Baby carrier advice
September 4, 2013 4:08 PM   Subscribe

I have a clingy little infant and have been using a ring sling with mediocre results. The problem is that it seems my infant's too floppy in the ring sling and I'm lusting after an Ergo. Is this a worthwhile investment or do I just need to figure out how to use the ring sling better/position my baby better? I'd like to be able to carry my baby while having complete use of my hands and--this is especially important--being able to bend over for cleaning, laundry, errands, etc. without having to use my hands or worry about slippage. And if your answer to the above is that I should get a non-ring sling carrier, is Ergo what you would recommend?
posted by juliagulia to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (39 answers total) 6 users marked this as a favorite
 
ergo is awesome

changed my life. definitely get it
posted by zia at 4:11 PM on September 4, 2013 [2 favorites]


I loved our Ergo, used it till the kids were 2+ years old.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 4:12 PM on September 4, 2013


Ergo is amazing. Get one. It isn't really designed for tiny infants, but there are ways to prop them up.
If you live in Seattle, you have have my old one in exchange for a 6 pack.
posted by k8t at 4:13 PM on September 4, 2013 [2 favorites]


The ergo was the single best thing in my world when my kids were little. Buy one right now.
posted by LittleMissCranky at 4:15 PM on September 4, 2013


+1 for the Ergo, but different kids like different baby-wearing devices. I don't know how old your baby is, but they do make an "infant insert" to use with young babies.
posted by stowaway at 4:15 PM on September 4, 2013


The Ergo or similar (Beco is another brand) can be amazing. I just started tossing my eight week old on my back in the Ergo while I'm making dinner or chasing the toddler at the playground, and I feel like I have my life back.
posted by linettasky at 4:17 PM on September 4, 2013


Nthing the Ergo! You can buy an infant insert to put into the Ergo to help if the baby is small- it looks like a giant fabric burrito, and it wraps around to hold baby in place.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:17 PM on September 4, 2013


We had a ring sling for both our boys. It was good for doing some household tasks, but definitely not bending over etc.

I didn't use the Ergo, but we had something similar, so I would say go for it (we also had a hiking backpack carrier).

The Ergo looks great, in that there are 3 different positions.
posted by KokuRyu at 4:17 PM on September 4, 2013


The baby carriers like the ergo are one of the best things you can buy. Period.

We bought the becco, because it was a lot easier to put them on your back, and I use that thing all the time. I used to take my oldest son grocery shopping, hiking, to concert festivals, thrift store shopping, etc., on my back, and it was fantastic. We upgraded to a hiking backpack when he got older, but we are using the becco with our youngest son now, and I don't know what I would do without it.

If you are going to get an ergo (which everyone seems to like), make sure you are comfortable getting your child onto your back with it. On the back is a million times better in terms of being able to do anything, and it is a lot less of a strain on your back. I was able to carry my son on my back for about 2 hours at a time, while 15 minutes on the front started to hurt.
posted by markblasco at 4:23 PM on September 4, 2013


Get a ktan. It's like two criss-crossing ring slings. It holds my 8-week old securely and I can do just about everything around the house with him in it. Which is good because he loves it so much I spend most of my day wearing it. I have an ergo too, but for every day use I prefer the ktan. Lighter, cooler, easier to put on in a hurry plus easy to throw in the diaper bag if I'm going out. Its cheaper than the ergo too. Www.babyktan.com
posted by k96sc01 at 4:23 PM on September 4, 2013 [2 favorites]


I had a mei tai for my second baby and it was life changing. I could do any kind of chore, even bend over and weed the garden. The Ergo looks a lot easier to use, but I read that it didn't work that well for small people (which I am) so I had my sister make me a mei tai that was the right size for me. I can't say which specific carrier is best for an average size person, but I definitely recommend some Ergo/Beco/mei tai type carrier.
posted by Redstart at 4:30 PM on September 4, 2013


Seconding the mei tai! Changed my life.
posted by lizifer at 4:39 PM on September 4, 2013


I cannot recommend Moby Wrap enough. Especially given your description. Because it's basically one long strip of stretchy material, you tie it as loose or tight as you want so you get both total freedom and total comfort. It is completely hands-free and gets even the most wiggly infant snug and happy. I was really mad when I got it because I wished I had gotten it sooner! The only downside is the warmth. It's really nice at first but can get too warm after an hour because you are basically snuggling against each other.

Here is a video (I carried my little one in the "hug" position as shown at 3:50 mark except I let his feet dangle outside like this and he LOVED it).

(I just googled mei tai and it seems it's the same concept).
posted by rada at 4:45 PM on September 4, 2013


We got a hand-me-down Baby Bjorn carrier which I thought was great but my wife not so much. She picked up an Ergo and likes it much better. The Ergo seems to do a better job of distributing the weight so that your shoulders and back don't get tired. She still uses it and our daughter is almost 2.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 4:58 PM on September 4, 2013


Ergos are great, but if your little one is one of those who also wants to face out, you're out of luck unless you also want to shell out for a Bjorn. You may want to consider getting a carrier that allows for positioning both facing forward and facing you.
posted by quince at 5:02 PM on September 4, 2013


Love my ergo. However, I found it's difficult to bend over wearing it in the front.
posted by Safiya at 5:05 PM on September 4, 2013


We used our Ergo til our kid was four. Then we passed it along to a friend, still in great condition. One of the few baby things that was totally worth the cost.
posted by gnutron at 5:10 PM on September 4, 2013


I love my mei tai. I know loads of people love the ergo but I found it caused me intense shoulder pain. If possible, try it on before you buy. See if there is a local baby wearing group near you...I was able to try on a bunch of carriers which was super helpful.
posted by avocado_of_merriment at 5:11 PM on September 4, 2013


I used my Ergo carrier every day for the first year with my baby. (When he was very young, I used it with an infant insert). He would only nap while being held, so having him in the Ergo carrier meant I could actually do things while he slept. I found the Ergo very comfortable and well balanced, and easy to use if putting the baby on your front (I never got the knack of putting him on my back without help). My husband enjoyed using it. Grandparents and other carers also used it without difficulty.

I could do pretty much anything I wanted to do with the baby in the Ergo - once your baby gets heavier, it can be a bit of a strain bending over, but I adjusted to that with doing more squatting. I was certainly able to do laundry, stacking a dishwasher etc. Your vision of your feet is also a bit limited by the bulge of baby in the front, but I imagine that's the same with most front carriers.

It can get pretty hot - I live in a sub-tropical area, and having a baby strapped to you in an Ergo in summer is unpleasant and sweaty. The "Sports" model is a bit lighter and cooler, and I preferred that to the "Original". I did occasionally get some shoulder pain, but I was wearing a lumpy baby for hours and hours while he napped, and I don't think any other carrier would have improved matters.

Overall though - the Ergo was a lifesaver for me, definitely worth the cost and let me do things and feel productive during those early months of parenthood.
posted by fever-trees at 5:19 PM on September 4, 2013


I have an Ergo, a Beco and a Baby Hawk mei tai. They're all great for different reasons. The mei tai is easy for anyone to put on, no fussing with straps and adjusting things. The Beco is AWESOME for putting the baby on your back, which for me is huge. The Ergo was great too, but it is harder to put a baby on compared to the Beco.
posted by Nickel Pickle at 5:30 PM on September 4, 2013


Yes, get the Ergo; this is a clear-cut shut up and take my money thing.

(Don't toss your sling -- you may find different carriers better suited to different phases. But there's nothing wrong with having more than one carrier)
posted by kmennie at 5:31 PM on September 4, 2013


How old is your baby? For teeny-tiny ones, the Moby with the newborn carry is great. But when they get bigger, the Moby is less secure for leaving the house because it's stretchy and hard to readjust, and bending over might also not feel very secure.

To really cover some distance with a newborn/infant or do some vigorous laundry, I think the Baby Bjorn is the best because it is fits a small baby most securely and supports its head well.

Once the baby is a little bigger, a more supportive soft structured carrier is the thing to have. Ergo is in this category, but I think there are better options now (Beco, etc). The problem is that the Ergo is not very good for infants under 5-6 months or smaller babies. I always felt like my baby was badly positioned and too prone to slipping down, which made me nervous. We did have the infant insert, but it is WAY to hot to be used any time except winter.
posted by yarly at 5:36 PM on September 4, 2013


I'd give the ring sling a bit more time. My daughter was 4.5 lbs when she was born, and basically lived in a ring sling for her first nine months, including while I made beds, cooked supper, etc. There was, however, a startlingly steep learning curve. If you haven't already, I'd watch some online videos about ring sling positioning, and possibly consider calling around to your local hippie mothering groups to see if they have someone who'd be willing to demonstrate. (If you can't find anything, memail me, and I'll dig out my sling and borrow my miniature dachshund for a demonstration.)

FWIW, I found it much easier to do things with my hands with the baby in an upright position--if you've not tried that, do. Also, probably pull tighter on the cloth than you'd imagine you should. It took me a long time to be convinced that I wasn't going to, I don't know, break the rings or smush the baby or whatever, but it was never a problem.
posted by MeghanC at 5:40 PM on September 4, 2013 [2 favorites]


We tried Moby, Baby bjorn, and finally Ergo. It is worth paying more for the Ergo because it is comfortable even with older toddlers and easy to use.
posted by steinwald at 5:44 PM on September 4, 2013


Don't buy anything now, borrow until you find out what works and then buy what you like.

My baby was one who hated the ring sling and the Moby wrap. Putting her in either one would result in endless screaming. She wanted to see the world, outward facing was the only acceptable option. As soon as she was big enough we borrowed a Bjorn, and she still loves it (almost 7 months now and going strong in the Bjorn!). She actually hates going out in a stroller, because infant strollers aren't outward facing, so we use the Bjorn for any sort of outing.

I would also vouch for the Bjorn as a highly durable product that is worth its price. The Bjorn I am using is 10 years old and still very solid despite much wear and washing.

My only complaint is that since baby hit about 13-14lbs, the Bjorn gets a little rough after about 15-20 mins of use on the upper back. I wish I had a carrier that could be worn on the back at this point or that distributes weight better to the hips. Also for a 6 month old it would prevent her from reaching out for things I'm trying to do stuff with (although how do you keep them from pulling your hair??) However since the Bjorn was free to borrow I'm delighted with how it's worked out!
posted by treehorn+bunny at 6:55 PM on September 4, 2013


I love my Ergo - still throw my 3yr old in it when he's clingy. Babysteals.com occasionally has them, but you've got to check them daily. Keep your ring sling around because its nice to pop the kid in it for quick trips.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 6:59 PM on September 4, 2013


I have a Boba 3g. I'll echo most of what others have said. I used the Moby for maybe the first three months, but having to time the damn thing on every time I wanted to carry Baby Bibbit got old fast. I like the Boba because it allows both front and back carrying and has foot straps, but it basically comes down to what you feel comfortable wearing.

As far as "shelling out" keep in mind that soft-structured carriers like the Boba, Beco and Ergo work for YEARS with your kid. Baby Bibbit is over 20 pounds and I could carry him all day in the back carry. And he still falls asleep in it. I use my carrier daily - I pack it in the daycare bag when we drop him off in the morning, and then I walk home with him at night.

Check for any local baby boutique shops to see if they have carriers you can try (our local cloth diaper places have options) or see if Babywearing International has a chapter near you.
posted by bibbit at 7:00 PM on September 4, 2013


I had a pouch type sling, a wrap type sling and an ergoish carrier called the baby trekker for my two. I used them all but I used the trekker by far the most. It was more comfortable, more secure, quick to put on and off, had an easy access pocket for keys and wallet and could be worn with baby facing forward or backward, and on your front or as a backpack. You can also wear it under or over a coat and it fits anyone. Works for infant to toddler. God I loved that thing.
posted by Cuke at 7:02 PM on September 4, 2013


I'm 37 weeks pregnant and I've relied a lot on the awesome reviews on Lucie's List for my baby-related shopping. Her page on baby carriers is very good and echoes a lot of what people here have said. FWIW I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting a K'Tan to use for the first few months followed by a Beco. The reason I haven't bought a carrier yet is because my friend has like 4 different carriers (Moby, Bjorn, K'Tan, and a ring sling) she doesn't like because her baby hates them. Since unanticipated baby preferences can throw a wrench into things, I'm going to try her's out once he is born just in case.
posted by gatorae at 7:10 PM on September 4, 2013


My partner preferred a mei tai, I liked the ergo, we used it until our (95%) daughter was three.
posted by geek anachronism at 7:25 PM on September 4, 2013


Most baby wearing groups will have a lending library where you can try carriers out. The members will also have an assortment of options for you to try.

I run the lending library for my local group and we have so many types of carriers and wraps! In our group we require a deposit but no rental fee.

I have a Beco Gemini that I love! It works for small babies without needing an insert and can be used on the back or hip or front facing in or out! My husband is much taller than me but we both use it comfortably.

If you have any questions about babywearing groups or carriers at all please memail me!!
posted by Swisstine at 7:36 PM on September 4, 2013 [3 favorites]


I actually don't think the Ergo is worth the cost, and especially not if you tend to run on the hot side. If you don't like being hot, then you probably won't like the Ergo because the Ergo is HOT to wear.

I immensely loved my ring sling in the early days. What type of position are you putting the baby in? Is the ring in the proper position on your shoulder? It should be higher up than you probably think. The Maya Wrap website has a ton of videos on how to position babies properly.

After mine reached a point where the Maya wasn't feasible, I tossed them in the Kelty TC (about six months of age for my son -- my daughter went into a Bjorn after that for awhile because she was so tiny but demanded to have her legs free and I couldn't carry a backpack as easily with the Maya as I could with the Bjorn.)
posted by zizzle at 4:05 AM on September 5, 2013


Not sure about your specific situation, but my wife and I went for the Mei Tei over the Ergo. Our situation was pretty clear cut: she is 5'1", I am 6'5" with a bad back, and it is the only carrier that fits us both with no problems. It's also half the price, which is nice.
posted by Mayor West at 5:49 AM on September 5, 2013


My wife uses a Moby Wrap and loves it, she could cartwheels with our boy in it and he'd be fine. I prefer a more standard carrier (but can't remember the name) when I'm toting the little `un.
posted by blue_beetle at 7:18 AM on September 5, 2013


I have SO MANY carriers. When our kitten was pretty new, we LOVED the K'tan -- it functions like a Moby, but without all the tying. It is a cinch to put on (very important when you are sleep deprived and just want to go put the laundry in the dryer for the love of Pete), packs up easily, and is soft and squishy which is nice for young babies. The baby was very comfortable in it, and would often sleep when carried, which was wonderful when trying to calm baby down or when trying to get anything done ever. Once baby gets heavier, however -- say, around 4-5 months? -- the K'tan is right out. It's not a long-term solution, but if you can grab one for cheap, I absolutely recommend that as one of the best carriers for the early months. I do recommend sizing down if you are between sizes per their chart.

I also have a Babyhawk mei tei, and that definitely became my go-to carrier. I found it super easy to put on and adjust, simple to pack along, very secure, and quite comfortable for long stretches until recently, now that the baby has crossed the 17lb mark. Mr. Tigerbelly doesn't like it quite as much, and finds the straps and tying fiddling. He prefers the Ergo.

I've always heard great things about the Ergo, and was thrilled when we were able to pick one up off Craigslist for cheap. However. I have pretty broad & straight shoulders, and I still feel like something is off about the way the shoulders fit. It feels simultaneously like the straps are going to fall off and like they are digging into my underarms. I find the Ergo difficult to adjust (it's impossible to do when the baby is on you, which is not the case with a mei tei), especially the securing strap at the back, and hot. It also feels to me like the baby is riding way too low. But the Mr. vastly prefers the Ergo to all other carriers, and finds it much more comfortable and easy to work with. Me, I'd recommend a mei tei over the Ergo for a more customizable fit, more versatility, and a closer, more secure carry.

Now that the kitten is bigger and I am more on my game, I find that a wrap or a combo wrap-mei-tei carrier like the Didytai work well for me, as it helps distribute the weight across my back, instead of digging in on straps right over my shoulders, but that's something to worry about when you get there, I think. A wrap or wrap-tei can be kind of a nuisance to get on quickly, and I would have found it to be way too much trouble & probably frustrating early on in the process.
posted by tigerbelly at 8:21 AM on September 5, 2013


clearly everyone loves ergos and similar soft structures carriers (I have an ergo and a beco soleil), but I wanted to chime in and say that it's still hard to bend over in them! it's recommended that you squat instead.
posted by sabh at 9:05 AM on September 5, 2013 [1 favorite]


I loved the K'tan when the baby was little, easy on, he was comfy, packs down etc. But he grew out of it.

We've been using the Ergo from about 4 months till now (5 & 1/2 months), it's pretty comfy on, but the little one did not like it for the first month or so we tried using it. Now he's okay for a while and will fall asleep for a short while in it. But he doesn't yet love it. I'm hoping he'll like it more as his neck and back strength improve (he's good on the head now, but isn't sitting up on his own yet) and he can have both arms out and move around some. My theory when we first tried it with him at about 4 months was that he was too big to want to be snuggled up tight and too little to be hanging out. Who knows...

Bending over in any carrier is going to be pretty difficult I think. It can work but squatting seems to be the way to go (back to the third trimester mobility issues ;)
posted by pennypiper at 10:54 AM on September 5, 2013


Just want to add to those saying to try them out before you buy. I have an ergo sport, boba 3g, infantino, moby, petunia pickle bottom... lots of carriers for my twins. Both my 6'1 husband and my 5'2 self prefer the ergo because it is breathable, light weight and easy to adjust, but every baby and parent is different.
posted by PrimateFan at 2:09 PM on September 5, 2013


Response by poster: For anyone searching this thread later with a clingy newborn like mine, I wanted to note that I got the Ergobaby and it is indeed everything the posters above promised. I love, love, love it and my sanity has been partially restored now that I can lug the lil one around and do chores.
posted by juliagulia at 7:07 PM on October 1, 2013


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