Baby Carriers, Reviews and Information

Baby Carriers are essential - not only to the modern hippy parent -  but also to those who want to get anything done in those precious first weeks of a newborn's life.

As we were preparing for baby Gremlin, we reviewed a number of different carriers and decided on two for our first little one. I'll share here what we learned in hopes of helping you with your decision.

Baby Bjorn

The Baby Bjorn carrier is not unlike a backpack you wear on the front of your body... with a baby inside

Pricing: $$$$

Pros: 

• Baby Bjorn carriers can be found anywhere: Target, Babys R Us, Bye Bye Baby, Amazon.com, Craigslist, you name it
• Baby Bjorn is a trusted name, their products seem to hold-up quite well
• Bjorn offers a number of color and fabric options to suit all sorts of climates and personalities
• Small, convenient
• Classy

Cons:

• Some claim that the way the baby hangs from the Bjorn can be damaging or painful for the little one's hips, as all weight is essentially carried in their crotch
• The Bjorn is designed for smaller children. After a few months of age you will not be able to use the Bjorn to tote your bundle of joy around town
• Cost per months of use seems a bit steep. Children over 25lbs are not recommended for this carrier

Moby or Sleepy Wrap 

The Moby Wrap carrier is essentially  a long piece of fabric that you tie around your body in a tidy fashion. You slip the baby inside the wraps of the fabric and he is then 'tied' to you

Pricing: $$ ($ if you make your own)

Pros:

• I found the moby wrap particularly helpful as we established breast feeding. The fact that you can 'tie' your baby to you 'skin-to-skin' and not show the world that you are topless (around the house or hospital room) is very valuable in my opinion
• The moby comes in a variety of fabrics, colors, textures
• Also available just about anywhere: Walmart, Target, on-line, craigslist, you name it
• The moby allows for carry of the tiniest preemie through a much larger baby
• Videos all over youtube to help you build confidence on different carry options
• You can wrap it inside a jacket and pop the baby from a car to the carrier seamlessly during errands because you don't have to take off the moby between stops
• If you take 5 yards of fabric, cut it in half length-wise, you can make your own at home (Alternatively, I took two pieces of 2 1/2 yd of fabric, sewed them together with some jazzy stitches and you are also all set)

Cons

• It is a long-ole' piece of fabric (this is understandably intimidating at first and - honestly - a real turn-off for my husband as he simply didn't want to contend with the wrapping)
• The stretchy versions, while wonderful when the baby is young, are not as helpful as they grow - for longer use opt for a linen or other non-stretch variety
• It would be cool if the 'Moby tag' (read marker for middle of fabric length) was sown flat so that it didn't pop up and scratch baby in the face or on the back of the head

Ring Sling

The ring sling is just what it sounds to be - a length of fabric with a pair of rings at one end. Don't worry, the rings are sown in, you don't have to worry about loosing them.  :)

Price: $$ ($ if you make your own)

Pros:

• For me, this was a hand-me-down, so I didn't have to buy it -- extra bonus!
• The ring sling has slipped from the spotlight in recent years, so you can find even the coolest ones for cheap! For example, a friend and I stumbled across a gorgeous embroidered one at T.J.Maxx for a steal a couple months ago!
• I found the ring sling particularly helpful around the three month mark, baby could hold his head up a bit
• The donning of the ring sling is extremely quick and easy
• I hear the ring sling can be helpful for nursing, though I have not mastered this combination others have raved about it
• Patterns are available everywhere for making your own ring sling, if you are brave. Just google ring sling pattern, some are even free

Cons

• This, like the moby wrap, was too much fabric for the man of the house to entertain. Not that it is not possible, but heads up for all the new families out there. If your man is into the stream-line, he may not embrace this option
• I was uncomfortable using this when baby had no head control, but many do not have this concern, so approach as you like

Ergo Carrier

The Ergo, not unlike the Bjorn, is a back-pack-type infant and child carrier. 

Price: $$$$$

Pros:

• The Ergo suits the youngest preemie through a much larger child
• This carrier can be worn in the front, the back, or on your hip
• There are attachments that include a fanny-type and a back-pack-type attachment that can allow for carrying of a diaper, etc. These attachments are sold separately
• With the carrier comes a zippered pocket for parent, perfect for a wallet as you walk to market or paci, chapstick, etc
• The carrier also comes with a hood that you can snap over baby's head to block sun, hold baby's head up as he naps
• A water resistant cover is available for rainy climates
• A winter muff is available for cool climates
• Ergo is available in organic options
• Ergo has paired with Petunia Picklebottom for custom designs
• Ergo is ergonomic and keeps child's weight all across their bottom, not in their crotch, supposedly more comfortable and safer than some other carriers
• Teething pads are available for the straps nearest baby, so that they can goo all over the strap and you can clean them easily
• Ergo is a domestic company, out of Hawaii, always good to support jobs on the home front
• Daddy's like the Ergo
• While the cost among all carriers reviewed, the Ergo is highest, it is suitable for the longest durration of child carrying months. Children up to 45 lbs can be safely carried in the Ergo
• We opted for the performance Ergo due to the lighter material and could not be more pleased with this carrier

Cons:

• You will want to have an extra set of hands around as you learn to put this on with an infant, it is entirely possible, but takes a little learning
• At four months, my son and I were able to master the back carry, but I wouldn't have dared to try it sooner due to his neck strength
• Whether front or back carry, the child always faces the parent. For some this is no issue, as it is said to promote parent-child interaction - always a good thing.
• You can't reach the pocket if the carrier is worn on your back. Sounds self-explanatory, but relevant.
• Most stores in Summit County do not carry the Ergo. In-fact, we headed down to Columbus to try it out at Bye-Bye Baby. Hopefully local retailers will get hip to this awesome carrier (or Bye Bye Baby will open a store nearby)

Hope this helps you in your decision-making!

Cheers-

--The Rubber City Homestead