best for newborns

[Rose-Roget]

We're expecting our 2nd in November, and I plan to wear this baby more than ds. I ended up carrying ds a lot, but that worked because I didn't need my hands free for another child.

Which carriers/slings/wraps are best during the newborn stage - like 0 to 3 months, or so (I'll take it one stage at a time)? My concern is that I have some shoulder/neck weakness from a car accident years ago, but I do Pilates regularly and have improved my strength and posture with that. I want something that will be comfortable for both Baby and me.

TIA!

[chase_mommy]

Since you are concerned with shoulder/neck weakness, I would recommend a Moby wrap. That way you will be supporting the baby with two shoulders instead of one. Mobys are great for newborns but after I believe 20 + lbs you will need to buy a different wrap since the Moby is no longer safe. You could also go the Mai Tai route. There are some brands (like Kozy) that are infant to toddler. It would also give you the two shoulder support and can be used all the way up to toddler years. You can make either carrier by yourself if you have any sewing skills and save your self some $$.

[Rose-Roget]

Thanks for those suggestions. I'll look at the Moby more closely. I was looking at Mei Tais and the Ergo earlier - can someone tell me how they differ from a Bjorn type carrier? More supportive/safe/comfortable?

[MamaKickyPants]

As far as the Bjorn-type carriers go - I want to find the person who designed it and make them carrier a 15 lb baby in it for 5 hours - then see how they feel! I'd say the Bjorn gets uncomfy pretty much after 12 lbs of so. It carries all the weight in your shoulders and in the middle of your upper back. Not good. It is also not great for the little one as their spine is stright and they are essientially dangling from the crotch.

Any of the other carriers you mention (Ergo, Moby etc) are a completely different animal, so to speak. The weight is distributed across your shoulders, back and hips, and the baby/toddler is supported in the correct position (spine curved and from bum to knees.) They also have a MUCH higher weight limit so you really get your $$ worth. I wear my 22 lb 1 y.o. for 1-3 hours every days and it's no problem. I know ppl who wear kids as big as 35 lbs on a regular basis.

I think a good mei tai is a great option for a starter carrier. I started wearing DS in our Babyhawk MT at around 3 wks old. You could check the Kozy, or Freehand brands as well.

[jmo]

I would say either a moby or a MT (or both!). I used the moby a lot in the very early days and then the MT as ds got a bit older (maybe 2 mos). I found the MT to be a bit easier on my back for some reason. If you can only get one, I'd say an MT b/c you can use it longer. Ergos are awsome too but not for little babies. I think it's 15 lbs and over without the infant insert (and personally I found the insert to be a pain and not too comfortable for me or ds).

[PiePie]

definitely not a bjorn! it hurts those tendons connecting your neck and your shoulders. for 0-3 mos., the ring sling (maya wrap, unpadded) was my bff.

[calebsmommy25]

For the first few months I had a wrap, and loved it. It took some time to get used to it, and learn how to tie it just right for comfort, but once you get it down it's great. Now with a bigger babe, I use the ergo. He is 25 pounds and I normally don't have any problem carrying him at all. I have carried another lo who was 35 pounds and had no problem. I know ergo has the infant inserts, but I don't really know too much about carrying a newborn in it. My vote is a wrap.