Baby carrier recommendations

[Wintermum01]

Hello.

I'd love to get some recommendations for newborn baby carriers. We've had a look at Ergo, Baby Bjorn etc but can't quite make our minds up! My OH is likely to be the one carrying him for a wee while as I'll be having a section.

Just to stress, I'm looking for a more structured carrier rather than a soft fabric sling thing. I know many people swear by them but I they're just not for me. TIA.

Also, DS will be a winter baby, due in Jan. What do people normally dress newborns in when they're in a carrier? I've bought a second-hand babywearing coat so I can wrap him up (and my OH is going to get some extension panel things for his coat so he can wrap that round him when he's carrying), but I'm just wondering about socks/booties/coats, etc.

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If you’re short on time, here’s a round-up of the best baby carriers Mumsnetters are recommending on this thread:

1. Ergobaby Omni 360, £127 (was £165)
2. BabyBjorn Mini , £65 (was £105)
3. Ergobaby Embrace , £85 (was £100)
4. Izmi Baby Carrier, £40

For a deeper dive into carriers, wraps and slings, check out our guides to the best baby carriers and the best baby carrier backpacks.

MNHQ

I would very strongly recommend that you don't buy a carrier before baby comes. Once they are born, go to a local sling library. They will have lots of different kinds that you can try - borrow one or two for a few weeks - then buy the one that works best for you and baby.

No sling libraries near me unfortunately - but thank you😊

We had a babybjorn mini and loved it (upgraded to another babybjorn one once DC grew out of it). Would definitely recommend as it was super simple to put on and to get baby in and out. Always lots on FB marketplace and vinted, which means you don't spend a fortune and it's not the end of the world if you don't get on with it!

I think it depends on how you think you will use the carrier. So I have an ergobaby 360 omni which is great for walking. I didn't really use that when the children were newborn though, we have a second hand baby bjorn mini which I much preferred for newborn days but I would say this was for short bursts of wear rather than a big walk.

I haven’t used it yet but i’ve also bought this one after trying it on in John Lewis, after getting recommendations from mumsent. It doesn’t have a waistband, so it doesn’t put pressure anywhere near the section wound, which is why i’ve bought it.

There aren’t many carriers suitable for a newborn - lots say they are but it’s hard to get a good fit.

Ergobaby Embrace, Mamaruga Zensling and Boba Bliss are all worth a look. There’s nothing wrong with the Baby Bjorn Mini but women tend to find it uncomfortable.

Babies stay surprisingly warm in slings as they share your body warmth. A hat, a cardigan over a sleepsuit, and a pair of socks is usually enough under a baby wearing coat. I used a Star Wrap as well last year for my baby.

This is all so helpful, thank you!

My recommendation is to buy (at least) two so you can have one set up perfectly for you and DH can have one that fits him. Swapping between us drove me away from the structured ones entirely.

I would definitely try the mamaruga zensling, it's great for newborns and lasts a while (to 12-18 months).
If you really want to buy from John Lewis, try the ergo embrace. I'd avoid the Bjorn mini as it lasts 5 mins and isn't that comfortable.
Most sling libraries do postal hire if you'd like to try before you buy.
I run the sling library for my county.

Baby Bjorn sling hurt my back quite quickly. Went to a sling library and rented a Manduca which we went on to buy. My daughter didn't like the Ergobaby when we tried it (that was the one I was going to buy originally).

I've got my eye on some Baby Tula slings for my newborn now. They have some beautiful patterns on their website.

We had the baby Bjorn mini, it's great. Feels really secure, very easy to strap the baby in once you've practiced a couple of times and doesn't look bulky.

I would always have my baby in those all in one pram suits when we were going outside in the cold. Boots and stuff just ended up falling off !

We bought 2 slings, one stupid expensive ergo baby one from John Lewis and one from Amazon which did the same job but it was good to change up when baby sicked on it.

Then when slightly bigger 3/4 months, we also had ergo 360 and we still use it, DD is 21 months.

Another vote for the baby Bjorn mini here. Loved mine and still have it for this one.

They don't get much love the Izmi baby carrier is really lovely from 0-12 months. Soft, easy to use and adjust between parents and I bought mine second hand and sold it on again so cost me about a tenner. Really loved it.

Thanks so much everyone! Really great to see these 😊

You shouldn’t put a big coat or pram suit on baby in a carrier as they can overheat very quickly.
Your body counts as a layer, as does the carrier, you need to make sure their head, hands and feet stay warm. So hat, mitts and booties are a must, but avoid bulky layers.

Definitely the Ergobaby Omni 360. It's far easier than other structured carriers to get on and off, had a built in rain/sun shade and has a little pouch where you can put your phone/keys.

I also have the Tiba & Mark Isara carrier which I do like but it's not got as good functions as the Ergobaby.

Don't buy the Baby Bjorn Mini - it doesn't have a waistband so all the weight goes on your back. That's ok when they're tiny, but quickly becomes very uncomfortable.

Don't write off stretchy wraps, they're great for around the house and when baby is small. The Hana one has a two way stretch which means it's easier to get the right fit and super comfy for baby. I'd advise having a stretchy wrap and a more structured carrier. The carrier comes into its own as they get bigger, but don't fit massively well when they're newborn and need more head and next support.

Join the Babywearing UK group on Facebook, lots of helpful advice there.

Lord of sling libraries also do postal if there's not one near you. Carriers are very expensive, so worth choosing the right one before spending your money (she says, 3 carriers and +£300 later...)

Love my Ergo Omni360. Third baby in it now and I use it allllll the time.

Op just to clarify with the baby bjorn mini, it may be worth trying to find a cheaper one on fb marketplace/vinted etc. I’ve also read some women can get back pain but it depends how soon you want to use the carrier yourself as you’re having a section. I wouldn’t recommend using a carrier for a little while that puts weight on your middle.

I have a BabyBjorn (that I got from FB Marketplace). It's a good carrier. Only thing I'd highlight is that the lower weight limit is 8lb, which is heavier than quite a few newborns. So if you want something you can use straight away, it might be a bit of a gamble.

Sheffield sling library do rentals and you can book an online fit appointment (https://sheffieldslingsurgery.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse)

I strongly agree with the advice not to buy before trying. Both of mine have screamed in the baby bjorn mini (in fact all baby bjorn carriers) but loved both the Tula Explore and the Integra size 1. Both were fine in the ergo but I found it really uncomfortable (unlike the other 2 I’ve listed). I also wouldn’t discount a stretchy wrap, it really can’t be beaten for the newborn days. My Freerider sling was probably the single best thing I had in the newborn days. It really is so variable both for parent and baby so I stress again try before you buy!

I agree to try before you buy. I was so so sure I wanted an Ergo. I’d chosen the colour, done my research and was set on it. When I tried it on, it felt too bulky. I disliked how padded the straps were. It’s a lovely carrier, but just wasn’t right for me (it may be perfect for you). I ended up with a Beco Gemini Cool. Padded, but less bulky, very easy to use and I loved it. Definitely keep an open mind.

Baby bjorn is not wIde based so it's not ideal for the babies legs and hips. Any carriers that fit like a paIr of pants with leg holes are not hip healthy.
Legs should be in a 'm' shape.
Top brands imo are Integra and Tula.
Ergo baby okay as well.

Don’t expect one carrier to be right for you all through the first year. There really is nothing better than a stretchy sling for a newborn so I would encourage you to re-consider them.

As long as you don’t mind pre-loved the second hand sling market is very active and a cost-effective way to find what suits you. Many slings are easier to use and more comfortable once broken-in so doubly beneficial. Ask for original proof of purchase as some brands, especially Ergo, are widely faked.

Finally there is no reason why you can’t carry after a section if you wish. A correctly positioned newborn is high and tight on your chest and nowhere near your wound.

I know Baby Bjorns are meant to be better now but I still wouldn't go near one with a bargepole. They used to be a terrible design with the baby's legs in a dangling position and unsupported. I was given two of them and gave them away again.

I had a Beco Gemini which was fab. Used it from about 8 weeks to 3.5 years with two children so got tons of use. Was comfortable for me and DH equally.

I had small babies so they couldn't go in it till about 8 weeks and I used a stretchy wrap before that.