Front Pack Carrier for plus Size Mom

I have a Ergo and it is very comfy, I tried a sling, but baby didn't like it! Just make sure you find it on sale, or used, they are pricey. I have also read great things about the BECO carriers. Buy the cheaper ones andtry them out, you can always return them if they do not work, then move your way up. I have never tried the Bjorn, but I hated my Evenflo one!

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I am plus-sized and I've used three different slings/carriers in the last three years.

Slingling as a newborn and as a quick hip carrier as she got older when I needed something easy and compact to throw in the diaper bag. You order according to your size.

Moby Wrap (similar to the BLARC posted previously) can be had for less than $40 and was a lifesaver for more than a year.

Buckle Tai (Mei Tai carrier with buckles instead of ties) I found at www.mamabydesign.com. I think she calls it a Calyx. It was great for back carries after my daughter was a year old.

Even without another child, it was imperative to have my hands free. I feel like the only money I wasted was on the stroller that was too much of a pain to use!

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I LOVE my Ergo carrier - I bought the sport (which I prefer because it has thinner fabric) which has a longer waistband than the regular Ergo. I actually used it for a trip to Israel last summer - A LOT of walking around with my then 5 month old daughter (also had a 3 1/2 year old at the time). It was amazing, and I continue to use it for day trips, grocery shopping, and travel. They make an insert for little ones - I didn't use that. When my daughter was really small, I used a moby type wrap - which I liked a lot, but only when she was tiny. I don't think that your size would impact your use of this type of carrier.

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My very favorite way to carry my babies was my "BLARC"--Basically Large Area of Rectangular Cloth--as my partner called it. Now you can buy these, but 20 years ago, before anyone made them for sale, I got the idea from Central American midwives, who showed me how the traditional "rebozo" is used for baby-carrying, support of the recently pregnant belly, and even massage of the new mother. You can buy one for about $30-45, or you can make your own for about $10-15. And it's EASY!
Go to your nearest fabric store. Find inexpensive cotton jersey (heavy t-shirt fabric, you want it a bit stretchy) in any color you like. This stuff can be as inexpensive as a couple dollars/yard if you look in the sale areas where they have discontinued fabrics. Buy about 5-6 yards. If you sew, get some thread in a complementary color. If you don't sew, don't worry--you only really need scissors for this.

When you get it home, unfold the fabric--it always comes folded in half lengthwise. Cut along the fold in a straight line the entire length of the fabric. You now have TWO basic BLARCs! If you sew, you can finish the edges. Be sure to use a zigzag or other stretch stitch, you will want the edges to be able to stretch without breaking the finish thread. You can either fold over the edges to make a traditional hem, or you can try a pretty ruffly edge by stretching the fabric as much as you can along the edge while you are sewing it, and letting the stitch go off the edge--this causes the fabric to pull itself back when you let it go and the stitching makes the edges softy ruffled.

Now--the carrying part! It helps if you practice with a large baby doll about your baby's size, or a pound bag of sugar or something, to get an idea of how tight to tie it and how to handle the weight while putting the BLARC on and getting the baby in it. Don't worry--once it's all tied, you can easily slip in and out of it--you don't have to tie it on with one hand while holding your wiggling baby with the other!

Here's the wrap for a front carry of a newborn:
-Start with the center of the fabric, lengthwise
-Wrap from front to back around your belly/waist (what waist? You'll get it back, I promise) and tie the fabric very tightly (this is important--gives you support on your belly postpartum and ALSO puts the baby's weight where it belongs, on your hips, not your back and shoulders).
-Now you have both ends like a very long sash at your back.
-Bring one end up over each of your shoulders.
-Cross each end across your front--this is where you put the baby doll or sugar sack in to get a sense of how to place baby. You'll probably want the baby laying across your chest, head slightly higher than body. Things are easy to adjust once you've got it tied.
-Keeping the ends crisscrossed, wrap around and tie once again in back.
-This first time, leaving about a foot at each end, you can then cut the fabric to the correct length.

This can be slipped on and off over your head, or stepped in and out of. You can put baby in while cradling in one arm and using your other arm to adjust the wrappings--you basically want to spread the crisscrossed fabric evenly across the baby. Don't be worried about having it a bit tight--the fabric stretches and baby will settle in. It's just like the womb environment in many ways for your baby.

As you get used to doing this, you will find it easy to pop your baby in and out, as well as figure out all kinds of ways to change the baby's position--upright, facing out, nursing completely hands free and privately!! Even just wrapping the toddler (yes your baby will eventually be one) onto your hip.

I used this completely hands free. What I like best about this is that, if you get the first wrapping around your belly nice and tight, all the weight is carried on your hips, using your shoulders and back only for stability. This is so much better for your body than ANY of the other carriers out there! And--you just made two of them, so it's easy to wash one while using the other.

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A moby offers a lot of flexibility and will allow you to adjust so that it fits you comfortably. Depending on your size, I have an Ergo Sport that I really adore. You could even use a strap extender with it if needed. Ring slings are also very flexible/adjustable and are generally usably until first birthday at least.

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We loved the Moby wrap, it fits many different sizes, can be left on just put in and take out, and can be nursed in. Later, can be used for back carry or sling carry, too. Very versatile.

So easy after the first couple of attempts.

I used it while walking through Paris when my daughter was 5 months. She could watch, nap, or nurse and all while we were out and about.

D.

PS There is a place here in Portland (Mother Natures)that allows you to try out the various wraps, carriers and they sell many. You might check some of the more boutique style/organic/cloth diaper stores near you and ask if you can try some on with baby and see if they will work for you.

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I highly recommend the Moby wrap and also the Babyhawk which they sell with extra long straps! I have and love both.

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Baby bjorn makes a carrier with extended straps, that's what I used and it was fine, loved it! I found a handmade pouch-style sling on etsy that used my exact measurements when she was a little older and still use it with my 2 year old!

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Hi Mama! I'm a plus-size mama too :-) For my little guy's first many many months, we used a Moby wrap, which was great! You wrap and tie it yourself - so no waist belt that comes up short! It can be wrapped around your middle and tied in the back, OR, wrapped around twice & tied in front - whichever you have enough material for. Oscar LOVED being in the Moby - it felt like a permanent hug! (And if it looks complicated at first, don't worry - it's just like learning to tie your shoes: the first few times are tricky, and then after that you can do it with your eyes closed!)
Best of luck to you & your little ones!

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BabyHawk is fabulous and can make a carrier with extra long "ties" Check them out here: http://www.babyhawk.com/

I teach babywearing so if you need anything, give me a shout.

:)

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The Ergo and the Moby Wrap are both really good ones. The Ergo can be used later on the back and hip as well. Look on craigslist, as you can often find them used for a lot less money.

K.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao

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I'm a big fan of metal framed backpacks. (My mum used one to hike all over asia with us when we were little -as in 2months-2years). I used one as well, but just for schlepping out and about town. Much less romantic sounding. The downside with backpacks is that you DO have to wait awhile (like a few months) until they have more neck muscles. But then it's easy. Grab it from the trunk.. they stand on their own... slip the baby in ... strap them into the harness and adj the head support, pick it up and get the other kids and off you go. Easier than a stroller... but you do have to take it off to pee. Since they stand on their own... you just use the handicapped stall and set them in front of you.

There were no slings or kangaroo pouches that fit me. (Esp as when I was nursing I was a 40 J, thank god I'm back to normal... J makes a quad D feel absolutely petite). After he was far too big for a sling, I found several people who make them to size. I THINK where I found the list of people who make slings to size was at Village Maternity at University Village over by the UW. You could give them a ring before schlepping 520.

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I use the Baby K'Tan from Target. It has all the advantages of a wrap without the actual wrapping (it consists of two loops of fabric), and it comes in different sizes. This carrier is a lot easier on my back than many traditional front carriers, and it grows with your child (I think you can use it up to 40lbs).

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I too am a plus size gal and I LOVED the bjorn!!!!!!! There are any different adjustments that you can make.

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We loved our Beco. My husband (who is a big guy..some 6' tall and all) and I (a teeny 4'11") both found it to work great for us. It's highly adjustable and has the extender mentioned earlier. Plus they just redesigned it a couple years ago to make getting baby in and out safer. AND they come with beautiful fabric choices.

I am plus size also and i used the baby bjourn. I found it at a consignment shop for only $12.00. I loved it. I also used the Platex Hip Hammock and that is awesome. It's for when they are older.

I found the snugli/bjorn uncomfortable- the extra weight up front was uncomfortable. I know some mamas love slings, but I found I preferred two shouldered carriers.

I loved the mobywrap since it evenly distributes weight, and the ergo baby carrier once they could hold their head up.

http://www.mobywrap.com/
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

I love the Moby for the tiny little ones. As they get bigger I tend to wear them on my back more, and I think the Ergo or Beco is great for that.
Moby
http://www.mobywrap.com/
Ergo:
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
Beco:
http://www.becobabycarrier.com/

Lots of great info here:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/

I love the Ergo. It's ergonomically designed for mama and baby so that it puts some of the weight on your hips instead of on your shoulders and it doesn't hang the baby from the crotch like those horrible Bjorns and Snugglis :(
The Ergo also sells an extender so if it's a little tight, you can make it bigger around the hips.
But, with a baby that young, you need something that does sit the baby upright. They don't have the neck muscles to do that. You either need a soft carrier that has an infant insert (you can also get one of those for an Ergo) or you need to get a sling to use for a while. Ring slings are good for infants and very adjustable for your size.
Good Luck!! :)

Get a sling instead. There are no carriers that I found comforatable for my plus size frame. I found the Ring sling to be the best option. Great support lots of options on how to wear it and very comfortable.
Good luck
C.

Moby Wrap or the Beco are the best ways to go! The BECO has an extender depending on how "plus size" you are. However, it is already very generous. You can get either one for the best price at www.nurturedfamily.com. I have both and did a lot of research on price. This website has the best price out there! Good luck!

I feel your pain! I had to take a regular sized one and make extensions on the straps. I cut some good sturdy fabric that was simular in color, and then sewed new peices in the same size as the old one, and attached with a good zigszag stitch. If you don't sew, you could go to a person who does alterations, they can do it for a few dollars. It worked great!

Enjoy your baby!
M.

The only one I would ever use is the Ergo carrier. Spendy, but so worth it, we've used ours for 3 years! think it adjusts to fit a plus sized woman as well. If not, I'd contact them directly, they have great customer service. If not, maybe use a Moby wrap, it'll adjust around you.