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

Thank you all! My issue with stretchy wraps is just the fact that they don’t seem as safe when you’re brain addled from lack of sleep - I really don’t want to be responsible for tying it wrong and causing my baby to fall out. I know the VAST majority of women never have this issue but still, that’s just how I feel (really don’t want a debate on this!). I realise you have to do up the more structured carriers too but they just seem more sturdy and straightforward! Nevertheless, I really do appreciate all this advice ❤️

You might want to consider a close caboo for the early weeks as they are soft but semi-structured and might allay your fears. Don’t buy new however as they are no good after about 12 weeks, earlier if you have a big baby.

For your information however once a stretchy wrap is tied you can just leave it on and take baby in and out as necessary 🤷🏻‍♀️

It’s totally okay to not want to us a stretchy sling. The newborn days are full on and you have to do what you feel confident with. I think the issue you will have though is that most structured carriers aren’t suitable for fresh newborns. Most have a weight limit - usually 7 or 8lb. Having said that, DS2 was 8lb at birth and he was still totally swamped in our Tula Explore until more like 5 or 6 weeks old.

My other suggestion for the first few weeks would be a ring sling. They are supremely easy and great for taking newborns in and out off regularly. I liked this brand: https://lovetobenatural.co.uk/lenny-lamb-my-first-ring-sling-cool-grey.html

Having done some research I do really like the look of the Izmi, as suggested by @Duttercup! Seems to be soft and quite close to a wrap, and suitable for little uns (3.2kg). Will do some more pondering though and get somewhere to try different ones on!

I swear by my Artipoppe baby carrier it’s so comfortable, easy to put on and baby loves it!! I’ve tried a few. It would have to be one of my best purchases! It was expensive - like £300 but I used a discount code to get £50 discount and then when I’ve finished baby wearing it can be sold on eBay/marketplace for basically what you paid for it!
If anyone wants an Artipoppe discount code £50 let me know I have 12 to share.

I tried a lot but Ergobaby 360 was my fave, the cool mesh one was great in summer.