I want to get something to carry baby with me when I have her. I had one with Haz, but got rid of it after because he was *meant* to be my last. It had been in the fam for years so I figure there is soooo much that has changed now its best to get opinions.
I want to be able to hands free BF with it - that was the greatest part of my last as I could shop, clean, tend to the other kids - whatever without making it, them or Harry wait.
Obviously durable, and good for at least 12m. I am probably more super paranoid this time round and chances are she will be worn almost constantly.
Also, best price is helpful. Obviously I understand its not going to be super cheap because I want durable and flexible - but at least a justifiable amount given its a spend on one person from a finite source in an 8 person house (if that makes sense to you, lol),.
For BFing, a ring sling or pouch is generally considered the easiest, as a baby can be carried cradle style, but some babies aren't too keen on being carried horizontally (mine wasn't), and some mums don't find them comfortable, especially if they have back or shoulder problems. They may not be as comfortable once a baby gets older, although they can be used for front and hip carries once good head support is gained. For the vertically inclined babies, a two shouldered carrier like a mei tai (or buckled version, called a soft structured carrier or SSC) may be better. These can also be more versatile and supportive when bubs gets heavier. I still occasionally breast feed my 17 month old in a mei-tai, so it can be done in a vertical carrier.
Alternatively, if you have the patience to learn, a wrap is extremely versatile, and many people find is the most comfortable of carriers once a particular carry is mastered. A stretchy wrap made of cotton jersey (like a hug-a-bub) can be easily and cheaply made, and is great for newborns and little bubs, but are not as supportive once babies get heavier. At that point, a woven wrap is a good bet, although these can be much more expensive because they are custom woven for babywearing. But they are a worthwhile investment for comfort and longevity (you may at that point discover that you want to keep carrying long after 12 months).
There are advantages to all types of carriers, and each have attributes to suit different types of wearing. Generally speaking though, the quickest (like pouches) to put on are the least comfortable for long wears, whereas a wrap, which may take a bit more time to put on, is the most supportive for longer wears. But this is not always the case for all people.
Google 'thebabywearer' and check out the reviews on carriers and the info on different styles, this will give you a bit more of an idea of the general types of carriers out there, and help you form a bit more of an idea of what you might like. Once you've got an idea of the general type of carrier you think you might like, then we can help narrow it down to a specific carrier for you!
Not to hijack the threat or anything XD but is the HAB suitable for breastfeeding? Is it suitable to wear if one is a plus size, and will it fit a broad-shouldered man? What's the best sling to incorporate these elements?
You can use the HAB to feed vertically, my girlfriend did it and worked wonders for her chucky bubba
Have a look around - what may be confortable for you may not be for hubby...I love the Ergo, DH hates it, wont wear it...The Close Carrier he was much more sold on.
The Comfy Rock I Charlotte hated, she didnt like the position the slings put her in. So you will most likely need to try one and find out which works for you bubs and hubby.
I know some people who have about 5 or 6 carriers of different sorts - different carries, different support, different wearers, and time periods of wear...each has a specific use.
Lots of good reviews on here for the BabyHawk Mei Tai carrier, I looked at one and it was great, just never got one in the end.
Oh some carriers, ike the PEanut Shell are sized, so you could always get on type of carrier, just one size for you and one for hubby.
Find someone with some and try them out see what you think
I think in your case I would get the Ergo and buy a 5.5m length of jersey fabric to make a wrap for when bubba is little.
I personally never really got the hang of feeding in any type of carrier. I put it down on my boobs being too far down and just plain too big when they were full. But I also initially had so many problems with attachment, that I couldn't just BF blindly or hands free. Had to shape the breast and all that.
neenee my very plus size hubby can wear a 4.5m wrap no worries and he can also use the close carrier no worries.
Inertia if you are looking for cheap and are not sure about wraps what I did was go to spotlight and buy 5m of cotton jersey for about 40 bucks, this will make two wraps cause you cut it in half length ways. It's a great way to learn how to wrap and try it out for not much outlay. Once I decided I loved it I then went out and got myself a more expensive european woven wrap which is just so comfortable now that bub is getting bigger.
Help with picking a baby carrier.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks