Can anyone recommend a baby carrier?

[weeklywoo]

I'm 35 weeks, already have a 1 year old (who's very clingy lately). I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a carrier to use for the newborn so that I have hands free for dd? I really don't like the idea of the slings (they look far too confusing for me!) but I'd like something not as massively chunky as some of the carriers.

Is there a sling library near you? (Look on Facebook.) They're a great source of advice and you can try various types and rent them.

A stretchy sling/wrap is great for a newborn.

A close caboo- it's soft and snuggly for a newborn, but a bit simpler to use than the ones which are just one piece of fabric. Have a look online to find a local sling library, brilliant to go try them out.

A stretchy sling is really easy to get the hang of after that I then used a connecta, now have a toddler Tula. It is definitely personal preference though!

Thank you I will take a look on Facebook for a sling library, never heard of such a thing!

Close caboo...it's perfect for beginners and super easy.

I've just bought a close caboo so glad to see it getting some love on here. I haven't worked out how to use it yet though! It does look a little comfier than some carriers - the Ergobaby ones look great though but out of my price range.

You want something that you can put on easily. Some of the fabric ones have some structure so you don't have to do much wrapping.

I couldn't get on with slings but I love my hippychick. I only found out about them when I visited a national trust property a few weeks ago and they let me borrow one. You could have your newborn in the buggy and your 1 year old on the hippychick.

I used the Beco Gemini. It's a structured carrier, very easy to use. You can use it from newborn (once they are over 3kg). You can carry facing in, out or on the side. Also on your back. I used it for about 2 yrs with my little man but it can go on till about 3. We both loved it as a baby. I barely felt his weight, compared to when I tried the Stokke one, which really hurt my shoulders.

2nd vote for the Beco Gemini. Really comfy, easy to put on and a big range of designs.

I had an ergo baby carrier. I used it for years, nearly everyday and just used to chuck it in the wash.
It was brilliant.

I used the infant insert.

It's expensive but the newest ergobaby 360 carrier (I think it's called the omni?) doesn't require the infant insert which makes the older models bulky and a bit of a faff for the first 3 months. I've tried loads of slings and carriers and the ergo is hands down the comfiest and easiest on your back. The baby Bjorn is easiest to get the baby in and out of. The cloth Caboo ones were too much of a faff for me and I never felt like baby was very secure when running after a toddler!