What is the most user-friendly carrier?

[tykys]

I am kind of new to this. With my DD (now 5) I bought a beautiful Mei-Tai (sp?) at the recommendation of a friend. The thing confused me, I got impatient with it and it was never really used. Fast forward to 5 years later, I now cannot locate it. I used the Bjorn with her a handful of times, but she never really liked it (and I hear it's not good for their development anyway). With 10 week old DS though, he is a huge cuddle bug, and I know he would love to be close to me all day long.

So far I am loving the look/simplicity of the Ergo, but right now our household simply cannot afford a $100+ purchase, especially around the holidays. I've looked for the used but still can't find them for less than about $75.

I want something that I don't need to "practice" with. Something very user-friendly that I can get on quickly and go. Also, I would love to find something under $50. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!!

[tykys]

DS is 10 weeks old and not quite 10 lbs yet (he was premature). The Ergo probably wouldn't work for awhile. This looks pretty simple,and good for a tiny baby... is it as easy to use as it looks?

http://www.mobywrap.com/p-217-moby-design.aspx

[MadiMamacita]

i was going to suggest the moby.
It took me all of 5 minutes to master.
some people are intimidated by it (i think its 11 feet long) but its really pretty simple.
My LO hated his pouch sling and really likes the moby. We still use it but he's getting a little heavy for it so I'm hoping to get a babyhawk for xmas.

he's around 17 lbs now.

[tykys]

Ohhh..11 feet long does sound intimidating...why is it so long?

[tykys]

Well I lucked out!!! I was talking to a friend about my search for the perfect carrier/sling and she offered me an only-used-once Ergo for FREE!!!! So happy!!! Though I don't think I can use it right away because DS isn't even 10 lbs. yet.

[lifeguard]

I find the ergo super easy & so does dh but we only got it when ds was 6 months old.

We both also LOVED our ring slings. Took a little bit of time to get the hang of it but I found it much easier than a wrap & dh wouldn't even try to the wrap because it looked so intimidating.

[EmmysMama]

The Moby is so long because you wrap it around yourself and tie it. I'd call it "user-friendly" because there are multiple ways to tie it/carry baby, so you'll be able to find one that works for you. It also fits just about anyone and is super-comfortable. There is a learning curve though.

The most user-friendly as in "really simple to use" I guess would be a sized pouch sling. No question as to whether you're doing it right.

DH has a pouch sling and likes it. He's intimidated by the idea of tying a wrap or adjusting a ring sling. He's also intimidated by buckles and such. I love my Moby though. I followed the picture tutorials to learn how to tie it, and I found it really easy to use, even in the beginning. DH just shakes his head and says "I don't see how you tie that thing into a carrier, even after watching you do it a thousand times!"

So I guess if you found a mei tai confusing, a wrap probably isn't your best bet. I'd get a pouch sling (I've seen some in stores for around $25), or maybe a ring sling (mine was $40) until he's big enough to try the Ergo. There's no/minimal adjusting, and they're very put-on-and-go.

If you want to try a wrap though you can get yourself some fabric and make one for cheaper than buying a Moby. Just get the right length and cut it to the right width (the right dimensions are several places online). Not even any sewing.

[Tav Mom]

I used a wrap first and got hooked. It does look intimidating at first, but for me anyway, it's the most comfortable of all the carriers. I have a MT and an Ergo (which super duper easy to use). But, the most comfy with the most versability is hands down the wrap. I still wear my 3yo on my back and carry my 17mo around. I use mostly back carries now.

[MamaKickyPants]

If you're using pouch or a ringsling, just make sure baby's chin is not squished to her chest - it can compromise their airway. You might want to try a 'tummy to tummy' hold in the ringsling - then you won't have the airway issue. If you prefer a cradle hold, you could try a folded receiving blanket under baby's neck/upper back to even things out a bit. Good luck! It's worthit to keep trying, once you find the right carrier/fit for you and your baby it's heavenly.

[Beauchamp]

nak
how about a comfy joey pouch? I have one, it's pretty nice. Sorry, my DD is waking up and wiggling right now......

anyway, they're on clearance right now. ayesha is great to work with and get the right size for you.