Baby carrier for a newborn

[kitkat321]

My DD is due in December and while I've got the travel system ordered, I need something "hands free" for when I'm walking our young, slightly energetic dog.

I've looked at the baby bjorn and don't really like the look of it and I don't think it looks suitable for very young babies (I'll possibly be on my own with baby and dog from when baby is only a week old as DP can only get 1 week off work).

Is there anything that would be suitable and secure enough for a wee one? Ideally something that I can also continue to use as she gets bigger?

[Kelbells]

Have you looked at the close caboo carrier or a soft structured carrier like a manduca or (I highly recommend for comfort) a Tula carrier? The problem with a baby Bjorn and similar carriers is that the sit quite low on your body (hurting your back) and the baby's legs 'dangle' meaning that they're not comfortable for them for any length of time (and why lots of people give up on them early on!) I'm still carrying my 2yo when he can't be bothered to walk as this type of carrier is so comfy! You want to look for a carrier that supports the baby from knee to knee in an 'm' shape... I'll see if I can find any links

[Kelbells]

Oh... And I've walked my son for miles with2 dogs since a few days old in his!

[Kelbells]

Oh... And I've walked my son for miles with2 dogs since a few days old in his!

[kitkat321]

Thanks very much - hadn't heard of any of those makes but will go have a look!

[curlyclaz13]

Something like a moby or close caboo as mentioned would be better. As the pp has already explained. Google TICKS and babywearing for more info.

[yellowsnownoteatwillyou]

There are loads of slings available, there will probably be a sling group near you, to go and try some.
I had a moby when baby was teeny, which was comfy and cosy and secure.
I now use a mei Thai or a ring sling (depending where I'm going or how long he will be in it) and he is a big 1 year old.
Mei Thai for quick walk to the shop, ring sling if he's in and out the car and if he can walk about there.
But I wouldn't use a baby Bjorne, not good for you or baby.

[Dangermouse1]

Try this link for some good advice. I had a MySol which was great and now have a manduca - which is fab but not so good for newborns.

www.carrymeclose.co.uk/criterias-of-a-good-carrier.html

If you can, try before you buy as different things are comfier for different body shapes and also some carriers have a 'knack' to tying them correctly and you may get on with some better than others. If you Google babywearing or slings you might find a local supplier. There are also nct and similar groups who will let you hire a carrier and try it out before buying - recommend doing this as they are mostly quite expensive

[BlueChampagne]

I used a wilkinet from newborn, which can go on your back when they're bigger. Got it on ebay!

[Isisizzie]

I second the caboo and manduca. I carried my dd all round New York in a caboo when she was 3 months old, for about 2-3 hours at a time but all day so about 10 in all. With no pain or feeling that I'd carried her all day. Only my feet hurt with all the walking.
The manduca is the one I use now she is almost 1 and 22lbs. I still have her on my front but will have to start back carrying her soon as her head is getting in the way when I'm shopping. Xx

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

I love Moby/Kari me when tiny and Manduca when a bit bigger.

[weebairn]

I never got on with the moby which a friend lent me (too much material, it made me feel really frumpy and couldn't work out how to put my coat on, also it was like origami and brain wasn't up to it) - at 2 or 3 weeks post birth I went to a sling library and got a beco (which is pretty much the same as the more popular ergo). It's like a structured soft carrier with clips, so v easy to put on, not bulky like a moby, and much comfier and better for baby than a baby bjorn.
I bought my own and used it absolutely loads (barely ever used the pushchair till after a year old) - from 6 months she went on my back.

My baby was on the small side and it was still fine from 2-3 weeks.
Sling libraries are great for trying a few options and seeing what you like, you can go before you have baby though obviously it's a bit tricky to try things with a big bump in the way!

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

Funny how personal it is isn't it Weebairn. I don't find a Moby bulk and, although I love Manduca (similar, also a soft structured carrier), I like the fact that I feel more comfortable in a stretchy wrap around the house and things in the early days.

Sling library recommendation is a good one OP.

[weebairn]

yes I know, all my friends swore by the moby!! Possibly I was just not good enough at the origami, always felt like baby was slipping out… I know the frumpy thing was a ridiculous way to feel just after birth, but I just couldn't bear it! (Not saying other people look frumpy with mobys but I felt I did!)

[lotsoftoast]

Can't go wrong with a manduca or ergo if you want a buckle carrier. I used my manduca from birth till very recently (19 months) and it is very good and supportive. If you end up with a section, a moby will be better for a start as you will be able to tie it up away from your section scar

[GingerRodgers]

Another vote for the close caboo.

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

Weebairn - One very shallow thing I like about the Manducca is that it can sit sort of on your hips and keep post-baby-tummy tucked in. With the moby it sort of ties right on your belly button and everything bulges out the bottom.

I realise this should not be a deciding factor in sling decisions

[weebairn]

haha Penguins - I am glad I am not the only vain one Yes the beco basically squashed baby into my tummy and giant boobs and I looked quite trim, haha! Or maybe I was kidding myself!

[Missmidden]

Baby Bjorns always seem to get written off on Mumsnet, but I have got on well with mine and have many friends who have loved theirs too. I used mine daily from a few wks old to 8 mths or so with DD1 (having tried a Moby first and not enjoyed the experience) and have used it from 1 week with DD2. However you do need the baby to be on the big side to use from newborn as 3.5kg is the minimum weight.

I am not a dog owner but live in a rural area and do a lot of walking off road and have found the baby Bjorn to be comfy for me and DDs have always slept well in it so I assume it's comfy for them too. I know it is said that their hips aren't held in the best position in it, but if you only use it for walks and not all day baby wearing I can't believe it does any harm.

[ColdTeaAgain]

Baby Bjorns and similar type carriers cause babies legs to dangle down rather than support the legs and hips in the 'M' position which is far better for hip and spine development.

The Baby Bjorns would be ok for short periods I suppose, i.e. Nipping into to shops but definately not recommended for carrying a baby for longer periods.

I used the close caboo and loved it.

[bonzo77]

I used a kari-me wrap from birth (ds2 was 5lb3). Then abandoned it when he was about 3 months. I had a baby Bjorn from ds1 but hated it, and that was the end or my baby wearing. Or so I thought. When DS2 was 18 months and not walking, I got an ergoBaby carrier. Brilliant. The big lump is 20 months and walking, but loves being in the carrier. It's really comfy, DS2 wraps his arms and legs round me like a monkey. Ds1 is just within the weight requirement (20kg) and also likes a ride! We are ttc and embarrassingly I can't wait to wear another baby: would someone lend me one?!

[Squtternutbaush]

I started out with a Victoria Sling Lady stretchy wrap which was great for the first 2 months, then I got in contact with my local sling library and tried out a few before settling on a Connecta when she was 9 weeks.

Its less structured than the Manduca/Ergo etc but I preferred that personally, still using a Connecta now at 17 months but now she goes on my back because I can't see past her big head :o

[lentilpot]

I've been using a boba 4g for my newborn (two weeks old today!) and I love it so far. It's pretty bulky but I don't mind that and he seems to love it, has fallen asleep every time I've put him in it! I'm using the newborn insert on the smallest setting. My baby was quite large at birth though- 9 pounds 6 ounces - but I think it would work for a smaller baby too, but maybe not a teeny tiny one!

[ceara]

I loved my Caboo when my baby was a newborn. At 6 months we got a summet weight Connecta as I was finding the Caboo too hot to wear on hot summer days, but with a winter baby that won't be a problem. I second the advice to find a sling library to try before you buy if at all possible, or even just get advice on wearing your own sling - I thought I was wearing mine correctly after following the printed and YouTube instructions but a couple of minor tweaks by one of the advisors made a huge difference to comfort and ease of use. Also, many slings/carriers are "Marmite" - a friend got a caboo after hearing me rave about mine, and absolutely hated it. Different body shapes I guess - so there's no substitute for trying out several in the flesh.

[ohthegoats]

I've bought a boba 4g - fits me and my boyfriend despite our foot difference in height.

[NanooCov]

I'm also due in December and we're going for the Close Caboo DX. Holds the legs in the good "froggie" position and have read lots of good reviews.