Suggestions for baby carriers?

[Jennybump]

I love a pouch (most of the controversy was over deep pouches, IIRC, the ones that are like duffle bags and allow baby to get all smoothed up in the bottom) but I don't think it's the best choice for long days at the parks. I would definitely got for something two-shouldered to help distribute the weight. Have you looked at a Baby K'Tan, or an Asian-style carrier such as a mei-tai like they sell at Babyhawk or Kozy Karrier? I assume you don't want the excess fabric and learning curve of a Moby-style wrap? They are the most hands-free to me, but also the most difficult to put on quickly. A Baby K'Tan is kind of like a wrap that's been sewn IN the wrap mode, if you get what I mean. Lots of moms I know love it. Good luck in your search, and congratulations on a positive nursing relationship!

 

[Mama Who]

I think I'd go with a wrap. I found that while I *could* BF in an Ergo, the amount of fussing to readjust was higher than with a wrap.

 

[samacita]

OP here. DS has arrived!! He was born July 12th, and now that I know what a large baby he is (born at 9lbs 6oz and growing fast!!), I realize the ring slings are not going to work well in 4 mos. Still haven't bought a carrier and am debating between Ergo and Beco. Not sure that I have anywhere to try them on - bummer! Any suggestions between the two or other options for breastfeeding on the go?

 

[rms123]

OP here. DS has arrived!! He was born July 12th, and now that I know what a large baby he is (born at 9lbs 6oz and growing fast!!), I realize the ring slings are not going to work well in 4 mos. Still haven't bought a carrier and am debating between Ergo and Beco. Not sure that I have anywhere to try them on - bummer! Any suggestions between the two or other options for breastfeeding on the go?

Congrats!!! Have you looked at the boba 3G? My DS lives in it. He's now 1 and 20 lbs. my DD lived in a Moby for the first year. I found that the most comfortable and hands off for nursing. There are Youtube videos on how to do it. I nursed in the boba too, but not walking around.

 

[bandksmommy]

When DS (6) was a baby we had a hotsling. It's doable but not my favorite. For DD (almost 3) I had a ring sling--- at that age this would be PERFECT for BFing. When she was older I even loosened up the babyhawk and would walk around BFing her in there! Hands free BFing is very handy when you've got other kids.

 

[samacita]

Congrats!!! Have you looked at the boba 3G? My DS lives in it. He's now 1 and 20 lbs. my DD lived in a Moby for the first year. I found that the most comfortable and hands off for nursing. There are Youtube videos on how to do it. I nursed in the boba too, but not walking around.

Thanks for the input! I am completely intimidated by the Moby! And just not sure I want to wear all that fabric. I'd read somewhere that the Boba straps start to dig into the skin and get uncomfortable after a while - did you find that to be the case on long days of babywearing?

 

[samacita]

When DS (6) was a baby we had a hotsling. It's doable but not my favorite. For DD (almost 3) I had a ring sling--- at that age this would be PERFECT for BFing. When she was older I even loosened up the babyhawk and would walk around BFing her in there! Hands free BFing is very handy when you've got other kids.

I've never used a ring sling but heard they don't feel great after baby hits 15 lbs (that might have even been a comment in this thread). They do seem ideal for breastfeeding.

 

[angelmom27]

OP here. DS has arrived!! He was born July 12th, and now that I know what a large baby he is (born at 9lbs 6oz and growing fast!!), I realize the ring slings are not going to work well in 4 mos. Still haven't bought a carrier and am debating between Ergo and Beco. Not sure that I have anywhere to try them on - bummer! Any suggestions between the two or other options for breastfeeding on the go?

A wrap or ring sling is recommended til baby can sit unsupported. A ring sling will last you for a very long time. I use one with my DD who is 2.5 yrs. We love it and I can't wait to use it in nov. with the new baby.

An infant has a natural c curved spine and when you use a SSC you put pressure in the spine that is not good. Also another reason is that the new recommendations is feet out always for all carries. You cannot spread an infants legs that far apart which would be required to do for legs out in a SSC.

Congrats on the new little one.

 

[bandksmommy]

I've never used a ring sling but heard they don't feel great after baby hits 15 lbs (that might have even been a comment in this thread). They do seem ideal for breastfeeding.

I had never heard that before and I can't attest to anyone else's experience, but I will say I used my ring sling (it was a zolowear ring sling with a zipper pocket, so my most convenient carrier for doing errand since I could throw my wallet, phone, and keys in it) as my primary carrier until DD was at least 18 months. Of course, at this point she wasn't laying down in it, but it was still a convenient way to Nurse her even then (not that we were doing a lot of nursing in public at that point since she was old enough to wait until we got home and could snuggle). I actually still bring it with me on airplane trips incase we have to run through the airport because it makes carrying her on my hip a LOT easier! She'll be 3 in September.

 

[samacita]

Thanks so much for the advice!! I didn't do a whole lot of babywearing with my first two kids, so almost feel like a brand new parent on this topic. I'm looking into the Maya Wrap right now... I appreciate all your help.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Boba 3G is awesome! Hated the moby

 

[4xmom]

I used the Bjorn with my last 2 at Disney. Just turned them around and dropped the straps down some. I actually got very good at that at home because everytime I started to cook dinner my dd would start screaming. She wanted to have dinner too! Never could get that fixed with changing times, ect. She smelled the food cooking and went crazy.

 

[Buntington]

We haven't gone to WDW with our 3.5-month-old DS yet, but after many walks in the park and long Walmart trips, I can safely say that the Ergo is easy to BF in and comfortable. It has zipper pockets for belongings and I like the cover both for being discreet and to shield DS from the sun/light when he is napping.

 

[BeatingtheOdds]

I really love my Ergo and find it super easy to nurse in. DD is 12 months and I'm still using my Ergo faithfully
There's some great youtube videos that can be a guide for how to BF in different carriers. Helped me out a lot!

 

[mamathompson]

I loved my Ergo.....until I tried on a Beco! I was never able to wear an Ergo with a baby on my back but I can with my Beco which is a huge benefit to me when walking long distances or doing housework or shopping. Its much less bulky than my ergo. I have he one with the inside flap which makes me feel more secure when transferring her onto my back. I am unable to bf in any carrier (those of you who can are so lucky!) . And for little little babies the Moby is my go to. But once they are ready for a backpack style you just can't beat the Beco!

 

[sarahenap]

You should seek out a baby wearing group in your area and try out a few slings/carriers/wraps before your trip!

 

[Pinkgirly]

I have an ergo and a beco and you can nurse in both of them. I love both of the carriers and have gotten a lot of use from them.

 

[samacita]

What am I doing wrong???

I received my ring sling and tried it today. This is supposed to be easy to use, right? I'm having trouble getting baby into an upright positions without him leaning to an angle (toward the shoulder without rings) or sinking down. If I tighten it more, though, it's pressing against his face.

Help! Any tips?! Please tell me this will get easier with practice!

 

[star72232]

What am I doing wrong???

I received my ring sling and tried it today. This is supposed to be easy to use, right? I'm having trouble getting baby into an upright positions without him leaning to an angle (toward the shoulder without rings) or sinking down. If I tighten it more, though, it's pressing against his face.

Help! Any tips?! Please tell me this will get easier with practice!

Do you have a local BW group? Ring slings aren't hard, once you learn how to use them. However, they can take a bit of practice.

A few tips. Start with the rings up higher than you want them - they are going to move down as you tighten the sling. Get the sling to nearly where you are going to want it, tightness-wise, before you put the baby in. Hold the baby's weight up with one hand while you are tightening - it's much easier to tighten without all the baby's weight on the rails. And when you are tightening, pull out and across your body for the top rail, almost straight down for the bottom rail and then gradually tighten the middle. So, for the top rail you need to pull (if the rings are on your right shoulder) toward your left shoulder, but also out a bit (I find about a 30 degree angle works best for me). Again, lift the baby up with one hand while tightening with the other.

How old is your baby? Are you doing a front or hip carry? And are you doing legs in or out?

 

[star72232]

If you can find it, Babies in Space carriers (SSC, like an Ergo or Beco) are, by far, my favourite carriers. They have straps that you can cross or wear backpack style for front carries and have straps that actually curve a bit, so you can do back carries without a chest clip (it comes with one if you do prefer a chest clip, but I love not having one). She doesn't ship to Canada or the US any more, but if you are in Australia, Europe, etc, you can get them new (it's an Australian WAHM). If you are in North America, they come up for sale on TBW or FB Swaps occasionally. Well worth stalking in my opinion!