Baby Gear: Baby Carriers
This is another of those things that is just going to be different for everyone.
My preference was the Hip Hammock,
I’ve heard lots of opinions of the “best” carrier, and much of it seems to be based on things like long-waisted vs short-waisted, men vs women, broad shoulders vs slim shoulders, etc. Whether a hip carrier or a chest carrier is the best for you, only you can say. Also, there may be better hip carrier options now than the Hip Hammock, but at the time I needed it, that was what was available and it worked great.
Since there aren’t as many carriers as there are strollers or high chairs, I’m going to list the carriers in this post instead of in a separate post. If someone knows of one I missed then I’ll try to add it in.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I don’t see either of my two fave carriers on your list. WIth my bio sons, I used the Maya Wrap, which worked well with newborns. It also worked well with them when they were bigger babies, up to about 18 months. When we adopted DD, she was 10.5 months. I took a Mei Tai, and another wrap which I bought at a baby carrier expo in Manhattan, which was similar to a Maya Wrap. The Mei Tai was fantastic – really gorgeous, and something that both I and my husband could use. I liked the other wrap too, but it was made by an Israeli (beautiful embroidery all over, a complete fashion item) and I doubt it would be easy for others to find.
We owned a Baby Bjorn when my 2 boys were little. I hated it. I got totally tangled in it everytime I tried to use it. I don’t do well with lots of buckles and straps.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
We adopted a 2 1/2 year old back in 2006, and I used the Ellaroo. I really liked it for a toddler. I would still buy one and bring it, even if I was adopting a 4-5 year old, since they are many times not as developmentally advanced as what we’re used to. Plus, it’s better for bonding and attachment, especially for the older ones.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I loved the hip hammock when we adopted our daughter! Not only is it lightweight and easy to roll up and store, but I thought our daughter adjusted to us more quickly. It allowed her to see what was going on around her and to see my face. She was right up against me so I could keep an arm around her or use my hands for something else. She was very comfortable in it and slept easily. I am taking it with me again when we go back for our second. I highly recommend it.
June 25th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I used the Baby Bjorn with our daughter. She was 9 months and 17.5 pounds when we were in China. She LOVED the Baby Bjorn, and I could sight-see for hours with her snuggled in and NO back pain! I used other front carriers with our bio daughters and the Baby Bjorn was far, far superior. It really supports your back and is very comfortable. It takes some practice to use it easily though, so borrow a friends kid or a teddy bear prior to travel :)
June 25th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I mentioned my favourite in the strollers’ post.
I loved my Walking Rock Farm. I bought the wick-away fabric and carried my DD for the first few days in China and after that I used a stroller as well and alternated them. The carrier was particularly helpful at Hong Kong airport – where they were supposed to return the stroller for our 5 hour layover (6pm to 11pm) and the carrier was such a blessing. My daughter loved the carrier and was very happy to sit it in for months after we came home.
I liked the WRF for many reasons, it’s a multiposition carrier, I mainly used it on my left hip but also used it as a front carrier. I’ve leant it to several friends and everyone loves it. Another item that’s being saved for Little Sis!
(I also had a Baby Bjorn, but the WRF worked much better for me and got a lot more use, it also takes up to a toddler – if you’re strong enough!)
June 25th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I loved my Baby Bjorn, but it was only really comfortable until my dd’s were about 14 month. I got the Ergo for our adoption. Ds was 21 mos and 25 lbs. I then learned the hard way I have bad hips. I couldn’t wear it for longer than 20 minutes without alot of pain in my hips. It’s supposed to be better for your back by transferring some of the weight to your hips. I have to say my back felt ok in it though, FWIW. Dh had no problem with it.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I loved the Baby Bjorn- but like others- I could not go pass 25-27 pounds- but I am only 5′2. All three of my boys would fall asleep while I shopped, walked, you name it. They loved being cuddled into me, yet when they were older and more alert- they loved being turned away from me and seeing the world.
For my third- I also bought an OTSBH- Over the Shoulder Baby Holder sling! :) This worked great for nursing and allowing the baby to sleep while I played with my toddler. However- i never used it beyond infancy- as I switched to the Bjorn when he got older.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I’ve chosen The Baby Hawk based on experience of family and friends.
For those looking for more information, reviews, links and options http://www.TheBabyWearer.com is an excellent website!!
June 25th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I second the recommendation to check out The Baby Wearer. They have compiled lots of useful info, and have a forum where you can ask questions.
With dd#2, I used an Ellaroo ringsling, a Hotsling pouch, and a Kozy meitai and Babyhawk meitai, along with a big scarf as a shorty wrap. The Babyhawk and Ellaroo have been our favorites so far, and I am looking forward to trying new carriers with our son.
June 25th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
DH used the Hip Panda in China, and it was wonderful for helping Baby Emory feel close and secure, facing inward toward him. Now that she is more adjusted and very outgoing, and since someone gave us a Baby Bjorn, we’ve used it and Baby Emory likes it a lot b/c she gets a nice high view of everything. I would recommend either or both of those.
June 25th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I love my Ergo. I love that you can use it as a front, hip, & back carrier. I use it daily & my daughter is 2.5. It’s well worth the money.
June 25th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
We used an Ergo for DD and it was great! She was a Poyang baby and weighed 20 lbs at just under 10 months. It works well for the bigger babies and toddlers–I can still tote her around at 33 lbs with no issues although at 33 months old now she is not that into it. I like that it can be worn fron, back or side. I used mostly front to facilitate bonding, sometimes backif we were playing around. Never really used side too much. It is not the smallest thing to pack up but I do not think I could have supported her in a wrap or BB type carrier. I never had any back issues with the Ergo. It did get hot tho…if I were travelling now I would look into the sport model as that is supposed to be more breathable material. Our girl did not sleep on the bus like most of the others in our group–the Ergo encouraged her to relax against me and our best bus rides were when she was in it. I also took it to Fenway park for her first game and it was great for walking arounding crowded areas. I really like the way it snuggles the child next to you–I think this was a major plus during our first few months as a family.
June 25th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I love slings for little babies, either the peanut shell or a zolowear ring sling (infinitely adjustable which is great if you want just one carrier for both parents). There are many ways to carry a baby with them so you can find just the right way that works for your kid. Once they are bigger I like the ergo or a Mei Tai (we use a toddler hawk). They are also infinitely adjustable and there is something to be said for strapping a feisty toddler to your back where they can’t reach anything.
June 25th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
DH and I both wore our son in the NoJo baby sling by Dr Sears. The last time I remember using it DS was 3 1/2 years old. He was a big boy at 35 lbs and 41 inches and I had no trouble. (I’m 5′7″)
June 25th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Hi all! We are logged in for March 21 and we received our referral today!!! We are thrilled. She is beautifyl and 7 months old! I did not expect thsi for another month and I have no idea if this is all the mar 21st families or just some. Congratulations to all who are or soon will be looking at the precious babies for the first time.
June 25th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Dori are you with an american agency?
Oh yeah sorry Congratulations I also have LID 03/21/06 have heard nothing from my agency. Anyone else hear this news?
June 25th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
No actually I am with a canadian agency and I have not heard of anyone else. I am so excited. I am going to call the other families in my group tomorrow.
I am shocked to have received this referral and am unsure what it means. I fully expected a referral in the next batch so I am just as confused. Perhaps we will all start to hear more by tomorrow. Best of Luck.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Thanks Dori and again and congratulations what wonderful news for you and your family!!!!! Post pictures soon.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Wow, congratulations Dori and family! I hope that means that all the March 21 families will be getting a surprise.
Now back to the carriers, we took two different carriers with us but only used one – a hip panda. It was easy on, easy off, adjusted easily and quickly for either DH or myself and not complicated like the other one. I have some major back issues and it was not too hard on me. It was great for BabyGirl to be close and I was hands free. And BabyGirl loved it so much that she would bring it to us to go for a walk. And once DH used it he wouldn’t even try the other one!
June 26th, 2009 at 1:34 am
We used the BabyBjorn with our first. I liked it up until my son became too heavy (about 6 mo.) My husband never liked it. It gave him back pain immediately and when the child was a bit bigger my DH kept getting kicked in the privates by my DS.
For this child we are getting an Ergo. I have carried a friend’s child who was 16mo. old on a full day of hiking in the mountains with absolutely no issues. It also was very easy to pack up.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:05 am
maya wrap! maya wrap! my daughter will turn 5 in a few weeks, and i confess… i used it last night, after she fell asleep in the car on the way to the airport to pick up her grandfather. i didn’t have the stroller in the car….so i just harnessed her to me, and it was like she was 1 all over again. i’m a big fan. does a great job distributing the weight over large section of your body.
didn’t like baby bjorn, as it caused intense lower back strain, even with the lower back support built in…
June 26th, 2009 at 2:05 am
maya wrap! maya wrap! my daughter will turn 5 in a few weeks, and i confess… i used it last night, after she fell asleep in the car on the way to the airport to pick up her grandfather. i didn’t have the stroller in the car….so i just harnessed her to me, and it was like she was 1 all over again. i’m a big fan. does a great job distributing the weight over large section of your body.
didn’t like baby bjorn, as it caused intense lower back strain, even with the lower back support built in…