Which carrier?

[Channelle]

Hi, I have a 7 week old baby, and as a belated gift my mother-in-law is buying me a carrier. I just don't know much about carriers and which one I'd really benefit from.

I have worn my baby maybe 5 times since she was born, but definitely plan to start way more, I want her used to it because it's important to me to bond with her as much as possible since we aren't nursing! I don't have very good carriers, I'd like a nicer one!

I have an:
*Ultimate Baby Wrap by Parents of Invention. I think it's kind of like a cheaper moby (could be wrong never actually seen a moby) I actually really like it, and she seems to not mind it. She does get a bit frustrated at her face being so close to my shirt, maybe my smell arouses her too much? It is a lot of work though.

*Evenflo Snugli Front and Back Soft Carrier that I bought for an older baby I used to foster, and it served it's purpose at that time (I needed to wear her on her back for an emergency). I haven't used it for her, and have no real hope for it...

*Hotslings Pouch-style Sling. I also bought it for the older baby and loved it to sit her on my hip real easy and fast. i have never tried it for Rose and don't actually know if you can put a newborn in one and if it would be comfortable for us since it's not adjustable.

What carrier would you recommend? (Links would be super helpful too, I like to be able to see it) Oh I forgot, Rose is quite a big chunky baby! She loves her mommy milk, if only in a bottle! She is 22 1/2 inches long, and almost 13 pounds. So long and pleasantly plump!

[junipervt]

Maybe a Beco? They are really easy to use & there is a built in seat for younger babes & you can also wear her on your back when she is older. The only problem I have w/ mine is that it is really hard to nurse in, but if you are bottle feeding then you wont have that problem.
http://www.becobabycarrier.com/

[Channelle]

i was actually thinking about a beco! I really like how they look. Would you recommend a beco or beco butterfly? A beco or a babyhawk mei tai?

[Carhootel]

I think a beco or ergo would be a great suggestion but I also just wanted to let you know that the hotsling pouch you have is great for a newborn as well - if you google pouch sling instructions you'll find a couple different carries you can do with it that will be great for a newborn

[Channelle]

Hey thanks, I didn't think about googling for directions! I'll have to try that out on her!

I forgot that I also have an Infantino Sling Rider that she will tolerate, but it's pretty uncomfortable to me...

[Bokonon]

I love my Mei Tai (handmade, but similar to a BabyHawk) and DH loves the Beco. I can wear my 20+ lb. baby in the Mei Tai comfortably for hours, and have since she was maybe 10 pounds. I'd recommend it to anyone! The biggest disadvantage to the Mei Tai IME is that it's not easy to put on and take off quickly, and hard to stuff in a diaper bag because of the bulk of the long straps. I've started using my pouch sling again for quick trips like picking DS up from school when I need free hands for his artwork and whatnot, but the Mei Tai is my go-to carrier for almost everything else!

[MamaKickyPants]

first off, do NOT use that Infantino sling. it is actually dangerous and has the potential to affect your baby's breathing. Check out this link: bagslingsafety. It's not your fault. The company has been informed repeatedly about the dangers of their product, but they refuse to stop selling it.

Then, I'd also look into a mei tai. I LOVED mine for a solid year until Owen got too heavy for me to use an unpadded waist. Babyhawk is a good brand also Kozy and Freehand are good ones to start with, and easy enough to find.

[buttercups.nest]

I have a ring sling and a mei tai. The ring sling was great when babe was small! So comfy and cozy I like the ring sling because its great for a quick run into a store, or to wear around the house while I'm cooking or something.

The mei tai I like to, but like a PP said, its not for quick trips. I find it easy to put on, but I don't like taking the time if I'm going to be 10min or less.

My husband can wear both of these too which is great! Gave me a break and got some daddy bonding time in! I found that wearing babe I was able to bond and still spend time with my 2 year old.

Hope that helps!

[mama2myloves]

I recently got a beco for my 13 lb 11 week old. We both love it!

[meco]

The ERGO needs to be used with an infant insert, and it's designed for older children. It's also a bulkier soft structured carrier.

The Beco is much more trim. The Beco is a great carrier overall. It is a buckle carrier, and I'd recommend a Mei Tai like the Baby Hawk or Kozy Carrier, or even a hybrid like a Napsack Baby.

The pouch is a great carrier too, but most people find it easier to use with a hip carry. It's not as hands free with a smaller baby. You can use a washcloth or prefold folded over into the seam by the head to give a smaller baby more head support.

[lovelymama2]

I'd just like to say that if you're going to consider a mei tai, Mei Tai Baby has an adjustable bottom, my little boy hated having his legs folded under him and the smaller bottom allows even newborns to be carried comfortably in the carrier and it's easy to nurse in, and fairly affordable. I used mine for about 4 months then switched to the ergo, when my little boy reached 15 lbs (the weight limit). The beco looks awesome though.