Carriers: I am obsessed with carrying Oliver in the Ergo! Mainly because it means I don't have to feverishly seek out the nearest elevator everywhere I go for my car (I call my Uppa Baby stroller my car, because it is- it is my mode of transportation and carries all my loot!). It is so freeing to just walk down the stairs to the train or take the escalator at the mall! I've had several carriers over the past 15 months and so I thought I'd share my experience here in case you are debating on what to buy! Below is a totally biased, unresearched and personal take on what is the best way to wear that little goosie of yours:
Bjorn: the love of my life for the first several months when my little meatball baby was a skinny string bean and weighed close to nothing! As he fattened up, it definitely killed my back but I would still wear it to grab a coffee or a quick errand. Ollie loved to face out, however I know there is alot of talk from avid baby wearers that this is very bad for their hips and/or groin? When asking my pediatrician, she said limited time once in a while is fine. (Disclaimer: I'm not dispensing medical advice! Remember I told you my husband is a lawyer, so I'm keeping things on the level here.... So I can still overuse his AMEX for my diapers.com obsession). Anyway, love the Bjorn for the beginning.
Moby: I was obsessed with getting this when I was pregnant because of the material. I like how you can adjust if it any way and it doesn't matter how fat your belly is, it will fit. I used it on occasion in my apartment in the beginning for skin to skin. No shirt and naked baby. I definitely liked it and think it is an awesome product. However with the utmost respect to the Moby, it's just too much work for me. It is literally 14,000ft of fabric. I know that tons of mamas love it and claim its sooo easy once you get the hang of it and I certainly do not want to discourage anyone to use it! The fabric is definitely super soft and it is perfect for skin to skin!
Ergo: I bought the Ergo when Ollie was 5 months old, so I did not need the infant insert at that point. I do love how his legs are sort of spread around my waist (not that I have a waist, but you know what I mean) and the pressure is off his little groin area. I definitely feel like a kangaroo with a little baby in my pouch, but in a good way! I love it! The back support is definitely great and now that animal baby is 24.7lbs, I still wear him a lot and feel totally comfortable! I've tried the hip carry once and I have a love/hate with that position! It's so great for him and my back and he has more freedom. The problem is the mid-belly belt that wraps around your stomach. I wore it to the aquarium once and saw my reflection in the tank! Ummmm yeah, I've never been one to "just throw a belt on and cinch it" and sadly I never will be. I think the back carry position would also have the same accentuation of the belly, soooo I'm going to hold off for a bit! But I see flat bellied moms do it and it looks great! Good for them! For right now my baby man is happy as a clam to be snuggled up on my chest, so we are keeping it that way!
Ring Sling: I started to become a little obsessed with the hip carry. So I decided I desperately needed a cute Sakura sling. They are so pretty and just sit across your body like a messenger bag (no cinching!). They are approximately $175 and so I debated for a few days how to make this purchase on the sly without my husband knowing and telling me how ridiculous I am. He knows me well - I become obsessed with things and need them immediately shipped, overnighted NOW.... And then I lose interest. So I went to trusty old GardenMoms, the amazing listserv for Boston moms and put up an ad seeking a used sakura sling. Another mom sold me her beautiful lightly used, cobalt blue linen sling and I was so excited to start my new life as a hip carrying baby mama. I watched the YouTube videos over and over and I thought I figured it out. There is definitely an art to threading the ring and positioning the baby. It is different in that it looks like a beautiful pashmina that you've wrapped around yourself. The ring part hurt my shoulder a little bit, but I have not mastered it yet.....but anyday now! It is currently laying on the chair in my living room that no one sits on, as it serves as a collector for coats, carriers, folded laundry and whatever baby item I use on the daily. I literally just glanced over at the chair while typing so I could give you an accurate description of its contents!
As a side note, I have ALOT of mama friends who use a variety of different carriers. From them, I've heard amazing things about the K'tan and the Beco. I honestly think that your style and body type play a huge role in what works best for you. The staff at Isis is amazing for letting you try things on and figure out what you like. Also, they are super helpful with adjusting your current carrier while on your body to make sure you have it on correctly. I had my bjorn adjusted last year by an Isis staff member and it made such a huge difference by just tightening a small thing. In conclusion, my suggestion would be to not go it alone! Seek out help and advice in the baby wearing arena! Try them on and ask questions! Here are some helpful links:
http://www.isisparenting.com/page/shopsubcategory?categoryCode=babyslingscarriers
http://www.diapers.com/subcat=Carriers-Wraps-111
https://www.bigtent.com/groups/gardenmoms
All kidding aside, there is nothing better than having your baby close to you all the time. It is so so special and comforting for the both of you.....annnnd the bonus is that you have two free hands for that triple espresso latte that you're going to need to make it through the day! xoxo, rory
As a side note, I have ALOT of mama friends who use a variety of different carriers. From them, I've heard amazing things about the K'tan and the Beco. I honestly think that your style and body type play a huge role in what works best for you. The staff at Isis is amazing for letting you try things on and figure out what you like. Also, they are super helpful with adjusting your current carrier while on your body to make sure you have it on correctly. I had my bjorn adjusted last year by an Isis staff member and it made such a huge difference by just tightening a small thing. In conclusion, my suggestion would be to not go it alone! Seek out help and advice in the baby wearing arena! Try them on and ask questions! Here are some helpful links:
http://www.isisparenting.com/page/shopsubcategory?categoryCode=babyslingscarriers
http://www.diapers.com/subcat=Carriers-Wraps-111
https://www.bigtent.com/groups/gardenmoms
All kidding aside, there is nothing better than having your baby close to you all the time. It is so so special and comforting for the both of you.....annnnd the bonus is that you have two free hands for that triple espresso latte that you're going to need to make it through the day! xoxo, rory
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