What to start out with?

[longtallanimal]

I am due with my first baby in late August. I am definitely going to babywear, and since I won't be working after the kiddo gets here, I am trying to accrue a variety of slings/wraps now. I'd love to hear your advice about what to get.

So far all I have is a hand-me-down Sleepy Wrap; I think I am definitely going to order a Babyhawk though -- I know that it might not be great for a newborn, but I don't think I've read anything negative about mei tais, and I think it would be good for both myself and DH. I will be buying it for sure before I stop working, because I'm sure DH wouldn't be thrilled about spending $80 on some fabric and straps .

What do you recommend for a first timer?

[*MamaJen*]

I think you'll hear five types of recommendations-- a pouch sling (such as a Hotsling or New Native), a mei tai (such as a babyhawk), a ring sling (like a Zolo), a wrap (either stretchy like a Moby or woven like a Didymos) and a soft structured carrier (like an Ergo.)
I think any of those five would be a pretty good choice -- just stay away from the Baby Bjorn type carriers.
If you have the opportunity, it's a great idea to go to a natural baby store and check out a few different style. A good store will let you try them on, often with a prop like a toy baby, and show you how to fit them properly.
I've owned almost all the wraps I mentioned above, and my personal preferences are a Hotsling and/or a Moby wrap for newborns and an Ergo after about six months (you can also get a newborn insert for the Ergo, though they're pretty warm if you live in a hot climate). I personally like the Ergo better than mei tais -- I find it a lot more comfortable and easy to use-- but some people are the other way around. Just try them out and see what you like.

[longtallanimal]

Thanks for the summary Jen! I think I am going to try and score something from eBay for cheap.

[*MamaJen*]

Also, the trading post here on MDC has some pretty good deals, and I've actually had luck on my local craigslist.

[clovergirl]

honestly, i'd be wary of buying carriers from ebay unless they are well known respected brands. i totally understand not wanting to spend a lot of money, just make sure you do your homework because there are a lot of poorly made, unsafe, and uncomfortable carriers out there! another good place to get a good deal on used carriers is the for sale or trade forum at thebabywearer.com. pretty much everything you'd find there will be a good bet.
hope that helps!

[seim.ge]

If I could go back and do it all again, I would definitely just buy an Ergo right from the start. I went through five different styles of carrier before I gave in and got an Ergo, and it's been perfect. DS loves being in it, and it doesn't cause me any pain or have any significant learning curve to deal with. Couldn't be happier. =]

[MommaMoo]

Originally Posted by seim.ge

If I could go back and do it all again, I would definitely just buy an Ergo right from the start. I went through five different styles of carrier before I gave in and got an Ergo, and it's been perfect. DS loves being in it, and it doesn't cause me any pain or have any significant learning curve to deal with. Couldn't be happier. =]

I my Ergo! It's so comfortable and ds loved it, too. I also love the Moby wrap. It's incredibly comfortable and I found it perfect until ds was about 20 lbs. After that the Ergo took over and that can be used until the end of the babywearing days.

[Bokonon]

I've used a pouch sling and Mei Tai since DD was brand new, and haven't felt the need for any other carriers (she's 13 months now), though DH has his own Beco Butterfly II.

[Comtessa]

Originally Posted by MommaMoo

I my Ergo! It's so comfortable and ds loved it, too. I also love the Moby wrap. It's incredibly comfortable and I found it perfect until ds was about 20 lbs. After that the Ergo took over and that can be used until the end of the babywearing days.

Though now that DD is a year old, I'm finding that a ring sling is a lot of fun all of a sudden -- she didn't like it before now. But the Ergo and Moby got us through the first 12 months.

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

Originally Posted by *MamaJen*

I think you'll hear five types of recommendations-- a pouch sling (such as a Hotsling or New Native), a mei tai (such as a babyhawk), a ring sling (like a Zolo), a wrap (either stretchy like a Moby or woven like a Didymos) and a soft structured carrier (like an Ergo.)

or you could buy all 5

i have the following carriers a primaxx baby bag, a tomy explorer, a mother care baby carrier, a baby bjorn (got this long before joining here but came in handy when lo's were able to sit unaided and wanted to look out) a Mei tai (love this for front wearing ) and a ergo (love this for back wearing ). i may still have a baby or but i never actually used it because it was too big.
i'm going to be getting a ring sling and a wrap when i get pregnant .

[annarose999]

I was given a moby and a bjorn while I was pregnant and I have to say they have both gotten good mileage and dd is only six months. I find the moby great for newborns and facing out. My husband loves the bjorn - I think mostly because he's intimidated by the moby. Recently I purchased a beco butterfly II for myself and I heart it for back carries. I think my biggest advice though would be to have several options available. It took a little trial and error to figure out what worked for us and one of things I constantly wished for was to have more carrying options to try.
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