Baby Wearing

[lumpmamma]

As I approach my due date I have more questions!! My carrier from child#1 hurt my back so I am looking at something else for this babe.
I am wondering for a new baby what would you recommend for someone that walks a lot and far. Also - my last baby was really big - I don't know if that matters. I am scared of anything that seems like the baby could fall out of easily.
I am hoping for something that is good for nursing too.
Thanks for your input!!

[Zabsmom]

You would be looking at an elastic cuddle wrap. Google, cuddle wraps. My LO lived in his for the first 3 months, slept, nursed, and came out only a small portion of the day. They can be wrapped in different ways, and they cover a large span to distribute weight all over your body so you won't ache after a long carry. I was back at work after 5 days and my LO was pouch bound, most workers didn't mind and thought it was neat. I have one if you are looking to go this route

[BlondeBlondy]

They have sling pouches at Wal-Mart for less than $30. They look thick and they look like they will hold a big baby. I have never used them.

[mom2ellie]

Similar to the cuddle wrap is something made by Rolz and Sassy but they use a different fabric. I found that sometimes LO shifted more in the stretchy fabric. In the Rolz and Sazzy wrap she stayed put and it offered excellent head support. I would wear her around the house, shopping and often around the block to get her to sleep sometimes. I have a bad back and I liked the way the fabric crossing my back supported the baby's weight on the front. Also since the weight is over both shoulders I didn't have any kinks from being weighed down only on one side.

I believe Cheeky Monkey sells both styles and they can show you how they work. Before I bought one I was able to try both on - and put DD into it to see which one felt better.

Good luck with your search!

[mamabear]

I love mei tais.

About the wal-mart sling, I'm not sure what the brand and make is, but if they sell it at WM, it probably doesn't work well. Good slings have to come from specialty shops or be ordered.

[MilkyMama]

Depends on your budget and desires. I would definitely suggest a MT or stretchy wrap for someone who is a walker. Anything that supports the baby with both shoulders will be more comfy for you as it will distribute the weight more evenly.

Personally, I'm a sling girl but I only do short walks and pop in and out often.

I know many mamas (me included) that have several different carriers for different purposes. If you know someone who sews, you can make them much cheaper than buying them at retail. Here are some great free patterns to all sorts of carriers.

Like MB, I wouldn't trust the quality of anything Wal-Mart sells (I'll stay out of their crappy ethics side of the argument for now ).

Siana and zabsmom both make MTs and you can easily make a no-sew stretchy wrap yourself by using these instructions.

MM

[Zabsmom]

My LO now 24 pounds still uses his elastic wrap. I found after searching high and low and testing different fabric that a very tight stretch supports and feels better than a woven or no stretch. I'm talking super hard to stretch elastic, it makes my arms ache getting him and out of it. I found that it's supportive for the babies head when they are young.
Mei Tei's are great but not for newborn, you'd want them to be supporting their own head first. If you really liked one then you could get one custom made with support for the babies head. weight range would be 10 pounds till 40 pounds cuddle wrap would be newborn till they feel too heavy.
I agree having a mei tei made would be a good route there are some listed in the yard sale section. Also the elastic wrap you could make...just find tight elastic. I have some here you need 5 metres and I'll give it to you for what I paid for it.

[Siana]

If it's wraps you're after...

Stretchy wraps (like "CuddlyWrap" or "Moby") are typically made from 100% Cotton Interlock or Jersey fabric (knits).

Both Jersey and Interlock wraps are very supportive in two shoulder holds for the young child. For the CuddlyWrap, I've often heard people find by around 20lbs. they're not very useful, especially when wearing for longer periods. Moby wraps, especially Moby D's are considered more supportive for a fair bit longer - all Moby's are made from a thicker interlock than a CuddlyWrap and the Moby D has a woven cotton center piece without much stretch at all. These are just general impressions I've heard and made about these, so YMMV.

These are very easy to make, though caution should be used to buy a supportive enough fabric. Essentially you get a long piece of jersey or interlock (about 4 - 5 meters long), cut the width according to your preferences, and voila, it's ready to wear!

With warm weather close at hand (though it doesn't seem like that today!), I don't think an interlock wrap would be a good fit for a fairly active lifestyle. The weave of these are fairly tight and the fabric is rather thick, thus inhibiting airflow.

Gauze Wraps (like "Rolz & Sassy", "Gypsy Mama") are typically 100% Cotton wraps with a rather loose weave (woven) and are considerably lighter than jersey or interlock stretchy wraps.

As with jersey or interlock stretchy wraps, many people find they are not very comfortable to wear beyond around 20lbs. (though as always, YMMV). Because of the more open weave, they make for more comfy. summer carriers. The main complaint I've heard for the Rolz & Sassy (from quite a few mamas), is that it is too long, so they wrap it around several times, thus detracting from the coolness! Cutting to size is an easy solution.

These are also easily and cheaply made. Buy a long piece of gauze fabric (local stores carry the fabric this time of year), finish edges if necessary, and yer done!

For more details instructions on making your own wraps, check out http://www.mamatoto.org/

Some handwoven wraps - though more expensive than the above choices - are excellent for very supportive and cool summer wearing. Some examples include Vatanai and Ellaroo

I'll be back with some other non-wrap carrier recommendations. This post is already long enough

[DKLcorrigan]

i have a home made cuddly wrap i used a couple times ... well once and i am trying to sell it .. i am asking $25 for it if interested.. just pm me

[my2babies]

I LOOVEEE my Ergo, look on ebay the re-sell is amazing if money is a consideration. Definetly worth every penny. The support is insane (in a good way). For a new baby you would have to get the insert.

[mumtobelle]

I have had or still have 2 soft structured carriers (Patapum and First Journey) a ring sling, toddlerhawk mei tai, cuddly wrap and rolz n' sassy wrap and a non adjustable sling (hot sling). Hands down for a new baby into the first 4-6 months I would go with the rolz n' sassy guaze wrap. I wore my youngest all day long and it serviced me very, very well. I liked the cuddly wrap as well but in the summer time it was just too darn hot to have my grouchy little baby in there all day.

[lhastie]

I have a Rolz and Sassy which I like, though I'm using my Mei Tai a lot now. I had a big baby (9lbs at birth 19lbs by 5 months, she has slowed and is now 26lbs at 16 months) and love the wrap and Mei Tai. On my back I find the Mei Tai way easier which is why it gets more use these days. I do find that the Rolz and Sassy is offering enough support to use clear past 20lbs, whereas I put her in a Cuddle wrap recently and there didn't seem to be enough material or support for her.

DKLcorrigan - wraps take practice, have you tried it out again? The first few times they seem awkward and not particularly practical

slings are nice for little ones and for in and out. Depending on your budget it is nice to have one as well as something else that goes over both shoulders

[DKLcorrigan]

logan really doesnt like it ... he freaks out.... i want to try a mei tai but i hate to buy one then not use it... i am still using my snugli ...

[Siana]

Finally coming back here with other recommendations LOL
SSC (Soft Structured Carriers) such as Ergo (available locally), Baby Trekker etc..
ABC (Asian Baby Carriers) such as Mei Tai's, Podegis, Onhimbus etc..

If you'd like any further information on the above, or any other carriers, LMK, or come to the Babywearing Support Group and just let us know and everyone can give you their experiences with various carriers

[Melissa1977]

Just to let you know, I can make Cuddle Wraps and sell them for $25 (or you can buy them in cheeky Monkey for $69.99 plus tax). I also know someone who makes Mei Tais and I think she sells them for around $50 (they are beautiful...I've never used one but anyone I know who has loves them!).

I also own a Egro and use it now that Caden is over 20lbs but I LOVED the Cuddle Wrap. The Egro is good but a bit bulky. The Cuddle Wrap was the only thing that settled him during all his treatments for his club foot. And it kept my hands free to do other things....3 kids means you need a hands free carrier! I hear it work well for colicy babies too.

I second the comment about carriers bought at Walmart....they are just not the same! Poor quality and makes your back and/or shoulders sore.