Baby carriers(Ergo) vs Baby Wraps(fabric Ties)

I have chronic back issues and the best carrier for me is the Ergo (and I've tried almost all of them!). It's great! But I think the wraps (like the Moby wrap) look so cool :)

I had a Moby, Ergo, and Baby Bjorn. I would suggest the Moby for when they are little (maybe up to 6 months) and the Ergo after that.

deanna ( you may be in my meetup group? if you are post to the discussion board) there is a learning curve to both but its not hard also they are each good at different stages of life. please seek out the babywearing group in this area. you can also email me and ill send you the info but it shouldnt be hard to google they are a great resource. if you are in a meetup group most likely people have these and can loan them to you to try out before you buy

Baby wrap/sling etc gets my vote everytime! You can also do a search on prev posts on this topic as well there are TONS ... many smaller botiques can even show you how to put them on and most come with a dvd demo and you can also get many tutorials on you tube. Heck you're local for me depending on the brand I could even show you!

Plus with most wraps you can breastfeed (if you are) while you still go on about your activities. I can't tell you how many times we would be grocery shopping and he would be eating -- you could not see anything and most just assumed he was sleeping!

I have 3 kids and only did the wrap for the last child...regret not using it for all 3. I watched several youtube videos and there is one of a Dad showing how to use it several ways. I never felt he would slip, it felt very secure. I could tuck the moby in a diaper bag/large purse and it was also useful to lay the baby on if we ended up somewhere for a long period of time and I didn't want to lay the baby on someones floor or if the baby was cool. I was never really warm, could breast feed discretely(never needed extra covering for that) and also as he grew I was able to use it throughout carrying him when he got tired and it helped my back to have that support. He now uses it as a dragons tail at age 3 but we can still wrap it when he gets tuckered out and get him home. Never had more than one.

I love my wrap. I used it for everything from nursing a newborn on the go to building a dog kennel with a 8 month old on my back. They fit anyone or any baby, they are very lightweight and can be pulled over the baby's head for more shade or privacy and they are very easy to adjust for comfort.

I made my no sew wrap from 5 yards of guaze cloth. There is a little bit of a learning curve, but it is not hard and they are much more secure and comfortable than any of the other slings or carriers that I tired.
Check out www.wearyourbaby.com

EDIT: Wearyourbaby.com seems to be down right now, but www.Wrapyourbaby.com seems to have the same information. I have not really looked through the site yet, but it does show picture tutorials on how to use many different kind of wraps.

I wish I had my old bookmarks on this computer.
I vote wraps/slings every time.
Carriers that have infants "sitting" inside put too much pressure on their weak spines. Slings and wraps distribute their weight much, much better.

I'm a fan of the Moby wrap, myself. Yes, there was a big learning curve for me, but it's extremely versatile and is SO much easier on my back than any others I've tried.

Have you seen the blue celery wraps? No bulk, no buckles or straps and no learning curve. I used this with my 2nd kiddo and love love loved it!

I have four slings, one wrap and the Ergo. I love them all! I've also had a few others through the years but those are what I keep and use most.

The Ergo is great for shopping, quick trips out, or hiking/walking places. Its fast and easy and there is no fabric to get hung up on anything.

The wrap is great for cuddling at home and nursing as is a sling.

There is a learning curve to all babywearing contraptions-getting it on and off and the baby in and out without help can be a challenge but you can do it.

Check out thebabywearer.com or look for meetup groups or yahoo groups related to babywearing in your area and you might be able to find someone who can show you each and give you a chance to try them on before you buy your own-thats what I did and I'm so glad I did!

Hi Deanna,

How old is your baby (or are you expecting now)? I have both types, and I love the wrap (I have a Moby wrap) for my newborn. I didn't use it as much w/ my first, but at all the attachment parenting stores, they say it's the best for the first 6 weeks. I honestly think it's probably the best for the first 3-4 months, because I find the Ergo a bit annoying to use w/ the new infant insert. And I think a single layer of fabric may be a bit cooler than the Ergo + insert (recommended for use before 4 mos.). That being said, I love, love, love my Ergo. We used it constantly w/ our older child from about 4 mos. until about 2 1/2 (would've gone longer but I was pregnant). It's very easy to adjust, and so comfortable -- all the weight of the baby is on your hips. And once your baby is 6 mos. old, you can wear him/her on your back, which allows you so much more freedom of movement (you can do it w/ a wrap, too, but I have no idea how you'd get the baby in by yourself!).

Yes, there is a learning curve w/ a wrap, but you always wrap it before you put the baby in, so I don't think the baby would fall out (putting the baby in once you have it wrapped is much easier than wrapping it, in my opinion).

Oh, and the Ergo works well for nursing, too. I never really figured out how to do it in a wrap, but I know that you can!

There are 2 (newer) Ergo carriers -- the Sport and the Performance (more expensive than the Sport, but seems to get really high ratings) which are more breathable, but you tend to get sweaty when you wear your baby in warm weather...

So, to sum up, if you can afford it, I would actually recommend both. The wrap is best for newborns, the Ergo can be used from about 6 weeks, but is even better from 4 mos. up to 40 (or maybe 45) lbs. (Wraps tend to get uncomfortable, in my opinion, as your baby gets heavier.) Also, one day my baby spit up all over the Moby wrap and we couldn't use it during the rest of the afternoon w/ my crazy 3-year-old (my washer and dryer take forever!). It was a *horrible* day! So having more than one option, if you're able to afford it, is really nice.

Best,
R.

Honestly, if you really plan to use carriers I recommend getting a fabric wrap (like a Moby), an Ergo, AND a sling. The Moby will be great for the first three or four months - baby is really too little for an Ergo at that point. Then, you can transition to the Ergo (not bulky or time consuming to put on, btw). The sling is the most comfortable to nurse in, and the fastest to get on and off, but the least comfortable to wear - I keep it in my diaper bag for quickly putting baby in it for short shopping trips, etc. If I'm planning on carrying baby for a while, say at the zoo or something, then I use the moby or ergo. The moby and sling have a learning curve, but they're well worth taking the time to learn.

I have an Ergo, a Moby, and a Hot Sling.

I use the Ergo the most. I do not find it hard to get the baby in and out of, but I dont know about using it with newborns. i dont have the newborn insert, and started with my daughter in it @ 5 months and she still seemed a little small in it. I carried my 3 year old son in it the other day, so its got a long life to it. I can put the kids in it by myself without any help. Just two buckles - not hard at all.

The Maya wrap was nice for a little bitty newborn but that thing is HOT. I got it with my son, but used it only a couple of times because he was a May baby and we live in Texas. It was just too hot. I used it with my daughter more. There is a little learning curve to using it, but you will get the hang of it and its pretty comfy.

I keep the hotsling in my car and use it if I have to run a quick errand with both kids - I wouldnt go to the mall or on a long walk in it, but good for going into the grocery store.

Edit to Add: I think all baby wearing is a little sticky/hot in a hot climate. Just having your little one pressed against you makes heat, and then add 95 degrees and its hot.

For beginners, I like adjustable pouch slings from Kangaroo Korner. I had a light quick-dry mesh one we used in summer and at the beach, and a fuzzy fleece one for fall and winter walks. Once she got bigger and I got better, I liked unpadded ring slings. I liked the ones from Zolo with a generous zip pocket. I even had a "dress" silk one that I used at work, parties, and a cruise we took when my daughter was 6 months old. I used that sling probably until she was 3 with her on my back. Easier than dragging a stroller everywhere, and it kept us close. Now she just walks. If you're worried about dropping the baby while you're still learning, put her in the sling over something soft like the bed, sofa, or car seat. That's what I did initially. And wear it a lot at home to get your chores done, and you'll increase your confidence very quickly. I did not recommend hot slings (not adjustable) or Over-the-shoulder-baby-holder (too bulky). Have fun carrying your baby! It's the sweetest, most snuggly thing.

Hi Deanna, Congratulations on your pregnancy! As prenatal yoga teacher, we had our "baby and me" teacher come to class to demonstrate different baby carriers. One of our alumni brought her baby and had the opportunity to try out different carriers and different adjustments with the carriers. Ergo does have newborn insert that is very helpful. My sister really likes her Ergo but because she adopted, she was using it with her son at age ten months as he joined her household. Moby are well thought of also. The point made by Liz during her demonstration is that its wonderful to wear your baby to have closeness versus having baby in the stroller in the grocery store etc where you need your arms free. Liz suggested a sideways carry for new baby. Liz also volunteered to give free consultation on how to be comfortable with your baby carrier(s). Email me directly if you want her contact information.

I love my Moby :) It's a lot of fabric, but it's not as hot as you would think. I wore it at the zoo in 90^ weather with about 60% humidity last summer. I just put on a really light tank underneath of it. I also nursed my girl in the Moby several times. I've nursed while walking around WalMart, the mall, the zoo, and while dining out. Nobody ever knew what I was doing. I really liked that I could arrange the fabric down over my shoulders and back so there wasn't any strain on my shoulders or lower back

I've heard the Ergo is really nice as well. I think that you have to get the newborn insert if you're going to use it for infants. I kind of wish I had one for my toddler, but I don't know that I'd want an infant in one. I also don't think that they're very good for hiding breastfeeding, but I'm not sure.

I had a Hotsling and HATED it. I never felt like the baby was secure.

I also had a ring sling. My dd didn't care for it. I babysat for an infant and he loved it though. In fact, he loved it so much, I gave it to his mamma to use. My sister has 2 ring slings that uses for my niece with muscular dystrophy. She loves it.

I loved Ergo for my firstborn. however my pets got to it and... well, I needed to buy a new one for my twins. (I only wear one at a time, of course.) Enter the Ergo Sport! Made of a more breathable weave but every bit as durable as the original. Love it! I find they are quick and easy to get on and very comfortable. Long life with a 40 lb weight allowance. My son never liked being carried in my moby wrap.

I too have a second baby (5 weeks old now) and just bought a Baby K'tan the other day- I've worn it several times already and LOVE it! It's like the Moby but without all the wrapping- basically they've started it for you; it's like two slings and a Moby all in one- go check out the website. It will probably be warm for summer and I'm not sure how one would nurse in it (have heard you can do it though)- but it really is super easy to put on and it's super comfy- huge bonuses for me. And honestly, I ordered the K'tan, went to the website and watched all the videos for how to put it on and by the time my order arrived, I didn't even need to look at the video or instructions- I had already memorized how to do it- SO EASY! So whatever way you go, I'd check out that carrier's website for the videos- that will really help.

Side note- and yes there's a learning curve and yes people will swear it really gets easier and I believe them- but there was a video on the K'tan website that compared the K'tan to the Moby basically showing how much easier the K'tan was than the Moby- I got a kick out of that, mostly because I really did NOT want all that wrapping- just so you get an idea.

So my vote is totally for the K'tan! I know nobody else has mentioned that carrier yet, but it rocks. :) If you don't want all that wrapping, get the K'tan.

I love my Ergo. I struggled with the Moby a bit and actually found it to be hot in the warmer weather because there's so much wrapping around you. Hated the zolo ring sling, but some moms love them.

My son is almost 2 and the Ergo is still sooooo comfortable. Not sure about the bf'ing in the Ergo, I have never tried to BF while 'carrying' my son (we are still BF'ing so I am definitely in favor of it.) But I just found that idea a bit cumbersome. I like to sit down in a comfy chair :).

So from a carrying around standpoint, the Ergo is awesome and you will not be disappointed!