is $, the Lillie Baby is $$$
Any questions for S+TMs?: Have any of you used either carrier? Or something similar that you would recommend?

kitkatz1990 · May 2020

I am definitely going to follow this thread!! I never did baby wearing with my other two but I really want to this time!! I think with three kids to keep up with, having one strapped to you and hands free just sounds so convenient, lol! The only time I used a baby carrier was when my daughter was about 10 months and I had to fly with her by myself across the country. It completely saved my life on that trip but it was a cheap shitty one and hurt my back so I’m looking into better options this time.

jaclyn0405 · May 2020

@bserena I am obsessed with our Lille Baby! We were able to use it from a young age. I tried to wrap/sling wear early, but I never quite got the hang of our Baby K'tan. I am looking at a Solly, Tuck and Bundle and the Konny Baby for wrap wearing this time around.

lurvleybunchococonuts · May 2020

Happy baby carriers are hands down the best thing ever once LO is able to control their head! Also, love love love my ring sling! I'd have been lost without those two. I still use the HBC with my almost 18mo although we need to look into a toddler carrier for her soon. She's outgrown the ring sling but it was my favorite to toss in the diaper bag and have on hand when we were out and about or even hanging out around home and she wanted ups but I had things to get done.

I had bought 2nd hand two infantino carriers before DD was born and HATED them both. Do yourself a favor and get a good carrier. Your back (and sanity) will thank you!

I'm interested in a stretchy wrap this time for newborn stage, I was reading that you can tandem front carrier twins in a stretchy wrap but have 0 experience with them. Thoughts from anyone who has used them?

csardaszz · May 2020

I like the idea of baby wearing. The other day I found this:
https://www.lalabu.com/soothe-shirt

A shirt with a pouch for baby, so you can channel your inner kangaroo! Thinking about getting one and hoping to be gifted a sling for when the shirt’s in the laundry and when baby gets bigger.

mimser · May 2020

For FTMs:

Baby carrier you're interested in: Ergobaby Original
Link/picture:

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $120
Any questions for S+TMs?: Are the sling type carriers better to use for newborns? This one is from 4 month up

lurvleybunchococonuts · May 2020

@csardaszz that shirt looks really interesting, my only worry about it though is if it's hip healthy. I would be extremely careful with something that isn't recognized as "hip healthy" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. It's a really cool concept though!

laurenmicheley · May 2020

I am planning on getting a Solly baby wrap. Not sure about a carrier, but my husband got targeted by one on instagram (he is HIGHLY susceptible to IG ads) that lets you wear baby on your shoulders and now he's fixed on getting that. 🤷🏼‍♀️

kelk5 · May 2020

Individual (e.g., lifestyle) factors that might influence your choice: wear around the house or outside, duration you will be wearing it, and temperature where you'll be wearing it.
Favorite baby carrier:. I love my Lillebaby complete airflow! Kea baby wrap/sling is okay but not as comfortable in my experience. For toddler we have the osprey backpack carrier and that is great for hiking or travel to places a stroller wouldn't work.
Link/picture:.
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Lillebaby was on sale for $109 when we added it to our registry and we bought it with gift cards; kea baby was $30 on Amazon and for the cost is a good alternative, osprey AG Poco was $250 and worth it for hiking and travel.
What you like and don't like about it:
Lillebaby: I personally love the structure and that it can easily be adjusted to go between my husband and myself. The back pad helped my back and we've used it from 7lbs to 28lb toddler. The fit is a bit off for my husband's broad shoulders but works. It has a piece that you can clip up to support their head when they are napping. And there is a handy dandy pocket that fits my phone, wallet, keys, grocery list, and snacks for toddler. Very hands free and easy to move around! Honestly, there isn't anything I don't like about it.
Kea baby: it's a wrap and you can wear it as a sling. I like that it was cheap. It took more practice but I never felt my baby was as secure as he was in the Lillebaby. We bought it to use when flying. My husband was using the Lillebaby for the toddler and I needed something for the baby. I didn't like that the fabric would drag on the floor when I was putting it on, dirty airport floor after security 🤢. There was no pocket to carry things. It was very soft and comfortable but baby got hot and sweaty. Also, it kept sliding together and not staying spread out over my shoulders so it was digging into my shoulders and hurt. It didn't work well for having a jacket over it or needing to move around.
Is there a baby carrier you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a baby carrier you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on baby carriers?: If possible try on different carriers before buying to see what you like. There are local baby wearing groups and some baby stores will let you try on. This may not be possible due to current pandemic. Check out Facebook market place, let go, and Craigslist for deals.
Be prepared that your baby may hate being worn. My oldest hated it until she was over 6 months and facing out. When she was a baby she preferred to be cradled not held up. My youngest loved it from day one, he loved being held upright. It's great to be able to wear a baby while running around with an older child or to cook dinner (just be careful to protect them from splatters).
Make sure you spend time learning how to adjust it to get it to fit you correctly, very important for comfort. There are lots of helpful YouTube videos, watch them and practice before you want to start using it.

hedgepig · May 2020

@lurvleybunchococonuts Tell me more about Happy Baby carriers! I've seen some hype, but I wasn't sure it was legit/not paid sponsors. I have a Tula and lovelovelove it, but if I have to get another carrier, I am open to looking around

hedgepig · May 2020

@csardaszz @lurvleybunchococonuts For soft stretchy carriers I HIGHLY recommend the Nesting Days carrier. I adored mine for the first few months. It's very easy to use, which I appreciated, being a nervous ftm, very comfortable for him and me. I liked that I could just wear it around town doing chores - get out of the car, tuck him in and go. It also kept him safe from germs and kisses and touches. It's designed to be supportive of the post partum belly, as well as c-section incisions.
Re: hip safety - his legs just tucked up in an M position against me like a little frog, until he was big enough and it was safe to stick out the legs holes.
ETA: it's also designed for skin to skin and breastfeeding (although I never really mastered that part). I also see they have a Dad version now too. It is a bit pricey for something that you only use for a short amount of time, but for me it was my treat to myself and worth every penny. I have also loaned it to two other moms, and am now going to use it for baby #2.
https://www.nestingdays.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwncT1BRDhARIsAOQF9Lmb_8M0FS72Ep31pyErJquIYDOWM4W51pnM4aHKK8qwOJWXMpD52t0aAoHAEALw_wcB

windywoman · May 2020

If anyone is interested in a Lillebaby they are having an open box sale all month long. They have some for $67.50.

krystrist2014 · May 2020

STM here

Individual (e.g., lifestyle) factors that might influence your choice: I’m plus size, so some of the cheaper versions of carriers weren’t gonna work for me.
Favorite baby carrier: LOVE carriers of all types really! With DD I had a Moby for the newborn to 5 months. I also had a ring sling and a Lillebaby.
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I made these purchases 5 years ago, so pricing may have changed. I bought the Moby on Amazon for around $45. I purchased the ring sling on Etsy for $40. And my Lillebaby I purchase second hand (it was like new!) for $85 - seriously the best purchase I made as a new mom!!!
What you like and don't like about it: I love ALL my carriers! The Moby was excellent for the newborn phase. DD was relatively small and I think I used the Moby until she was about 9 months. Once baby starts to get bigger, the Moby doesn’t give as much support for mom or baby. I loved the ring sling for a kind of hip carry when DD was between 5 months and 1 year. It was nice because once she had better head control she could look at her surrounding more in this carrier. I would say the ring sling is not as comfortable so I used it more for shorter grocery store trips and things like that. Definitely never for like air travel. The Lillebaby was definitely my absolute favorite for ages 9 months to 2.5 years. It is very comfortable!
Is there a baby carrier you don't have but are considering? Why?: Considering a Tula because I have so many mom friends that have Tulas and love them! My problem is I fell in love with a discontinued print! 😭 Also considering getting one more for MH because I just came across this site called tactical baby gear and they have great reviews.
Is there a baby carrier you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I had originally purchased a cheap Infantino carrier before DD was born but as soon as it arrived in the mail I could tell it wasn’t going to fit me well.
Additional thoughts on baby carriers?: I would put a good baby carrier in the top 3 best things you can purchase as a new parent!

krystrist2014 · May 2020

@bserena I am obsessed with my Lillebaby carrier and can’t wait to break it out again! I also had a Moby which is very very similar to the Boba and I loved it so much for the newborn to 5 month ages.

jaclyn0405 · May 2020

@hedgepig that wrap looks amazing! I have never heard of the company, but that looks awesome!

hedgepig · May 2020

@jaclyn0405 I heard about it through Lucie's List (which is an amazing resource for baby gear), and at least when I bought it there was a $5 off promo code that you could get through Lucie's List as well (looks like there still is!).

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.lucieslist.com/guides/best-infant-toddler-baby-carriers/infant-carriers/?amp

magdaaaa · May 2020

LILLEBABY ALL DAY.

thats all I have to say about that. It can not be beat from birth - toddler!

lurvleybunchococonuts · May 2020

ETA: spelling/grammar cause I do good at typing
@hedgepig Neat, I'll have to look into that shirt! I wonder if you're able to carry twins in it or just a singleton.

Why I love my HBC Warning: long winded and I could probably continue on about it

(in spoiler)

I love my HBC because it is so light, breathable, supportive yet super comfy, and incredibly simple to use. I went strawberry picking on July 4th when DD was 7mo with it. Not gonna lie, it was hot as hell outside that day, but it wasn't unbearable. I'm pretty confident any other carrier would have been unbearably warm. Plus side, even my carrier illiterate husband uses it. It's literally two buckles (waist and chest) and 4 straps for adjustment (shoulders, waist, chest). They are very adjustable so essentially anyone can use if from petite to plus sized. They come with a removable sun shade and have a good sized pocket in the panel to accommodate it which I always use to hold onto my phone and ID/debit card. Mine is actually a pretty old model that I got 2nd hand. There are newer models (the revolution) and the original now include cinching at the waist to accommodate itty bitties. They're made out of linen which adds to the lightness and breath-ability. They get super floppy, soft, and more comfortable the more you use it. They're not overly padded so they can be folded down to fit into a diaper bag fairly well (although I still prefer the ring sling to just toss in my bag unless we're going on a hike or will be carrying for long periods of time). They are a bit on the expensive side, but they hold onto their value so you can pretty easily resell. With the original carriers you can front carry (belly to belly) or back carry. The revolution you can also front carry with baby facing outward. They've recently started making onbuhimo carriers also and they have a toddler carrier which is like the original HBC but with larger panels and weight limits. I'm not one to have 80 billion carriers, but they do have a lot of very pretty colors and designs (if that's your thing), mine is just a basic neutral grey (shadow). Also, you put it on apron style and you want the waist band kind of under your boobs/above your belly so that you make a deep pocket for LO to sit in, so even while pregnant you can comfortably carry with it.

ETA x2: I also love that it's a small company - the owners (Beth & Brad) openly talk to customers on their FB page. Their customer service is amazing - even with people buying 2nd hand carriers they'll provide fit checks and guidance. Plus I *believe* (I could be wrong and it might just be the happy baby wraps, and not the carriers too) but all their sewing is done by work from home moms in the US. It's just a great company that makes a great product.

jaclyn0405 · May 2020

@hedgepig I loooove Luxor’s List, but I guess I never looked at the baby wearing section ha! Thank you!

ETA Lucie’s* apparently my phone wants me to go back to Vegas 🤣🤣

dumbledoredies · May 2020

@bserena the boba wrap is what I used with DS. I didnt baby carry him a ton but I liked the boba wrap because it was relatively easy to put together and it was comfortable to wear! But the ends were always insanely long on me and I had to wrap quite a few times for it to not drag and get in the way.

Apparently I need to start a registry so I can start saving ideas. I didnt baby carry a ton with DS but I plan on carrying this baby all the time since I'll need my hands free to handle the toddler. Also will plan on baby carrying in the stores if possible due to the virus so nasty people dont try and touch my baby in the carseat!

acdc1109 · May 2020

Individual (e.g., lifestyle) factors that might influence your choice: I wanted a carrier that wasn't huge so we could take it with us multiple places (instead of a stroller) and one that I could use for a long time.

Favorite baby carrier: Tula!

Link/picture: babytula.com

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I think they're around $150.

What you like and don't like about it: I got mine when I was pregnant with DS1 and they hadn't started to make the free-to-grow carriers yet so I needed to buy an infant insert. That was kinda annoying, but they sold them through target and I used a gift card so it wasn't too bad. If I had a choice now I would invest in the free-to-grow which goes from 7-45 lbs without the use of an insert. I mentioned this to DH the other day and he was like "we don't need another carrier" so I guess I'll be sticking with ol' reliable this time too! I love that you can front or back carry with it and I actually used it to carry DS1 a few months ago even though he was 3.5 and about 40 lbs, it still worked great and my back didn't even hurt!

Is there a baby carrier you don't have but are considering? Why?: Well I was considering the Tula free-to-grow but apparently I don't need another carrier...I don't actually disagree but they have a cow pattern and I LOVE it so much!

Is there a baby carrier you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Nope!

Additional thoughts on baby carriers? I also got a baby k'tan for when DS2 was born and I needed to be hands-free for DS1. I liked it and used it quite a bit, but that only lasted until DS2 was like 4-5 months old. At that point he felt too big for it and I switched to my tula instead.

laurenmicheley · May 2020

Anybody have any knowledge about WildBird slings? I keep getting their ads and they are very nice looking, plus look a lot easier to get the hang of, but I'm concerned that they are not as supportive as a wrap and don't know if how well rated they are.

hedgepig · May 2020

@lurvleybunchococonuts Sold! I think I am about convinced. You had the original baby carrier?

Anyone ever used a onbuhimo style carrier? Just curious what your experience was like.

Also, anyone used the Tula toddler carrier? Does it make that much of a difference? DS is 2 and about 30 lbs, and still rides just fine in our free to grow Tula. I don't know if/when it would be a help to consider a toddler carrier, and dang, they're expensive!

name1109 · May 2020

STM thoughts

I have strong opinions on baby-wearing but honestly it comes down to you. I have hated the slings and the moby wrap type things. For me...I’m a mess post baby. The last thing I want to deal with are feet And feet of fabric that make me feel anything but put together. DH really liked the moby wrap. I immediately donated it.

I’ve tried the Ergo and it KILLED my back. My opinion is once all this COVID stuff is over (hopefully by the time our babes are born things will have died down some!), go find a local baby wearing chapter (I’ve found them to be on Facebook) and try on the loaner library. Your own physical make up has a lot to do (IMHO) with what works for you.

Individual (e.g., lifestyle) factors that might influence your choice: I think whether it’s an investment or not for you. We’ve lived in areas where space is a premium. So there have been times where we’re at dinner where I have the baby passed out on my front and the toddler asleep on DH’s back.
Favorite baby carrier: Tula
Link/picture: https://babytula.com/
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): pricey. I currently have a used baby one with a mesh front (that in retrospect barely helps with heat IMHO) and a Toddler one.
What you like and don't like about it: For infants you have to be above 8(?) lbs and it also requires (the last time I checked) an infant insert.
Is there a baby carrier you don't have but are considering? Why?: probably not at this point. The Tula has been a go to for the last two kiddos.
Is there a baby carrier you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Ergo, moby wrap, and slings. (See above)
Additional thoughts on baby carriers?: Having the ability to put baby as they get older on my back makes making dinner so much easier.

hedgepig · May 2020

@name1109 How is the Tula toddler carrier? Is it worth having on top of a regular Tula?

name1109 · May 2020

@hedgepig I was adamant about not getting a toddler Tula but as #2 grew she was no longer making an “M” while being carried...her bottom and legs were becoming more of a straight line. I was worried it was putting undue stress on her legs. Baby #3 came along and we got a toddler one. The width is just that much more such that she fit correctly and the cloth over her back went up her back further. There were times when out and about I would need to secure a child as one was trying to run away while another was upset at something like the grass not being green enough. Having the extra back material helped prevent her from throwing herself off my back. We have fiery, independent ladies 🤣❤️🥰. I give #2 tons of credit for her dedication to her causes 🥰😍❤️💞. But it makes for some pretty amazing temper tantrums. So bottom line...for me yes. It’s been extremely helpful. We use the carriers ALOT or did when we lived in Japan. Sometimes it’s just easier to carry a carrier vs lugging a stroller but that’s personal preference IMHO.

lurvleybunchococonuts · May 2020

@hedgepig yes, I have an older original style carrier (and definitely need to get a toddler version soon). I actually used it last night with DD while I was cooking dinner. I should have taken a picture 🤦🏻 I've never used an onbuhimo, but I've heard they take a different set of muscles to carry so start slowly and build up time using it incrementally. That style seems very hit or miss. Some people love them, some people hate em.

Re: Tula toddler: (something you might have looked into already) but any chance of being able to find one 2nd hand? You could try checking out a few babywearing BST (buy, sell, trade) pages on FB?

MH back carrying DD and walking with SD on our last hike before covid shut everything down

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/d1/c5flavcxhh0n.jpg

hedgepig · May 2020

@name1109 How old was YD #3/how much did she weigh when you transitioned to the toddler carrier? Thanks for the recommendation!
@lurvleybunchococonuts We don't have any local baby wearing groups (we're super rural), but I have been keeping an eye on ebay for both a Happy Baby Carrier and Toddler Tula.

name1109 · May 2020

@hedgepig I can’t remember exactly but nominally at 1 yr old our kids are right under 20lbs (17-20#), at 2 yrs old they’re still usually in the 20s trending towards 30. My 4 yr old now is probably mid to high 30 lbs. The 7 yr old is around 50lbs. ...we don’t have a scale in the house...#2 was 19 months when baby #3 came along. Mainly as I look back the toddler carrier became DH’s. I would occasionally carry #2 as well.

krystrist2014 · May 2020

Update: I found the discontinued Tula I wanted, new with tags!, for only $100!!! I bought it! So excited! I’ve wanted it since I had DD 5 years ago but I couldn’t afford it back then. I had been searching for a couple months now and since it had been discontinued I had only seen ones in “Good” condition being sold for even more than the original retail ($156 originally I think and I was seeing them listed for $170+). Pic in spoiler.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/6w/9arvck986bkd.png

ksd20 · May 2020

STM and love baby wearing. I have a boba wrap, cheap mesh ring sling, Wildbird ring sling, and Lillebaby SSC. My ILs also bought a hiking toddler carrier because they watch DS and like to go on long walks.

Each served a purpose, i used the boba most in the newborn stage but I didn't get the Wildbird RS until he was older, I think I'll use it more early on now too.

The boba was a quick learn to wrap although getting a good seat took practice. It was great to wear seated very comfortable (church, restaurant). The ring sling is harder to learn but once you do it's super quick on and off, so great for in and out of the car. I also really like the hip carry when they're a little older.

The quality of the wildbird is fantastic. I got mine end of season sale because I'm cheap like that. Ring slings in my other BMB seem to be either you love them or hate them

The mesh ring sling was nice for the summer and water environments.

The lillebaby was used a lot by DH and my FIL. I honestly think I'm a little short through my torso so it wasn't the most comfortable but better for longer walks or target shopping when I needed more support.

I was able to breastfeed in all 3 types but it took some practice.

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