what is the best carrier for a cheaper budget?!

Elina - posted on 03/01/2010

i have an ergo as well, i bought it new for around $150 ($129.99 + tax i think it was) and haven't used any other carrier since (various family members have given us a kelty, a bjorn, one of those triangular slings like a big version of the one for broken arms, and a traditional japanese tie-on torture device that consists of a rather small bum pad with cris-crossing ties). i especially love the 'sleep hood' that keeps their head from lolling around back there, and unlike a framed carrier it keeps baby closer to your body so on colder days there's the added body-heat benefit for both of you (we're a kiteflying family so our outings are usually windy and chilly).
i think it comes with different wearing/comfort instructions depending on mama's size, too (i'm 5'8 but we've also put ergo on a 12 yr old because he wanted to try it out) (cute!)

Tiffany - posted on 02/17/2010

thank you! you have been more then helpful!!

Beth - posted on 02/16/2010

oh, wanted to add one more thing. I know a mama who rents carriers so you can try different ones to see what works for you. she has an Ergo for rent so you can see if it fits your body type. Different carries fit people of different sizes better. Another carrier that is good for smaller mamas is the Beco.



Anyway, her website is: http://www.slingexchange.net



You can tell her I sent you!

Tiffany - posted on 02/16/2010

thanx! i looked at the ergo and it looks great! i think i might go for that one. we will see tho when the time comes! thank you again!

Beth - posted on 02/15/2010

Tiffany, surprisingly the more popular carriers are not the most comfortable or best carriers out there. If you are overnighting and carrying a lot of gear the Sherpani might be a good option (i don't know much about it) but if it's only for day hikes id' definitely go with the Ergo. Good luck with your search!

Tiffany - posted on 02/14/2010

well i was looking at the more popular ones like the kelty and they are just wayy to big and bulky! im only 5'1 so it was almost as big as me lol!! Nargis..what does yours look like and is it big and bulky lol?! thanks alot too beth, i will have to look into the ergo..havent seen it yet. =D

Beth - posted on 02/14/2010

I also meant to add that you can find a used Ergo for a good price on diaperswappers.com or thebabywearer.com

Beth - posted on 02/14/2010

If you are just doing day hikes, I'd highly recommend the Ergo. It is designed to be comfortable for parent and baby and hold baby in correct positioning (unlike many of the more common carriers out there - like the Bjorn or Snugli, which are awful for positioning and comfort). Ergo can be used for front or back carries.

While Moby is a fine wrap for small babies, it is not supportive enough for babies over 16-18 pounds. Also please don't EVER use a Moby in a back carry, it is extremely unsafe, even though the Moby company includes instructions for this carry.

Nargis - posted on 02/12/2010

I have a nice one that my daughter has outgrown, if you are interested in it you can purchase it. We loved hiking with her but this may be the last few months we can carry her as she is too big now for us to lug on our back, almost 3 now and 35 lbs and very tall!

Kristina - posted on 02/10/2010

The MOBY wrap is great! I have one too, my daughter loves it too! It is so cool because you can place your baby in different positions and he can be used with newborns and toddlers. Plus, it is not too expensive.

Juli - posted on 02/09/2010

i personally think the MOBY wrap is the best carrier ever! i tried the cheap snuggli and hated it, didn't want to shell out the money for a bjorn, and the side slings hurt my back just as much as the snuggli front carrier. i love the fact that the moby wrap spreads out to distribute the weight better (i have very large babies!!!) AND it is good for infants and even toddlers as a side carrier or back pack. i also love the back pack i have but i have no clue what it's called and it's pretty old anyway (i think it's called "gerry"? it's nice and light, no frills and the baby sits nice and high). but that's more for the serious hiking i like to do. for around town or out and about or regular walks the moby wrap is GREAT. love love love it.
anyway, good luck!

Lisa - posted on 02/07/2010

Yes, I ordered mine from REI.com. They are a reputable sporting goods retailer with real stores and online stores. Even though I probably could have found a used one for a little cheaper, the extra money I spent on having that piece of mind to be able to return it was well worth it. Good luck!

Tiffany - posted on 02/06/2010

cool thanx. so you just ordered it from the rei.com webpage? i get nervous ordering online. i will definitely look into that thank you so much!

Lisa - posted on 02/06/2010

I would shop around online to see if you can find any on clearance on store websites or gently used on ebay. I have a Sherpani Rumba and I love it. It had all the features of a Kelty (sun shade, rain cover, etc...), but it was a previous year's model so it was way cheaper. I think I paid $120 where a Kelty with the same features was $200. I found mine on REI.com. Your baby will love it. My son just loves his backpack carrier, and constantly falls asleep in it.