If you could have only one carrier...

[cristeen]

to wear during the newborn period, that you could BF easily in, what carrier would that be? I am a fluffy mama, in case that makes any difference.

And what one carrier would you want during the newborn period for dad? Daddy is extremely tall (and won't be BF, obviously), so I'm thinking we probably won't be able to share one carrier.

I have absolutely zero experience with BW, but I am determined, and DH is willing.

I'm guessing that the carriers we have for the newborn period may not be the ones we use later, but for right now I'm only worried about the NB period.

[UptownZoo]

You can't go wrong with an unpadded ring sling.

[tinyblackdot]

Originally Posted by UptownZoo

You can't go wrong with an unpadded ring sling.

Second that!

I would get a ringsling or a wrap

[Close2Me]

A ring sling for first timers due to ease of BF and getting baby in & out.
Happy BW!

[4Blessings]

Originally Posted by UptownZoo

You can't go wrong with an unpadded ring sling.

I agree. DD is almost 1 yr-old and I still use it often (also use a cozy). We ring slinged from day three and I don't see an end in sight

[littlemizflava]

oh ya forsure unpadded ring sling : the only thing i needed. if you get one that is longer it would fit you both i had one that was 6 feet long when i was wearing it. i had a long tail i loved it used it as a blanktet, wrapped it around the rings for padding, tucked it in to the sling or let it hang down. i am 5'7 and it would fit a tall man easy.

[Drummer's Wife]

I was also thinking a good ring sling or a stretchy wrap. Either way you could get them long enough for your DP to wear, too.

[Biscuits & Gravy]

Originally Posted by UptownZoo

You can't go wrong with an unpadded ring sling.

:

[pixiepunk]

another vote for an unpadded ring sling. not only my favorite newborn carrier, but hands down my favorite to nurse in as well. i never leave the house without a ring sling. like literally, not for the last 5.5 years

[LionTigerBear]

For a beginner, I would have said a pouch sling over a ring sling. But if you and DH have different chest sizes (you may not due to your bosom my dh and I wear the same size sling for this reason) and you both want to use one sling, then a ring sling is better because it will adjust sizes.

To determine if you and DH are the same sling sizes, measure from the edge of your shoulder (where the seam of your shirt is) to the top of your opposite hip bone, and compare that to the same measurement on him. If it's within an inch or so of his measurement, you can both wear the same sling, so I would recommed getting a one-size non-adjustable pouch sling (like a hotsling or a peanutshell, except I would recommend get a mama-made one instead to support WAHMs! ). If your two measurements are too different though, you might want to get a ring sling so that you can adjust the sizing.

But be warned-- ring slings can be finicky. My first sling-- or carrier of any kind-- was a ring sling and it was awful to try to get it adjusted right-- DS kept fussing and I felt uncomfortable and it was all just a bad experience all around. I gave up on babywearing for a while, it was so frustrating. It took a friend with a pouch sling to turn me on to babywearing again-- the pouch sling was sheer joy to use, so easy. So I got a pouch sling and it was all I used for a long time. Then when baby got to be so heavy that it was a burden to my one shoulder, I got a podaegai and liked that very much, and then moved on to a wrap and then an Ergo, all of which are GREAT . . . but for a beginner, I always recommend a well-fitted pouch sling.

Best yet, see if you can try a ring sling and a pouch sling out in person before you buy one-- perhaps from a local mom who has one or both kinds.

[Limabean1975]

For my first, I had a padded ring sling, so it may be quite different with unpadded - but I would highly recommend getting two different slings for yourself and DH. I too have a very large DH, and thought it would be fine to get the sling sized for him, then just adjust down for me - well, there's really only so much adjusting you can do, and while I used it alot, I was never able to get it tight enough for bfing, and there was always that long pesky tail bugging me. DH will use that sling again this time 'round, but I'm treating myself to a new, unpadded one - after lots of review-reading (and aiming for buying Canadian), I'm pretty sure I've decided on an Upmama.

[maymorales]

What about a Moby Wrap?
It's my favorite newborn carrier.

[Pyrodjm]

Another vote for a ring sling.

[paulamc]

I love, love, love my Moby Wrap. I have a Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling but DS has never been happy in it.

[baturay]

I always recommend a Moby (or other stretchy wrap) for newborns, then after that I love the full support and two shoulder support of a woven wrap. Also can't beat its versatility. But, for your husband, I'd go for a structured carrier for him, rather than trying to get one for both of your likings. Most men seem to like buckle type carriers...not all though. My husband is a mei tai man himself, while I have mostly wraps in my stash.

[samikashi]

Be sure Hubby okays the way a ring sling looks before you go purchasing one for him to wear.

[StayAtHomeMama21]

Originally Posted by samikashi

Be sure Hubby okays the way a ring sling looks before you go purchasing one for him to wear.

laughup I made this mistake

[biochick]

Originally Posted by samikashi

Be sure Hubby okays the way a ring sling looks before you go purchasing one for him to wear.

Gotta say I never thought to ask my dh's opinion. I heart him, he wears them all (moby, ergo, sling, pouch) but he he seems to prefer the pouch the best.

I like my moby the best for nb stage.

[veganone]

I vote Moby for the nb stage and ring sling after that. I had a floppy pre-term baby and the Moby was the only thing that was able to really support her perfectly. I wore it constantly!

For DH, a soft structured carrier, I think, unless you're sure he'll wear a sling.

If I could only have 2 carriers ever it would be the Moby for newborn and ring sling for infant/toddler. (I have a lightly padded Maya wrap ring sling and like the padding...)

[cloverd]

I really liked the Sleepy Wrap better than the Moby I tried. And for a pouch, with Ring Sling benefits how about an UpMama! hybrid.