not to exclude anyone, but i am in need of some babywearing mama advice. since baby #2 will be here in 9 weeks or less (gasp!) i must make a decision on a baby wearer carrier. it's time to start hunting ebay and craig's list to get the best possible deal. so, i want your opinions. yeah, you pretty much just won the jackpot.... i am asking for any and all opinions... who doesn't like sharing theirs?
with hunter, we received this carrier off of our registry:
the only problem? i only used it once because it was so uncomfortable for me and him. it didn't give hunter much support and it pulled at my back in all the wrong places.
since my new task will be juggling a baby in my arms while reigning in a toddler (who will hopefully be able to walk soon), i need a carrier that is comfy, easy to use, and suitable to be worn often all the time.
here are my top choices:
{1} the ergo baby carrier. i like it because it holds a newborn or a toddler up to 40 lbs. it can be worn in the front or back. and, it's cool enough for daddy to use.
{2} the baby bjorn. i feel like it's tried and true.
{3} the moby wrap. i adore this. it seems so comfy. i like the pricepoint... it's much cheaper than the other two. my hesitations? seems difficult to put on and i know the hubby wouldn't wear it.
help me out! if you have other suggestions, feel free to let me know. thanks a bunch.
68 {comments}:
The baby bjorn girl! I have one and used it with Kelcee all the time! It was so comfy and adjustable and I just loved it! LOVED IT!! My friend has the moby wrap and she hearts it too so those to would be my top runners although I really loved the bjorn LOL....
I cannot believe Sage is almost here.....that is sooo exciting!! You are gonna have to show pics of that precious little girl's nursery soon, I'm itching to see it....
xoxo
Summer :0)
I didnt have any of those, but Ive seen many many mommas wearing the moby wrap. One mom that I know has it one almost every time I see here. lol. It must be comfy.
Oh my gosh Carissa, I couldn't recommend the Sleepywrap more!!! It's the best, best, best!
http://www.sleepywrap.com/
Pretty much the same wrap style as the Moby, but the material (imo) is so much nicer, softer.
You'd love it :-)
If you are going to be wearing it alot, I would say the moby wrap. a lot of women i know wear that and they love it. its comfortable for baby too. the other ones are only something i would use if i was going to the mall or something.
Hehehe...my mom glanced over to your blog and goes, "Is she giving those away?" I had to convince her otherwise...;-)
I have used a pouch and a ring sling, but if I were to buy another one (which I would love to, but can't afford..ha!), I would buy the ergo. I have just heard so many great things about it! I always really wanted a moby wrap, but was too intimidated by it!
hey! you should talk to courtney. she had something that worked pretty well b/c she would have to carry adi in it while gabe was running all over the place.. ??
I have a type of maya wrap (which is a ring sling, bought mine on Etsy), a Mei Tai (which you can find CHEAP on etsy made by SAHM's, I prefer http://www.etsy.com/shop/JellieBabies09 - she does a great job.) Love my Mei Tai! It's much easier on the back and shoulders than anything else. However, I just bought an Ergo (wish I would have known you needed one, I just bought mine last week on babysteals.com for 75 bucks! That was over half off and it's organic cotton and everything...) I can't really use an Ergo comfortably being pregnant, but my Hubby has carried Q around in it and said it is super comfortable. They say you can carry a newborn in an Ergo and Mei Tai, but honestly, I prefer carrying them in a sling, or something like the moby wrap when they're newborn. The kangaroo hold (chest to chest) is what most newborns prefer, at least mine didn't like laying down in a sling. And, I don't like having a newborns legs splayed like most carriers end up. It's not healthy for their spine. You can get an infant insert for the Ergo, but, for the first few months I'd go with a moby wrap type. The fabric is stretchy so it really isn't all that great for when they get bigger. I would definitely get the Ergo if you want your husband to carry your son, and a wrap for you with the baby.
Maybe I should have just e-mailed you. :) I heart baby wearing.
A Slingling is the way to go! It's one piece, slips over your head and you can carry either child in it (fits a kiddie up to 35 lbs comfortably!). It's sized to fit you. You can also nurse in it!
You can get them at St. Francis Hospital in their Lactation Center.
Continuation of post #1 (mama duty)...the wraps are not an easy on/off deal, but they are definitely the most comfortable (believe me, I have many carriers, too many to admit). The Bjorn is great for its ease of use, but is only a front carry and with Jacob being around 18lbs now, my shoulders and back were hurting big time.
Looks like the ergo may be the best bet for the two of you. It's something you'll use for a long time, so it's worth the money put into it (like the strollers). You may also want to check out the Boba, another great one, similar to the ergo.
http://www.bobababycarrier.com/
:-)
i say the ergo or the moby wrap. or both. i have both, plus a maya wrap sling. i personally do not like the non-wring slings. i have one, but it never fit just right.
the ergo was fantastic for us when we went to NYC in fall. i carried dustin in it our whole trip.
when we go shopping, even now, i use the maya wrap sling with dustin. so it's nice to use even preggo!!
you're going to find people love or hate every single carrier you find. but my tops are the moby and the ergo by far! :0)
Ergo...all the way! I would try and borrow a Moby, or go and by jersey fabric (I think you have to buy 5 yards (I can check) and you can cut in it half LONG ways to get 2 wraps. Mobys are good fore newborn "don't touch my baby phase", but ohonestly, stuffing 5 yards of fabric in a diaper bag is impossible. I am just not a wrap girl.
I LOVE my ERGO... much better for baby's spine that the bjorn and they can go o nyour back. And like you said, you could throw hunter in it on your back... And Kelly might wear it.
Unless you have tiny babies (mine we all lbers) no need to get the infant insert.
I also LOVE LOVE my Ring Sling. Baby can go upright in froggy position or strattle or on your hip when older.
I borrowed a moby, liked it, but not loved it.
I used my ring sling a ton in newborn days, then exclusively using my ergo now.
ERGO. I promise. Trust me.
My son totally refused to be swaddled (sorry I'm not much help!) but I have heard amazing things about the Moby wrap.
*and by swaddled i meant carried. mama brain! :)
Carissa,
I'm stopping by from Summer's blog... LOVE your blog, and your son is stinkin' adorable!!
On the carrier, one of my besties has the Moby and wears it ALL.THE.TIME. She just LOVES it! Hope that helps and you're able to find something you love!
Much love!
I've heard great things about the Ergo carrier. I had the Bjorn and I had all the same problems you had with your carrier. I only used it a few times because it really hurt my back and I didn't feel it offered much for Aidyn either.
I have no idea...obviously, but I've been told the wraps and slings are great...at least for newborns. I don't know how long they can be in one of those. I'm trying to figure out which I would want to. :0)
Soo, i'm not a Mama (yet) buuuuut I do have a niece that I like to claim as my own. My sister used the baby bjorn and loved it (I even used it a few times for a fussy Marley who wouldn't let us put her down). As for the wraps, I know that there was a recall recently for some of them because they were causing suffocation of infants. They would scare me! But, like I said i'm no Mama.
Go with the Ergo. But if you want to use it for a newborn you have to buy the infant insert which is about 30-40. The Moby is good, but not as convenient as the Ergo. Don't even consider the Bjorn.
with no kids, I obviously have no clue. I have hear the Moby Wrap is awesome, but I would only use it as a supplement as my hubs would never sport it either. You'll have to let us know what you decide.
well since I'm not a momma, I can't really give my "this one is the best" opinion, so I'll just say they are all so cute!! Maybe the Moby Wrap would be too hard and time consuming to put on? I heard about the wrap recall too... A lot of infants haven't been able to breath in them? I'm sure you've looked into all of that though so maybe that's for a different wrap. I would probably want something fast, easy, and comfortable. You will look so cute and stylish in whatever you put on!
I was just having this conversation with a new mom at work with her second. She bought the Moby Wrap, but is wishing she had gone with the Ergo. I used my friends Ergo for a day of flying and its awesome. I love how it distributes the weight of the child and most rests on your hips. It's worth the investments and extremely versatile! Happy baby wearing!
I don't really have any great advice...I only wore my youngest and not for long! I would think that #3 would be the most comfortable around the house, but having one that your hubby would wear would be nice too!
I don't have any advice for you (since I don't have any babies yet) but I loved reading all the comments because it's giving me ideas for when Tucker's here! I have to say that my favorite looks wise is the wrap ... I think it's the one I'll probably use. But, no, my hubby wouldn't wear it either! haha
I've only used a ring sling once before with my friends little girl, so I actually haven't used any of these, I know that Beth loves her moby wrap and it's not as hard as it looks putting it on. Oh, and if you get a black one, maybe Kelly would wear it?!?! Also, I know that they have all these cool new colors of the baby bjorn at Target, and last week they were on sale... so just a heads up! Happy babywearing!
I wish I could give some advice but I only have fur babies so far!
I loved my Baby Bjorn with Remy! Halle didn't like it a bit though, so I had a Peanut Shell sling (I know slings are kind of under fire right now, but I used it carefully... ) and she liked that one. I got my Bjorn on ebay like new and we used it until it was worn out completely~ Remy would till get in it if he fit! The hardest thing, I think is that all babies are different and like different positions. I have heard the Moby is good for that, I just never had one.
I had three different ones I had borrowed from friends and tried with each child to see which they did best in. Each of my children preferred a different one.
Blessings,
Amy
I made this for Jackson and we used it all the time...he still fits in it...but he likes to be free to run,lol...
http://www.mykarmababy.com/pages/BabySlingPattern.php
- I also made my own moby wrap...it's just 15ft. of fabric that's like 22 in. wide...you'd have to look up the exact measurements...but I just bought the fabric and it cost me under $10 at Wal-Mart ( I hit up the bargain fabric)
it's alright, but it's pretty long and that's a lot of fabric to be hauling around in your diaper bag, lol
and people will look at you like you are crazy when you are tying that thing up in public :)
I used the Evenflo carrier, similar to the Bjorn. I never had any back problems, but that may just be me. I have a lot of friends who use both the Bjorn and the Moby. I hear great things about both! If you look on Etsy I am sure that you might able to find someone who makes a Moby in a color your husband would wear. If not, look for a used Bjorn at a consignment shop (or craigslist) that way you don't have to pay full retail!
I had the Bjorn and my little one refused to get with the program... sorry I am not of my help! i Love your blog and would love to subscribe... can you subscribe by email thou?
nevermind... i found it...lol :)
I've heard great things about those wraps. Baby number 3 for me, we're definitely going that route. I bought the regular bjorn for the first one but that one broke after like 7 outings. Bought a new one (different brand) for number two, broke in like 5 outings. And my babies were not big. Good luck with your decisions!! Nine weeks!! That is so exciting!!
we used the baby bjorn for both girls. we got the "active" one though, it has more back support.
i say, you can't go wrong with the bjorn!
First of all ... gotta say ... I cannot believe the number of options you young mama's have. Wow! Could be overwhelming, I'm sure.
For babies #1 - #8 ... I CARRIED my babies in my ARMS. Yea ... that's how we used to carry babies ... in our ARMS. Yes ... it got tricky when I had MANY little ones to keep track of.
For babies #9 & #10 the SLING was invented. It was AMAZING! No fancy name ... just a sling with a ring. I LOVED it! I even got my hubby to use it / wear it.
I would definitely encourage a sling-thing ... they look so much more comfortable for baby than the front-pack style.
Other bonus of the sling-thing ... I could nurse baby anywhere anytime. I even nursed once while taking a hike in the woods with friends. No one had any idea ... just thought baby was sleeping in the sling.
My first 2 babes were just 14 mo. apart. I remember the " I hope #1 learns to walk before #2 comes along". Been there. Done that.
Blessings,
Laurel
Hi Carissa~ I'm not a momma so I am zero help to you, but I have a suggestion... please get the baby bjorn! One bc I love it's presence in the movie the Hangover and two, because it sounds cool. haha sorry, only advice I have girlie!
I had a WallaBaby for baby #4, something you may want to consider. You take your measurements & order based on that, so it fits, and its one piece. I will admit that when she was BRAND new, she was kind of tiny for it, but she still liked it (I think it was very womb-like). And as she got bigger we LOVED it! A friend has the Baby Bjorn--and absolutely loves it, so that's my only direct experience with anything you listed. Just thought I'd share! Congrats on your baby girl!
okay, so I am not a mom, nor do I even know a baby right now. But I do know that in california all mothers and fathers use the wrap. It actually seems easy to use (when watching people get it all set up) and men here use it just as often as women. although there may be a bit of cultural difference between san francisco and charleston...
I never tried any of the wraps, but I LLOOVVEEDD my Baby Bjorn! Don't know what I could have done without it!
Unfortunately I have no clue. I also had the Chico one you are already familiar with and I barely used it. It was difficult to get my son in and out of and there really was no support for him. I would be trying something new aswell. Good luck, and make sure to tell us what you chose and how you like it.
I have never used any of them! I was very greedy with my daughter. We waited so long for her that even though I bought like 5 slings and carriers, I just wanted to hold her ALLl the time! I have a GORGEOUS hand made gold and black sari silk ring sling that is practically brand new. I think I used it once while vacuuming. Send me a note if you're interested.
Can't believe you only have 9 weeks left. WOW.
oh thats tough! I love my wrap but your so right...hubs would NEVER wear it!
Glad to know I am not the only momma who wore the Chico one for about 15 minutes before ditching it. Such a waste of money! I vote for #2 this go round.
oh man I wish you could get all three! The great thing about the bjorn is it is SO easy! I have heard wonderful things about the ergo too but the con was difficult some and hot. ahhhh I am glad I don't have to make this choice! The moby wrap is so sweet and fun looking but it also looks like a challenge. I read a review and the girl like spelled out the pros and cons of the ergo and bjorn and she decided she needed both. let me know what you go with! I told my friend kellie that she could use my bjorn but she isn't due until august so if you want to use mine for a bit to test it out feel free. There has got to be someone who could let you borrow!
count out the bjorn. it's got nothin' on an ergo or moby. i haven't actually worn a moby wrap, but have heard rave reviews. but the ergo is uuber versatile. love it. good luck and can't wait to see your little one's sweet face.
Moby Wrap ALL THE WAY! It is absolutely the MOST comfortable for your little one!
hey carissa!
wish i could help you about the carriers. my
daughter says all her friends use the side
carrier ones that look like a scarf or
something.
i saw a 'maxine' cartoon that said, "don't make
me use upper case letters!" :)
I have to say, 100% the Ergo. I finally discovered it with baby #6. You'll need the newborn insert. It is worth every penny, imo. I used to get terrible neck and shoulder pains from infant carriers, but not with that Ergo. I've done wraps as well. I've never had a moby, but made my own mei-tei wrap with Elijah (baby #6). If only I had discovered all of these when I had Hannah!
It's neat that you figured out that Hannah is my daughter. Thanks for your sweet comments as well.
Rachel
moby wrap all the way girl! i got it for Efraim and it's the only one that doesn't kill my back. it does seem confusing to put on at first, but after the 1st or 2nd time it's not bad at all. its been great w/ a newborn. i've been using it at church a lot.
I wish I could help, but alas I can't. I never used these! I hope you get the help and advice you are needing!
mmmm i can't really help you. no kiddos here yet...however, when i do have them that moby wrap will be calling my name. a few mentors i had in college used them and loved them.
I would say the Bjorn hands down. I know it's pricey, but we always had the BEST time with them and our kids. I was sad when it hurt my back too much to carry them in it. I hear the slings are great too. We used one for my little man when we wanted him to go to sleep. It was magic during the middle of the night wake ups...
I'm not a Mommy...however...I have nannyed for many years and I used the Moby wrap and LOVED it! It is very feminine, so, sorry, but I don't hubs will wear it...But what I loved about it was it added no added weight, besides the baby!
Good luck with picking something!!
I swear by the Bjorn, I used it for all 3, I felt like I needed a degree in engineering the first few times I tried to get it on, but once you get the hang of it, its great!
I LOVE my ERGO! I just used it for the first time out in public yesterday at Target! (I saw your mom there and told her you wanted one. Maybe she'll take the hint ;)). Jude loved it because he could look around and he fell asleep in it. It's better for their spine than the bjorn. You could probably use our infant insert since he'll be almost 6 months when Sage is born. Caleb puts him in it at home, and you know if Caleb's ok with it, then it's great! I tried on a moby, and I thought it was too complicated. Ergo all the way!
It's ALL about the Moby baby!
PS I love your blog!
your welcome, I hope it helped and wasn't just a bunch of rambling, lol :)
Variety is the key, since you asked. I say Moby Moby Moby! I LOVED my bjorn, but in surveys, it is one of the least liked by moms, from what I have read. I would HIGHLY recommend a hotslings pouch for quick trips. So fast and SO easy. Also really affordable. I think they even sell them at Target now. I loved mine because it is small enough to fit in your purse, so you always have it when you need it! I also had a back pack and a ring sling. All great for what they are made for...
I JUST found your blog through Friday Follow so forgive me if you have already covered this, but there is a Facebook Group for safe Babywearing. Please do check it out, or Google it.
I am following along. I can't wait to read more, but it will be AFTER Easter. :)
carissa, you got lots of advice on this topic!! (cute aprils fools joke too!!)
i love my ergo as you know, and ryan wears it too. i also have a baby buddah which i love, but something similar (stretchy, loop type) is awesome) my one problem with the snug wraps? HEAT! wow, they can get sweaty for you and baby!
and we all know how sweaty postpartum moms can be!! hahah!
Love your blog and love the Bjorn too! Used it with my boys and I'm still using it!!!
Come visit and say hi!!
Bjorn all the way!!! Def. my fav.
I had a wrap type sling and loved it. Hubby never wore it but that was ok. I didn't mind holding him and having him in the sling, it was easy to do things I needed to with both hands.
My Mom made me my sling, which I gave to my sister once I was finished because it is AWESOME! She lives in the Philippines and well, she NEEDED a sling. With 3 daughters... yah. I could make you one if you feel so inclined. :) Anyway, I hope I didn't upset you by my post. You were NOT one of the people that made me feel terrible about my "diet" and gall bladder issues. I found you encouraging. It won't always be this way... Oh, and we found that the Bjorn was too small. Q won't wear the sling, so he STILL carries Gooner in the Baby Jeep.
We used a sling with the Peanut until she was about 4 months old and then went to the ergo. I LOVELOVELOVE my ergo. Money well spent. Peanut didn't mind riding in it and it was comfy for me, too.
With Little Man, I made a Moby because it was way cheaper and I like it better than the sling we used with #1. Lots of instructions online how to do it. We have just started him in the ergo and he loves it.
Hope you find something that works for you!
I just randomly found your blog, and had to comment on this post. There are LOTS of wonderful baby wearing options available now. I do not recommend the Baby Bjorn at. all. There is some evidence that it puts stress on your baby's growing spine and who wants to do that?
There are lots of different types of carriers, but I can give a little advice on Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs), Ring Slings, and wraps. I personally prefer wraps, but a ring sling or a SSC is great for something quick and easy or for hot climates (I live in Texas).
If you decide to try SSCs, then the Ergo is a great choice. Some mamas also really like Becos. I love the look of Becos, but find Ergos to be more comfortable. That being said, I sold my Beco so I could buy more wraps.
Ring slings are simple to use as a beginner and are great for newborns on up through toddlers. I can still stick my 5 yr old in a ring sling if I wanted to. I hated ring slings until I tried some of the ones that are made by WAHMs. They sew their shoulders differently and it just makes the sling more comfortable. I have narrow shoulders and prefer the ring slings from Sleeping Baby Productions, but Kalea Baby or Sakura Bloom are also really popular and have beautiful fabrics. A quick google should bring up any of those websites.
Wraps are my favorite. They can be a little intimidating at first, but there are lots of helpful YouTube videos and other tutorials to help you out. The Sleepy Wrap is my favorite stretchy wrap, but stretchies only work well when you have a tiny babe. A good woven wrap (such as Didymos, BBslen, or Girasol) will last from newborn through toddler. I have a Sleepy Wrap and lots of different kinds of wovens ready for my baby on the way.
There is LOTS of helpful advice on thebabywearer.com forums. You can find great deals on all of the carriers that I mentioned on the For Sale or Trade (FSOT) forums on that site. You can even find ring slings and Ergos on there so I wouldn't buy those new.
My third baby is due at the end of May so I have been doing lots of babywearing research. Feel free to email me if I can help you with questions or anything! Your blog is beautiful!
Oh, and wraps haven't been recalled. The Infantino bag sling is the dangerous one. Bag slings put your baby in a bad position that can restrict their breathing. Stay far away from bag slings.
I personally love my Sleepy Wrap (great for newborns). My hubby loves our Kokopax backpack carrier for our toddler. I also have several Moby's! The baby bjorn is alright but hurts my back.
Wraps tend to distribute weight better and thus hurting your shoulders and back less!
Thanks for asking this question...I have been reading up preparing for our baby to come home at some point...hmmm...still don't know if I have a clue! lol! But it was good to read all the advice!
Congrats on being so close!
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