Baby Carriers/Wraps

[txmommy14]

I know this has already been talked about some, but it's something I've been researching a lot lately as it's one of the main larger purchases I'll make for this baby besides all the small things like clothes, diapers etc. I didn't wear my son that much when he was a baby. I had a Baby Bjorn (hated it) and an Ergo. I had a newborn insert with the Ergo, but really found I liked it better when he got a little older. I'm realizing I'm probably going to be wearing this baby much more now that I'll have less hands, so I am on the lookout for a wrap/carrier/sling with the following criteria:

-Super lightweight (I live in Texas and it can get up to 100 degrees many days in the summer, when I will use it the most)
-Specifically for the earlier stages (I'm still planning to use my Ergo when she gets bigger)
-Super easy to put on and easy to learn (I get frustrated easily, did not like the Moby or Boba and returned them both. I know some people say they are easy-but too much material and too complicated for me to figure out and quickly throw on while I'm also trying to take care of my toddler)
-Price point is a consideration, but I am willing to pay a bit more for one I love

I know there are baby wearing groups and libraries where you can try out different ones. I'd also like to just have one when the baby gets here that I know I'll love. Any suggestions? Please feel free to chime in if you are lurking from another board! 

I am very interested in the K'Tan, but I see some people say they don't feel super secure. I also tried out my friend's ring-sling today with her baby, I liked it, but am nervous it will take some learning. Also, I didn't realize there were so many KINDS of ring-slings. 

Anyways, I know some people are very knowledgeable about all of this. Just wanting some input as I put together a list of what I will need to buy for this baby!

[babyzebra]

With DS, I had a ring sling, Moby, and Beco Gemini.

I didn't like the ring sling because it's asymmetrical and put a lot of pressure on my shoulders and back. I also get really nervous seeing itty bitty babies in those because of their positioning when they're really little.

I hated the Moby for the same reasons you mentioned. Anything that requires me to watch a YouTube video 35 times is not easy.

I liked the Beco Gemini. It has the same issue as the ergo in regards to not being the best carrier for a newborn. One of the things that a lot of people like about this one is that you can carry baby facing forward. DS seemed to kinda like that when he got a little older, but it really killed my back to carry him like that. Also, some people may say that this is silly, but there aren't as many cute prints in this carrier as some others. Overall though, I liked it and would recommend it.

[babyzebra]

This time around, I think I'm going to get a K'tan and either an Ergo or a Tula.

I've been warned by a few people to get a smaller size in the K'tan than you think you need.

[pistachiomuffin]

I love a ring sling. They are super easy and convenient. I find them to be cooler than a moby or wrap because it's just wrapped around you and baby once. They also have a long useable life. I still wear my 19 month old in the ring sling comfortably.
We have a Tula RS and have been so happy with it. We also have a standard Tula and adore that too.

[shoogars]

I had a ring sling for number 2...unfortunately it was stolen. But I loved it. It was easy to pack, quickly put on and load the babe. I used it at home, and any time I had to go shopping. I had made it, and I will make myself another one as well.

[pbandj714]

The ladies on the CD/Babywearing board here give great advice on carriers as well. From what I learned from them, I had been planning on a K'Tan for the early stages and then a Tula after that. Both seem to be highly recommended. The K'Tan Breeze is a more breathable material that may be beneficial for the hot Texas summer with a newborn than a standard K'Tan.

However, now that I'm expecting twins, it makes it a bit more complicated on the babywearing front. I'm still planning to get the K'Tan for the tiny stage (they'd both fit), but now I'm not sure what to get for when they're older. I was looking at the TwinGo because it can be worn as a tandem front/back carrier or one can be clipped onto extra straps for both parents to each wear one baby. I still have a lot of research to do.

[bighair12]

I used the K'tan for the first few months and then switched to the ergo. I loved them both.

[packerfan4life]

For baby 1 I used my sister's moby. I like wrapping but the Moby is super long and stretchy which makes it tough. We also have an Ergo with infant insert which works fine but gets really warm. As she got bigger and the ergo got less comfortable I tried out a Tula which I loved but ultimately bought a KP with koolnit because I like that the mesh panel keeps her cooler, the Tula got pretty hot. I love my KP and we still use it pretty regularly at 15 months.

For baby 2 I plan to either get a linen ring sling or woven wrap for the newborn phase. I'm not sure if I'll get an infant Tula/KP or use the Ergo or just wrap until he/she fits the std kP

[virginiaorjohn]

I'm interested in the Solly wrap for the early months -- it's supposed to be very lightweight and stretchy so it will be perfect for small ones in the heat of the summer. However, it's just one piece of fabric that requires a knot so that may not be what you are looking for?

I mentioned this in the nursery thread but I'm checking out the wrap/carrier library of my local Babywearing International chapter before I purchase anything. Here's a listing of chapters, if there's one near you, maybe they could make some suggestions about which carrier would fit your needs best? And you could probably try one on, as well.

babywearinginternational.org/about-bwi/chapters/

[shoogars]

Dec 21, 2015 8:33:10 GMT -5 Dreaming said:

I am in the minority, but I hated my ktan. I like my mei tei and Beco Gemini. This time I'm going to get a ring sling as well. shoogars do you have a pattern for a ring sling? Maybe I should just make one too!

I used this site to help...

www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/index.html

I ordered rings from slingrings.com

[athn64]

I used a Moby wrap for DD in the small stages. I didn't have any problems with it, but can understand it feeling cumbersome and complicated. Then we graduated to the Moby go, which is a ssc. I love that too for convenience. I also have a woven wrap, which is what I'm planning on using for number 2 most of the time.

[virginiaorjohn]

Dec 21, 2015 8:50:41 GMT -5 athn64 said:

I used a Moby wrap for DD in the small stages. I didn't have any problems with it, but can understand it feeling cumbersome and complicated. Then we graduated to the Moby go, which is a ssc. I love that too for convenience. I also have a woven wrap, which is what I'm planning on using for number 2 most of the time.

FTM here so clearly I haven't actually tied on a woven wrap yet (even though I have watched numerous youtubes) but OH EM GEE I can see myself being really in love with all the patterns and colors available in woven wraps. They are BEAUTIFUL.

[pbandj714]

Huh. I checked the BWI site and was really surprised there's not one in my area, you know, being the largest city in the state and all. Bummer.

[frecklesnbrains]

Oh thanks I NEED this thread. I'm a busy city dweller so I baby wearing is really attractive to me, but I'm also a FTM and I'm beginning to do research and I'm finding it totally overwhelming!

I am also looking for something that requires NO wrapping, tying, or knitting. I'm such an uncoordinated doofus that I just want to put it on and go. Even a ring sling scares me. I tried one with my SIL's baby last week and it made me nervous.

It looks like there are tons of great (and really cute!) options for older babies, but it's the newborn stage I'm worried about. I really need a dummies guide.

[athn64]

Dec 21, 2015 9:12:13 GMT -5 virginiaorjohn said:

Dec 21, 2015 8:50:41 GMT -5 athn64 said:

I used a Moby wrap for DD in the small stages. I didn't have any problems with it, but can understand it feeling cumbersome and complicated. Then we graduated to the Moby go, which is a ssc. I love that too for convenience. I also have a woven wrap, which is what I'm planning on using for number 2 most of the time.

FTM here so clearly I haven't actually tied on a woven wrap yet (even though I have watched numerous youtubes) but OH EM GEE I can see myself being really in love with all the patterns and colors available in woven wraps. They are BEAUTIFUL.

Mine has dragons. It's really pretty

[virginiaorjohn]

Dec 21, 2015 9:19:20 GMT -5 pbandj714 said:

Huh. I checked the BWI site and was really surprised there's not one in my area, you know, being the largest city in the state and all. Bummer.

Whaaaaat? Major fail, BWI people!

[littleducky]

Moby wraps are HOT. The jersey material just doesn't breathe as much as a woven wrap. It also doesn't last as long. Although it is safe to use to the maximum weight, most people find it uncomfortable after about 15 lbs because the weight just pulls away from you instead of the wrap supporting your weight across your back. Moby wraps also can't be used for back carries.

I LOVED woven wraps with my son and I have quite a collection waiting for LO #2. I also like soft structured carriers for bigger babes, although I primarily wrapped until my son was probably 1.5 or so. My favorite SSC is the kinderpack, but they are not easy to come by these days. There is a great used babywearing swap on facebook - just search for "babywearing swap" and you'll find it.

[frecklesnbrains]

I'll also point out that EVERY baby wearing meeting in the Boston area takes place on weekdays. That will be fine when I'm on maternity leave but um.... thanks so much for taking working moms into consideration. Not.

(You can tell I'm bitter about this subject already)

[virginiaorjohn]

Dec 21, 2015 9:33:08 GMT -5 littleducky said:

Moby wraps are HOT. The jersey material just doesn't breathe as much as a woven wrap. It also doesn't last as long. Although it is safe to use to the maximum weight, most people find it uncomfortable after about 15 lbs because the weight just pulls away from you instead of the wrap supporting your weight across your back. Moby wraps also can't be used for back carries.

I LOVED woven wraps with my son and I have quite a collection waiting for LO #2. I also like soft structured carriers for bigger babes, although I primarily wrapped until my son was probably 1.5 or so. My favorite SSC is the kinderpack, but they are not easy to come by these days. There is a great used babywearing swap on facebook - just search for "babywearing swap" and you'll find it.

Stash pic please!

[nymama917]

I had the Bjorn with baby 1 and I didn't love it. I also got myself all worried about her leg position after doing further research and was just never 100% comfortable with wearing it for long periods of time. I mainly got it because I liked the option of wearing her forward facing but honestly that killed my back so we never really did it so it was pretty much a wasted feature.

This is super helpful because I want to get something new for baby #2. We live in the city and there is a lot of walking and I know it will just be easier to wear a baby and chase a toddler. I was thinking Ergo this time around, but for in the house I was thinking maybe something smaller. Slings and wraps make me a bit nervous so I need some selling on those

[littleducky]

I don't have a good one right now, and a couple of wraps are currently loaned out and will need to be retrieved! My collection has been somewhat pared down over the years, but let me see if I can remember what I have off the top of my head.

size 2 Didymos Violet Waves
size 5 Didy Marigold
size 6 Didy Colorgrown Ellipsen
size 6 Girasol Earthy Rainbow (my first woven purchased when DS was about 6 weeks old)
size 6 Girasol Snow Rainbow diamond weave
size 6 Easycare #1 Rainbow
size 6 Vatanai Orkney
Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Stretch Stella (one size) (This is a hybrid stretch wrap. It's stretchier than a woven but WAY less stretchy than a Moby, and is the only stretchy wrap that can be safely used for back carries)
Standard size Bamberoo SSC Echino Rust Butterfly Medley
Preschool size Kinderpack SSC Hedgehogs

I think that is it.... The rest have moved on.

ETA: I also have a Bamberoo mei tai, standard size, canvas straps with a wrap panel on the front made out of Girasol Claudia Jean.

Oh! One more I forgot.  I have a custom Bamberoo SSC that is a little smaller than KP preschool sized, so between a toddler size and a preschool size.  It is a robot print.

[athn64]

I'll second the swap. I'm a member, there are a lot of good options there

[titania]

frecklesnbrains totally agree with you... I need a baby wearing for dummies! I'm also nervous about the newborn stage.

virginiaorjohn, thanks for posting the link! I may check out a meeting.

[virginiaorjohn]

Dec 21, 2015 9:41:17 GMT -5 littleducky said:

I don't have a good one right now, and a couple of wraps are currently loaned out and will need to be retrieved! My collection has been somewhat pared down over the years, but let me see if I can remember what I have off the top of my head.

size 2 Didymos Violet Waves
size 5 Didy Marigold
size 6 Didy Colorgrown Ellipsen
size 6 Girasol Earthy Rainbow (my first woven purchased when DS was about 6 weeks old)
size 6 Girasol Snow Rainbow diamond weave
size 6 Easycare #1 Rainbow
size 6 Vatanai Orkney
Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Stretch Stella (one size) (This is a hybrid stretch wrap. It's stretchier than a woven but WAY less stretchy than a Moby, and is the only stretchy wrap that can be safely used for back carries)
Standard size Bamberoo SSC Echino Rust Butterfly Medley
Preschool size Kinderpack SSC Hedgehogs

I think that is it.... The rest have moved on.

ETA: I also have a Bamberoo mei tai, standard size, canvas straps with a wrap panel on the front made out of Girasol Claudia Jean.

Oh! One more I forgot.  I have a custom Bamberoo SSC that is a little smaller than KP preschool sized, so between a toddler size and a preschool size.  It is a robot print.

Droooooooooooool. Those Didymos are gorgeous with a capital G!
BRB I have to google all of your prints...

[littleducky]

For anyone considering woven wraps, I would recommend for your first wrap, if possible, get one that has different colors on each rail - so each long end would be a different color. Most striped wraps will be like this. It makes it MUCH easier to learn different carries when you can easily keep track of which side is which.

Also, youtube videos are your friend. Wrapping doesn't have to be scary! And it is SO cozy. DH was converted, too.

[txmommy14]

Dec 21, 2015 6:06:33 GMT -5 babyzebra said:

This time around, I think I'm going to get a K'tan and either an Ergo or a Tula.

I've been warned by a few people to get a smaller size in the K'tan than you think you need.

That's what I'm thinking about K'tan! I haven't heard of Tula!

[titania]

littleducky, thanks so much for posting your collection! What do you mean by different colors on each rail? I'm having trouble visualizing... is one of yours a good example?

[shan]

My DD was a December baby, and I loved loved loved the moby until she was 4-5 months. Then, we used the becco Gemini bc it was the carrier dh was most comfortable with (in comparison to the ergo and a few others). I didn't care, so I wanted something that he felt confident wearing too. (Which was great bc he wore her a lot!)

This time around, my sister has me convinced I need a Tula. I may just beg to borrow hers. I also want to get one I can wear in water. DD1 is a fish, so I know she will want to swim this summer (we swim through September in Texas) and I think having something that I can wear wading in the pool would be super convenient.

[txmommy14]

Thanks ladies!!

I'm thinking about getting a lightly padded Maya woven wrap bit I'm nervous. Anyone tried one?

[littleducky]

Dec 21, 2015 10:05:40 GMT -5 titania said:

littleducky , thanks so much for posting your collection! What do you mean by different colors on each rail? I'm having trouble visualizing... is one of yours a good example?

Ok, here is an example.  Earthy rainbow is grayish on one end and orange on the other.  You can see in the photos here: www.wildwasmama.com/products/girasol-woven-wrap-earthy-rainbow

"Rails" is just the term used to refer to the long edges of the wrap (not the tapered ends).  

Does that make sense?