Too many to choose from...

Ok I had a baby bjorn with dd. It was good for her when she was between about 10wks-7mths, but after that she just got too heavy. She loved to be in it, though before abuot 10wks she hated it and would just cry in it.

I have been looking at all of the different ones, and I hae no idea which would be good for our new bub.So if you have tried a few of the different styles, which did you think better?

Out of-
Hug a bub style wrap
peanut shell style sling
mei tai style sling
baby bjorn style carrier
Ergo style carrier

Did I miss any? And I don't mean those actual brands of carriers, just the styles of them IYKWIM?? Thou if you found the actual brands better than another, let me know!

TIA :D

Personally I loved the Hug a Bub Kellie, my DD was in it from right away and would sleep in it for hours while I walked around (I would think very handy with a toddler). She was still happy to go in it up to about six months ago when she preferred to walk (but she'd also started climbing out of the stroller as well). It was great when she got older because the weight wasn't an issue in the HAB. My back (which is kinda dodgy) never hurt, and once I got the hang of tying it (practised a couple of times) that was no trouble.

I believe the Mei Tai from the ABA is good as they get a bit bigger as well, but not sure about it with a tiny bub.

I bought a HAB style wrap carrier for shopping etc and longer times. I've heard they are brilliant one you get used to tying them.

I'm also buying a pouch sling (like the peanut shell) from a lovely BB member, for preschool drop off & pick up. I figure it will be easier to pop bub in the sling for the 5 minutes out of the car rather than spending time getting the wrap carrier organised. That way I also don't have to struggle with the school bag, hand bag & holding Alexzander's hand with a pram or trying to hold bub.

Good luck, the choices seem endless don't they.

A lot of it comes down to personal preference - what you and the bub are comfortable with. Do you want one just for the new bub or one they can share?

I had a Baby Bjorn when Riv was born, and I found similar to you, that he got too heavy for it before too long - that's where I think the Ergo type come into their own (think the 'category' for them is 'soft structured carrier', so that could be worth a google).

I have a Mei Tai, mine's unpadded with long ties - I find it really comfy, though I can be a bit unco at tying if I'm out of practice - but I love how versatile they are, with front and back carries. Never quite mastered a side carry.
I really like the look of the ones with buckles instead of long ties - there are even ones you can cinch at the front to do a front carry, Baby Bjorn style, with bub facing out I think?
That's probably what's on my wishlist at the moment, I love the Mei Tai style, but the long ties can be a pain. Or I could just get some more practice. :p
Oh, and Riv seems to find this really comfy, he falls asleep in this one.

I also have a Pouch, which I love for shorter trips, like ducking into shops, or when I've parked too far away, or places like church where I end up just standing around holding Riv while talking. I got it cos it's the easiest to use with my pregnant belly - I carry Riv on my hip, and it's a piece of cake.
I'll be interested to see how the newie likes it in cradle carry.
You really have to make sure it fits you well though, I can imagine a pouch that was too big for you being a disaster, handsfree really relies on the pouch holding bub close to you.

I've never used a wrap, many people rave about them, about how versatile they are, if you get the right one. I've heard HAB's are great for nb's, and then after awhile might get too stretchy for a big heavy bub - but that all depends on how long you want to babywear for I guess!

Right, sorry, enough rambling from me, I'm just biding time til Riv's ready for his nap. :p All the best, let us know what you end up with!

With the pouch slings you also have the Karma baby slings which get a 5 star rating from babywearer.com for their quality and design.

Also for Mei Tais my personal favourites are the babyhawk Mei Tais for the individuality of them (they are not boring black or kahki like most mass manufactured stuff - these actually use great print fabrics and you can get custom mades).

I also have a soft spot for Beco Baby Carriers cos they just look oh so comfy for both Mum and Bubs.

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I also have a soft spot for Beco Baby Carriers cos they just look oh so comfy for both Mum and Bubs.

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Ohh don't they Mel. I'd love to try a Beco Butterfly, but they seem quite the rarity in Australia!
Do you know if bub can face outwards in a Beco?

Day by day I get slightly more attracted to the CatBirdBaby Pikkolo...I think because bub can face outward in that, and I remember how much Riv loved to face outwards and see everything when he could hold his head up!

How's your deciding going Kellie? :p

They may not be quite so rare in australia soon Nelle ;)

And yeah the pikkolo is gorgy but stocks hard to find.

If you mean face out in tummy mode I don't think so but you can use it as a hip carrier so bubs can look around that way and you still have the back support. there are instructions on all the diff carrying positions on their site.

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They may not be quite so rare in australia soon Nelle ;)

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Ohhh that sounds tantalising Mel! :p Maybe I should just get a Butterfly AND a Pikkolo?

So - there's the trick Kellie! Just get one of each! :cryinglaugh:

I've not heard of the Pikkolo or Beco before so I googled ;) They look like a more complicated MeiTei, is that right?

The are what is called a soft structured carrier like an ergo. They have usually have clip straps instead of ties and are generally more padded than a traditional mei tai. Does that make sense?

If you want to look at the different types of carriers and how the work etc, babywearer dot com is like an information and review forum for all sorts of brands.

Okay, so I'm still researching and learning those two, but:

CatBirdBaby sell MeiTais, but they also sell a Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) called the Pikkolo, and Beco make SSC's too. The Ergo is a SSC for reference - same category.

I don't know about more complicated...perhaps different? Because I have a Mei Tai, but I can be a bit of an unco with the straps, where these two strap on like a Bjorn or Ergo.

But yeah, I think they do all the things Mei Tai does, like front and back carries, and maybe hip? Mel says the Beco Butterfly does a hip carry, not sure about the Pikkolo.

I'm leaning towards the Pikkolo, because the front bottom can be cinched in to allow bub to face forwards (without doing the splits!)...I remember Riv really enjoyed being forward facing in the Bjorn.
BUT I love the Butterfly prints, there are some awesome ones there...

When I first started researching baby carriers, I didn't understand all these people who owned a collection of carriers...I wonder if I'm starting to understand now...:p

Nelle, same here!! I have one here & am waiting on one in the mail :redface: It's addictive I think!

Haha Sarah, what do you have and what are you waiting on? :D

(Kellie, we're only hijacking til you pop back in, then I promise it's right back to helping you. :p)

I think it is a bit like MCNs .......Once you have one you can't stop!!

I have spent hours today playing in the custom design page at babyhawk trying to decide what design combos to get for the store.........arrrggghh there are too many great fabrics to choose from...it is doing my head in!!

I can move the non-related posts to an "addicted to carriers thread" if you want ;)

I've got a Moby Wrap, a really pretty one. Ummm Batik I think it is, two different coloured blues & a floral pattern on the front, it's a limited edition one.

Then I'm getting this sling from Lea for short trips like preschool pick up / dropoff.

Also thinking of making a MeiTei with some spare linen I have!

ETA: Had to google BabyHawk too & now you're in big trouble!! They are so cool, the best designs I've seen. And consdering we have here, The Hawk (Aaron), Mrs Hawk (me), Little Hawk (Zander) & Baby Hawk it would be fitting...... OH OH OH pink green oriental butterflies with an olive strap!!! That's it I've got to turn the computer off now LOL!

I've got a HAB...and after taking a little while to get used to it, just love it.

We took Felix down the dog beach last week and I wore the sling...it was so lovely!

Initially, in the first few weeks, he didn't like the HAB much...mainly because he's not one to like having his head tucked away. But as he has got older, he loves it.

Today I did my mopping with him in it!

Regarding the material becoming too stretchy as they get older, we haven't had that problem...but he's only 6 months.

The other good thing about a HAB is they have a great resell value!

Good luck in your choice!

*nelle innocently wanders over to the babyhawk website...*

Nah, it's safe, I've already got a custom BHB Mei Tai that does the job, but gee had I seen some of those BabyHawk fabrics beforehand, I might not have gone looking so hard for my custom, that's for sure.
I'm sure I'll be back to tell you what I love. :p

Ooh ooh, can I join in too?

I would so love a Beco - I was checking them out only the other day and was disappointed to find that they are like hen's teeth here, but maybe there is hope, hmmm? The pikkolos are pretty yummo too but the Beco looks like it would be comfier.

I've currently got a baby bjorn which I'll probably sell, and a baby rock comfy carry sling which is great for short carries and is very convenient, but I want a SSC because the waist support should be better for my totally shot back and shoulders without going for a wrap (I'm way too unco!!). I could see myself getting addicted to carrying - we've only used the pram a handful of times since E was born.

Oh and talking of babywearing addictions I was just reading on another forum (shhhh...don't tell Kelly..teehhee) about a lady who has so many carriers that her husband has just made her a special stand to go just inside the front door to store all her different carriers so she can accessorize properly as she leaves the house......hmmmm...does this carrier match my shoes? LOL

Ohhh man. Wow that's a lot of carriers! :D I see you can make the BabyHawks reversible too...that's dangerous! Or a great idea, if your partner's not keen on wandering around the local shops with a floral Mei Tai. :p

Suse, there's a google group for babywearers...something like Baby Carriers Downunder...? Who have a loaners/borrowers database if you join, so you might be able to try some SSC's that way? Anyway, I thought of them because heaps of the carriers are based in Q'land, you might even be able to get along to a meetup and try them.

Not sure they'd have a Beco Butterfly though, like you said, RARE as anything at the moment!

We haven't used the pram a lot lately, though for shopping it can be handy for Riv now I'm pregnant. He loved it when he was little, but now he kind of prefers to be at my height and see everything, so for longer trips he was getting chucked on my back in the Mei Tai.

(Completely unrelated to anything: Dh was snoring next to me in bed, and I just put some Eukyrub under his nose - no more snoring! Wicked!)

Ta Nelle, I'm already a member of that particular google group 'cos they were also running a shoe co-op and have been meaning to check out the lending database. I thought (and maybe I'm mistaken) that you needed to have something to lend in return, I don't know that any of my cruddy carriers would really cut it TBH!! There are some seriously hardcore babywearers in that group (and some seriously gorgeous carriers)!

Melbel - LOL at the woman with co-ordinated carriers. I have solved that problem quite easily - my carrier is basic black so goes with anything!

Oh I don't *think* so Suse, I think you just have to be a bit verifiable, like have an ebay rep they can check to make sure you're kinda legit, or maybe see if someone irl can vouch for you. The shoe co-op might be good too, they know you're real. :)

I should get off my butt and join...except I *might* wait til new bub is born so I can see if I can try the Pikkolo and Baby Hawk with two different sizes...

Then again, resale's pretty good, so it probably won't be too much of a problem if I buy one and it doesn't suit us.

Monnie - how did you cope doing your mopping with a HAB in Perth!! lol you is crazy!

I didnt buy a HAB because I thought it would get too hot and we'd both die of heat exhaustion!! lol

Tried a friends confy carry too a few weeks ago - really awkward and Charlie just didnt like it...So still looking for the right one - although I fear by the time I find one we both like shell be too big for one!!

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I've got a HAB...and after taking a little while to get used to it, just love it.
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Regarding the material becoming too stretchy as they get older, we haven't had that problem...but he's only 6 months.

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I used the HAB for my DD up until she was about 18 mths old (not all the time, but when we went shopping, etc) and it's never stretched out. She loved it, even up until then.

That's grouse to hear the HAB's are nice and supportive for older bubs - maybe I heard that from someone who wanted to babywear an even older bub, or from someone with a heavier bub.

Hey Lime, do you know why Charlie didn't like the Babyrock carrier? I know River hated pouches/slings as a bub - perhaps because I wasn't confident, but I think moreso because he just preferred to be carried upright - even holding him in my arms cradle style he would fidget til I held him against my chest. But he loved carriers where he could be held upright - perhaps if you look at how Charlie usually likes to be carried will give you some clues as to what style of carrier to be looking for?
As for being too big for one - you have plenty of time! :p

nelle - a bit the same as you i think...not confident with ot and i didnt like they way it fot...shes dfinately a bit upright though too - and when she was in it she almost folded over on herself iykwim? shes very long and the mesh stuff didnt give much support...

but now ive found the babyhawk!! I think its the ine - its like the HAB sort off - but not so much fabric around us to make us hot - and not so fiddly...now just got to stop buying new nappies so i can afford one!! lol

I had the HAB when he was little but now use a peanut style. Like Sarah said, great for quick use. I use it when I'm ducking into the shops or if he wants me to carry him because it just takes that weight off my arms and I can use both hands too, so very handy. I still do really like the HAB especially for little bubs as they're really snug and Oskar used to sleep in it a lot and it enabled me to cook dinner and do the washing as he wouldn't sleep on his own back then.

oh.. I have had him in the HAB only about 2 weeks ago and he was still fine with it and it held him really well... he's now 11 months old.

So much about the style we choose depends on the baby and our personal shape/preferences doesn't it!

Lime, the BabyHawk is a Mei Tai (a type of Asian inspired carrier) - they're a less steep learning curve than a wrap for sure (though there still is a bit of learning involved with the tying).

I found YouTube really helpful with my Mei Tai, nothing beats a visual with babywearing I think! Just watching the little things people do (like do a bounce when bub is in, but not tied yet - about halfway through) which just makes so much sense - NOW that I know to do it! :rolleyes:

How gorgeous are the BabyHawks though!

YouTube - now there's a good idea!

I think the other cool thing about ht ebabyhawk is that it can be reversible - so i can pick something i like and something more...manly...lol for DF! :)

Another great thing about babyhawk is that you can now get them in Australia! ;)

WOW, girls, you really took off on me, hehe!!

Thanks for all of the ideas to google, I will do that when I get time.

And don't worry, chat away, gives me ideas ;)

OMG... I think I scared DH... lol. He just saw me watching the you tube video of the mei tai and babyhawk and I told him they look great, like a cross between a HAB and a baby bjorn.... I already have had 3 different ones!! ahaha... oh well, like I still like the HAB and the sling I have, however if I'd known about something like the babyhawk I may have investigated it! Having said that I was also completely desperate at the time ;)

Mei Tai's are grouse Cass, I love having Riv in the back carry, where he can see what he wants to see, and I get kisses and he plays with my hair while we shop. :)

Think about it - it you put aside $10 a week, that's not long before you have enough dosh for one! Just putting it out there...and I think Mel's store will be stocking them soon enough...

yeah Nelle, i have just listed them as pre orders for those who want a custom one before I put a big order in. So if you want a custom now is the time to do it.

Was just going through the other thread on carrier addictions (if I had more money I'd definately be addicted ;) ) and was wondering if all of these carriers can be used from new born. I know the ergo needs a special insert for nb's, but can the others be used for nb's too?
OOOhhh!! Just showed dh the babyhawk and he said we can get one, wooohoooo!! I also want a ring sling...then I'll have 3 and should be covered for all occaisions :D

Sounds perfect Kellie :D

I think Mel is going to be run off her feet wit BabyHawk orders soon!

Lol I know, but they're sooo gorgeous! Hey, once people decide their combos, let me know, I need some inspiration! :p
When do we have to let her know by? Mid this month?

14th March - so next Friday.

still confused by the different types of mei teis.

Unfortunately DH has only tried a backpack-style (structured) carrier, and it made him (& I) feel like elephants lumbering along! So he doesn't want to try anything else.

BUT! I'm going to get a mei-tei cause I figure I can fold it up small in the baby bag and leave it at daycare - our second car isn't due now until May-June so there'll be a lot more carrying of him around.