I had a Moby wrap I LOVED. When I went into my post natal appointment, the doctor looked at me weird and asked why I was still pregnant! (The baby was hiding in the moby wrap under my coat... too funny). I used it so so so much. And it looks great, so comfy, and easily tucked under the pram or in your handbag (ok, your new big baby handbag). It was just so secure. Friends of Ergos they swear by.

Great! Good luck!! And congrats!

-MaryAnne

WOW thanks guys all really great info and advice!

Maryanne - thank you so much for your detailed repsonse - I shall def steer clear of the BB and give the slings a go - this is actually what i had in mind too!

Thank you everyone! x

Definitely echo the previous post re: trying to find a sling library or similar.

Personally adored my Ergo, and did an hour's commute on the 96% centile until she was about 19 months. Probably not to be recommended!!

Another site with info http://www.bigmamaslings.co.uk/zen-cart/index.php

We used a Baby Bjorn until our daughter was about 8 or so kg, then an Ergo. She's now nearly two and about 11kg and we still use the Ergo for things like train and tube trips, as it keeps our hands free, keeps her safe on platforms, etc. and is easy to put away when it's not needed. No bulky buggy to haul around...:)

I was happy enough with the Baby Bjorn but (as the above users say, not for really long periods) I'm sure it's a matter of trying them out to see what is comfortable for each individual and if that means having two carriers - one for you and one for your husband - it may be worth the extra money.

All the best with the new baby!

Hi Pod,

I, too, bought and tried out almost all types of baby-wearing gear. As a chiropractor, I'd strongly dissuade you to use the Baby Bjorn. You must use a sling/carrier that allows hip and leg support by keeping the infant's hips and knees flexed and supported since their ligaments are very elastic and fragile (especially on a newborn). Also, it's important to have them in that position from the beginning until they start to walk for proper spinal development.

The Bjorn is one of the most popular, especially with men because it's has easy snaps and closures, but actually, it's not good for both the baby and parent. To be fair, though, it won't harm anyone unless you use it all the time, meaning, daily for over 2 hours continuously. I would say it's safe when you use the Bjorn up to 3 times per week and no more than 2 hours in the sling at a time. I just don't recommend it to moms because it's gives poor hip and spinal support to the baby, and isn't very supportive on the back for the parent.

So, for a newborn, I would recommend an Ergo (a Mai-Tai), a Maya Wrap, a Sling, a Robo, or anything that mimics that support. Older infants, once they start crawling can be very comfortable in an Ergo or Babyhawk, which are both the Asian Mai-Tai styles. It's easy, fast, and not too hot in the summer. That's the one I finally choosing more consistently.

Here's a great website for you to check out, all about carriers:

http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php

Good luck!

-MaryAnne

Hi Calgary,
thank you for your advice - I did wonder about the whole try before you buy - or ending up buying a heap of different ones - I see your point!

Anyone else out there got any links for carrier or swap meets please?
thank you!

P.S Love NVN!

Hello Pod,
I won't specifically recommend one but do suggest that instead of buying one you go to one of the swap meets or carrier meetings that are organized. Unfortunately, i don't have any links to share but am sure someone can.

I had/have 7 different carriers - Bjorn Active (used exclusively by my husband who said all the others were too difficult), Moby Wrap, Maya Wrap, ergo classic, ergo sport, hippy chick hip carrier (for older bubs) and a Kelty backpack carrier.

I have tried all of them and found that the ergo sport was my favourite as it was light, easy to put on (only used it on the front) and with the infant insert could use it when my boys were just born through to when they got older. Later on I used it more like a hip carrier. by 14mos though my boys pretty much refused to get into any of them and so I've sold all but the backpack carrier and the hip carrier on ebay.

Long story short, try before you buy as you may find that you (and your bub) don't really like them at all.

Good luck.

Hi there,
I am wondering what to do about getting a baby carrier of sorts, I have carried my niece in a baby bjorn and found it hurt my back (it was not the latest design with lumbar support though?) but didn't really feel very supportive. I am only small - under 5ft, so need to get some advice on what has worked or been the most comfortable, anyone with any advice would be grateful - thank you x