Already have an Ergo - what should I get for a newborn?

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

Ok, so I already own an Ergo (no infant insert) and a couple of hotslings.

I'm trying to decide what carrier I should buy for a newborn (February). I originally was thinking a stretchy wrap (Moby or similar) but do worry about the ease of use (I'm not coordinated) and perhaps a mei tai would be better - but I really want something that differs from an Ergo enough to justify it to myself.

Are MTs (I'm thinking BabyHawk or Freehand) really usable with a newborn? Or am I going to wish I figured out a stretchy wrap because they're more comparable to an Ergo?

And.. considering I'm a klutz, should I suck it up and get a ring sling for bf-ing? I never found that DD got comfy in the hotsling (I think I bought them too large). They were far more useful for hip carries once she got larger.

Thanks for any input.

[MamaKickyPants]

You can definitely use a MT for a newborn. Ppl really rave about stretchy wraps too, but you'll find it has less 'life' to it, as the baby will get too heavy for it around 15-20 lbs. I see you're in the Ottawa area - you should head down to Milkface and try out some carriers - they have a weighted doll so you can kind of get the feel for it. There's a store in westboro and one on Bank in the Glebe (south of the canal).

[mysticmomma]

I prefer a ring sling until about 15 pounds. I also use a woven wrap for newborn back carries. After about 15 pounds I'm mostly a wrap/mei tei girl.

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

Originally Posted by MamaKickyPants

You can definitely use a MT for a newborn. Ppl really rave about stretchy wraps too, but you'll find it has less 'life' to it, as the baby will get too heavy for it around 15-20 lbs. I see you're in the Ottawa area - you should head down to Milkface and try out some carriers - they have a weighted doll so you can kind of get the feel for it. There's a store in westboro and one on Bank in the Glebe (south of the canal).

Milkface is a very, very dangerous store

If I go into Milkface, I'm coming home with one of these, whether I need it or not: http://www.milkface.com/detail.aspx?ID=47948

Seriously, though - going in and trying them out is probably the best option. I think I would do better with a MT than a wrap, just for ease of use, but it just seems like it would serve the same purpose as an Ergo after a couple of months, kwim? Mind you... the MTs are a LOT prettier....

[bethanyclaire]

My very favorite newborn carrier is a stretchy wrap. Like a PP said, though, it has a short lifespan. Once my DD hit 25 pounds I really disliked the stretchy wrap and moved to my ring sling. That said, when she was tiny I couldn't live without it! I didn't think it was hard to learn. I loaned it to my friend, who has never used a sling, and she learned to use it in 10 minutes and wore it every day for months (her DS was small). Personally, I find it to be worth the investment. I bought a used Ultimate Baby Wrap on the TP here for $15 or so and it was worth every penny and then some!

A MT can certainly be used for a newborn, it just wasn't my preference. By 6 months I loved my MT and used it until DD didn't want to be carried anymore, around age 2.

[*MamaJen*]

I like pouch slings for a newborn, personally. My second choice would be a stretchy wrap. I love mei tais, but not until the babe is a bit older. I could never get the ring sling to work right -- I'm really bad with stuff like that.

[LianneM]

I haven't touched my MT since I got my ergo. They do the same thing only the Ergo is much more comfortable and easy to use. I just have no use for a MT anymore.

I prefer a pouch with a newborn, like a pp. I always nursed in them, though (and prefer them big for that reason, but I don't mind keeping one arm under babe to hold him/her high enough to nurse). A ring sling is nice - I used my maya a lot, for upright holds but not cradle.

If I were to have another newborn, and really wanted another carrier, I'd get a stretchy wrap.

[newbymom05]

The Moby worked best for me w/ a small babe, then a sling once he hit about 20+. I love my ring sling--easy to pop in and out and comfy to wear. I used my Ergo a lot for DS1 but DS2 still won't go in it and he's 14 mo now. Don't be intimidated re: wraps--a front cross carry is super easy to tie, easy to nurse in and comfy. I never figured out how to nurse w/ my ring sling.

[CindyCindy]

I personally don't think you have to be "coordinated" to use a stretchy wrap. You pre-tie it on fairly tight and slide baby in. It is pretty simple and a great precurser to using a woven wrap should you enjoy the stretchy. I don't think mei tais are similar enough to an Ergo for you to justify not buying one. If you want one, get one, they are fabulous, they are great for newborns, more so than the Ergo (in my opinion). I find Mei Tais to be just as comfy and more comfy in different situations than SSC's. Stretchy wraps are cheap, try one out!

[Carlin]

I'm a total newbie to babywearing, but I'm loving my ringsling with my 3 week old. I've been wearing her in it since about 4 days old and it works really well. I have no experience with anything else, so take this for what it's worth.

[ourdayourjourney]

I just love my blue celery. It's a stretchy sling with 3 pieces, 2 loops and 1 longer piece of fabric. I just could not deal with the 15 feet of fabric that the other wraps had. It is so comfy for both of us. So far, it saves the day, my little one is almost ALWAYS tucked in.

[Quirky]

Ooooh, if you're within travel distance of Milkface, go there! They are very knowledgeable. I also think it's great to go before you start to get too big, as it's easier to try some carriers like MTs and wraps on with a demo doll when you don't have an uncomfortable baby bump in the way.

I think either a stretchy wrap or a MT would be a great newborn carrier to get you through until baby's big enough for an Ergo. The stretchy wrap is quite easy to use with a little practice -- all you need to learn is one way to tie it on. The MT is even easier, and IMO easier to nurse in than a stretchy wrap or a ring sling. I love nursing in a two-shoulder carrier so that I can nurse on either side without having to move baby around!

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

LOL! I think it's awesome that people outside of Ottawa know about Milkface.

That's a GREAT point about trying them on before I have too much of a bump. I hadn't thought of that, but it makes perfect sense.

I have decided that I am definitely going to get a Bali Baby wrap - they're just too luscious to pass up. But... I may get a MT too... if my budget can stretch... because they look so nice....

[eko_mom]

I didn't think the MT was at all workable for a newborn. The sides are open and it just felt insecure. Plus, though easier than the Moby, the ties are still pretty long and cumbersome. I love my Moby, except for the fact that it is so long. I too and uncoordinated, but it didn't take too long to learn how to use and the babe loves it. This blue celery thing looks pretty good. I don't know how it is to put on. Making all the adjustments for the Moby to nurse in is somewhat frustrating. Someone suggested to me the Pikkolo for ease of use and nursing.