What Kind of Baby Carrier Do You Have?

I have tried a lot of them, and my absolute favorite is the Beco. It works with newborns to children up to 50 lbs - I still use it for my son, who's almost 2. He likes the back carry now (it's like a structured mei tai), which is appropriate for his size.

You should visit www.thebabywearer.com for input about all the different options. I had a Bjorn and a Snugli as hand-me-downs, and I like the Bjorn until it started to pinch into my shoulders. I've also tried the hugabub (different from hugabug!), and that was really nice for the early months, to keep my newborn snug and nestled, but he was a big buy from the start, so it didn't hold up to his weight for long (it's fine - it just didn't feel safe for him anymore).

Becos are expensive, but sturdy, beautiful, and you can do a front, side hip, or back carry - and they can be used to 50 lbs. I have severe back problems, and it's been a lifesaver when my son wants to be carried (and squirm and pull and reach . . . ) because it really distributes his weight well and prevents him from pulling me every which way. He loves it, too - he likes to be snuggled in close and "ride on mommy."

I had a Peanut Shell w/ my son for the newborn months and now use a mei tai (ABC) carrier. I'd strongly recommend any type of sling which allows your newborn to be sideways instead of in a "sitting up" position. I remember seeing someone with a newborn a couple months ago and she was in their Baby Bjorn - OMG, holy uncomfortable looking! She was only maybe 3 weeks old and was in this upright position - she had no neck, her head was squished onto her shoulders and I just wanted to cry for her!

Check to see if you have a babywearing group in your area (check Yahoo groups and/or meetup.com) - We had a NINO (Nine-In, Nine-Out) group near me, but for some reason the national organization either broke up or something like that, so now it's just a "babywearer" group. They usually have a "lending library" so you can try out different slings for a couple weeks w/out having to buy them. Plus, they can help you work the various ring slings, tie-ons, etc.

for my 18 year old, I never had a sling -- just a left hip. :)

For my sons, now 8 and 6 I had a snuggli for the oldest and youngest and I had a pouch sling that was given to me from my pastor. I loved it.

I have been assembling ring slings all week for an upcoming event. Once tested they will be listed and brought with me to the lll conference.

April 19th is the Pittsburgh Regional LLL conference. and there are always 'several' vendors there with MANY varieties of slings/wraps/mt's to touch feel and see. It would be a great resouce of information if you are still looking at that time.

the babywearers.com site is a great source of info also.

Check out http://www.hugabugbabywearing.com/ Shes local, they are reasonably priced, they are awesome, you can pick your own fabric, I buy them for everyone I know whos having a baby. Tell her T. S sent you.

I have a Maya Wrap and I love it. It is a sling. i like the sling for infants up to toddler. It is awesome if you plan of breastfeeding. It is great for my back. Slings are not for everyone, but I think they are expecially great for bonding. There are many articles on the subject of wearing a sling for bonding. I have 5 children and used them for all of them. I bought one for my son to be who will be here soon:) I beleive that I had great bonding with my children.

I've had a Munchkinette sling, www.munchkinette.com
It's a long piece of fabric that you wrap around your child. Loved it so much that I got 3 different, for each mood! They are in Philly.

I have a moby wrap and I love LOVE it. It gives me No pain in my shoulders or back and I carryhim in it for hours. Plus it leaves my hands free.

You have a lot of wonderful advice already, but I just wanted to encourage you to try a couple slings before you buy. On www.thebabywearer.com you can find local stores that sell slings. Most will let you try before you buy and give you wonderful advice. In the east end, I like Becoming Mommy and Babyland. The woman who owns Becoming Mommy is especially helpful. I have a Bjorn, Moby wrap, peanut shell, mei tei, and homemade structured carrier (like Ergo/Beco). I love them all for different reasons. Just another note...you can make many of these extremely cheaply from the fabic store--some even without sewing! My favorites for newborns are the Moby (it was very calming for my colicy son!) and the Bjorn for active walking/chores. If you have any questions, please let me know.

I LOVE MY SLING!!! I had one for my 2nd and oh do i wish i had it for the first. Sean is now 3 and 3 months and we still use to help with "piggybacks" when we are going to be out hiking or wandering around an event. way easier than hauling a stroller and he LOVES it. I carried him around doing house work, nursed hads free, let me tell you those hard working ladies in third world counrties had a gem in the sling. It will be the best investment you make. I had a snuggli to and never used it. in fact i now a lady who makes them i will track her info down tonight and send it to you via private message.

"We must be the change we want to see in the world"
-Gandhi

Abundant Blessings
Trish

Hi! I have a Maya Wrap (www.mayawrap.com) and I absolutely love it. It grows with baby so you can use it from birth until they reach a certain weight (maybe 30lbs?). Anyway, I've had great luck with it... it was certainly a great investment.

J.,
My cousin started selling Moby wraps after I had my 2nd (but he was close to a 1yr) so I sort of missed the opportunity to use it. Anyway, there is a website check it out. I believe that it is www.mobywrap.com It is this really long fabric in many colors and patterns and you can wrap it a ton of different ways depending on how you want to hold the baby. It is really nice, since I've seen them I buy them for all my friends and family with newborns, especially for the 2nd child. I wish I knew about them when my son was a baby b/c he always wanted held. Anyway, the fabrics are real soft, comfortable washable. And real easy to wrap you get a book with it and everything! I do believe that it can be used up until 1 yr or after, you can wrap them on your hip. I did that with my son since I was introduced to it late, but I had trouble because I have back problems. But it was real easy to do. Highly Highly recommend! J.

Stretchy wraps like Moby are EXCELLENT w/ newborns!
Personally, I love my unpadded ring slings. I've used them fairly constantly from birth thru toddlerhood. Their adjustability not only lets different sized people wear them, but also lets you hold baby securely in lots of different positions.