We are expecting baby boy #2 the end of September. I never used a carrier with baby number 1, so I have no idea what is good for our use. Both DH and I are tall so we need soemthing that can be easily adjusted and will accomodate tall people. The use of this will primarily be in the winter and early spring. What works well for others. I have heard about the kangaroo pouch...any negs/pos advice about this one? ANy other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
This is a really cool site that has an area that tells you about all the different carriers out there. I personally use and Ergo and love it. I used a sling with my preemie when he was very little, but it wasn't great for when he got bigger. I also have used a Baby Bjorn, which was nice.
I love the Ergo baby carrier- I found mine at PeaPods in St. Paul. My daughter is now 6 mo old and we used it a ton when she was colicky, now I use it out and about at the grocery store etc as she is still a bit too small to ride in a cart (& I feel more secure with her next to me)but too heavy for me to want to lug in the carseat. Both my husband and I can use it and be comfortable. You do need to buy an infant attachment so that you can use it with a newborn but it is so well worth it! Also I tried a Hotsling for a few weeks and she liked sleeping it in but I never felt like I had her positioned right and it was sort of uncomfortable for me - likely I just purchased the wrong size.
I thought my Mei Tai was comfortable to use over the Ella Roo hip carrier. The Mei Tai you can use until toddler age and people on e-bay make the name brand for less.
Congrats and great idea getting a baby carrier!
I have 2 boys, and with the first one I used a sling-ez on and off. I may not have been using it correctly, but I didn't feel like it was truly "hands-free" (when used with a newborn) and I always kept one hand on the carrier. On the positive side, this sling was very discrete when I needed to nurse during an airplane flight.
With the second child, I ended up getting a baby bjorn. One word can summarize my feelings about the baby bjorn: Godsend. Baby #2 wanted to be held all the time, so he spent a lot of time in the Baby Bjorn. And it felt very secure, I could use both of my hands freely and never felt like he was going to fall out. For the first couple of days, my back muscles were a little sore from the "workout", but they adjust. And carrying around a baby all the time is a great way to shed some of that baby weight! :)
I love my Moby Wrap! It works for all heights and you can use it in several different ways. I felt very secure using it. When I decide to have another baby I am going to buy a Peanut Shell carrier just because I think they are sooo cute!
Congratulations by the way!
Since you didn't use one with your first I would buy one secondhand to see if you like it or if you'd really use it.
I'm prego with#2 and didn't use one with my first either. I just bought a BabyBjorn at the thrif store for $3 dollars.. They retail like $100 brand new. I've seen all sorts of models and styles and brands at the thrift store. I am going to try and use this and for $3dollars I can't go wrong.
I LOVE my Baby Bjorn Active. It is comfortable, easy to use, and has great back support. You can get one with extra long straps, too.
i recommend a moby for the first couple months. you can carry baby pretty much like in a bjorn but it's "snugger." after that, i recommend an ergo or beco. i can give you more info. just message me. there's also a board and website at thebabywearer.com with lots of info.
We always carried our little one in the Baby Bjorn (baby shower gift) from the time she was 4 days old. She practically lived in it and we like it. When she was 4 months old, another mom highly recommended a sling and I tried out several (USA Baby, Pacifier, etc. allow you to try them right in the store) and really liked the Hot Sling. Super fast and easy to use, and you can wear it front, hip or even on the back. Now it is the only thing I use (my hubby still used the BBjorn) and I truly wish I had known about it when she was a newborn - nursing would have been SO much easier on the go!
I've used both slings/pouch carriers and front carriers such as the Baby Bjorn. For easy adjusting and as a first carrier I'd suggest a front carrier. And you're wise to think about a carrier with #2...I carried my second a TON because the baby wanted to be held and my son still wanted me to keep up with him. I'm now expecting #3 and I'm sure that baby too will live in a carrier the first few months!
I've written my reviews of them all (a couple of different slings, the new Baby Bjorn Synergy, the Lascal M1 carrier and a backpack carrier for older children) on my parenting blog Ugga Mugga. Feel free to take a look:
