What's the Best Baby Carrier?

I had a snugli for my twins and for my oldest daughter. I absolutely loved it!!! They were easy to use and I could breast feed while my child was still in it. As my children grow slowly and stay small forever, they were able to be in it for nearly their entire first year when they needed mom time and I had things to do...

However...having said that. If I could go back with today's options, I would get the sling. The reason is because they are designed to distribute the weight of the baby more evenly across your body, preventing the pull forward that you feel in the front packs...It's more supportive of a newborn's entire body, including his/her head, than the front packs where you are required to maintain vigilant support of the head yourself (until they can holdit up themselves)...and it's a more natural hold for a baby against your body as it it similar to a feeding hold or when you hold them yourself than the front packs which have them sitting upright...

If your child is 6 months or older I highly recommend the snugly as the sit facing out and can see what's going on around them, encouraging them to interact and check out the world around them with the added safety of being held close by mom.

I hope my opinions have helped you in some way...

Good Luck!!!

2 moms found this helpful

Congratulations on your baby! I absolutely LOVED the EZ sling. I purchased it from Special Addition Maternity & Nursing store on ____@____.com're not using ours as much now since my daughter is almost 4; but we used it all the time when she was an infant - 3. It has a nicely padded shoulder strap while the sling itself wraps across your body which helps distribute baby's weight evenly. I did wish that the EZ sling had a small pouch for my cell phone and keys; but it wasn't really a big deal. I loved that the sling was a decent size which allowed me to nurse without exposing myself or my DD. http://www.maternityandnursing.com/catalog/product_info.p...

Hope this helps

1 mom found this helpful

When my son was really small I used either the Ezee Sling (my favorite) or the Moby Wrap, now that he's a bit older we use the Baby Bjorn most often.

Best of luck!

I've used a Slingling, Moby Wrap and now we are in a Calyx (Mama by Design). I've loved all of them for the stage we were in. That being said, I would probably skip the sling and just use the Moby Wrap from the start. It provided a lot of support for my baby's head and really kept my hands free.

If you've never used one, there is an organization here in the Houston (and I'm sure Texas) area called Houston Babywearers. They have monthly meetings and they all have mant different types of slings and carriers that you can try before you go out and buy yours.

I believe also that A Mother's Work in Rice Village has some that you can try before you buy. I got lucky and loved all mine, but I had done a lot of research and asked a lot of people. Keep in mind that wraps and slings can generally be used for a longer period (heavier babies) than bjorn et al.

You shouldn't wear your baby in an upright holder (that places the infant vertically) until the baby's neck muscles can hold the head up. Otherwise, having the head flop forward or to the side stressing the heart/blood flow. So for itty bitty babies, you'll want a carrier that allows laying down. When the baby is a bit older, you can opt for a Bjorn-type, vertical carrier.

i used the infantino sling, it looks just like a bag, and the baby loved it.
she goes to sleep as soon as she is in it as it snuggles her up in a fetal position.
they cost 29.99 from wal mart or target - because the baby is snuggled right up against you it also discourages random touching by the unwashed masses

In terms of easy to put on and comfortable, I like my Hostling. http://www.hotslings.com/ They sell them at Target now also. They aren't one size fits all though- you have to measure yourself to get the right fit.

I have a bad neck so for me a two shouldered carrier is the most comfortable for long trips. When my daughter was a baby I used my Moby wrap. http://www.mobywrap.com/. It is a little harder to put on though, and it took me a couple of days to figure out how to tie it. Very snug and comfy though.

I know lots of moms who love their rings slings- since they are adjustable and grow with baby.

Check out The BabyWearer.com It is an awesome site all about babywearing. It has articles, links to vendors, reviews and forums dedicated to all the different types of baby carriers.

I have a sling and love it!!! My babies fell asleep instantly and it was very comfortable too. Also when we flew with my 2 older children, my daughter was 18 months, my son was not quite 3 and my husband and I needed every hand possible. Soooo, my daughter rode in the sling on my hip without so much as a fuss and I still had my hands free. Check out www.myfairygodmother.biz You can pick from a variety of colors and sizes to fit your frame.

I bought both the Peanut Shell sling (the same as a Hotsling) and a Baby Bjorn and I actually like them both, although I have been using the Baby Bjorn more lately. My son has reflux, so he really likes to be sitting up better which the Bjorn allows him to do. I just have to be careful of his head since there is less support with that one. He will sleep in the sling too though, so they're both great. Honestly, since they are both so different, I'm glad I have them both. The sling can fit in the diaper bag, so it's more portable, but the Bjorn is a little more comfortable for me.

One thing I would say is that if you get the Baby Bjorn and you live anywhere where it's hot, you may want to invest in the one that is made of mesh. It is so much more comfortable since it breathes better (I think it's called the "air"). It's a little more expensive, but having used it for a couple of months now, I think it's totally worth the money.

Good luck with the new baby!

To find what you're looking for, the very best place to look for anything is consumerreports.org. That should help you find something that you're comfortable with. Good luck and God bless, A. N.