Should i buy a baby carrier?

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Im in two minds as to buy a baby carrier or not?
I had the Babybjorn classic carrier for my daughter 7 years ago, but don't really remember getting much use out of it.
Is it a must or should i just go without?

I hated the baby bjorn but loved the kari-me wrap sling. am planning on using it a lot for DC2 so I have my hands free to deal with DS. As your oldest is 7 you won't have the same issues but it does mean you can go out without a buggy sometimes. The wrap slings are fairly cheap too, about £30

Oh yes stretchy wraps, comfy for you and your baby, no crotch dangling with one of those. There is a topic here on MN

I'm another stretchy wrap fan :)

I hated my baby bjorn carrier, I have back problems anyway, and I couldn't carry DS for longer than about 5 minutes in this without causing myself serious pain, and that was when he only weighed 10lbs. With my sling (at that point a woven, not stretchy) I carried him for hours at a time even at 20+lb.

Agree with everyone else. Baby bjorn pointless & uncomfortable. Stretchy wrap fab :)

Have a stretchy comfy Moby wrap that I used more when DD was tiny, & a fab Bushbaby Cocoon that I use more now when going out & about (has a raincover, seperate baby pod so you can disconnect them & put down while sleeping, cheaper & more comfortable than a baby bjorn).

I got a moby this time around - it's a stretchy wrap, was a bit dubious about whether I'd be able to tie it, but it's brilliant, incredibly easy to put on, I often put it on in the morning and DD pops in and out all day, she's so cozy in it and its so comfy to wear, DD was 10lb3oz, and is well over 12lb now at 4 weeks, but I can barely feel that I'm carrying her.

Amazon.co.uk do the best deal on Moby wraps when I was looking around 6 months ago, there's great videos on youtube of how to put them on.

Definitely get a stretchy wrap. Brilliant things.

Another fan of moby wraps here, but a word of caution- you get really hot wearing them so it might not be the best thing for longer trips when the weather is warm in the summer. Ha bloody ha!

Anyone used a Lifft baby sling before?

I've got my eye on that one but not sure of the reviews, anyone?

Connecta solar-weave is good for summer. It's got built in UV protection and doesn't involve as much material as wraps. Also, once the baby gets bigger, you can do easy back-carries without needing another person to help you get the baby sorted. (Experienced people can do solo back carries with wraps, but most, including me are too nervous to attempt it!)

Having said that, I have a woven wrap (Calin Bleu)which we used loads throughout the hot Spanish summer. DD was fine in it.

Those lifft slings seem quite expensive for a pouch sling. Pouch slings are a love/hate thing I think. I much prefer a sling which you can do a 2-shoulder carry in, or ring slings if stretching to a one-shoulder carry. But then I know other people who love them.

I found these reviews on mumsnet: www.mumsnet.com/Reviews/CarriersAndSlings/123-lifft-baby-sling

With the newborn cradle position you would need to be aware of how to make sure the baby is positioned safely. A pouch sling doesn't have the same design problems as "bag slings" (which you possibly won't come across - think there is only one left on the market now, the premaxx) but you do still have to be aware of how to position your baby safely. There are lots of videos on this site relating to pouches which should give you an idea of how easy they are to use. zolowear.com/Wearing.aspx

Thanks BertieBotts for the links, I shall have a read through those.

I think prob best I hit a high street shop and road test some of these designs before buying.

If you want to test then a sling meet is your best bet. For some reason there just don't seem to be many bricks-and-mortar stockists of decent slings. Popular hybrids like the Ergo, Close sling, Babasling, Wilkinet and of course the ever popular bjorn-type slings are reasy to find, but wraps, ring slings, pouches and mei tais are harder to find.

SLing was amazing for the 1st month, then a front baby carrier or stretchy wrap were really good and cheap as yo CAN just buy fabric from a fabric shop and learn how to wrap. This was good for my little one until he was 8months.

Now we're back to the sling at 8 months as he can sit on my hip an dlook around....good for losing that last bit of baby weight and getting fab bi-ceps.

I've just recieved my moby wrap today in the post. Am currently 22 weeks pg so haven't got a baby to put in it yet, but I have tried it on and it was just as easy as on the videos on youtube.

This is my 3rd DC, and I think I'll be wishing I got one sooner.

DS had clicky hip so couldn't use a sling wrap but physio gave thumbs up to trad Mothercare 3 position carrier as supported his hips which were in a harness. Am 35 weeks pg and have just bought the Mothercare 4 position carrier from ebay as you can breastfeed in this one - don't know whether or not DD will have clicky hip too but thought I'd hedge my bets! Also had lovely Daisy Chain sling which I couldn't use cause of DS's hips but have loaned to my friend who's getting good use out of it! When they're 6mths+ I loved the Hippy Chick hip seat.

That's odd Charlie, because I've heard mums on other forums with clicky hip babies being told opposite - that a wrap type sling is best for babies with this because you can use the froggy-leg position to keep their legs together. And in any case a sling using legs-out carrying position is better developmentally than a carrier such as the mothercare one, which puts a fair amount of strain on their hips.

I don't have personal experience so I might be wrong but it might be something you want to look into, in any case.

I've just found some info on hip development and baby carrying, you are right Bertie.
Babywearing safety considerations on wiki and on this website If you google Baby carrier hip research you get quite alot of info.

Second link failed sorry, here www.storchenwiege.com/babycarrierresearch.htm

I used my Baby bjorn loads - it was invaluable to me, to be honest.

I'm 34 weeks pregnant with my first and already have 3 slings! I have a close carrier, a babyhawk and a connecta. Really hope my baby loves them as much as I do!

Slinging sounds like it'll suit me so much. I have chronic back problems and I know that carrying a baby in my arms would put way more strain on it than having baby snuggled close and secure in a good sling.