Can anyone recommend a baby carrier?

[wendywoo2]

I'm due in 7 weeks, and am thinking of getting a baby carrier, for the 1st 6 months. I'm wanting one that is really quick and easy to put on and off, but is secure, and has good looks too!?! Is there one on the market that you lovely mums can recommend?

My DS is 4weeks old and I bought a Moby Wrap before he was born. It works really well for walks/shopping as he is extremely secure and he loves being in it. However, it is a nuisance to put on and difficult to access for urgent feeds. I would also appreciate any suggestions for a sling-type carrier that is quick and easy for use around the house.

I had an Ellaroo ring sling when DS was little (used it from newborn to one), and it was super quick and easy to put on. When he was older, I changed to a MeiTai, and am still using it at 3.6

I love the lifft sling www.lifftslings.com/site/content_home.php

www.lifftslings.com/site/content_home.php

I had the close baby carrier for the first six months, for DD (now 18 month), which was fine. But I can't recommend the ergo highly enough, which you can use from newborn. I have used it constantly for both DS (now 4) and DD, daily still for DD and even occasionally for DS.

it's a tradeoff really

the very easiest ones are simple pouches (eg Coorie or Hotsling)

but they only go over one shoulder so will never be as comfy or as secure as a stretchy wrap (eg Moby), which, as whittywan says, are a PITA to put on. However once they're on, because they;re stretchy you can get the baby in and out without unwrapping, unlike soft strucured carriers (eg Ergo) that you have to untie every time.

I am dithering too - am planning a visit to a local slingmeet branch when dc is a few weeks old to pick their brains and try some slings from their 'library'

I'd recommend a Moby for newborn snuggles. The good thing about stretchy wraps is that you can leave them on and just pop the baby in and out as you please.

I used ours until DD got too heavy and then moved on to a woven wrap.

However, now she's 6 months and into everything, when we're out I've taken to using a Connecta baby carrier. Quick and simple to put on and take off, with buckles so you don't need to worry about trailing bits of material. Great for back carries too. I believe it's suitable from birth as you can tuck their legs in froggy style.

I still use the wrap for when we're at home for naps, but use the Connecta out and about

HTH

I have a Baby Bjorn Active, which I chose after trying a number of different options, but this was the only one which didn't give me a bad back as it supports my lower back.

DS1 and DS2 have loved it and I used it till they were approx 6-8 months.

Very quick and easy to get baby in and out

It was also the only carrier that my DP would use as he didn't mind people seeing him with it on.

although not cheap, it will hold its value as they sell for close to their original price second hand.