What baby carrier did you register or buy? (this is for a body/front carrier)

[Anonymous]

I had 6 different carriers when my kids were small-

For the first month only, the Moby Wrap was the winner hands down.

I HATED the ergo- I had 2 days of massive back pain every time I used it. For me, it was the worst, and I can't understand what everyone raves about. Plus, the baby facing inward thing was a problem once the kids were older than about 4 months. My kids were just very curious, as most babies are, and were much happier when they could look around and not just at my chest)

My favorite, by far, was the bjorn with the lumbar support. My husband and I used that thing almost every day for each of my kids' first year. It was particularly helpful because my kids had reflux, and the bjorn kept their backs straight without them slumping.....not so with the ergo or the wrap carriers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Typically back pain in a soft structured carrier means the user doesn't have the baby close enough to them -- pretty common error. I see babies worn too low/loosely in Ergos all the time.

Many people with back issues do use soft structured carriers quite happily. I would not choose a bjorn, though. I would want a soft structured two shoulder carrier: Ergo, Beco, Olives and Applesauce, etc.

I can't speak for what's typical but I can tell you I was absolutely using those carriers with the baby high and tight against me. I even had pat shelly from the BF center show me how to put them on because I figured I must be doing something wrong for a 7-lb baby to hurt my back so much. Apparently I just have weak upper back and core muscles--I'm working on those but never was able to get mileage out of a carrier.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone explain why the Ergo is preferable to the Beco Gemini? Baby can't front face in the Ergo using the front carry, but can front face in the Beco, and the Beco can be used for newborns, while the Ergo needs the infant insert.

I just don't understand. Is it because the Ergo is everywhere and the Beco is less common?

It seems like the Beco is just better than the Ergo.

(expecting in 3 weeks, and debating what to get).

http://www.becobabycarrier.com/cat-13/beco-Gemini

[Anonymous]

Well, most babywearing educators really aren't fans of front facing out. I'd urge parents to use a hip carry or a high back carry first. Then baby is in the best position developmentally and won't get overstimulated as they can look away or tuck their head in.

If one were absolutely set on front facing out, I think the Gemini is the best choice as it keeps baby in the best position for hip development.

[Anonymous]

And yes, the Ergo being more common is a big part of it. I really don't personally like the Gemini though, I prefer the Olives and Applesauce, which also works from newborn on but does not forward face out.

[Anonymous]

bjorn was our top choice for both mom and dad being able to use it interchangebly (husband is 12 inches taller than me, so we needed something really easy and adjustable).

bought an ergo and returned it b/c we found it super complicated and difficult to use.

got a sling, but its never felt right for me and my husband would never be caught dead in a sling - also it was an unadjustable one, so if it fit me, it couldn't fit him.

[Anonymous]

I have a moby, bjorn (with lumbar support), ergo, and beco. The moby was great when my twins were really young but we switched to the ergo and beco when they got old enough to use them without an insert.

I love both the ergo and beco and find them essentially interchangeable. I prefer to back carry with the beco because it goes up a little higher plus it's easier to swing the baby around to my back with it.

I only used the bjorn a handful of times because I knew we would switch to the beco/ergo by 20lbs or so and I didn't want the babies to become reliant on facing out. Some kids don't like to switch from a facing out bjorn carry to a facing in ergo/bego carry when they outgrow the bjorn.

[Anonymous]

I've got to say I don't really understand at all how someone could find an Ergo complicated to use. One leaves the shoulder straps strapped, meaning all you have to do is the waistbelt and then the clip that goes at your shoulders to keep them on. It literally takes me 15 seconds.

Perhaps the posters who find it complicated were undoing the straps at the armpit every single time, which would add.. I don't know, 20 seconds to redo.

[Anonymous]

after trying 4 carriers for newborn stage i went with the baby k'tan for 2 main reasons, it was very easy and quick to put on, and was comfortable for me and baby. for toddler stage i hear structured carriers are better, i'm planning to try a few and then i'll have more imput on that category!

[Anonymous]

ergo and ktan are both super easy and i find both good on the back. those are the two i recommend. Ktan for NB stage and Ergo for 8 monthsl +. BTW my best friend has back problems and did not babywear at all b/c of that.

[Anonymous]

I have a Baby K'tan which i love. i actually can wear it for hours without even feeling it, but as baby gets bigger i might... it is much easier to use than the moby wrap, so i would stay away from that one. for toddler stages i would recommend something more structured, maybe like an ergo (though i still plant to just use my k'tan).

[Anonymous]

I was given a Belle Baby carrier as a gift. I love it, and so does my husband. We even bought one for him to keep in his car. It is super comfortable, and SO easy to put on - plus their styles are super cute. Check them out: www.bellebabycarriers.com

[Anonymous]

Bjorn for when the baby was tiny, Ergo for when the baby was bigger. I still use the Ergo at age 2 (sometimes on my back, sometimes still on my front). I registered for the Ergo and received it as a gift, I borrowed the Bjorn.

I also had a Maya wrap but never got into it very much.

[Anonymous]

peanut shell fleece stretch sling and used baby bjorn (ebay) until 20 lbs. Then, ERGO (front and back, never got used to side carry). We just used it again with our 2.5 year old! Amazingly still fits. Was great to check that instead of a stroller.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think the consensus here is that there is no consensus. It really varies based on personal preference, age, etc. These things are expensive so I would highly recommend trying on as many as you can to see what you like. The BFing center does babywearing classes where I think they explain a lot of them. The best would be if you could borrow different ones from friends to try out for a few days with your actual baby before you buy. I've got $400 worth of carriers collecting dust in my closet--what a waste.