Advice on Baby Carriers Please!

I just recently bought the ERGO! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.. I'd been through like 4 carriers too.. I can even carry my 3 year old in it!

I have to chime in about the Ergo Baby Carrier because I love mine. My twins are over 20lbs each now and it's the most comfortable carrier for me and the babies out of the 5 different ones that I own. It provides the most support for mom and baby and I love the fact that you can wear it like a backpack.

I loved my TaylorMade ring sling until my son weighed about 20lbs. After that I loved the BabyHawk mei tai (but would probably get the ToddlerHawk if I got to do it again).
Good for you!!

HI ! I own the Belly Sprout in Fullerton and have done extensive research on baby carriers. The reason the Bjorn hurts you is because the weight is distributed on your shoulders and upper back. The baby dangles by their crotch with a very narrow strip of fabric, which research in Europe shows, could be dangerous to the developing spine of the baby. A baby should never be facing out in ANY carrier for this reason as well as it can be too much stimulation for a baby!

The ERGO distributes the weight of the baby on the parents hips. It is like magic and you really don't feel the weight of the child at all. My 3 year old is still in it and it is cozy! Because the fabric between the crotch is MUCH wider than commercial carriers, the child is in a seated position, not dangling. This insures that the baby is not causing any spinal developmental problems.

The Moby wrap is great for newborns to a moderate sized baby. Some mamas can carry their 1 year olds, but my baby grew out of it around 5 moths. Then we switched to the ERGO!

If you can make it into the store you can try a model on and see for yourself. We also just got some exclusive carrier covers that are absolutely beautiful. The ERGO will hold a child up to 45lbs. You just don't gt ANY of that with the commercial brands!

Good luck,
C. Funk
www.bellysprout.com

I love the ERGO and the MOBY. The Baby Bjorn was the first carrier I bought and baby and I both hated it. Found out later it can be bad for babys pelvis because of the pressure and the way they hang.

If you can get to Fullerton check out a store called BELLY SPROUT, 426 W. Commonwealth Ave, next to the Goodwill.

They have a variety of carriers (including the ERGO,MOBY,HOTSLING and others) and the girls there are SO nice. They will show you how to use each one and let you try them all on.

Good Luck!

we have a ergo infant carrier. i don't think the baby can face outward, but i really liked it because the baby is pretty much just sitting on the sling instead of dangling. my son is 7 months old and he seems to like it.

Hi L.,
Check out Moby wraps or the Ergo carriers. Try going to
www.bellysprout.com and you can order online or stop by the store if you live nearby!
Good Luck,

C. Tanaka, DC

You can check for past posts on carriers and you'll see over and over again... The Ergo! Your little one (once she can hold her head up) can ride on your back. It works for front carry (facing you), hip carry or back carry. It is truly one of the most comfortable carriers (I have two). Very easy to put on and very comfortable for baby and mom or dad.

Sorry, I meant to add.. she can't face out like you would like but she can ride on your back (even better!) My daughter even road on my husbands back when she was 3 years old! I think she could face out with a mai tei (sorry if I spelled that wrong).

www.ergobabycarrier.com

M.

I'm sure you've already gotten a million responses, but the Ergo baby carrier is awesome! We switched after my husband injured his back a couple of months ago wearing our now 25-lb. 11 month old in the Baby Bjorn. The Ergo is truly amazing, it puts all the weight of the baby on your hips--I'm 7 months pregnant and am still able to wear our son in this carrier. We're definitely planning on buying a second Ergo for our pending baby girl.

all i have to say is, BABY ERGO!!! i had the borjn, sold ot on ebay once i bought the ergoi!!!

I am about to deliver my fourth child and I have been through EVERY carrier, sling and wrap known to mankind. There is only ONE that I would really recommend that grows with your child and is super comfortable and supportive. It is the Ergo baby carrier and you can only buy it online at ergobabycarriers.com
It does front, hip and back and you can go from infancy to 40lbs. And yes, my toddlers still love it and I put them on my backs when they are running wild and I need them confined!

All I have to say is ERGO. Hands down the best baby carrier ever. I have used it for the last 6 months and I have loved every minute of it. Check it out on the net, it looks unusual, but try it out and you will love how comfortable it is. It is also very uncomplicated to use and I can get my 9 month old son safely onto my back wherever I am.

Wow! I'm soooo glad you brought this subject up. I apologize to you and the readers but I am going to get on a soapbox here for a second. This is only my point of view but it might provide a POV people don't usually see. At the risk of alienating anyone, here we go:

First I want to applaud you for not ostracizing your kid by keeping her in a car seat or stroller all the time! I don't think people realize how dehumanizing it is for the baby. The babies have no easy way to communicate with parents--or anyone else because they are facing away from their parent and are at kneecap level in strollers--so they stay in their own little world and they don't get the benefit of stimulation from other people. Language, emotional bonding and social skills can suffer as a result. Notice for yourself, kids in strollers for long periods are many times frustrated and/or sleepy.

And those portable car seats limit almost any movement of babies. Exploration of the world with their bodies is essential for many kinds of development at this age. If they are carted around like this the kids are missing out for the convenience of the parents. Sad. I know it is not conscious by these well meaning parents!!!! That is why I speak up. The kids can't.

On the other hand, the face out carriers that you refer to are almost the other side of the problem. I have always wanted to ask the loving moms that are using these carriers that face out to put themselves in the position of their babies. Here are tender, vulnerable spirits totally open to the harsh confusing world with no buffer. Couldn't sheild their own bodies from danger if they felt the need.

They are essentially strapped in a spread eagle position and are thrust into the world no matter what they are comfortable with as a person. This looks a lot like torture to me. If I were forced to go about life in that position it would be hell! As proof, just check out the faces of the babies in these face out carriers, they all look dazed. They look overstimulated to me. Wouldn't you be? I also wonder about keeping the still forming hips spread so wide for long periods....

You can actually experience how this feels yourself! There is a ride at Magic Mountain called "X", and for the ride you are strapped in almost in a spread eagle position-only not so pronounced. No cars to sit in, nothing to even put your feet on. Just kind of hanging there in space. No buffer. SCARY!!! If you question if what I am saying is true I would ask you to try that ride and then think about how it would feel if you were very, very young....

Also, it is difficult for babies to easily communicate with mom in these carriers. How hard is it for them to turn around and face you? They can't really. They are missing all the facial clues, etc that are important in relationship building skills; emotional and language development.

Anyway, Please reconsider the face out carriers! They are also are hard on the back as you mention.

When I used any kind of carrier besides my arms it was at first a sling when my son was very small which is a natural position for both you and the baby, and then a back pack type carrier. Still not like mom's arms but still, I believe, the most kid friendly. Usually much easier on the back too. Just think about it, you are letting your shoulders open up more rather than hunch over.

Anyway...Thanks for listening to my tirade and for being a wonderful, caring mommy!! And remember, this is a sweet time for you and your child. It goes fast. Try to remember that in the midst of it all. This is precious, sacred time. I know you know that, just a reminder....Treasure every moment.

Love and Brightest Blessings,

Deb

L., I can't remember the name of this carrier but you can get it at Target or Babies-r-us. It's basically a sling that seatbelts around your waist and then has a single strap that goes over head to sit on your neck just like as if you were carrying a purse. It basically helps you sit the baby on your hip. So they're sitting just like they would be if you were carrying them on your hip except you don't have to hold them the carrier does. It's great for four months on. I've tried 'em all, didn't like the Bjorn either, and after four kids this was my favorite. Your hands can be completely free and the baby can see everything. yet if they fall asleep the support behind their back rolls up to cradle their head. i hope I've described it well enough. I read the responses i think thats it, the Playtex Hip Hammock..

I use the Lascal M1 carrier. It's comfortable, good back support, and made of bamboo (so it's soft and breathes). My friend's also rave about the Ergo carrier.

I used the Native baby carrier. I loved it but she grew out of it very quickly and everyone I know has that complaint about it. Also, you buy size s,m,l to fit your body so often Dad can't use your size! so I suggest getting one where the legs can dangle out. Mom's that have the ones that they can carry baby on hip seem very happy with their purchase. Get one that adjusts to acomodate a growing child. Between the bijorn and native baby carrier, I used up all the money I can justify on carriers and now with an 18 lbs 9 month old, I have nothing that works! Adjustability is the key!

I love the Moby wrap. You can get it online. The baby can be held in several different positions. I've even used it for my 15 month old, just for support when carrying him on my hip. I'm using it now for my newborn; we both love it!

My first carrier was similar to the Baby Bjorn and I hated it. Only used it a few times as best. I swear by the slings!
I have 3 different brands...
The Over the Shoulder Baby Holder http://www.babyholder.com/
Taylor Made Slings http://www.taylormadeslings.com/
Maya Wrap http://www.mayawrap.com/
I bought them in exactly that order as well. I love them all, they all have their positives and a few negatives. The OTSBH is fully padded which means you can't put a jacket over it when it's cold and it certainly does not fit over anything but a lightweight jacket. The Taylor Made Sling is good under a winter coat as it's lightweight enough that it does not add too much heat. I am using the Maya Wrap all the time right now. My boys are 4.8 and 7.7 years. I use it for my youngest all the time still and there have been the rare times I've put my oldest in it for a few minutes when he hits that so done he can't function upset (a long day of working renaissance faires can do that). There are so many ways you can put your child in it and it distributes the weight really well. There are a ton of slings out there and they all have the same idea.

Hi L.,

I don't know which Bjorn carrier you have, but I LOVE mine. It has the full back support. (I forget the name- the Synergy is the same but lighter-weight, breathable fabric. I would have prefered the Synergy but it wasn't yet in stores when my daughter was born.) I'm 5'2" and about 140lbs, my baby is roughly 20 lbs at 1 year old and it still very comfortable for me- even with a slightly weak back. I think it might be worth looking into- as well as the ERGO. I've seen and hear great reviews, though I don't have any personal experience with it. Good luck.

Hi there,
I LOVE my moby wrap! There are a dozen ways to tie it and baby can face front. It takes all the pressure off of my back and is super comfortable. I think they can be a tad expensive (I received mine as a shower gift), considering how often and how long you can use it(to toddler), I think it's well worth the expense.

Good luck,
E.

Hi L.,
I have a baby Bjorn as well and find that it kills my back and shoulders. I got a ring sling called a Maya wrap from my chiropractor and I love it! It has a padded shoulder, and is really easy to get on and off because you can adjust the sling. Just be careful you don't pinch little fingers when you are adjusting. And it looks cute too! go to mayawrap.com

Good Luck!
D.

I use carriers because I have a bum right arm so I need all the help I can get. I have a moby wrap and love, love, love it. I also have a over the shoulder baby holder and love it too. I just took our son to a dodger game in it and he was comfy and I was too. I also have a carrier my mom made for us, you can get the pattern from karmababy.com. I switch them around all the time beacuse of colors and or where I am going or what I am doing....so I can't pick a favorite. All are worth it. Good luck!

I'm a bit on the petite side - 5'3" 100 lbs, and I loved the bjorn. The thing that makes the biggest difference is making sure the cross on the back is lower. It evens out the babys weight. Try it before you give up on the carrier. Eventually I did go to a back carrier and I preferred the kelty. Good luck.

The best purchase I ever made was my AngelPack. It is very similar to the Ergo, just much cuter (and quite possibly more comfy). The bjorn pulled on my back and if you look at it the baby is suspended by their crotch. That can't be good for them. In the AngelPack they sit in a more natural position. I wear him on my front OR back. The back is great when I need to get stuff done (cooking dinner, vacuuming, etc). I use it all the time when I do quick errons (dry cleaner). It is 100% organic cotton, super soft, and comfy- and I think you can use it up to 40 lbs! My son is 21 lbs and it doesn't start to bug me until over an hour wearing him. He loves it- he either falls asleep (there is a sleeping hood so his head doesn't flop around) or just enjoys the view- he can pop his arms out when he wants or just tucjk them in close to his body. Here is their website:
http://www.preggyandbaby.com/

You can also check out www.thebabywearer.com for baby carrier product reviews. Look in the soft structured carrier category.

Good Luck

I like slings, check out Hotslings and www.happyslings.com for some cool ones.

Also, I bought an Ergo baby carrier, they can't face out, and it is VERY expensive, but I have to admit that it is by far them most comfortable baby carrier I've tried. The straps are really nicely padded and the way it is made the weight of the baby is distributed really evenly, so they feel really light. Check it out to see what you think.

The baby bjorn is uncomfortable because it offers no lower back support, try a wrap style carrier. I have a moby wrap and although it takes practice to get it on snugly enough, once you master it it's GREAT. My son loved being in the moby either facing in or out and I could walk walk walk all day with him in it. In fact, that's how I got him to take his morning nap and me some exercise during his "I hate my stroller" phase from about 7mo - 10mo old! As she gets older I would try a sling as well, I have a ring sling (like a maya sling) and a fitted (hotsling) that are both great for having your little one ride on your hip, so much easier than carrying them with your arm. (They can also ride on your back). Ditch the bjorn and search the internet for an affordable sling! :)

I use the Baby Hawk (a Mei Tei type carrier). It is just all fabric and straps that you tie your baby onto you. My daughter gained a lot of weight quickly and had huge chunky thighs. She weighed 24.5 pounds at 6 months. I always felt that I was squishing her into the Bjorn. I mostly have tied her on the front of me. She faces me, but can see plenty looking to the sides. It feels better having her face me because her center of gravity naturally falls into my body. If she faces out, I feel a lot of pull on my back. This can also be used on the side and back. I just haven't spent the time trying it those ways. She is now 18 months old (28.5 pounds), and I still wear her on the front. It is really comfortable, and I like it because you can adjust it to you and your baby's size. It also folds up small enough to put in the diaper bag. I know you can find it online (Google: Baby Hawk) or at specialty Breastfeeding stores ie Sharp Mary Birch if you live in San Diego. I would suggest trying out different ones, I think the specialty stores should have ones to try.

Hi,
I've got a 5 month old son and used snugli's with both him and his older brother so much I rarely used strollers. I'm petite as well and although I can't wear them ALL day, I can usually do pretty well for 2 hours or so. I've got the least expensive one they carried at the Navy exchange in Hawaii (I think it was about $16 or $17) and although it will be more out in civilian world, can't think it would be that expensive.
One other thing I found helps: Make sure the straps are VERY snug on you and the baby. If they are loose, I always get tired more quickly.
Good luck. Hope it helps.

For carrying facing out, the Moby is great! It's a bit confusing, as it is just a long piece of fabric...but once you figure it out, it's great! As your baby gets heavier, however, carrying facing out in any sling will be very uncomfortable. So for that I strongly recommend the baby ergo. It is wonderful! And so very comfortable. It is worth EVERY PENNY! My baby was the same way about facing out, but when his head control got really good, he was able to turn his head right and left to see his environment. Good Luck!

I would definitely recommend the ERGOBaby carrier. They are no more expensive than the bjorn with back support and they will hold 40lbs which is way more than you will ever need to carry. They are super comfortable and they can be worn in the front, on your side or on your back. There is a cool hood you can put over babies head when they fall asleep or even to cover yourself while nursing. I have a 1 and 3 year old and can put my little one in the ERGO and walk the beach or chase my 3 year old at the park for hours. Super comfy! Check out www.octraveltykes.com. This is my shop and we ship the ERGO at no charge. If you are close to San Clemente give me a call and you can come in and try one on with your daughter to see how it feels.

Best of luck!
K.

love my moby wrap. My son is 7.5 months and on the bigger side but this wrap fits him facing out or in and is comfortable for me (and I have had back issues in the past) It can be cumbersome since it is such a huge, long piece of fabric but the book and the website make it easy and it just takes practice. good luck. www.mobywrap.com

As a mom of a second baby,I found that buying a great stroller was even better. We forked out a bunch of money for a BOB stroller and it has been worth every penny. And I put her in it early and she has adapted very well to it. It's so much easier than lugging her around all the time.

The problem with carriers is that they outgrow them so fast...You can use a stroller for years.

Hi L.,
I don't know if anyone recommended it yet, but I used the SlingEZee and it was AWESOME! The baby can face out or in or can sit on the hip (when they're older) and it will carry a toddler up to 35 pounds...in fact I had my 2 1/2 year old son in it the other day. It's completely adjustable so you don't get a backache and it was the best $40 I spent on baby gear. Anyway, you can check it out online..it's not available through retailers although I got mine from my lactation consultant. By the way, you can breastfeed discreetly with it too.,...I never needed to buy another cover-up. All the best, R.

I used the moby wrap. It is just one huge piece of cloth that you can wrap in all different ways. It takes a few tries to get it right, but most places that sell it offer instructions for using it. My little girl loved it. It's almost like baby is a part of you!! Good luck finding something that suits you and your little one.

I have a moby wrap and I love it! It is very comfortable and only about $35. It takes a few times to figure out the wrap part, but you get the hang of it pretty quick!

I used slings (Maya Wrap & Nojo) with both my sons, and really liked them. But when they got bigger the asymmetry hurt my back. So I did some research and found the Ergo Baby Carrier. It's perfect! I wish I'd found it sooner, because you can even carry a newborn in it! I loved the slings, but this is so much better.

I carry each of my sons (ages 3 and 4) in it. It's soft, so I can wear it comfortably when they're not in it if they want to walk. And I can put them either in front (facing me) or in on my back. It has accessories, too, which are really wonderful.

Here's the URL: http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ Good luck!

I have a 6month old girl and the same issue. My hubby loves the Bjorn, I hate it! Same thing, I'm petite and it kills my upper back and stomach. I have several carriers. I began with the moby wrap wich was awesome when she was small and I can still use it with her facing out and it puts the weight more on the waist then the shoulders but is similar set up as Bjorn. However lately I've been using the sling. It's not ideal but it's like she's on one him and loves to look out. You may want to consider an Ergo for when she's older and can go on your back. I had one for my son and I could get so much done, go on long walks/hikes and do so much and he got to watch it all and still face out. Sorry if this is too vague. Mabye get a sling for inexpensive somewhere and maybe work up to the Ergo?? If you come accross a Moby look into it or go to their website to see demo's. Happy baby carrying :-)

I tried several carriers, as well as slings.
Hip hammock is great. It feeels very natural. I used it with my first child until he was 3 years old, and i'm using the same Hip Hammock with my infant.
You can check out at:
http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Hip-Hammock-Standard-Black/...

have you tried a backpack? Those fron packs killed my back.

there is the baby erg. your baby will face in and you can put her front side or back side of you up to about 5 years old! i havent used mine yet but a lot of people are satisfied with this product. also there is the baby bjorn with the back support. it cost $100.00 plus but might be worth it. my daughter likes to look out also and she is 20 lbs and 9 months old. you just have to make sure that you really stand up straight to save your posture and back.

I bought the Baby Bjorn and my son loved it, but it killed my back, so it was a total waste of $130. So my friend bought me the Playtex Hip Hammock and he loves it and so do I! It puts their weight on your hip rather than your back! It's awesome. It holds them until they are 36 lbs. It's A LOT cheaper than the others recommended to you too!

Hi L.,

I like the Moby Wrap. There are about 10 or more different ways you can wrap your little one, and they can work for up to 35 pounds. It is a very comfortable ergonomic design. Both my baby and I feel very secure with it on. I used to wear my newborn facing forward, until he was ready to face out. He liked looking at the world too! Now that I am pregnant again, I like to wear him on my back. The Moby wrap is very versatile. Mobywrap.com is the website, but you can get free shipping at www.AllBabyandMom.com. It is great! I highly reccommend wearing your baby.

Warm Regards,
K.

I absolutely love my Moby. I have 5 1/2 month old twins. When they were younger than 3 months I could carry both of them in it. Now I carry one and find it very comfortable. My husband uses the Ergo carrier. He really likes it. The Moby is too feminine looking for him. We had a Bjorn and neither of us liked it. It caused backache after only 20 minutes. We do a lot of hiking. The Moby and Ergo are best.

I used the peanut shell by Goo-Ga (www.goo-ga.com). The light weight fleece is really nice and soft and they come in several sizes based on various body measurements.

It sounds like you need to adjust your baby bjorn. The X in the back should be as low as you can get it. I was wearing mine at the park one day when a physical therapist came up to me and adjusted mine. It really made a difference. I'm also petite, 5 feet, 105 pounds.

~N.

I never used carriers at all. A 4 month old will feel best snuggled in your arms.

On the occasions that i needed to have my hands-free i used a long heavy scarf- about 6 feet long, 18 in' wide, loose ends tied in a secure double knot. With this slipped over your head and one shoulder, you can safely snuggle your baby against your body. If they are awake, you can arrange them to sit up and see out. Makes nursing easy too.

Best wishes.

I recommend the Ergo. I used the Bjorn until my baby was too big. When he reached 16 lbs, the Bjorn was just too uncomfortable. Now, at 15 mos, I can still carry him for hours at a time in the Ergo when we are in crowded places and I want to keep him close. As much as he likes to run around, he still really enjoys being held close in the Ergo.

Hi L.,

If your daughter is holding her head up well, there is a side carrier tha will keep her like you are holding her on you hip, but with the "hands free" option. I used it for my son and loved it more than the Bjorn front carrier. I was sorry when he outgrew it (I think around 30 or 35 lbs). It's the Platex Hip Hammock and I got it at Babies R Us. Good luck!