Community› The Bump Month Clubs› March 2023 Moms
March 2023 Moms
New Discussion

Product Spotlight: Baby Carriers

miss_lynn9miss_lynn9 member
edited August 2022 in March 2023 Moms
Ok, it finally am able to post! 

Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product. Feel free to comment on threads like these throughout your time at the board, not just when they're in their week in the spotlight, if you discover something new OR are new to the board. This week it's.... Baby Carriers! 

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. Pictures/screen grabs, if put in spoilers, are welcome!

STMs:
What carriers did you love? 
     - what age/weight range? 
     - what scinario did you use them in? 
What carriers didn't you like and why?
Any other ones your looking at? 

FTMs:
What kind of carriers are you looking for? 
Any that you have your eye on and want feedback for? 

Next up: Strollers 
Report Reply to Post

Re: Product Spotlight: Baby Carriers

  • miss_lynn9miss_lynn9 member
    I've used three types of carriers. 

    1. Beluga baby wrap for the newborn little baby. It was a wrap and I LOVED it! It was so comfortable, easy to use and thin. Since baby was born in May, I wanted something that would be cool for the summer. I used it for walks and around the house when she wanted to be held but I had things to do. I also wanted a natural fiber one and this one is bamboo/cotton.

    2. BabyBjorn One for a soft shell carrier. I used this once she could hold her head up. I wore her at grocery stores, for walks, events, anywhere I could instead of the stroller. I like it, itia comfortable, easy to use, she seemed comfortable. It can be worn back or front. I wanted something that was a natural fiber. It is a bit bulky and thick but other than that good. 

    3. Ospray Poco Plus for hiking. This one is amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a hiking carrier (once baby can hold their head up). I'm 5"1' and it's too big for me. I did wear it anyway when she was <1 but H only wears it now and he loves it. She's 2 now and he still finds it very comfortable. Some of the reasons I chose it:
    - it's made to distribute weight well for the wearer
    - said to be very comfortable for baby/toddler
    - there are foot stirrups
    - there's a lot of packing space
    - the sun shade goes all on 4 sides, downside is baby can't see as well on the sides and it's harder to get them in pictures. But I'll take that over them getting hit with the sun. 
    - comes with a rain cover. 
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • disneybaby23disneybaby23 member
    I’m so glad you guys are sharing all these things. When it said carriers I was imagining a car seat. I hadn’t even considered carriers like these and now realizing duh I definitely will need these. 

    @miss_lynn9 so glad you mentioned height being a problem for one of the carriers. My husband and I are both very short (and short waited too) so we’ll have to watch for that. 

    All you STM+ moms on here rock!! Thanks for sharing. Time to expand the shopping list. 
    Report Reply
  • noxacanthusnoxacanthus member
    @heytallmama Is the Tula easy to adjust to people of different sizes? That was our main complaint about the carrier we tried with our first and why we eventually ended up tossing it in disgust. I am 5'2" and hubby is 6'3". 
    Report Reply
  • heytallmamaheytallmama member
    noxacanthus said:
    @heytallmama Is the Tula easy to adjust to people of different sizes? That was our main complaint about the carrier we tried with our first and why we eventually ended up tossing it in disgust. I am 5'2" and hubby is 6'3". 
    Ohh good question. I’m 5’10” and husband is 5’11” so we never really had that issue. My best friend used a Kinder-something or other which worked for her and her husband who are about a foot difference. 
    Report Reply
  • marebear15marebear15 member
    What carriers did you love?  I love my Baby K'tan! It has the feel of a wrap carrier, but the ease of a structured carrier to put on. 
         - what age/weight range?  I used it starting around 6 weeks, to about 6 months. Once they could sit on my hip easily, I didn't bother with the carrier.
         - what scenario did you use them in? Mostly for store shopping, and school pickup in the rain. It's hard to hold an infant, a toddler's hand, and an umbrella at the same time. 
    What carriers didn't you like and why? I had a cheap structured one that wasn't comfortable and didn't fit the baby well. It wasn't a brand structured carrier or anything.
    Any other ones your looking at? 
    Report Reply
  • miss_lynn9miss_lynn9 member
    @disneybaby23 there are hiking carriers made for woman or shorter people, the options are just slim unfortunately. The best thing is to go in person and try them on if that's possible. But I know that's not always an option. The Ospray was only available in the US when I bought it so I had no choice lol
    Report Reply
  • TortugaAzulTortugaAzul member
    Liking this thread! I’m thinking about skipping a big stroller (I never really used one) and going for quality carriers. 

    I had a moby warp and an ergo baby with my first two but I didn’t choose them, they were handmedowns. I liked them well enough but the moby was kinda hard to use and the ergo felt a little too structured. Plus we didn’t have an infant insert. 
    Report Reply
  • bbrahmbhattbbrahmbhatt member
    I used a moby wrap up until about 7ish months. I really like it; it seems intimidating but once you do it a few times it's actually pretty easy. I think the pros are that it is stretchy, it folds up nicely for storage/on the go, it's fully washable and it is great for those sleepy little bebe snuggles. Cons are that the material is thicker, so it is not as summer month friendly. Also, it can stretch out while you're wearing it if your babe is on the heavier side (I started noticing this once we hit about 15lbs). 

    We have a baby bjorn for our structured carrier. It has a built in infant option, then you can do outward or inward facing for older babies in a front carrier. You can also use it as a back carrier for older toddlers. We got the part mesh one so it is more breathable. It wipes off pretty easily, which is nice. I think it is easy to use, and there are videos and an instruction manual that tells you when to use which way to carry based on age and weight of your child.

    I loved using a carrier when DD was younger, but as she got older and wants to walk I actually prefer a stroller. I thought I was going to be way more into the carrier for longer, but as they get more squirmy and heavy I found I just didn't like having her in the carrier. My personal advice is to invest in a nice, high-end, light weight stroller that you can use for multiple kids. Trying to find the right wrap for you (I went through 3) can be pricey and I ended up using it a lot less than I thought I would. 
    Report Reply
  • muggsdmuggsd member
    We have a baby bjorn and I have a ring sling. I found the ring sling didn’t work for too long before it started digging into my shoulder. Baby bjorn has been through 3 kids and you would never know. I love that thing. 
    Report Reply
  • firecracker_mamafirecracker_mama member
    I love my lillebaby carriers. I know they get a bad reputation because they tried to sue other carrier companies for something quite dumb on their part but I had already fell in love with them before that. I'm plus size and they fit me. I prefer their serenity carriers to their 6-in-1 carriers because baby #1 was tall and that awkward middle ground of too long for the narrow seat and too short for the wide seat...their serenity has a middle seat! I also have a tula that can change seat positions (can't remember name, bought second hand). I like it but the widest seat was still pretty narrow when DS was 1.
    FTM
    July 4th
    Report Reply
  • TortugaAzulTortugaAzul member
    @nopegoat love the picture! Is that the Tula? 
    Report Reply
  • nopegoatnopegoat member
    @TortugaAzul yes! 
    Wife. Boy mom x6. Expecting #7. Wannabe homesteader.
    , 💙💙💙💙💙💙
    Report Reply
  • WishilivedinfloridaWishilivedinflorida member
    I really like the Solly wrap for the newborn squish stage through about 15 pounds. It’s lightweight and I found it easy to tie/wrap just fine. It balls up easily to go in your diaper bag. 

    I have a Wildbird ring sling that I liked but wish I used more. It was also portable and convenient for quick trips and when DD was fussy and wanted to be held. Not really for long trips and I really didn’t use it in the newborn stage. I might try this time. 

    I also have a Lillebaby all seasons that I absolutely hate. It’s hot even with the mesh panel open and both kids couldn’t get comfy. I have a small torso/build and the straps were still loose even tightened all the way. 

    I’m interested in maybe a Tula this time around but worried about the fit and $$$. I’m 5’6” so average height and pretty small up top/around the torso. Anyone have another suggestion for me for a soft structured carrier besides Tula if the Lille was too big?
    Report Reply
  • cheznetcheznet member
    I have/had ergo, baby Bjorn, and a moby wrap all hand me down. I did not like the ergo because it was really hard/awkward to put on and we actually had three so they could be adjusted for different bodies, but if you didn't, you'd have to change the adjustment for each different person.

    I used the Bjorn a LOT. I actually used it to put my son to sleep for a time and I could slip him out and put him down if I was lucky without him waking. Wouldn't recommend doing that cause it was bad for my back. 

    I used the Moby wrap I think exactly one time cause it was so dang hard for me to figure out correctly. He's also pretty big, so I thyit would have worked better with an itty bitty baby not my chonker.

    I also got one from a neighbor that I could put on my back, but he never liked being in it that way and always complained.


    Report Reply
  • mamahoschmamahosch member
    I loved the Baby K’tan for when my son was an infant. Easy to put on without having to wrap and he was super snug and secure in it!

    For more of a structured carrier I loved the Tula and the Lillebaby! The Lillebaby was great for different types of baby wearing and it helped keep us both cool when it was hot.
    Report Reply
  • burr1371burr1371 member
    @noxacanthus - We have a lille baby. I am 5'3 and H is 6'4. It works with both of us. I didn't like it on my front because I felt like it pulled funny but I love it now for a backpack carrier. 

    We used the moby wrap when #1 was littler (2-6 months) for witching hour. Once you know how to wrap it - it is super comfy. Used/still use a lille baby for large crowds or when not needing a stroller. I personally didn't like the carriers when #1 was littler - it just made me nervous. 

    I got a ring sling on Marketplace and am excited to use it for a little - to see how it compares.
    Report Reply
  • gravcassgravcass member
    I LOVED my moby. It certainly has a huge learning curve but once you get the hang of it it's so snug and comfy. My LO fell asleep in it every time. I love that it has options for infant carry and up. It was also very easy to pack and take places and I loved not having to deal with adjusting straps. 
    Report Reply
  • missmuisqmissmuisq member
    Sorry to ask this question late, but it's a carrier and stroller question!

    Just wondering if any of you had certain ideas for how/if you'd use a carrier or stroller or both out of the house in the early months and then life got in the way. Like, did any of you plan to only use a carrier for the early weeks or months but then find yourself preferring the stroller (feeling touched out or hot with baby, to allow partner/relatives to walk with baby more easily, your back took a beating with the weight of carrying, you realized it was more convenient to have a place to put baby down, etc.)? Or did anyone think they'd prefer strollers and then end up preferring carriers (stroller a PITA to lug around/pack in car, just loved having your baby right on you, so much better to have your hands free, etc.)? Or baby just hated one or the other? Just really curious to know how you struck a balance and any surprises or regret purchases/non-purchases.

    Thanks!

     
    Report Reply
  • miss_lynn9miss_lynn9 member
    edited September 2022
    @missmuisq I expected to use the stroller more for walks but ended up using the carrier more until she got too heavy. If it was too hot out then I would use the stroller. And my Stoller wasn't great in the winter so the carrier was so helpful. 

    Grocery shopping, it was so much easier to just throw her in the carrier if I only had to grab a couple of things. Also doing outdoor activities like the fall corn maze. 

    If I walked with other people I would use the stroller every time. 

    I don't regret the carrier's or stroller I bought. They all had their purpose and I used them all enough to justify buying them. 

    Hope that helps. 
    Report Reply
  • heytallmamaheytallmama member
    @missmuisq Good question! I think my preference toward the carrier was because I just hated how damn big the BOB was. My daughter also loved being in the carrier and I found it easier to walk our dog and being more hands free. 

    That said- I’m erring on a stroller again because having a spring/summer baby this time I’m more conscious of her getting hot in a carrier outside the house so for walks and stuff a stroller will prob be better. 
    Report Reply
  • heytallmamaheytallmama member
    Adding: I find there are clear uses for both and am planning on using both this time around, too. And pending on baby’s temperament for either can play a big part!
    Report Reply
  • firecracker_mamafirecracker_mama member
    missmuisq said:
    Sorry to ask this question late, but it's a carrier and stroller question!

    Just wondering if any of you had certain ideas for how/if you'd use a carrier or stroller or both out of the house in the early months and then life got in the way. Like, did any of you plan to only use a carrier for the early weeks or months but then find yourself preferring the stroller (feeling touched out or hot with baby, to allow partner/relatives to walk with baby more easily, your back took a beating with the weight of carrying, you realized it was more convenient to have a place to put baby down, etc.)? Or did anyone think they'd prefer strollers and then end up preferring carriers (stroller a PITA to lug around/pack in car, just loved having your baby right on you, so much better to have your hands free, etc.)? Or baby just hated one or the other? Just really curious to know how you struck a balance and any surprises or regret purchases/non-purchases.

    Thanks!

     
    I prefer them for different reasons. I fell.a few times while pregnant so I liked the stroller for stability purposes..I was so scared I was going to fall while baby wearing. Just wear tennis shoes/shoes that attach to your feet (avoid sandals/slides, etc) and you're doing good. I did like having a place to put baby down and put all the stuff I over packed in the stroller basket. 

    I like the carrier for keeping baby close/away from people but I struggled wearing for long periods because I wasn't that great at working around a baby on my front.  Bending over/squatting, bathroom, eating without spilling on baby, etc never came natural to me. 
    FTM
    July 4th
    Report Reply
  • nopegoatnopegoat member
    This is such a personal preference type thing. Personally I hate strollers. Most are bulky, hard to maneuver in most places I would need one, and for me it always made it harder to manage other kids because I had my hands full while pushing the stroller. I use a backpack to carry our stuff so the stroller really wasn't necessary to hold all the extras.

    It's also harder to make all my kids stop and stay put so I can take the baby out of the stroller to nurse. The carrier makes it so I can feed the baby on the go. 
    Wife. Boy mom x6. Expecting #7. Wannabe homesteader.
    , 💙💙💙💙💙💙
    Report Reply
  • WishilivedinfloridaWishilivedinflorida member
    Still looking at alternatives to my massive Lillebaby. 

    Anyone have any opinions about Tula vs. Beco Gemini? Both seem to be recommended for smaller framed moms and seem less bulky than the Lille. I definitely like the price tag of the Beco better and the option for outside facing. 
    Report Reply
  • marebear15marebear15 member
    @missmuisq - I used both a stroller and a carrier for different reasons, but about equally during the early months. Stroller was nice for trips where you're getting in and out of the car a lot. So for grocery trips, shopping, dr. appointments, etc. The carrier was more for events where I knew I would be moving around a lot but didn't want a stroller to push around. So weddings, certain restaurants. Or I brought both and would switch it up in the middle of an event. Both were super necessary to me.
    Report Reply
  • bbrahmbhattbbrahmbhatt member
    @missmuisq I went in thinking I was going to use the carrier all the time, and I did use it a lot in the early days when she wanted to be held all the time but I needed to do things. But for me I found that I actually prefered the stroller, especially once she got bigger. In the summer months I would be damp with sweat under the carrier, and I could tell she was warm too. And once she was about 15lbs, it was uncomfortable to wear her for long periods of time. I wore her when we went to a light show at the arboretum last winter and I regretted not bringing the stroller. The carrier is easier in the stage before they can sit up in a cart when you need to take them shopping with you, but honestly I would take the car seat in the cart and then just put stuff around her. Or we would take the stroller in if we both were going, or just the stroller if it was only for a few things. You'll find what works for you, which may be totally different from what works for me, just be open to figuring it out. 
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"