Baby carriers

Silver Member Joined: Oct 28 2009 Posts: 794

from experience, which baby carriers are best? my 2 month old is a bit of a kvetch and I need something so I dont have to hold him all day. im looking at the moby wrap or maybe the baby bjorn. any advice?

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18387

Skip the bjorn.

There is no "best", but the Bjorn doesn't even cut close to it Smile

The best is what works for your lifestyle, at the time you need it, and provides you with adequate support.

The Moby wrap is a great choice for young infants, but as the baby grows and gets heavier, the stretchiness of the wrap provides less support. If you only plan on using it for your baby till maybe 6 months, it's a great wrap. If you want one single carrier that will last you longer, I'd skip it.

There are some wraps that provide more support with some stretchiness and some that are completely woven. What's good about the stretchy wraps is that it makes it easier to pop in a baby while already wearing the wrap, especially at the beginning when you're still getting used to the hang of wrapping.

Another good option is something called a mei tai. Babyhawk is one popular brand. This provides a look that is more similar to a structured carrier like a Bjorn, but is more versatile and easier to adjust to size. It provides more support for older babies than a stretchy wrap. It's two shouldered which many prefer over a one shoulder carry that a sling provides. Since it's just fabric, it's easier to stuff into a diaper bag or what not than a structured carrier.

If you think a structured carrier (with buckles, etc) is more up your alley, Ergo is a good brand for that type of thing. The baby is supported properly and it provides you with a comfortable carry as well.

HTH!
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Platinum Member Joined: Oct 14 2009 Posts: 6019

I liked the moby when baby was that little, but it's quite a pain to wrap it up every single time. I think baby k'tan or one of the others like that is a very similar wrap that you can slip over your head without having to re-tie every time. Check it out. Like HY said it won't be very useful when the baby gets bigger, though.

You could also try a sling, they're really easy and fairly comfortable. They only go over one shoulder so they won't be as comfortable for long periods of wearing. My baby was comfortable in the sling longer (I.e. older) than in the moby (also my patience lasted longer with it because no fancy tying) and it was great for short trips like going from a car to a house, down the block, around the corner without needing to take out a stroller. Or little things around the house, gained an extra hand.

From what you've described of your needs, I'd suggest a baby ktan or similar, or a sling, over the bjorn. For a baby that little who likes to be held, those will probably give him more of the holding feeling than a bjorn or even an ergo, he might even be too small for the ergo in which case you need a newborn insert which is extra $, extra bulk, and a bit of a pain.

Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2158

Definitely skip the Bjorn Smile

If you want to stick with buckle closures, there are a bunch of good options. Personally, I didn't like the way the Ergo fit me - I'm short, and that's a common complaint - and found a different type that I liked better. If you can find a store in your area with different carriers to try out (a natural parenting, cloth diaper, or baby boutique type place are places to look), you'll have an easier time finding one that really works for you. If you can post where you live, someone might know of a place (or be able to help you find one).

I found this chart comparing some popular carriers to be useful when I was researching: http://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html. I got a Pikkolo in the end and LOVE it.
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Platinum Member Joined: Aug 29 2007 Posts: 12058

Love my Mei Tai. I used it from birth. I started using a Pikkolo when my baby was about 10 months or so. I can still use the Mei Tai though, and said baby is 20 months.

Platinum Member Joined: Feb 20 2009 Posts: 7944

I am really happy with my baby ktan. It's like a pre-tied moby Smile

It's easy and quick to put on, and I like that its small and easy to stuff in the diaper bag or under the stroller. My baby loves it. It's a real lifesaver!

Posted: Sun, Apr 22 2012, 1:22 pm Post subject: re: baby carriers

I agree with alot of what has been said so far. I would say a good sling, and a mei tai. If you can only get one then a mei tai, but there really is no best (but ITA- it is NOT the bjorn) you need to see what works best for you.
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Silver Member Joined: Oct 28 2009 Posts: 794

thanks everyone for your replies. they were all very helpful. I really dont want to spend a lot of money on it as I dont know if my son will even like it. so im thinking of the moby wrap or baby k'tan. any advantages of one over the other (other than the wrapping every time)?

Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2158

Silver Member Joined: Oct 28 2009 Posts: 794

I imagine that when it wraps around the waist, it takes presssure off the shoulders/upper back. the moby wrap looks like its easier on the body. im afraid of the baby getting too heavy for me. im tallish, but very skinny and my arms are falling off from holding him all day. the baby k'tan looks better cuz it doesnt have to be tied every time, but then no one else can use it unless theyre the same size and im afraid if my back hurting

Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2158

Platinum Member Joined: Oct 14 2009 Posts: 6019

Can't compare to others because I haven't used others, but the Moby was definitely VERY kind to the back and shoulders! When you get the hang of tying it just right, it distributes the baby's weight beautifully. But it is a whole lot of fabric to juggle.

Diamond Member Joined: Oct 19 2011 Posts: 2772

Gold Member Joined: Nov 26 2006 Posts: 2309 Location: NY

I bought a used babyhawk mei tai- washed it and it was fine. I used it literally since birth. My baby is 13 months and I still occasionally put her in it. I got it because I heard it was comfortable, and I wanted one that I could use from birth and up.

Diamond Member Joined: Nov 30 2009 Posts: 4941

I have a Beco Gemini. I mostly use it when I have to get things done and ds just needs wants to be held cause hes done with independent play.

I have also used it a few times when shopping for a few hours since he wanted to see and wasnt happy being in the car seat in the cart.

I dont wear it all the time, but when I do its comfortable and it frees up my hands which is great.