I just asked a question about helpful hints for when baby number 2 arrives and someone that responded kindly mentioned a baby sling to help out. I think this is an awesome idea and actually meant to ask this a while back but lo and behold pregnancy brain kicked in and I forgot =) When we were shopping for baby items for my first we bought a Moby sling (the large and long stretchy piece of fabric that can be tied many ways) and I HATED it. It was in my opinion the biggest waste of $60. I found it very hard to tie to where if felt comfortable on me and it always felt too tight on my daughter but if I loosened it it felt like she would fall out - Long story short it just wasnt for me. So I was wondering if anyone felt this way too and found something that worked better for them because those carriers are really really expensive - Im willing to spend the money but not if its just going to go to a friend and I will never use it, which is what happened with the wrap
Thanks in advance
I used a Bjorn in the first 3-4 months and then switched to the Ergo. If you only got one, definitely get the Ergo as it will get way more use, you can get an infant insert for it although I've never used it. The only reason I had the Bjorn for the early months was because I was able to borrow one.
Ok...what Robin is referring to is the Infantino carrier that much resembled a bag. I don't know who in their right mind ever thought it was a good idea.
Baby laying down-by your hips! Puh-leaze.
Of course the thing is no longer on the market...and I can't imagine anyone would be fool enough to sell secondhand.
I have tried many too. I have a long wrap and struggled w/ it as well.
I also have a Baby Bjorn. Which if you research is actually a very poorly made carrier. It is great when baby weighs next to nothing, but once they start getting bigger it becomes unbearable. The weight is very poorly distributed-that is to say it is all put on your back and shoulders. I even have the fancy (extra $) back saver one.
I have a simple ring sling which I love. Not fabulous for the newborn days but great for quick trips w/ a sleeping toddler.
I would link you to the brand...but they went belly up this past year.
(And to relieve any confusion:in a properly worn sling you should be able to kiss baby's head.)
I DO recommend the Beco Carrier. There are 2. I tried and loved the Gemini.
The Butterfly has a insert that I think I would find very annoying (in fact I tried a similar carrier w/ insert and it did not work at all for my frame-Olives and Applesauce).
But the Gemini was great. And it worked for my DH too and he is a foot taller than me.
It can be used in 4 different carries.
I did not buy it at that time because (insert long story)...but I am pregnant again and I will definitely be getting my Gemini.
I also researched the Ergo...I read far too many negative things about it and started looking deeper into the world of carriers. :)
http://www.becobabycarrier.com/
I found this chart really helpful: http://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html
Sorry to ramble on so much about carriers (Lol!) but I hope this info helps you. :)
I tried the Björn and it worked, but it really hurt my back after while. I bought the Ergo and LOVED it. The weight rests on your hips, not your middle back, so it feels much better. It is also designed to be much better for baby's back as well. The only disadvantage is that baby can't be front facing, but I always liked the intimacy of having my daughter face me anyway. When baby is older, he can also be carried papoose style.
I LOVED my ring sling-- I think I bought it off Ebay. Just a sturdy piece of fabric and 2 sturdy rings. Figure out how your baby likes to be held and tighten it up around them and Viola! you have at leat one free hand!
I know that there's a baby wearing group here in Des Moines, maybe there's one in your area? They meet every now and then and it gives people a chance to try out new carriers, buy used one's people are done with, etc.....
My favorites were the Bjorn and then the Ergo. The Ergo is so comfortable and easy on your back! The Bjorn was great when my kids were very small. I had a side/hip carrier too but it hurt my back.
I would second the Beco too. You can get second hand and it might run $50. Also check out a Mei Tai wrap. There are several brand names (babyhawk being the most popular) but those are very comfy.
Ring Slings can be great for newborns but I could never get it or feel comfortable enough to use...
For my second I actually did a Girasol wrap. I had to take a lesson but once I got it, it was amazing! The most comfortable carrier ever!
I would actually avoid Infantino & Bjorns. They are bad for your back and if you have a diastitis, it will exacerbate the pain! They also aren't so great for developing babies: http://www.becomingmamas.com/why-you-should-avoid-crotch-...
I tried slings but they didn't work for me or my son. I switched to a BabyBjorn (the one with back support - worth the extra money) and then an Ergo Carrier when he outgrew the Bjorn. Ergo was worth it's weight in gold.
I have tried lots of carriers with hopes I can get one that works for me and is simple. Everyone raved about the Ergo, but so far I have hated it. Maybe when my baby is bigger it will be easier, but I find it difficult to get her into the insert and into the carrier by myself. The other thing with the Ergo is that you can't face baby outward, and my baby of course loves to be positioned that way. HotSlings were okay but because I am tall I fell in between 2 sizes so neither was comfortable. I have a baby Ktan that is pretty easy, but it still hurts my back, and a britax that I am trying now. Someone wrote about a paxbaby website where you can rent the carrier/sling for a few weeks for a small fee to try them out first. I was tempted to try that before I went with the Britax. You may want to try them out. You are right, I have shelled out so much for these carriers with little in return so far.
I bought two slings, one winter weight and one summer weight, from www.mamasmilk.com. They were super easy to use once you got your fit right and how to properly insert/position baby down. It does make your shoulder sore the first time but if you make sure to disperse the shoulder fabric over the ball of the shoulder, it usually takes care of it.
Baby Bjorn. It's the easiest to put on. Worth the money.
I still keep thinking I'm missing something when it comes to carriers/slings. I tried the Bjorn--terrible on your back. I tried a Peanut Shell sling. Honestly it felt weird having the baby strapped to me--almost like I was pregnant again. I don't know what everyone's talking about when they say that a sling makes life so much easier--I couldn't swiffer the floor or pick up anything--seriously, it was like being nine months pregnant again, only with a heavier front! If I wanted to get stuff done, I had to squat. And things like washing dishes were hard, because the baby was right out in front. Forget cooking--it's not safe to work at a stove with a baby strapped to the front of you. I eventually bought the ergo. I can count on one hand the number of times we've used it with two kids. It is very comfy, but I guess I still don't like having a kid strapped to me. And so then I think my kids, once they were a little bigger, didn't like it, because they weren't used to it from a very young age.
don't use a sling-they have been recalled-that is, the ones that cradle the baby cause the baby's head to go too far forward onto their chest-and the baby stops breathing-i forget which one/ones do this-baby bjorn keeps the baby upright-i think it is safer-but don't take someone's opinion-get help when the baby arrives!
