Best baby carrier

[blackcat86]

DD is now 15 weeks old. She was a small baby (5lb 1oz at birth and 4lb 10oz when we took her home) and was in special care for 8 days. She loves being held and swayed and this is her go to position for comfort, cuddles and going to sleep. She actually sits in the perfect position for a carrier although so far has refused all my attempts at baby wearing. We had a fairly basic carrier from Mothercare, a sling and an Izmi carrier, all of which she screamed in. I want to go to our local sling/carrier library to try before we buy but need some suggestions of what to ask for. I was hoping an experienced mum would take me by the hand and show me what I needed but apparently you actually have go in knowing what you want to buy. What are you favourite carriers and why, especially if you have a reluctant baby?

I have a Marsupi for my 5 day old DC3 and love it. It’s a soft carrier but you wrap it closed with Velcro so you can get it on really quickly and then readjust for your comfort once baby is settled. If the baby is still small and a bit reluctant I think it’s important to have something you can get her in without a fuss.

It’s designed in Germany where they put lots of emphasis on correct ergonomics.

I also have a Manduca which I also love and used for my first two. But it is a lot more structured and a bit fiddler to put on. Better when they’re a bit older or if you’re going hiking etc.

I used a beco Gemini with my little boy. It's a structured carrier, very straightforward to use. It can be used from birth. It was really comfortable to wear and for my little boy, who didn't take kindly to being out of my arms!!!

Also love my Beco Gemini. It's on DC2 now although DC1 will still sometimes go in it in a back carry.

I went to my sling library clueless. Paid for a newborn workshop where they took me through loads of options and I hired two types for a week before I bought. Workshop wasn't too much, under £20.

Close Caboo is lovely, very cosy.

Hanna wrap when newborn. Connecta once he was about 4 months.
Really recommend a sling library for good advice and getting to try before you buy.

Mamaruga Zensling. Soft, comfy, stretchy and versatile as it’s a buckle carrier. Very popular at our sling library, especially for smaller and younger babies but it will last too.

I don’t have a reluctant baby, but carrying her in an NCT caboo sling was killing my back. Just switched the classic baby bjorn and it’s really great. Yes a bit less of a “Mother Earth” feel than a soft sling, but a top piece of engineering and I feel I could carry her for hours in it.

I got an Ergo 360 that I loved - the baby did too and he practically lived in it for several months. Really easy to put on alone, comfy and washable. They're expensive but there are usually new ones on eBay - mine was only £50 instead of £150 but the colours are sometimes the unpopular ones that's all. They can forward face and a few other positions in it - there's YouTube videos that show a demo.

I’d second the mamaruga zensling