Suggestions for Baby Carriers

My daughter hated the sling. I bought a Snugli (front carrier). She loved it and now I use the same one for my son and he likes it as well.

I loved my wrap carrier when my last child was a newborn. He could snuggle against me without being buried in tons of fabric. The wrap had the advantage of holding my son snugly against me so that I was truly hands free.

First I borrowed a "hug a bub" wrap from a friend. Then my mother in law helped me make one similar to it so I could return the one back to my friend. I used a fabric similar to a heavy tshirt to make mine. You can see what they look like at www.hugabub.com although you might find the price prohibitive as the hugabub is from australia.

Best of luck!

Hi H.,

I didn't use a carrier much when my son was really little. Had the usual Baby Bjorn, but once he was able to hold his head up (around four months), I switched to the Hip Hammock and absolutely loved it. It holds the baby to your side so its just like holding your baby on your hip, but with hands free and easier on your back. He is 26 months and about 32 lbs so we are almost done with it, but it still works for me when its a quick trip or I don't want fight traffic with the stroller. Good luck!

A local lady in Lakeland makes and sells ANGEL PACKs...(thats the name) you can go to www.angelpack.com and check these out. I purchased one and it was a life saver at times when I didnt know how else to put my baby to sleep. Its very supportive of your back because it cris crosses and its very cute/stylish because you can pick your colors. I have gotten many compliments. These work until the children weigh ALOT...or until you cant hold them anymore. If you check OUTLET on her website you can get cheaper ones...they are 'irregular' which is what I got and I couldnt find anything wrong with it! Good luck!

I really loved the pouch that I got from www.kangarookorner.com - they have all kinds of slings etc but their pouch was so easy and my son loved it until he was too heavy for me to hold him in it.
There is a babywearing group that meets in Hollywood sometimes - if you are interested I can put you in touch with them - and a friend of mine knows someone in Coral Gables who makes beautiful slings too.
Good luck and let me know if I can help with more info.
A.

Check out www.mammasmilk.com the same sling can work from new born until like 3yrs old (35lbs) to hold them on your hip. It puts the pressure on your shoulder instead of your back with a sling. I used to used the carrier in the front but my daughter floped around. I love the side sling for the hip to keep your hands free. Good Luck.

Hello H.,

If you're looking for a comfortable carrier without the strain on your back I would strongly suggest you invest in the Baby Bjorn. The baby can be facing you (with flap up for head support)or outward (with flap down so they can observe "the world"). There is not strain on your back at all. It's like you're not wearing anything. I would use it around the house just to get things done and I absolutely love it and it's very comfortable for the baby. Just try it out. My daughter is too big for it now but I LOVE it so much till I refuse to part with it in hopes to have another baby.

http://www.babybjorn.com/

Everything else hurts and pulls too much. I think you would be very happy with this product.

I have a baby child and mom boutique and I carry a really great sling. It is called the Cute Sling. No rings or buckles and you can carry your child in 5 or 6 different positions. Here is the link to all of the information. http://www.abbabyboutique.com/catalog.php?item=11&ret...

If that link does not work just go to www.abbabyboutique.com and type in slings in the search box.

Let me know if you have any questions!
K. L.

I used a home made wrap and loved it. Infact I still use it with my 20 month old. I would recommend a woven one over a knit one. It was great because there are so many ways to wear it. It may take a few times to get used to it, but it is worth it. My baby was always secure and comfortable. Good luck.

I use a storchenwiege wrap. It is a little pricey but very worth it. I used it from the time my daughter was a week old and she is 7 months and 19lbs now and I still use it daily. My daughter is breastfed and it is easy to nurse in as well. It is very versatile and you can tie it with the baby on your front, side or back.
Check out the www.slingstation.com They were very helpful when it came to selecting the proper wrap for my needs.
Good luck!

I use a Storchenwiege wrap and I love it. My dd loves it too, better than the Mei Tai I have. I got it at www.theslingstation.com

It can be wrapped a ton of different ways. They actually don't recommend carrying your baby face out because of what it does to their hips.

It has been a long time since i had a carrier, but i gave mine to Once Upon a child when i was done. I worked when she was a newborn and it was hardly used. Instead of guessing what style you want, you can go there and try them on, can't do that at stores. Then you can go from there. They are very picky about what they take and everythign in there is in good condition and many times barely used.
ps, i lived in Boynton Beach!
S.

H.,
When my daughter was born my mom got me the over the shoulder baby holder. It was a life saver, my daughter had to be held all the time. I used it until she was 1 1/2.It works in all sorts of positions: nursing, forward facing, back, side, etc. and can even be used by your husband. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns, as well as different sizes. You can get an instrutional video to help with placing your son in the different positions. I have not found a baby that hasnt' loved and been calmed when using it, and I've used it on several of my friends babies when watching them.
Best of luck,
Google it {Over the shoulder baby Holder}
and God Bless
S.

Hi H., Try the Ergo Carrier. This carrier is side, front and back and works great when your baby gets heavier. There is a very cool head covering for sleeping baby or baby that needs some privacy. They are about $99.00 but shop the web or ebay for better pricing.

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/?aw1

T. F

I used the baby bjorn - the larger one. It was great. We used it front facing and facing in - now that he's bigger (almost one) we even use it on my husbands back as a back carrier. They are sturdy and the way they are made they dont hurt your back that much ( I used the snugli at first and the harness system killed my back).

With the Maya what I did when DS was a newborn was fold up a blanket and put it in under him to bring him up in it. I also bought a Mei Tai or Chinese baby carrier. But DS dind't like it, I think it's cause I didn't buy it until he was older and so used to the Maya.

It is hard to have a new born in the Maya but really they like being all smooshed up, like they are in the womb again.

There is a group called nine in and nine out I think that has some good info on carriers. Once your baby can hold his head well the sitting up facing out carry is so wonderful and they get to see everything going on!

I so wish DS was little and wanted to be carried again, now he RUNS everywhere! ahhh they grow so fast!!!