Suse has given some excellent information about all the different types so ditto what she said.
I foudn the wrap style the best for little bubs, great position especially if they are colicy, refluxy or just like to be curled up on your chest. We had a one shoulder ring sling with DS that I was able to BF in, although not handsfree, I would need to support with one hand if I was walking around but like sunshine_sieben said I think this had more to do with my boobs than the carrier.
Once both my kids got to six months I swaped over to a backpack style. With DS we had the rigid style and with DD we used the ergo. I wish I had the opportunity to use the ergo from newborn but didn't know it existed. My SIL and a friend here in town have both used the ergo with the infant insert from newborn and were able to feed in it - although you need to be careful they don't slip out apparently
I have heard great things about the mei tei styles and wow there are some gorgeous designs out there are they called catbirds or something?????
All up I have had 3 carriers for different purposes, wrap for up to 9 months, close and comfy - one should sling - get and easy to put on, does pull on one shoulder and ergo which has gone from 6mths to 2 1/2 years.
As for hubby - he used the wrap and he is a pretty big bloke - he liked the wrap but I had to wrap him up - he never got the hang of tying it. He also likes the Ergo and did try the one shoulder but it didn't really fit well.
I also used the Peanut Shell - my DH could wear it too. It's so easy just to throw over your head - no buckles, ties or anything. You can BF in it too but I found my boobs were too big so it was a bit awkward (I had huge G cups though). Once bub gets older you can change the position so you can 'wear' bub on your hip.
I also have a friend with the HAB and she loved it.
Just a little note to the Neenee, yes, the HAB should fit plus sized people, too. I'm a 16 and still had room to move. Froom memory on their website they mention a "very huggable" size for very large people, so you could always contact them directly with your measurements and get their advice.
With the Ergo, you can actually purchase extender straps to make the waist strap longer to fit larger people. As I said, I'm a 16 and I think the Ergo would fit up to maybe an 18 without the extenders.
I have 2 Bubzilla slings. They suit me quite well. I can wear them for quite some time and they do well with the older kids too in the hip or monkey hold. I had Sarah in it at last year's baby expo in Adelaide for quite some time. I have put it on with a Dolly during this pg to see how hard it will be to get my BBs into the sling for feeding and it seems to be able to work easily for me, but I will see next week (unless she decides to come earlier )
I do want an Ergo though. DH has a Bubba Moe sling, that has a buckle, and seems to suit his shape and size a lot better than me, but he would find an Ergo more comfortable because the buckle does sit where a lot of the weight is concentrated.
There's a website reviewing all different types of carriers, if you like. Google theslingdirectory. Doesn't sell any, just gives reviews from other mums.
I've used a moby wrap (like a HAB, but cheaper!) and loved it for newborn/small babies. I like my pouch sling for older babies (short term carrying only - too long is hard on my back.) And I had a snugli (front pack carrier) which worked really well for smaller babies too. All good for different purposes, really. Depends on how long (hours) you want to carry your baby for. The wrap is VERY comfortable to wear/carry in, but takes a little time to put on. The pouch is really quick and easy to put on, especially outside, in the parking lot, or whatever, but I can't wear it too long. The snugli was quick and comfy, but not as versatile for positioning, and wouldn't fit a bigger baby.
All the best!
Last edited by suse; June 8th, 2009 at 09:47 PM.
: Removing link
OMG the Ergo! It's literally a baby backpack LMFAO! So cute and hillarious! Is it comfortable? It seems great for older kids but the newborns look a bit . . . I don't know, like they don't fit into it properly? Is the ergo better for the back than getting a stretchy fabric and wrapping it around oneself?
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