Connecta Baby Connecta

This folds up to practically nothing and comes in a range of beautiful fabrics (and if nothing takes your fancy, you can have one custom made). Very supportive. I woud give it five stars for ease of use excapt that it does sometimes seem to need more adjusting than ir does at other times and because I personally find it far more comfortable when I've had someone to help me sort the straps than when I use it on my own. Very good value for money and so portable, ideal for stashing in a hand- or changing bag if you need to switch to a sling on public transport or move a younger baby out of a pushchair when an older one tires of walking or needs a nap.

the best ever and made in England. My son loves it (12month) used since he was 3months after the closer sling which was good until he got heavier.

I've got the Solarweave Connecta and I love it. Once DD got too heavy for front carrying in wrap slings, I looked for something lightweight, hot weather-suitable and easy to use for first-time back-carries - this fitted the bill perfectly.
Because it's unstructured, it packs down very small when not in use and also holds your child close to your body, which makes it very ergonomic. It's very simple to use and the ease with which I could do the basic back-carry didn't disappoint. Now I'm experienced enough to toss DD onto my back it's even more convenient. DD still enjoys travelling on mummy's back and it's a lovely way to be able to chat together during a walk.
Also, because the Connecta is so flexible, I've been able to continue wearing it until 7 months pregnant (it can be fastened comfortably above my bump).
Personally, I would use a wrap sling for a small baby, but this is a brilliant carrier once they get a bit bigger, especially if you're not confident about back carries using a wrap. The Connecta's small amount of fabric also makes it good at keeping us from getting too hot in the sun (not to mention the bonus of the Solarweave's SPF 50 protection).
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

I bought one of these buckle carriers / soft structured carriers after seeing one of the mums at baby group wearing one with her 1 yr old, and also after trying one on at the sling meet with my baby in froggy legs position.
I find it a lot easier than the mei tei I borrowed and it's so easy to adjust.
I have the tortoise print one so the oh likes to wear it too and have cuddles with baby.
The hood tucks away but I just leave it out and by adjusting the carrier height (by rolling the waistband over) I can get it comfortable and supportive for baby's neck.
Pops has always fallen asleep in the carrier but lately she likes to watch the world go by in it.
The other main benefit is that as the body of the carrier is not padded is rolls up or packs away really tiny so we take ours everywhere just in case.

We have a Connecta and we all love it! I started using it with baby when she was about 4 weeks. She was more comfortable when I was wearing it initially (I have boobs she could fall asleep on, daddy doesn't!!)

She's now about 5 months and never sleeps in it cos she's too nosey! It's very comfortable for both me and her dad - and even grandad has worn her in it!

I bought a Connecta Solarweave to use with dd2 from birth. We didn't get on very well with it at first and dd2 screamed whenever I put her in it. I just couldn't seem to get her comfortable. Also, as the Solarweave model has a hood for sun protection there isn't any padding around the neck and didn't seem to support her head very well unless the hood was up (which she hated as a newborn). So I went back to using the Baby Bjorn I had for dd1.

I started using the Connecta again from around 4 months and now find it absolutely brilliant. Dd2 is very happy in it and I can comfortably wear her in it all day (6 hours recently) without getting sore shoulders or back. It is also really light weight and can easily be packed into a bag.

I've used the Bjorn and Ergo, but the Connecta is my firm favourite.

I have tried a lot of slings. Both my babies were big (heavy and long at birth) and this is the only sling that I could use successfully. I find it really easy to use. It's excellent for a big newborn. My DD2 is on 99th percentile for weight and height at two months (weighing 14lbs!) but still can't support her own head. This carrier is perfect. Gorgeous fabric, folds up small.

A good buckle carrier. lots of pretty patterns but also some neutrals for dads.

Keep an eye out for the solarweave version - this has an SPF of about 50, keeps you both cool and dries really quickly. My son has sensitive skin and he's fine with it.

We actually have that version and the traditional version. They are definitely my hubby's first choice for a carrier. We've used these since ds was 8 days old and they're fab.

The only proviso I would add is that as ds has got heavier, I've found it sometimes pulls on the shoulders a little. However, they have just brought out an additional lumber belt that attaches to the carrier for when the baby gets heavier and it's supposed to correct this issue. We just haven't bought it yet.

I find the trad version too warm for the summer but great during the rest of the year. I love the solarweave version but had a scaare recently when putting ds on my back because the fabric didn't come up his back as it should have done because it is so lightweight. I've since worked out a way of putting him up that avoids this, but it's something just to be aware of.

Fab, and I've tried loads. Got it when my LO was 8 months old, but I wish I'd had it earlier. Much more comfy for long carries than anything else I've tried (Close, ring sling, stretchy wrap), as comfy as mei tais, but easier to put on and my partner can use it too as the straps are adjustable. No learning curve. I got the solar weave one and it's so fine it folds up to the size of a notebook. This is the one sling I would buy if I had another LO.

I absolutely love the Connecta - discovered it when DD was 4 months or so and am still using it comfortably at 13 months. It's also very daddy friendly. Couldn't recommend it more!!

Absolutely brilliant design for babies both big and small. It is not recommended to use on your back for a newborn however, but it is most likely you would want to carry your newborn on the front anyway.
I totally disagree with the previous poster about the "crotch area" being too wide for a newborn - the instructions for this carrier have a way of "narrowing" the crotch area for a smaller baby using the strap provided. Also - a very tiny baby will be comfortable being "froggied" with legs inside the carrier - not dangling!
I have used one of these carriers for a child right up to 4 years old and found it extremely comfortable. The design is a bit of a hybrid between a traditional Mei Tai (these Mei Tais have stood the test of time being used by traditional tribal groups for thousands of years!), and a more modern carrier with clips. It is a unique product that works extremely well.
In particular I love the latest solarweave one - that can be used in water (so you can shower with your baby or go in the pool) - it also protects your baby from the sun and is extremely breathable and comfy. It dries fast if you get it wet - and packs up super-small when not in use.
Do read the included simple instructions if you buy one of these - they're excellent and will make sure you are using yours correctly and safely.
They are also available in a wide range of appealing fabrics to suit every taste - and the vendor can even custom make you one in your own choice of fabric too - much more individual than "commercial" carriers - also in my experience (after 3 children) much more comfortable, practical and long-lasting. Nothing I ever bought in a high-street store could be used COMFORTABLY for FOUR YEARS with my child. Therefore I think this carrier provides EXCELLENT value for money!

An excellent sling made by a wahm. A meitei style that fastens with clips. It has an extra bit that can be used as a chest strap for back carries or to cinch in the bottom for front carries of small babies. There is a huge selection of fabrics available, or you can buy & send your own choice to be made up in a custom design.It has an optional sleep hood too.