Carrier Advice?

[Super~Single~Mama]

I really want to be able to use a sling for my little munchkin (4 weeks old) but he hates, and I mean HATES having his arms confined. He learned that they moved when he was about 4 days old and after that was furious anytime we swaddled him or did anything that made moving his arms harder, even when he's asleep - he'll wake up if his arms don't move!

So...any advice on carriers that I could use (that are super easy - I'm new at this) that are age appropriate (he's almost 11lbs, has fairly good head control)?

We have the ergo, but he doesn't like the infant insert, and I'm not sure he's big enough to do without it, an we also have a hotsling - but it makes him mad after about 5 minutes b/c he can't move his arms. I need an easy way to keep him on me when I have to take him to school and when I take him grocery shopping - carrying him is difficult and I hate carrying his carseat - its a little too heavy and awkward for me.

TIA!!

[maymorales]

MOby Wrap came to mind.
but I'm biased because that was my favorite newborn solution.

[D'sMama]

Maybe try a mei tai? The open sides allow DS to dangle his arms or hold onto me, or do whatever with them. We have a babyhawk.

[Mihelinka]

I second the mei tei. THere are many MT choices out there

[Super~Single~Mama]

nak

what are your favorite affordable options for mei tais?

TIA

[nettieferg]

Originally Posted by thyra

nak

what are your favorite affordable options for mei tais?

TIA

E-B-A-Y

[nettieferg]

To admit my bias: I am anti-carseat carrying -- it's a BABY not a sack of groceries!!!

I have used Zolowear for 5.5 years w/3 children --- carried my last delivery home from the hospital in a hot pink sling ;-) . . . (bright color woke me up -- which was good -- I was TIRED after being up all night BFing ! ;-) . . . . Used zolo from birth to age 4 w/DD#1, till 3.5 with DS (but he was a much bigger kid ;-) . . . never any complaints from my passengers -- lots of snoozing early on, lots of giggles and cuddling later on.

Just got a babyhawk (couldn't resist the cute patterns ;-) --- not quite as versatile as my sling, and requires a bit more prep (but admittedly I am new to this style) -- GREAT quality, and a nice option for variety, or more than a few hours of wearing (for running in quick to a store, I can throw the sling over my head and grab baby vs. the mei tai requiring a minute or so) --

[baturay]

He's only 4 weeks old, so unless the mei tai has a very small body, he still won't be able to have his arms completely out. So, be sure to get one with a small body. I am all for supporting WAHMs (I am one too!) but be careful about buying on Ebay, there's a lot of people making mei tais that are not made well at all. Check on TBW for reviews on whatever mei tai (or other carrier) you decide to purchase.

To save $, you can buy really good carriers on the trading post here or the FSOT on TBW.

Another option is a ring sling or even the pouch you have, but doing kangaroo carry. He'd be able to have his arms out and lean his body on you for support. This same carry can also be done with a wrap and mei tai too actually. And with practice, you can whip any carrier on in seconds. It takes practice to learn any carrier, but almost all of them can be put on in seconds once you have the hang of them.

[nettieferg]

When I mentioned that EBAY is great for finding a cheap Mei Tai, I was referring to re-buying a nationally known brand, such as Baby Hawk (only, it might be used) -- buying a high-quality product, used, is a great way to save quite a bit. I am glad to see other options for baby carrier purchases -- thanks for posting that! :-)

I second the Kangaroo carry -- my baby was asleep in seconds when I put her in that position! (Not now, of course ;-) --- she is 6.5 m/o, prefers the hip-carry -- wants to see the world :-)

[VOBetz]

I agree - ebay can be scary - I would be looking for used carriers like nettierferg suggested in her reply.

You can also check the trader on MDC or Thebabywearer.com

I'm all for supporting WAHMs too, being that I am one as well... but you should be able to find a good used quality carrier for $50. Its possible that you find a good new quality carrier for the same pricing too. Just look around and ask questions.

[Mal85]

I got a barely used Babyhawk for half price at diaperswappers.com. That place is my new obsession!

[AnnesMoM]

Just wanted to say - you're ds sounds just like my ds. He never could stand to be confined! You should check out thebabywearer for some good deals on carriers

[serenekitten]

Originally Posted by thyra

nak

what are your favorite affordable options for mei tais?

TIA

I found some pretty ones on Etsy. Haven't bought any yet (I'm not due until July), but I have my eye on them. ^^;