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Parenting

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Original poster

Due 2nd child…to get a baby carrier or not?

32 replies

Preggobelly · 18/04/2023 15:00

Just as the title says, I’m due my second baby and my DD will be just about to turn 3 when the baby is born. What’s the consensus on a baby carrier for baby no2?
Does it make life much easier or was it something you didn’t get the use out of?

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Pumpkinbumkin200 · 18/04/2023 15:33

100% yes! Second DC took most of his naps in the carrier for the first 8 months a d made things like walking down to be park a lot easier as didn't always need to take the pram. Also he always needed his third cat nap at around dinner making time so popped him in the carrier whilst I did that as just didn't have the time to be upstairs trying to settle him.

Monstermoomin · 18/04/2023 15:38

Definitely agree on this too. I had a sling with my first and use it multiple times a day now with my second (7.5 months). Means you can also interact with your first child so helps with that transition for them too.

Caterina99 · 18/04/2023 15:38

DC2 practically lived in the carrier. I needed to get on with stuff and have my hands free for dealing with toddler DC1

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shakeitoffsis · 18/04/2023 15:39

My daughter was 3 and 2 months when my other daughter was born. I have used the carrier once in 7 months, found it totally unnecessary and glad I didn't buy one myself (my friend gave me hers).

Strawberry0909 · 18/04/2023 15:43

Dc1 was 3 when dc2 came along, and the carrier was probably the most useful purchase , I was most disappointed when he out grew it

He had most naps in there, had hands free to play with DS1 and was easier out and about, especially as he never took to the pram

itsabigtree · 18/04/2023 17:41

Second children need carriers!

FlounderingFruitcake · 18/04/2023 17:45

Disagree completely. I found it bulky and uncomfortable and second DC was actually very content in the pram or the bouncer. And for going out we had baby in the pram and toddler on the buggy board. Ours was used only once- in a while queue for airport security after a long flight so older one could sit down.

Trysbutfails · 18/04/2023 18:13

Neither of my babies were fans of the pram, so I got a huge amount of use out of slings/carriers both times.

My eldest was still using a buggy occasionally (it was a mile walk to nursery) - I bought a cheap Phil and Teds double second hand but I used it about twice. Instead I stuck with our single for the eldest and carried the baby in a sling. When the baby was old enough for the buggy, eldest went onto a buggy board.

Generally I found it easier to hold hands with my eldest, navigate shops etc without a buggy. I’ve seen lots of people train their eldest to walk holding onto the pram but mine was absolutely not that obedient and I couldn’t have trusted him near a road unless I was holding his hand directly.

I only ever remember regretting it once when my eldest had a complete meltdown in a shopping centre and I had to carry him out kicking and screaming while the baby was in the carrier…though thinking about it, it would have been more impossible if I’d had a pram to manoeuvre!

MsChatterbox · 18/04/2023 18:34

Definitely yes! Meant I could look after toddler and have my hands free all day.

Original poster

Preggobelly · 18/04/2023 20:34

Thanks so much everyone! A bit of both sides but I think I’m sold on getting one so I can have free hands to play with my DD. Thank you 😊

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Original poster

Preggobelly · 30/04/2023 16:58

I’m back 😂 now I’ve been sold on getting a carrier, does anyone have any recommendations? The one I’m looking at is the Ergo 360 one?

OP posts:

FlounderingFruitcake · 30/04/2023 17:53

If you’re in London you can have my used once baby bjorn!

Original poster

Preggobelly · 30/04/2023 18:02

@FlounderingFruitcake thank you so much, that’s really kind 😊 I’m really far from London but thank you!

OP posts:

wibblewobbleball · 30/04/2023 18:04

For newborns I love the Ergo Embrace. It's cheaper too. Why not get that and you can see how much you're using the carrier post 9 months ish to see if you need one for older babies?

itsabigtree · 30/04/2023 18:05

No don't get ergo baby! It's ok but its not great for shorter women, its a bit bulky and can be hard to put on and off on your own.

The Integra baby is brilliant, so lightweight and comfy. I've heard good things about the Tula brand too

Theelephantinthecastle · 30/04/2023 18:11

I would get a close caboo or ergo embrace for a newborn. The bulkier strappier ones are better for older babies

Pumpkinbumkin200 · 30/04/2023 21:13

Beco Gemini has been great here. I have the Cool and the normal one depending on the season.

gubbinsy · 30/04/2023 22:09

Not sure where you are but see if there's a sling library near you - you can try some now although that's not always easy with bump but can try with baby once here and see what suits. Then you don't have to spend before you know!
Would recommend a wrap style one for newborn though - easy once you have hang of it and comfy.

Hugasauras · 30/04/2023 23:17

DD2 lived in the Close Caboo for the first three months! We moved to a more structured carrier after that: Tula Explore. But the Caboo was worth every penny (I'd used it a bit with DD1 but DD2 it was on every day for hours!)

Inchysaurus · 30/04/2023 23:25

I agree with @gubbinsy - I found the sling library really helpful and meant I could borrow different types as baby grew. The people running the library were really knowledgeable too and much more helpful than the person we approached in John Lewis. Once baby was a bit older, we moved from a fabric wrap sling to a more structured one. They had quite a few different brands to try out, which I recommend as baby and you will find some are more comfortable and distribute the weight more evenly compared to others.

Trysbutfails · 01/05/2023 18:58

I’m definitely a fan of a stretchy wrap for the first few months - extremely comfortable and snug for baby. I found other wraps were a bit hard. to tie correctly but a stretchy was easy peasy

BabyB2022 · 02/05/2023 07:34

My second is 11 weeks and I couldn't do without my baby carrier! I use the baby bjorn newborn one and it's fab. I used a sling first time round. I tried ergobaby aura, close caboo and koala and they all annoyed me, found the baby bjorn much better for me personally.

Dollmeup · 02/05/2023 07:40

Definitely get one. Look on local FB selling groups and you will probably get a bargain, then if it doesn't work for you it's no big deal.

I used a sling at the newborn stage then moved on to a carrier when she got heavier.

I found it useful that I could have baby in carrier and toddler getting a shot in the pram if she was tired but it depends on your age gap.

Trixiedrum · 02/05/2023 07:46

For a newborn I loved something like this one- so comfy, not bulky at all, lovely and snug for baby.

If you want one when baby is bigger I’d really recommend a sling library so you can try before you buy.

Baby Sling Wrap with Large Front Pocket - Naturally Soft Baby Wrap Carrier - Cotton Baby Sling Carrier from Birth - Baby Sling Newborn to Toddler Carrier - The Pocket Wrap™ by Trekki (Black) https://amzn.eu/d/8s6XYPa

https://amzn.eu/d/8s6XYPa?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-parenting-4787716-due-2nd-childto-get-a-baby-carrier-or-not

TinyTeacher · 02/05/2023 09:59

Stretchy wrap for newborn is very cheap any way. Hold off on getting a structured one (more expensive) till you know if DC likes it. Then you can try out different ones and see what fits you well - tricky with a bump.

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