I looked around in EF but couldn't find much info for my particular query. Just wanted to know some hands on experience of EF members for the following situation..
The baby is 4 week old, have to visit a nearby kinderärtz and looking for a baby carrier (a good one).. I'm confused particularly with Ergobaby, Bjorn.. or is there any other.. please suggest me a safe, practical and convenient baby carrier..
Thanks
RR
The problem with baby björn is they are not ergonomic carriers (ie. you are carrying your kid by the crotch and not supporting their hips) I've also heard they are uncomfortable for the parent wearing them.
Prior to 6 months old: an elastic type wrap cloth (longer than 5m) is ideal. This time around we are going to try a Boba wrap.
" A great reminder about hip dysplasia and comfort for your baby. The sit squat position (on the right) is ergonomic & the position in which YOU would want to be carried! Please share! More info here: http://bit.ly/rAPOSe "
The ergo is a great carrier but beware of buying fakes buy directly from ergo if you can as there are lots on the market amazon for example is known for having retailers who sell fakes.
You could also look at the connecta, manduca, boba, there are work at home mums who make fantastic carriers I have used both madame googoo and aga's melkaj which are fantastic quality and all custom made so you can choose the size of the body, straps etc they both are good at guiding you through what is best for your baby. I have used both toddler sized and preschool sized made by these ladies and they have all been up for the job..
The melkaj is similar to a mei tai with straps but no buckles great for swapping from person to person without having to readjust all the buckles.
You have the options of a ring sling as well a particular favourite of mine great for new born and then great for when they are older and want up and down a lot.. These are best if you get one made from a wrap and converted there are various brands. They are also great for discreet breastfeeding if this is something you are doing too.
Then there are wraps so you have stretchies such as moby, closer and there is a great lady called victoria sling lady which mades affordable stretchies again she can make custom panels there are easy and you can leave pre tied and put baby in and out as you need with out having to do up and untie. I also like woven wraps which are very strong there are many makes with different designs they are strong and sturdy and my favourite there are so many ways to tie, back, front or hip carry..
A good website is www.naturalmamas.com or www.thebabywearer.com .. loads on info
all the carriers if you type into google will appear..
If you want any more info you can message me have a link to a group which has many ladies including babywearing consultants online too on facebook..
If you are on this side of CH you are welcome to try one.. have a lot of wovens different length and materials and rs, an ergo and melkaj looking to get a new buckle soon too...
I really liked the Beco, used it for 2 kids.
I know Baby Bjoern have improved their carrier who now also has a hip belt so maybe worth a try.
I have a Lana cloth of very good quality for sale if any interest.
The Ergo was a nightmare. I'm not exactly petite yet the damn shoulder straps kept slipping off my shoulders no matter how I adjusted it or re-watched the DVD.
In addition, I found that the Babybjorn supported the baby's head better, compared with the Ergo. I had to keep my hand on my son's head to stop it lolling around in the Ergo. There is a hood/strap which you can fasten which sort of holds the head but it's only any good when they are sleeping because they can't see out otherwise and I had a baby that was wanting to see out at all times.
I don't mean as a newborn with no neck control, this was when he was older (6 months-ish) but sleeping when their heads just go floppy.
The head support from the Babybjorn meant that I could have both hands free, plus it was less of a faff to get him in and out of it.
The only possible advantage with the Ergo is when they are older (almost toddler age) you can put them on your back so it's a more supportive "piggy-back" ride but we just lost patience with it and finally bought a proper rucksack-style carrier.
I'm not a big fan of the ergo either - couldn't get it to stay on my shoulders, and then it rubbed under my arms. I used something similar to a mei tai but with clips, very basic, bought in Australia, for all my three children....the straps cross over at the back so the weight is distributed evenly.
We also tried using a baby sling (like in the picture below), but I could never seem to get him in a comfortable position in it, when he was really small. The fabric always seemed to close up over him.
The ergo is better if you are broader but the connecta is smaller and a better fit for most women. you can roll a muslin into the flat hood and tie if their head is lolling or you can wear the carrier higher to tie under your chest and their head can lay on your shoulder instead if carrier from behind. Also I found with the ergo to have a short back measurement compared to other carriers so it just didnt support the back long enough.
The RS can be a little bit tricky to begin but it is a knack and once you have it could not be simpler... You just need to start with the rings high and don't pull all the material at once work it through and start the material as tight as possible before putting baby in ..
a ring sling I just knotted the material over the rings to stop him trying to bite them
woven
and one of the custom made carriers
petite straps, combie waist, and the sweat hood, leg and arms out padding, darts, chest belt too.. and all the material was chosen by me..
all have fantastic resale value as well..