What baby carrier do you use or have you used and would you recommend it?

Maya - posted on 09/20/2012

I love my Beco Gemini! I believe in researching the many types of carriers out there. The ones generally sold by large chain stores are not the most comfortable, nor the best for positioning the baby. I never thought I would need a baby carrier, but now I can't live without one (I have 4 different!). I use mine because I cannot use a stroller where I live. They are especially great for travel (I have two toddlers). I wrote about my adventures here: http://www.squidoo.com/babywearing-trave...

Emily - posted on 03/10/2011

A Moby is great for the newborn stage, but not so much past 6 months or so.

I have admittedly a baby carrier addiction, but these are my favorites that are commercially more available:
Beco Butterfly
Nana's Jetpak
Babyhawk

Charity - posted on 03/10/2011

I have used a Sleepy Wrap (sleepywrap.com) since my son was newborn and love it. He is 13 months and 20 lbs and it still works great. It is similar to the Moby, but cheaper. I just got a Boba baby carrier (made by the same company as Sleepy Wrap) because, my husband doesn't like the wrap, and it is tricky to use for a back carry. I Love The Boba. it is versitile, easy to use, has a sleeping hood, and todler foot straps for when he is bigger. It also works on front or back, My son loves it for walks or when he is sleepy, but doesn't like the constriction of it when he wants to play.

Rebekah - posted on 03/08/2011

I love the Baby K'Tan (http://www.babyktan.com) for a little bit younger child. It's very similar to a Moby Wrap, but doesn't require any wrapping. So, if you have a 2nd child, I'd highly recommend it. I only use it for my 21 month old (21lbs) now when she's asleep (or should be napping), but it was perfect for the entire first year.

I wear her in a Mei Tei on my back when we're running errands.

Kristine - posted on 03/08/2011

The Ergo is awesome!! Have used it since my daughter was little. She is now 22 months and 23 lbs and still loves riding on my back. Have even carried her in it snowshoeing.

Amy - posted on 03/08/2011

I just bought a Boba (similar to Ergo) and I love it. I'd like to try the Ergo too, though, just to compare. I've tried the Baby Bjorn and it kills my back/shoulders after about 10 minutes. I wore the Boba for 2 hours and had NO BACK PAIN!!!

Adrianne - posted on 03/08/2011

Ergo Ergo Ergo!!!! THey really are the best!!! As you can see they are popular and know one needs to get paid to say it!!!

Sheryl - posted on 03/08/2011

I used homemade pouch slings when my son was small and they were great. We used a Maya ring sling that was a hand-me-down from a friend that was wonderful when my son was about your daughter's age. We did a hip carry and it worked great for both of us. When he got bigger, we use a Beco. We really like being able to do front and back carries and we have done tons of miles in it. We just used it this weekend and my son will be 3 in May. In the past, we tried wraps but either he was too big or the fabric was too stretchy. Plus the wraps had tons of fabric that was inconvenient and which got dirty if we were in public. We tried a Mai Tai, but again the fabric for the ties is really long. We also tried a Snugli but he outgrew it really quickly. Other than the homemade slings and the one hand-me-down, the other carriers were all puchased at Goodwill or from Craigslist. The prices were much better than purchasing new and everything was washable so we felt comfortable with it. Good luck!

Franchesca - posted on 03/08/2011

I have an Ergo and two Mobys. My husband prefers the Ergo because he can put it on, but if I wrapped him, he loved the Moby too. My daughter is currently 22lbs or so, and used the Moby exclusively until 18 lbs or so. I only switched because in the summer I felt the Moby was too hot for me to wear. It gets well into the 100s with 90+ days common and I couldn't bear the heat. I could wear her with much more options however with the Moby. She likes facing out which I can't do, but wearing her on my back is way easier with the Ergo. This is great for hiking!

Kelly - posted on 03/07/2011

I've tried wraps, but didn't find them comfortable. I really love the Ergo. I've been using it since my son was 4 months old. He's 17 months and 24lbs now and he likes to be carried on my back so he can see. It's easy for me to use by myself. I highly recommend it.

Michelle - posted on 03/07/2011

I have an Ergo and love it. I also have a babyhawk and have used that as well. I still can use the ergo for my 3 year old. It is well worth the money.

Brianna - posted on 03/07/2011

We had a moby, but I agree that it wouldn't be wise to purchase one now. They're better for little babies... I found that my daughter was too wiggly for it, because of the stretch. They're also pretty complicated, and there's an awful lot of fabric to deal with.

Someone mentioned Jan Andrea a few comments up. I used her pattern to make a mei tai when my first was a baby, and now have been using it for my second. It's wonderful if you have basic sewing skills, and totally beats spending $100 on a carrier you may, or may not, like.

Either way, mei tais have the versatility with less bulk, which I love. =]

A - posted on 03/06/2011

I just wanted to add... One of the advantages I love about ring slings are I can fold it up and put it in the diaper bag or even a small purse. Folded up its smaller than most baby blankets. Some of the carriers I saw don't look like they would be easy to drag around from place to place. I think some of the bigger carriers would be okay for just around the house or camping trips but I wouldn't want to haul it around to the park, my friends house, grocery store, or anything like that. Just something to think about.

Melissa - posted on 03/06/2011

Love my Ergo! Goes to 35/40 lbs, if I recall correctly.

Kristin - posted on 03/06/2011

Beco! We love our Beco.

Katrina - posted on 03/06/2011

I loved my sling and Ergo carrier. The Ergo is good to 40 lbs..

Anna - posted on 03/06/2011

Love, love, love my Hotsling! Very easy to put on, works from newborn to 35 pounds with three different carrying positions (but not on your back). Their website is gone now :( I got mine in their clearance section then, but I think you have to go through local retailers now.

Summer - posted on 03/06/2011

A REALLY great DIY website is Jan Andrea - Sleeping Baby.net She gives away all of her patterns, I have made most of them and really liked them all.
Here's the link: http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/

Andrea - posted on 03/06/2011

Ergo all the way!!!

A - posted on 03/05/2011

My son is now 21 months old and he still likes to be worn from time to time. Up until 18 months old he pretty much had to be held 24/7. I didn't start using my ring style sling until he was almost a year old. (My sister had given it to me when he was about 3 months old but I just kind of forgot about it). One day I whipped it out and used it and I was really disappointed I hadn't used it when my son was a baby and wanted to be held constantly- my life could have been much easier with it in those days!

Anyway, I love my ring sling. Its simple- Has two rings to tighten/loosen the big sheet of fabric. There's a tail to use as a nursing cover. You can wear it in tons of positions (front carry, kangaroo, breastfeeding, on the back, hip carry, etc). I have never had back/shoulder/neck pain or anything while wearing it (wearing it correctly anyway! it can take some getting used to). I've also tried the regular "back pack" style ones and they hurt and are a disaster. They also have a lot of fasteners and are hard to get on. THe ring sling is so simple and you can hold baby with one and put it on with the other. Those are the only two I've tried but I'm so happy with my ring sling I don't even want to bother with anything else. There is no negative for me, and I'm a negative person! I'm expecting baby number two so I've been practicing with a friends baby and I can't wait to be able to use it with my new baby as well. You can also make your own with any fabric and make them fashionable. They can get expensive if you buy them but they are simple to make and I'm going to get a sewing machine to make some new ones for the baby. :)

Judy - posted on 03/05/2011

I love my ergo. weight distributed evenly and very comfortable for you and baby.

Noreen - posted on 03/05/2011

I have an Ergo Performance. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! I can not express how much I love it!!! I used have a Moby, and honestly, it is such a pain in the butt! If you are going to use a carrier for just around the house, occasional shopping trips, etc. I suggest getting an Ergo Organic. They are SUPER soft and perfect! I have a Performance because we do a lot of stuff outside and it gets hot here in Southern Cali.

Amanda - posted on 03/05/2011

I really like using slings with newborns only because I feel like they are still all snuggled up in my belly! All three of my kids love the sling. My 3 month old is still enjoying it and always passes out within minutes. I also have a wrap that I have used with all three kids as well. I love the versatility of a wrap. You can put almost any size child almost anywhere! The downside is learning how to do the different positions and finding the ones that you like best. I carried my oldest on my back in the wrap when I was 8-9 months pregnant with my second! It was the perfect way to hold her and have my belly supported at the same time! I actually just bought an ERGO for baby # 3 and although i haven't used it yet I am very excited. I have seen several parents out and about with their children in the ERGO and all have raved about it. I love that both my husband and myself can wear it and that I can put all three children in it (not altogether of course!) I hope you find the perfect carrier for you or if you are like me find several that work for different things!

Emily - posted on 03/05/2011

I loved any Mei Tai for an older baby/toddler/back carries. Moby's (or any wrap) are awesome for tiny babies, but stretchy ones (like the Moby) start sagging after a while, and heavy babies get too heavy. Adjustable ring slings are also awesome, but mostly for hip carries of older babies, or quick in & outs... but not for long periods of time.

I've gone hiking many times with just a simple mei tai, and they're great. I've worn them on front or back with equal ease... I just change it up based on the activity I need to be doing while I wear them.

Summer - posted on 03/05/2011

I found that there are different carriers for different times. Like shoes, you can get thru life with one pair, but it isn't pretty. I personally found the Ergo too bulky, but LOVE the Angelpack and the Beco. My other fave is a pouch sling for a quick hip carry, I still carry my almost 3 year old that way. I love the wraps but they have a steep learning curve. Find a babywearing group in your area, they often have lending libraries. We do, we're in Oregon. www.Mamaroo.org

Jenna - posted on 03/05/2011

Hi! I used the Moby when my little one was tiny, but wouldn't do it now b/c it's not as convenient as some of the other ones. I now have a Baby Hawk mei tai and love it! I also really like the Beco and have heard lots of good things about the Ergo. I work in a baby store and we sell all of the above and offer a baby wearing class. Maybe you could check if there's anything like that in your area?

Sarah - posted on 03/05/2011

I'd get an Ergo for that age/size. You can use it on the front or back. It's ergonomic for both you and baby :)

Sally - posted on 03/05/2011

I loved my Moby for my daughter when she was tiny but prefer the ease of a Maya wrap (or ring sling) to hip carry as they get older. I used the Maya until about 25 lbs with all 3 of mine. But really, for folding laundry you don't need that strain on your back - just sit on the floor and hand over the socks! ;)

Sally - posted on 03/05/2011

I loved my Moby when my 20 lb 16 month girl was a newborn, but she's a bit of an acrobat so we gave it up at about a year. (She was doing backbends out of it.) We now use the padded ring sling I bought when her big sister was a baby. (She's tries to backbend out of it too, but so far it's OK if I keep it tight enough.) This summer she's moving into my toddler Patapum. It's a soft sided carrier so it's easier on the average female body than a frame backpack, but it's for big kids. It's rated for 18 months to 60 pounds. The last time I wore it I had a 5 year old in it while I was 6 months pregnant. Aside from the extra weight being tiring, it was still fairly comfy.

Tara - posted on 03/05/2011

i've had the ergo since my son outgrew the baby bjorn. the only downside is that you can't face him outward. other than that, it's just what i needed! it's not as perfect as they advertise it to be. i mean, i live in the city so when i walk around a lot (and my son falls asleep and becomes dead weight) my back will hurt eventually. but it beats the bjorn!

Darcy Sharman - posted on 03/05/2011

I use a woven wrap, instead of a stretchy one like the moby, and wrap her on my back when I want to get housework done. You can also use them to wrap on your front and your hip in various ways. A good site to learn about baby carries is the Baby Wearer, www.thebabywearer.com. You have to be a member of the site to see the forum but you should be able to see their list of links to instructions for various ways of wrapping and carrying your baby here: http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?p...

Dawn - posted on 03/05/2011

I love the Moby! You can make one easily if you're so inclined.

Angela - posted on 03/05/2011

I used the moby when my daughter was small, but once she got a bit bigger, I got an Ergo too. I loved them both and would definitely recommend an ergo for a toddler as most of the weight is on your hips. Good luck finding one you like

Sylvia - posted on 03/05/2011

I've never used a Moby, but a friend of mine whose babies were big (mine wasn't! she's 8 now and weighs like 43 lb) swears by hers. I had a Baby Trekker, a padded sling, and an unpadded sling. The padded sling didn't really work for us, I'm not sure why, but I handed it on to a friend who used it with her first baby and loved it (although she reports that baby #2 isn't into it at all). I found the unpadded sling worked best for me and DD, but DH preferred the Trekker. The advantage of something like a Trekker or an Ergo is that the learning curve isn't so steep; the advantage of a ring sling or Moby is the flexibility.

I always tell people to try as many different carriers as possible -- see if you can try them at the store or borrow them from someone you know for a "test drive" -- and see what works. I got my Trekker second hand for half price, which is also a good way to go.

Jennifer Ann Saunders - posted on 03/05/2011

Ergo is fabulous. My son weighs 26 pounds, and I can still use it.

Minnie - posted on 03/03/2011

Sarah- Infantino carriers don't distribute weight well at all. If you try an Ergo you might find that a front carry is just as comfortable as a back carry.

All heil the mighty soft-structured carrier!

Carri - posted on 03/03/2011

We love the Moby. It's versatile because you can use it from birth on up to 3 or 4 and the child can face you, face out, or be on your back. My 17 month old has loved it since she was a newborn, but these days my back is sore within 30 minutes of putting her in it. I've never used another carrier, so no idea if they all make your back ache with a child this size...

Pat - posted on 03/03/2011

I too have an ERGO, by bay now weighs 22lbs and is still easily carried in it. I often go for 2h dog walks with him strapped to my front. I find it very easy on the back, you seem to carry most of the weight with your hip bones.

Sarah - posted on 03/03/2011

I'm looking for one too! After 15lbs I've been advised that a back carrier is best, like the Ergo brand. I'm using a cheap Infantino brand front carrier right now and my back is killing me.

Katie - posted on 03/03/2011

My daughter HATED being in a carrier when she was a baby. I don't think she liked how confined it made her. She didn't mind it as much once she could face out. I haven't tried it since she's been older. She's 11 months now, so I might try something this summer. I've got a bad back, so the front carrier killed my back. Even when she was a newborn.

Kunang - posted on 03/03/2011

I used an Ergo Baby, but I have a 6 month old. BUT having said that, its so comfortable and can be used with toddlers. I will certainly be using it when shes older. PLUS you can nurse with it! No excuse at all not to have done the house work.. hahaha!

Brenda - posted on 03/02/2011

I made all my baby carriers. I used a sling when my son was a newborn until about 4 mth, then switch to a wrap that I used until he was around 9 mths. I then switched to a mei tai, and it was my favorite! I used it from 9 mths until he was over two!

Brittany - posted on 03/02/2011

I ust got a moby for my newborn and love it... there are ways of using it to put a child on your hip too from what i have found looking at youtube... i really love the moby and so does my little one...

Daniela - posted on 03/02/2011

I have an Ergo also, and it's working really well for us. You can use it up to 40lbs so it's well worth its money. Also, I have a bad back, but find that with the Ergo I can carry my daughter really well.

Heather - posted on 03/01/2011

i know your not supposed to face your baby out on the ergo but my boys were pretty comfy doing criss cross applesauce and faceing out. Thier legs were not thru the hooles and i needed to loosen straps but it actually worked pretty well for us if they wanted to sit that way.

Carolyn - posted on 03/01/2011

The ERGO is your best bet. It's pricey, but so worth it. You can put your baby on the back, front (downside, they don't face out), and on your side/hip!!

Anna Marie - posted on 02/28/2011

I loved the Moby for younger, under 20 lbs, but now that my boys are older, I LOVE the Ergo. Both boys - 15 months and 4 years, will go into it on occasion. For awhile, that's how I put both boys to sleep when dh was gone at bedtime. Big one on my back wiht little one on my front :) Fond memories. Definitely recommend the Ergo! We also nurse to sleep in the Ergo and can then put the hood up to keep him asleep while I get some stuff done.

Minnie - posted on 02/28/2011

I use an Ergo for my toddler. It distributes weight beautifuly and is super easy to put on and take off. I would really like to try the Boba though- basically the same concept as the Ergo, except the back is much higher. That's the only thing I don't like about the Ergo- the low body.

Heather - posted on 02/28/2011

I adore the Moby and used it for my youngest off and on till he was about 3 (he weighed 20lbs by 5 mos and 25lbs by 8 mos so was pretty big) I got uncomfortable wearing him for too long in the moby when he got heavier but i REALLY love the Ergo. He is almost 4 now and still in it most weeks. My 7 yr old also will occasionally pop into it. I started using itwhen my little one was about a month old...was able to stick him on my back by the time he was about 2 1/2 mos old and he would sometimes go on my back and sometimes go on my belly and if i loosen up straps while he is on my belly i can nurse him in it as long as i wear a shirt that i can pull down instead of having to pull up. The Moby is my favorite for little peanuts but once they are more wiggly i like the Ergo best. Good luck (Also Ergo goes on belly, back or hip so very versitile.)