If you could only buy one baby carrier, what would it be

My sis is pg. She and her bf are pretty conventional and are only really thinking carrier/sling because they live on a boat and a pram would be a nuisance.
I feel that a ring sling would be a good start for a little bub, but i never used my sling for long walks - just around the house and little outings. I used my HaB for longer periods of carrying. I did have 4 idifferent ones in the end.

I am well out of the loop and i have seen some amazing wraps and things, but i don't want to buy her one that can only be used for one thing and then find she needs another one too.

I was thinking an ergo? More conventional, a bit structured but not like a baby bjorn. Can back carry for later?

I really don't know. Would appreciate some ideas.

I have always dreaded the day someone asked me this. What a choice.

I do think probably the ergo. Actually, I've never owned a Manduca, but it seems to be as good a choice.

Or maybe a mei tai.

They live on a boat? Awesome! Tell me more, I want to live on a boat but I'm afraid of raising small kids on a boat because you'd have to watch them like a hawk. We stayed on a houseboat in Boston and it was so much fun, the kids loved it.

Anyway, the great great great thing about boats is that they rock gently. So I'm wondering if there is a carrier that can convert to a baby hammock they could hang from the boat ceiling, because they would have the world's best-sleeping baby if they had that.

I love my ergo, but I am thinking a ring sling or something for your sister because they're possibly going to want to keep their bub close while on the boat to avoid accidents and a ring sling is so quick and easy. Boats aren't the most child-safe places.

I'd go with the manduca. Conventional enough to not be scary, easy to adjust to fit both wearer and baby and has a built in newborn insert rather than the insert having to be purchased separately like you'd need to with the ergo.

Beetlebums carrier :)

Or a wrap if they aren't noobs like me.

The close carrier might also work.

The ergo isn't that fiddly. I leave it done up around my waist during the day and pop DD2 in and out as needed.

Close carrier birth to 9 ish months. Then Ergo, loved Ergo with DS1 from 4 months but hated it when I had to use insert, so I was enabled by Mrs Nerd burger to try a close carrier and WOW loved it so easy and comfy!!

I got an ergo (finally!) A few months ago and would highly recommend them. I'd done heaps of research and narrowwd down to that and manduca, then I found a site (therea actually 2 very similar) that I could get brand new organic ergo newborn insert (just in case) and suck pads DELIVERED for I think $120! I have other slings and carriers over the years and wish I had spent abit more right at the start and got an ergo. I am obviously not using it for a newborn but I think if its still super easy quick and COMFY with a great big 1yr old it would be fine for a littlie. Having said that she may still want another simple sling for newborn coz it'd probably be a little quicker??

Manduca or wrap

Ring Sling. I could survive without my others but my Breeze Baby goes everywhere with me. EVERYWHERE lol. My DD2 lives in it, most day sleeps, running around after DD1, to the park, around the garden. It is just so simple and lightweight, complete convenience.

I love my beetlebums but the only downside to a more bulky structured carrier is what about when it isn't in use? My ring sling can tuck into the smallest bag. For portability, you can't beat a simple ring sling!

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I got an ergo (finally!) A few months ago and would highly recommend them. I'd done heaps of research and narrowwd down to that and manduca, then I found a site (therea actually 2 very similar) that I could get brand new organic ergo newborn insert (just in case) and suck pads DELIVERED for I think $120! I have other slings and carriers over the years and wish I had spent abit more right at the start and got an ergo. I am obviously not using it for a newborn but I think if its still super easy quick and COMFY with a great big 1yr old it would be fine for a littlie. Having said that she may still want another simple sling for newborn coz it'd probably be a little quicker??

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At that price I'd be worried it's a fake :(

I found my close carrier great for the early days this time round. Simple to use, good support, easy to wash. I'm starting to use my baby hawk Mei tai now she is getting a bit heavier.

I'd love an ergo but can't justify the expense right now :(

Bellany I was actually quite concerned about it being a knock off or the site being dodgy but my mum decided to get it for my birthday and it was all fine. Definitely NOT a fake happily :D The site I used was ergo baby carrier Australia it should come up, the othe was ergo baby on sale. (just dont expect an answer to emails coz they are Chinese company and I never got a reply (freaked me out until I got what was paid for!)

I'd vote ergo too. I'm using a combination of a ring sling and ergo this time around and they are great for different reasons, but I think the ergo would more adequately fill the role of the ring sling, whereas the sling will never give the long term support and comfort of the ergo, especially as bubs gets bigger.

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Bellany I was actually quite concerned about it being a knock off or the site being dodgy but my mum decided to get it for my birthday and it was all fine. Definitely NOT a fake happily :D The site I used was ergo baby carrier Australia dot com it should come up, the othe was ergo baby on sale. (just dont expect an answer to emails coz they are Chinese company and I never got a reply (freaked me out until I got what was paid for!)

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I hate to break it to you but neither of those sites are authorised ergo sellers. Ergo baby retailers are not allowed to use "ergobaby" in their web address. Chances are the carrier you received is a fake. Babes in arms are the Australian distributor so i'd contact them for further advice.

As for the OP, if they are both planning on carrying bub then an ergo or manduca may have to be adjusted each time it changes wearer. Also I found the ergo I had to be very hot and that was without the newborn insert. Just some other points to consider.

For me I'd go with a ring sling for ease of use. Linen or linen blend would be very supportive for long periods and as bub grows. A woven wrap would be the most versatile though. It could also be used as a hammock as someone else mentioned.

A ring sling is a good option. It's good for newborns through to toddlers (for quick hip carries).
A manduca or similar is also a good one as it's easy and accessible and can be used from newborn through. I wouldn't go with an ergo just because they don't carry from newborn - you need a separate insert for that.

i prefer woven wraps and they're truly the most versatile but they can seem a bit daunting at first :)

and Just FYI about Ergo fakes. There are a lot around and the trouble with them is that you can't be sure about the materials or workmanship, or whether they've been properly tested.
If you're unsure, you can check registered ergobaby stockists via the Babes in Arms website.

I would say Manduca. They are comfortable, and easily adjustable. They also have a zip across the back so you can change the height of the carrier so it will fit bibs for longer.

Bubs, not bibs, LOL

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate the feedback. Sorry to ask the dreaded question Audax. Have a lie down now.

It's a shame i gave away my ring sling. I love woven wraps, they are so gorgeous and just look so comfy and cosy. I'm pretty sure my sister won't be into it. In fact, i know it isn't what they want. Seeing as she lives in a hot humid place, I'm thinking some of these inserts etc might be very hot for mum and bub. Close carrier looks not too hot. Manduca has a lighter cooler sport version. Hmmm, off to google some more.

kuraiza - they live on this 2860. They won't live there forever though. I think eventually a house with a backyard will be more their style of life once bubs starts to get mobile.

I've never used a Manduca but have an Ergo Sport and love it. We used it from birth, with the insert. DD was born in Summer and we didn't find it too bad really, the sport is lighter than the original. I really liked it because bub is in a seated position rather than hanging. It does need to be adjusted when hubby has worn it and then I do but all that entails is pulling on a few straps once the carrier is on. We use it still now for DD in the back position and she loves it. I also really like that the weight is on your hips and not on your back, this means you can wear it for a long time and not get any back pain.

oh that boat is so COOL!

If she's quite petite, the ergo may not work for her...

A Bamberoo wrap conversion (mei tei) would be my one and only if I could only have one, and didn't want to wrap.

I personally wouldn't steer toward an Ergo - there really are other much better SSCs out there, and I found my (tall) DH had a very hard time getting DD in to the right position, high enough, on his back. They aren't the comfiest either.

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A Bamberoo wrap conversion (mei tei) would be my one and only if I could only have one, and didn't want to wrap.

I personally wouldn't steer toward an Ergo - there really are other much better SSCs out there, and I found my (tall) DH had a very hard time getting DD in to the right position, high enough, on his back. They aren't the comfiest either.

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I would agree on the position on a tall person. I like mine but its its too low when I wear them on my back & when I wear on my front the buckles rub on my arms.

I like the Kari me: it is a jersey-style wrap. And I used it until Liebs started school, when it was packed away to be moved and is now in the attic. But we could still use it if we wanted to. DH is average height, I am tall and both of us could use it comfortably.

(Plus it's wide enough to wear as a top when the weather is hot with just a bra underneath. Bonus!)

Only 1 baby carrier???? Yikes??? For me, I'd got with either a woven wrap or a WCMT half buckle. (see I cann't even narrow that down).

If it were for someone else, new to baby-carrying, I'd probably look at either a Manducca or a Boba 3G. Both very comfy, easy to use for a novice, easily adjustable for all ages and come in a variety of colours. ;)

Personally, I'm not that keen on the ergo.
Other possibilities I might consider would be a sleepy wrap (or equivalent), a Angelpack, a Kinderpack, or a Babyhawk (or the oh snap if I knew they preferred buckles).

HTH. :)

Oh, and as has been mentioned be very wary of fake ergos. Babes in arms have an approved stockist list, if you are buying online it pays to check out that the company is on that list first. So many people have been ripped off like HomeStyleMumma. :( the problem with fakes is the lack of quality control. I would hate to be carrying a baby and have stitching tear or a buckle break or the fabric rip. :(

Its hard to say when you havent tried lots but still a big HAB fan here. All my bubbas have loved it and never hurt my back.

The stretchy wraps are great for little bubs, but can become uncomfortable as they get heavier as there's too much sag in the fabric.

I have a Manduca and a ergo. I LOVE my manduca. I prefer it heaps over the ergo but DH prefers the ergo.

Close carrier is hot. I had a Brissy December baby and I just dreaded putting it on. I preferred the Ergo with insert on those days.

Until I got my solar veil MT. Maybe that's the way to go? I do love mine, it's a Melkaj, but the Bamberoos look awesome too.

Don't worry Kelly! You and me both. I've been carrying Lucy in the HAB and she loves it. I'm sure I'll still have it when my babies have babies!

If you like HaB, you have to try wovens! An easy transition and much more comfy and versatile as bub grows.

I'd say Manduca for your sister, Lenny. They seem to have more features than the Ergo, although we have an Ergo and DP likes it fine.

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If you like HaB, you have to try wovens! An easy transition and much more comfy and versatile as bub grows.
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Not to mention much cooler in the hot weather. ;)