please tell me the best carrier from birth to one year

[mamaesi]

i am trying to avoid a double buggy and I need an amazing carrier/sling...anything... that will allow me to take my newborn, then baby, everywhere without breaking my back.

i had the baby bjorn with my first but I found it hurt my back after the baby was past 3 months or so...

what is the best thing out there that grows with the child?

What Loopymumsy said!

I used my Kari Me (stretchy wrap) for about 6 months and loved it for the first few months as it's so cozy and supportive for the baby. Fantastic for getting them to sleep while you get on with stuff.

I've also got a little peanut-shell type sling which I find indispensable for short trips as you just slot them into the sling - no wrapping or clips or anything.

Now DS is 9 months I don't use the Kari Me any more and have a Connecta, which is great for carrying him on my back. We go for long walks and it's comfortable for us both. My only problem with it is it's tricky to get to him e.g. if his hat falls off. I also still haven't got the hang of getting him on my back on my own without the use of a sofa.

In my experience I needed all three carriers and have got loads of use out of them all. Maybe you could hire a stretchy wrap for the newborn stage, or get a cheap one second hand. I'm about to lend mine to a friend for her second baby for exactly the same reason as you! :)

it seems that my debate is ergo or connecta...

i have african family and already know how to tie baby with fabric. but i find it a bit of pain and not so great wen they get older/heavier... so I do want something with clips/etc

i really like the look/ease/lightness of the connectas... but where do you but it?
all the retailers listed on their site are sold out...

I got a Close sling after lots of research and think it is great for my newborn. I think the connecta and similar don't really work until baby can hold his/her head up.

I found it very helpful to search for the sling on YouTube and see videos of how to tie etc. And slingmeet is great too.