Baby carriers — decisions, decisions!
It’s only been 3 1/2 years since my little guy was a baby and STILL there are so many cool new things! Or at least things I wasn’t into then. When the girls were babies, we were model Growing Kids God’s Way parents, with the whole “attached parenting is evil” stigma intact. With Monkey Boy, I was more open to AP ideas, but just didn’t get a carrier. This time, I am thinking I’ll be needing one or two for sure — Monkey Boy is too big for a stroller, and yet needs a hand to hold. I think a carrier will be easier to manage than a stroller plus, I just like the idea of keeping this one close. She’ll (oh, yeah, it’s a girl!) probably be our last.
So, while I am so excited about wearing little Fiona, I’m not so sure exactly what kind of carrier to get. I’ve managed to beg Randi from I Have To Say to make me a Kozy-type carrier (Have you seen her sewing and crafts site? The woman can sew!!!). But I’m thinking maybe I should get a sling or pouch-type carrier, too, for when she’s first born. So, how delighted am at the latest contest at 5 Minutes for Mom?
This carrier looks incredibly modern and hip, doesn’t it (did I just negate the modern with the word ‘hip’?)? I don’t think I’d ever splurge and buy it, but I’m sure hoping to win it!!!
Have any of you worn your babies? What was your favorite carrier or sling?
UPDATE: TheBabyWearer.com is a great resource for learning all about wearing babies! There are forums, links for buying or making carriers, and all kinds of information on the different types of carriers.
Share This
I used an Over-the-Shoulder Baby Holder with my last 3. LOVED it. Did Disney World with a 5yo and 13mo old with it and no stroller. Did it again with a 2 1/2 mo old, 2yo, 5yo, and 9yo…. I think we did use a stroller for the middle ones that time, though.
Congrats on the girl!
June 27th, 2007 at 11:12 pmI’ve been having the same dilemma lately (expecting in 8 wks.), how to decide between so many great baby-wearing designs? I think that I’ve pretty much narrowed down my options to either the Maya wrap or an Asian Mei Tai (or Kozy). This will also be my first time using a baby carrier, though I basicly “wore” our first two babies, just wore my arms, shoulders and lower back out supporting them on my hip everywhere I went! LOL
After posting about my dilemma, I’ve had a few Moms comment or email me to tell me that they much preferred the adjustable/tiable wraps/slings for their versatility. One of my friends had the New Native sling, and said that she didn’t like that she couldn’t adjust it, and ended up even making alterations on it herself, and then later, when her baby was bigger, letting out where she’d sewn the strap tighter. She said she’d wished she’d had something like the Maya instead.
I do really like the Kozy’s, just spent awhile at their site, thanks to your post. Also, I entered the giveaway, thanks for the tip!
Congrats on your newest addition to the family!
June 28th, 2007 at 9:22 amI have heard the Ergo carriers are fabulous. http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ I have never worn it though. I like the Baby Bjorn for when they are little.
June 28th, 2007 at 9:48 amWith my first and third babies I sewed a BabyClose sling (the second was more of a stroller girl). The pattern seems to have gone out of print, unfortunately–it was so easy and inexpensive that even a sewing machine klutz like me could make one in a state of newborn-induced sleep deprivation. All you needed was a long piece of fabric–any remnant of something sturdy was fine– that you folded lengthwise into a tube (these are not adjustable–you have to measure yourself to get the length right). You sewed it up the side and then there were a few seams across. What you ended up with was a big tube of fabric, the same idea as a sling that you’d wear on a sprained arm, but big enough for baby. It also doubled as a nursing coverup and something for the baby to sit on if we were somewhere where the sanitary condition of the floor was doubtful.
With my first one especially, that sling was a lifesaver. The winter she was between about 6 to 9 months old, we didn’t even use a stroller when we went for walks–I just put the baby’s snowsuit on, put her in the sling, and then put my coat on over top (left the coat open). So much easier than getting her into a Snugli or a backpack.
June 28th, 2007 at 10:28 amWe used a Baby Bjorn for our son (now 2 1/2 years old) and it was “okay.”
For the second child that we’re trying to adopt I’d really like to try a wrap instead. I’ve entered 5minutesformom’s baby wrap contest too, hoping I’ll win one.
I’ll be checking back here to see what other suggestions you get!
P.S. I found you through BooMama’s blog.
June 28th, 2007 at 11:07 amI have used about a dozen carriers over the past 13 years. My favorite seems to be a sling with rings (and a Tough Traveller backpack for past the newborn stage). The company where I bought my last four slings is closed, and I just asked a friend where she got hers, and now I am ooohing and ahhhing over the gorgeous slings at http://www.peppermint.com/
As I was just telling my friend, I found babywearing to help me lose post-partum weight, and it encouraged early walking and early independence.
June 30th, 2007 at 7:10 amI’ve used slings off and on, it depended on the baby’s personality as I had a couple that preferred the front pack carrier. With ds it has been wonderful. He was so small when he finally came home I had a pouch-type carrier that was great for keeping him close to me and still allowing me to get things done for all the other children. Now that he is bigger I’ve switched to my NoJo ring-type sling and carry him on my hip. It makes it easier with having a very curious 2-yr-old I need to keep close to me.
I have a Karma Baby Pouch, www.karmababy.com, that is an XS that worked really well with ds up through about 10lbs. I could send it to you if you would like to use it in the newborn stage.
Just email me.
Peace,
July 4th, 2007 at 7:12 amAmy
ERGO! I’ve had a bjorn, a 5-in-1 baby carrier, an infantino, a hiphammock, and a hotsling (great for newborns). Ergo is seriously the way to go. It is soooo comfortable, and when the baby is bigger you can put her on your back and it is much easier on you that way. I love it- best 92 dollars I’ve spent in a long, long time!
July 10th, 2007 at 7:49 pmI think that a pouch style carrier would be good for the 1st couple of months, simply to provide support for baby. Although on the KOZY website, it does look like they work well even for young ones as long as you secure baby tightly. I do love the picture of the husband with the wife in the carrier on his back—too funny!
July 11th, 2007 at 8:06 amI had a ring sling for when they were little - easy to get out of the car, pop them in a sling and just go, and then moved up to an Ergo for number 2 (they weren’t available for number 1). Do you have any sites that hire them out over there? That’s a great way to try out a variety.
July 14th, 2007 at 3:05 pmI have FINALLY settled into something that I like. (Only took me 7 kids to do that….I am so slow….)
I use the Maya adjustable for early days, and after 4 months or more I use the ERGO. Love them both.
They are both expensive….I had just sold a BUNCH of things on ebay so got the ERGO and a friend gave me the Maya.
Some of those slings/wraps are so cute though…..
I DID have a Mei Tei - and although it was pretty it just didn’t work that well for me.
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm