Slings, wraps, and carriers - Page 4 « Back to Group Discussions

[NewMumJoy]

Great thread, great input so far!  I'm in baby-registry mode this week (needs to get done asap, I have an early shower in April!!), so one of my priorities is to decide on a couple of carriers....  I'm leaning towards a sling style for baby's first few months and then an ergo or mei tai for later on which I think DH would use more often.... Thandiwe - your comparison link is very helpful!

I've not seen much mentioned here regarding the Balboa Baby slings.... they have an adjustable ring style:  http://balboababy.com/adjustable.html  and also a fixed size made from a stretchy fabric:  http://balboababy.com/serene_sling_styles.html  Has anyone used either of these, or have any opinions?  (I'm more interested in a sling for the earlier months and then I think a structured carrier would best suit our needs when baby is larger.....)

Demeter - awesome job on your homemade/died wraps!!

[Veritas Vitae]

What is the difference between the Beco Butterfly II and the Beco Gemini, besides price?

[Knitting Mama]

From Beco's website:

There are several differences between the two. Here is a short list. 

 

Butterfly 2:

 

• Separate hood (attaches with snaps) that protects even taller babies from sun, wind, rain or just gives a little privacy for a nap 
• Removable infant insert, which can be used for even premature babies and on up to about 15 lbs 
• Internal y-shaped panel that goes between baby and wearer. This creates a nice seat for baby to sit in, allows for easier back carries, transferring baby from one wearer to another (without taking baby out of the carrier) and also can be used to pre-load baby into the carrier 
• Weight limit of 45 lbs 

 

Gemini:

 

• Base snaps down to allow baby to face out while in the front carry position 
• Headrest is attached and can be snapped down or left up 
• Carrier is all one piece- no extra panels or inserts 
• Weight limit of 35 lbs 

I went with the Gemini because I wanted the option of the safe and ergonomically correct forward facing carry. It would be nice to have the internal Y panel, though.

[FeralFox]

I had the original Butterfly and personally found it to be a bit of a pain.  The straps were very hard to adjust, the insert was annoying, and it just didn't feel right on.  Also, my (very short) baby seemed too tall for it by about 6 months.  I'm not sure if those problems have been fixed in the new model, but you might want to look into it if you're considering one.

[Knitting Mama]

I have heard that the Butterfly II is leagues better than the original Butterfly. And I can say for sure that my pipsqueak still has not outgrown the Gemini (in height or weight-- she's around 31" and 23 lbs), that's for sure.

[Lizbiz]

I have a bunch of carriers - dif't seasons in my babies growth and also dif't babies have led me to purchase a few. 

I had a Hotsling and my son (who was littler than his sister at birth) loved it for the first few months - but then it outgrew it's usefulness because he wouldn't tolerate being that snuggled in.  I had a homemade Mobywrap that my daughter (who was bigger at birth and liked being upright as opposed to cradled) loved - and I loved it too because once she was in - I could really cruise around and get stuff done and she was super snug/secure in it!  I like using it around the house better than while out - because it is sort of complicated to get it on without dragging it on the ground.  I've kept both because you never know what this little one will like right at first - but these two carriers worked best for me with my newborns. 

I also have a Baby Bjorn that someone gave to us - which isn't really my favorite - but for us, it does serve as a transitional carrier before my kiddos fit into the Ergo - which, after my babies are about 5-6 months, becomes my workshorse baby carrier.  I love the Ergo, as does my husband.  We own two at this point and we've carried our two kids together when they were both smaller, which is a great advantage in un-stroller-friendly China!

I'd love to try a Meitai style carrier this time around - it's on my list of purchases if money becomes available! 

I am addicted to carriers - my babies never liked being put down for what seems like the first YEAR of their lives :) - and I like being with them - my favorite is when they are old enough to do the back carry - and then man, watch out! I can cook dinner, do laundry, juggle my older kid's needs, and heck, even juggle!  All while carrying my baby at the same time.  I also like having them so close to me when we are out and about. 

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by Lizbiz 

I'd love to try a Meitai style carrier this time around - it's on my list of purchases if money becomes available! 

You should make one!!  I priced fabric this last week, and it was about $25 for good fabrics, cheaper if you find a good coupon.  There are a couple of awesome tutorials; I made one several years back that's a work horse!  You'll love a mei tai - I'm completely hooked!

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by Cecilia's Mama 

It would be nice to have the internal Y panel, though.

The internal Y panel is very nice.  There were times I regretted having a BBII when I saw Ergo's and wished kiddo could be more skin-to-skin, but then other times when I wanted to do a quick hand-off of baby *in* carrier to my husband, it was awesome.  Overall, the clips and straps were difficult to adjust, and I fell in love with the ease/adjustability of a mei tai, so we just sold the BBII.  But it's definitely a great, beautiful carrier!

[Veritas Vitae]

Originally Posted by Thandiwe 

HERE'S a really great comparison of baby carriers!  I enjoyed reading this to see feature comparisons of carriers.

Thanks for this, Thandiwe!  I think I'm going to go with the Boba 3G.

[~Demeter~]

I find buckles, clips, and straps to be such a PITA, lol. SSC were actually more complicated for me to figure out than wrapping, lol. No joke. I prefer MTs and wovens :)

If anyone is looking for a moby I have one in perfect condition with the little pouch that holds it.

[FeralFox]

What color and how much do you want for it?

[~Demeter~]

Chocolate Brown and I don't know...$30 (plus shipping), make me an offer????

[FeralFox]

$35?  It should fit in a small flat rate box, which I think is $4.95.  It's in good condition, right?  I want a chocolate one, so that's perfect.  If that's an acceptable price, PM me your paypal info and I'll send payment right over.

[LilyTiger]

Quick question: I found a new in box Ergo Options carrier including the India covers for $100 on craigslist.  Amazon sells them for $107, so with the covers it would be $137 new.  I was going to offer the woman $75 or so.  Is that too low?  $100 bucks seems a little much since I could probably get one for less at a consignment sale once the time gets closer.  Thoughts?

[Knitting Mama]

May as well offer, and see if you guys can bargain! With the covers, $100 is probably pretty fair, but if you can get it for less, even better. 

[texasfarmom]

Does anyone have an opinion on this or a similar hybrid type of carrier. I heard this would be cooler than a Moby, plus more versatile. I'm leaning toward getting one of these instead of a Moby and a woven like I originally planned.

http://www.quirkybaby.com/wrapsody.html

[~Demeter~]

Originally Posted by texasfarmom 

Does anyone have an opinion on this or a similar hybrid type of carrier. I heard this would be cooler than a Moby, plus more versatile. I'm leaning toward getting one of these instead of a Moby and a woven like I originally planned.

http://www.quirkybaby.com/wrapsody.html

Those are similar to (identical) a cotton gauze wrap. They do not have the stretch of a moby but also aren't as supportive as a woven, for a brand new summer babe it would be perfect (though I'll kindly plug again you can make your own for MUCH cheaper by just buying 4-5 yards of cotton gauze from Joann's or somewhere similar)

[eleuthia]

has anyone done two ring slings at once? i just watched this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlBUBMaRuKI&feature=g-user-u&context=G283c7c5UCGXQYbcTJ33aEWAa9_KNm46Vt4lJ4WFlHx8TGGHWXuno and it looks like it would be comfortable for me (since the weight is distributed on both shoulders) and also easier than tying a wrap, especially outside. i think i could get one of my sisters to make them for me so it wouldn't be cost-prohibitive to have two. and i think my partner would like using a ring sling. i just don't think i can wear only one because of my shoulder/neck issues.

[~Demeter~]

I am not a fan of ring slings... for me it's the ring. It presses on places that cause me pain, clog my milk ducts... no matter how I adjust it. Mind you, I'm very petite so there's not a lot of space for me to place the ring. I do like two pouches though or you can even take a small, snug t-shirt and chop it to fit around the opposite shoulder to create a more supportive, comfortable 'wrap' type carry. :)

[eleuthia]

i just found a tutorial for a homemade k'tan (http://thecraftymamablog.blogspot.com/2011/05/homemade-baby-ktan.html) and i'm thinking that will work pretty well. i have a beco butterfly and once i'm comfortable with babywearing (& the baby isn't so floppy) i'll probably get a woven wrap, so i just need something for the newborn weeks that won't frustrate me. and if i get my sister to make it, she can also make one that will fit my partner.