Baby carrier for newborn

[chezababy]

I've just found out I'm expecting my 2nd lo. I'd like to get a carrier/wrap to avoid getting a double pushchair and for use when playing with my eldest etc. I never used one with my dd. The baby is due in December so I'll need to be able to keep lo warm and dry in the carrier (I'm in the UK). I'd like some advice about which carrier could be suitable. I don't want to spend over £100, it must be suitable for a newborn and I prefer the look of carriers as I don't like the idea of folds of fabric around the baby's face. I am a complete novice though so I'd be grateful for any advice. Ideas on how to keep lo warm and dry are also appreciated. Thank you

 

[RaspberryK]

For a newborn you really can't beat a stretchy wrap, moby, hana etc or a close caboo we were too warm if anything inside my Cape.
Xx

 

[Cattia]

Definitely a stretchy wrap. However if you prefer a more structured carrier something like an ergo is good. It needs a new born insert. Just avoid anything like a baby Bjorn where the legs hang in the wrong position. If you Google ergonomic carriers there are lots to choose friom.

 

[Beanonorder]

I have a moby wrap and an ergo with the infant insert. The stretchy wraps are nice when they're little but I found my one shoulder kept getting sore and I wasn't always comfortable to let my arms just hang down. But I still want to try it with a kangaroo position.
With the ergo I feel a lot more stable and no shoulder pain. I'm happy to let my arms hang down. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to get ds arranged comfortably, in the froggy position and with his face not facing into my chest.

If you only want to buy one carrier to use in the longer term then I recommend the ergo because the moby isn't so great once they get bigger.

 

[Rhiannon137]

The Ergo with inserr is an ideal option . the newborn insert is basically a quilt that fastens around baby. Then you can still get lot of mileage out of the Ergo through baby and toddler time. I LOVE my Ergo. For extra warmth during east coast winter, I got a Jolly Jumper snuggle cover to go over it.

 

[MindUtopia]

If you want a carrier, I'd go for an Ergo. But I'd also really, really recommend trying out a wrap. We have an Ergo and a moby wrap, and the wrap is so, so, so much nicer and more comfortable, especially with a new baby. I found the Ergo worked well when they were older (out of the infant insert, which was about 6 months for us), but still mostly just for long walks and such. The moby wrap is much more comfortable and convenient for doing things around the house and I would imagine tending to a toddler. Ergo is less comfortable to bend over and sit down in. So if you're going to need to be bending over, squatting, getting down on the floor, etc. to tend to a toddler, it would be your best bet. If I could only have one, I would definitely go with a moby or other stretchy wrap. Both are plenty warm in the winter. We just fastened our coats around them, though you can also get special babywearing coats too.

 

[pinkpolkadot]

I agree, stretchy wraps are great for newborns, very snuggly and secure. I also used a mei tai cinched in but that was better when she was a bit bigger Also try and get a coat with lots of room in and you can fasten it around baby in winter!

 

[chezababy]

I've looked at the ergo which I like but it's a bit out of budget. I like the beco Gemini which I think is similar but no insert. Does anyone one have experience of one? MineUtopia it is important to be able to bend ect to deal with my toddler but I can only get one carrier really and I worry about keeping the rain off baby in a wrap as you can't attach a cover (as far as I'm aware). If you have your coat zipped up far enough to keep the rain off baby doesn't it cover their face blocking air flow?

 

[pinkpolkadot]

Ooh yes sorry I didn't mean zip your coat up over baby's head! I just used a brolly, hoods or hats to keep our heads dry

 

[ButterCup17]

I had a Britex carrier. It was perfect for a carrier and you could adjust it for the size of baby and adjust if they are facing you or facing out
Next time I def want a wrap though. The carrier was nice while we were out but not very practical for wearing him around the house or anything like that

 

[bdb84]

I've worn all three of my babies and I've never been a fan of wraps. I love my Ergo with the newborn insert.

 

[Leesy]

I started with the ergo stretchie and now using the ergo 360. I found the infant insert with the 360 really bulky and much preferred the stretchie first.

 

[zorak]

I never got on with stretchy wraps. I have an ergo which I love but didn't fancy the bulk of the infant insert. So, I got an infantino sash Mei tai. You put it on in much the same way as the ergo which I love, it just ties instead of clips. Can't wait for baby 2 to arrive so I can use it.

 

[chezababy]

Zorak did you have a mei tai with a hood? I was wondering how well it works or if I could buy a separate cover that would work better. It's one of the cheaper carriers I've seen does the quality compete with the ergo? Sorry for the questions.

 

[zorak]

It does have a hood. TBh I've not actually used it yet -still pregnant with number 2. I just really like the way it put on in a very similar fashion to the Ergo which I loved from when DS1 was about 4 months ono.

 

[zorak]

Re. quality - it does look good but in all honesty I'd still use my ergo for an older baby as I think it looks more supportive for the parent.

 

[zorak]

Should also add that the cost was basically the same for me to get the Mei Tai or the infant insert for the Ergo which is partly why I got it and also why I am happy to switch when baby is a bit bigger.

 

[jstarr]

A connecta or an ergo

 

[NotNic]

If you ask locally, somewhere like your local Nct branch on Facebook you might find a sling library in your area. At our local one you can try models out and rent them out for a fee. I'd definitely recommend doing that. I tried out a kanga wrap and it really wasn't for me.

Also completely agree with your preference to avoid a double. Since number 2 has arrived my eldest barely went in a stroller. We got through winter with the help of a carrier and a buggy board. We've just upgraded to a better stroller which if necessary my toddler can use and my youngest can grow with

 

[Menelly]

I LOVE my Lillebaby. It can carry a newborn without an insert, it's an "all seasons" so it has a zip down panel with mesh, so it can be warm in winter and cool in summer, and is one of the only ones available that has an ergonomic front facing option too. I LOVE it. It's not cheap (it was about $170 US) but it'll last forever.