I can't commit!

[clicksab]

I can't seem to pick out a carrier for the life of me! I like a few different carriers, and every time I find a deal I debate myself to death about buying one. But I just can't seem to do it! I'm afraid of getting something that doesn't work for us and wasting money. I have NO money to waste, we had to set a bit aside just so I could buy a carrier.
I like a few carriers that are less expensive but then I'm afraid that if I don't like it I won't be able to resell it and get any money back. I know I'm overthinking this! How did you choose among the many great carriers out there? How many did you try before you found one that worked for you?

[Blueone]

LOL! I couldn't at first either. But I decided I wanted a simple one with no buckles because buckles get annoying. I have a Moby because it works for newborns and now that he is bigger and it stretches too much my qualifications narrowed it down to either a ring sling, a wrap, or a Mei Tai type carrier. It also had to be under a hundred. I didn't like the ring sling and the wrap takes too much time to put on sometimes so it was the Mei Tai on the Two Momma Designs site because they were under a 100! I'm waiting for the mei tai and can't wait to use it!

[Carrruth]

Hehehe! I feel your pain!!! It's why I decided to open a store!

Have you looked to see if there are any local babywearing groups near you? Some have carriers you can borrow and you can try it to make sure you like it! Otherwise, I would recommend finding a store with a good return policy since some don't take back carriers, or only give you store credit. Then you could at least return it if you find out it just doesn't work for you. Because the reality is that no matter how great a carrier is and how many people it works for, there are always going to be some people that it doesn't work well for.

So try one first if you can. It will definitely make buying one easier!

Good luck! Let us know what you get!!!

[baturay]

Originally Posted by clicksab

How many did you try before you found one that worked for you?

Over the last 5 years, I've tried a ton! I bought used and new and if it didn't work out, I sold it. Eventually, everything sells! It may not sell right away, but it'll sell. Especially if it's a good one. Then another way was with the babywearing group I started and then later we were able to gather a sling library. Then there are the ones I borrowed from friends. A babywearing group near you is key though to try a bunch of different carriers. I have a list of groups here, so hopefully there's one near you.

[mntnmom]

I SOO feel your pain. I over analyze everything, and am "frugal" by nature. I couldn't choose, so I found cheaper ways to get them! Every sling I have has been bought on sale, second-hand, or I made it!
There are several carriers that can be made very well with clearance, or salvaged, fabric and minimal sewing skills. If you can use an online pattern to get one for free, that frees you up to buy another one!!

[CindyCindy]

Well, which carriers are you looking at? How old and how heavy is your babe? How long are you hoping to use said carriers and when will you be using it? If we can get some specifics maybe we can help you pick one out and make sure it's a good fit for you. No need to stress out, this should be fun!

[Quirky]

Can you sew? If so, you can make a great pouch, mei tai or ring sling -- there are lots of good, free instructions online. You can also make yourself a no-sew wrap. There are instructions at www.mamatoto.org. The DIY board at www.thebabywearer.com is a fantastic resource.

Even if you can hardly sew at all, you can make yourself a great ring sling with the instructions at www.sleepingbaby.net

Making your own carriers is an inexpensive way to figure out what works for you and what doesn't. It also gives you a diversity of carriers for different situations/stages.

If you can't sew but maybe you have a friend or relative who does, maybe you can trade something like x number of home-cooked meals if they'll make you a carrier (or whatever your talent is).

[clicksab]

I cannot sew to save my life! Okay, I actually did try to sew a carrier for DD when she was a babe, but it wasn't any good, lol.
Honestly, I know I have it narrowed down to a few good carriers. I know I want a SSC that a small mama like me can wear. So of course I keep bouncing back and forth between an Action Baby Carrier, a Connecta, a APLX, and a Tentoes Click. I am all about a pretty carrier and they all have great prints too!
I don't actually need one until my new babe is born in February, but I figure the sooner I get one the sooner I can stop the madness...but from what you guys say I must be just starting the madness