My daughter was not a big fan of carriers but we did really like the Ergobaby 360 on the rare occasion we got to use it! We're planning on using it again this time.
I use the baby k'tan breeze, and am very happy with it. It's easier than a traditional wrap, but still gives you a closer, cuddlier feel than a traditional carrier. And it's very versatile, used it when he was a newborn, and still sometimes use it now that he's one to support his weight when I do a hip hold.
I absolutely loved my k'tan, although I had the original one and it got very warm when I was carrying my June baby. I'm probably going to buy the breeze this time around and keep my original as a backup. It really is just so easy to use, and I loved that it felt almost fool-proof for my sleepy, new mom brain.
I love the beluga baby wrap. It's a dream and doesn't get hot like the Moby. I'm also all about tula carriers over ergos. I plan on getting a good woven wrap this time around as well.
I used the k'tan when DS was itty bitty. H loves the Lillebaby but it doesn't feel good to me. I also loved the Wild Bird ring sling once DS could hold his head up. I'll practice it more this time since I think it could be good for itty babies as well.
Ooooo, one of my favorite topics!!!! For little squishes, I loved my Solly Baby Wrap! For squishes and a bit bigger, I have a great Girasol Ring Sling that was super comfy. Once they're a bit older, I'm a huge fan of the Tula, especially for a back carry!
@gusgus14 I have a ergobaby 360 cool air and I love it.
My baby used it from about 5 months and since covid, will only fall asleep in a carrier. With my new baby I'm hoping to use a semielastic wrap that I got with my son, but I found it pretty uncomfortable outside. So I may look for a woven hot climate alternative.
I used the ergo a lot last time. I didn’t use the moby much. I wanted to love the Lille baby but we tried it in store and all she did was cry so we didn’t get one.
TTC #1 since August 2015 BFP #1 January 28, 2016
EDD October 3, 2016 Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016 My Chart
TTC #2 Since August 2020 BFP #2 September 11, 2020 EDD May 23, 2021
I will say for the Lillebaby, that’s the only one still in use at 2yrs. H will use it sometimes around the house when DS wants to be involved in chores or baking.
I had a k’tan that was well-liked for naps for maybe a span of like 2 months. I used the Lillebaby also, but never loved it because it was so bulky. I want to try a ring sling this time because they look easier to nurse in, and I never really figured out nursing in public with my daughter!
Sigh. I have yet to find a baby carrier that doesn’t hurt my shoulders and neck. But I do like the organic wrap I got off of Amazon. I actually got it for the baby I take care of, so it will come in handy!
I’m still going to check these ones out that you guys are recommending though!
With our first child, in 2006, we got a babyBjorn. It was the worst. I hated it so much. Whatever you get, don’t get that!
I didn't use baby carriers a lot with my first because she was so active and because she was my only, I could usually just hold her. I used the k'tan breeze when she was smaller and when she got older, I got a Lillebaby (don't remember the term but also the mesh one - I'm always hot) on sale and was always disappointed I didn't get to use it more. I'm hoping to carry a lot more with #2.
Question for STMs, do I need both a shaped baby carrier and a wrap/sling one?
I’d say yes. We used them differently. I like the sling for quick runs into the store. H likes the shaped carrier for walks and calming the baby while doing chores.
@mimser it depends on what your preferences and plans for baby wearing are. I know people who own several of each type, and have different circumstances where they use each one. I have never owned a structure carrier, and don't plan too. I think they look heavy and awkward, and are too expensive. But I know people who love them. I also tried a straight wrap (the Moby) and could never quite get the hang of it. But I love my Baby K'Tan, and used to use it all the time. Like so many things in parenthood there is no right answer. I will tell you that before I bought the Moby someone told me I should try and see if I could borrow one to try it out, before I spent the money, and I regret not listening to that piece of advise.
@mrosek91 I just looked up the Baby K'tan and had I heard about it before I may have used it more. The moby was harder to get set up and i wasn't comfortable using it in public because the ends would hit the ground while getting it on. I might get a Baby K'tan this time. However I didn't find the ergo too cumbersome. My sister found one for me at dirt cheap and maybe paid $20 for it and we loved it! especially for an older baby. I think the baby K'tan would be really nice for a tiny baby
TTC #1 since August 2015 BFP #1 January 28, 2016
EDD October 3, 2016 Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016 My Chart
TTC #2 Since August 2020 BFP #2 September 11, 2020 EDD May 23, 2021
@mimser The ring sling and the cloth wraps are great for newborns. Most of the formed carriers need a newborn insert.
I have way too many. I started with a cloth carrier but eventually moved to a ergobaby and sometimes the mei tai. What you may find is that husbands or partners usually are less patient. Mine will not use the cloth wrap but uses one of those hipseat carriers, he won't even use the ergobaby.
There are some places where you can swap carriers or rent them. Carrier communities. I'm sure Toronto has a good community to join if you're not sure what you want yet.
Glad there's a thread for baby carriers! I have a Solly wrap but I could never bring myself to use it. It made me too nervous because I felt like I wasn't securing it well enough. But I love the idea of baby wearing and specifically the type of closeness that comes with the Solly wrap.
Re: Product Spotlight: Baby Carriers!
I plan on getting a good woven wrap this time around as well.
H loves the Lillebaby but it doesn't feel good to me.
I also loved the Wild Bird ring sling once DS could hold his head up. I'll practice it more this time since I think it could be good for itty babies as well.
*Rainbow 8/2015*
*Expected Rainbows 12/2018*
*Loss of Twin 5/2018*
My baby used it from about 5 months and since covid, will only fall asleep in a carrier. With my new baby I'm hoping to use a semielastic wrap that I got with my son, but I found it pretty uncomfortable outside. So I may look for a woven hot climate alternative.
You guys seem pretty informed. I found this website helped me sort through some of the contradicting options for ergonomic carriers.
https://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/baby-wearing/
BFP #1 January 28, 2016
Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016
My Chart
BFP #2 September 11, 2020
EDD May 23, 2021
BFP #1 January 28, 2016
Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016
My Chart
BFP #2 September 11, 2020
EDD May 23, 2021
I know people who own several of each type, and have different circumstances where they use each one.
I have never owned a structure carrier, and don't plan too. I think they look heavy and awkward, and are too expensive. But I know people who love them.
I also tried a straight wrap (the Moby) and could never quite get the hang of it.
But I love my Baby K'Tan, and used to use it all the time.
Like so many things in parenthood there is no right answer.
I will tell you that before I bought the Moby someone told me I should try and see if I could borrow one to try it out, before I spent the money, and I regret not listening to that piece of advise.
BFP #1 January 28, 2016
Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016
My Chart
BFP #2 September 11, 2020
EDD May 23, 2021
I have way too many. I started with a cloth carrier but eventually moved to a ergobaby and sometimes the mei tai. What you may find is that husbands or partners usually are less patient. Mine will not use the cloth wrap but uses one of those hipseat carriers, he won't even use the ergobaby.
There are some places where you can swap carriers or rent them. Carrier communities. I'm sure Toronto has a good community to join if you're not sure what you want yet.