Looking for Advice on Baby Wearing!

Ergo works well for both and is pretty comfortable. (I used a Hotsling for my newborns, then the Ergo.) But if you have the infant insert, I think the Ergo can do both.

I highly recommend the Ergo baby carrier. I got mine for my 3rd in November and I LOVE it. It really distributes the weight well, it's easy to fasten, and you can carry him on your front, back, or hip. I like that he feels very secure in it so I can bend over to unload the dishwasher and not feel like he's going to fall out. My son was already 6 months old when I got it so I've never used it with a really little baby, but I know they sell an infant insert. I even tried my 3 year old in it on my back - it was quite comfortable and she thought it was fun.

I used a sling a lot with all of my kids and loved it too, especially when they were really little. But it did get more uncomfortable as they got larger since the weight was all on one shoulder.

I've also tried the Moby Wrap and Mei Tei carriers, but never really got the hang of tying it right. I've used a hard-frame backpack carrier too, but mine wasn't very comfortable and I didn't find it very useful for using around the house since I couldn't easily bend over with it on.

So ultimately I would recommend a ring sling for for the early months then an ergo from 6 months through toddlerhood. Good luck with your decision!

Look at the Ergo brand... They work from new born to big kid and are VERY comfy to wear and use for long periods of time.... I have a friend who used hers with her last 2 kids and I am planning on using mine in a few months when my 4th is born.

Love my moby wrap for my 3-month old. They say that they can be used through toddlers, but haven't tried it. Have a babyhawk Mai Tie also. Never had much success carrying my toddler in it because she'd bite my back when she didn't want in it. Prefer the moby wrap over the mai tie for little ones.

Good luck!

The Ergo really is the best baby carrier for distributing weight easily, especially if you have back problems. You can get the infant insert so you can wear your little one now up until toddlerville. My DD is almost two and I've gotten my money back and then some by using it over the past 2 years. I bought many of the other carriers suggested, but Ergo is the most comfortable and a worthwhile investment IMHO.

I used a sling when my daughter was really little and then transitioned her to the Baby Bjorn Sport carrier. The sport model has better back support and the straps help to create a balanced, custom fit.

I have owned so many slings and carriers that it reached a point that my husband would give a disbelieving laugh when I came home with a new one.

http://samanthakawakami.blogspot.com/2008/07/baby-slingca...

Over all of my trials and errors, I discovered a few things. Some slings/carriers work better at different weights/ages than others. And it's good to have a couple of different styles because each sling/carrier distributes the baby's weight differently.

When they are very small, I prefer a combination of the ring sling and the Babybjorn carrier. But once they hit about 5-6 months, I hate the Babybjorn because all the weight is on my shoulders. I do still use the ring sling with them once they're bigger, but not the Babybjorn.

Once they have some head support, the BEST carrier I have ever used is the Ergobaby. It is not included in my blog review because I bought it after that. I could carry my oldest when he was 3 in it with no problems. And when my daughter was about one, we went hiking for the day and my husband could not believe that I wanted to carry her all day and not trade off for the backpack. My usual tolerance with other carriers was a couple of hours and then I would want him to carry her. My husband also prefers the Ergobaby over all of our other carriers. It puts the weight really low, right on your hips, so you don't even really notice their weight.

The only drawback for me is that I am pregnant right now (only a few more weeks to go!) and haven't been able to use it with our daughter because of not being able to put the strap around my waist. I look forward to being able to use it again soon! My daughter who is two now just loves it, and again, I can carry her in it for a long time without feeling any strain. I found that if I did feel her weight on my shoulders, all I had to do was just adjust the shoulder and/or the waist straps to redistribute the weight and everything was fine again.

The only real negative I can think of for the Ergobaby is using it with small babies... There is an infant insert, but I watched my sister use it and it seemed to be a bit difficult to keep in place. She said they've redesigned it. I've never tried the Ergobaby with a tiny one because I got it later. I do know that my sister loves her Ergobaby and doesn't go anywhere without it.

Overall, there are just 3 (well 4) slings/carriers that I have hung onto out of the lot.
1. Ring sling (Maya Wrap and Zolowear)
2. Babybjorn
3. Ergobaby

I plan to use the first 2 with the new baby and the Ergobaby once she's bigger.

Good luck with finding one that works for you!

I know for Baby Bjorns, they usually have to be ~10 lbs before you can begin using it.
That's what we had for both kids. We had a sling, too, but I couldn't get comfortable with it and really didn't like using them personally.

Have you asked your pediatrician's office to see what they recommend? I'd think a good Chiropractor would have some advice, too, on products that would put as little stress on your back as possible.

This site was recommended by a high school friend who's a chiropractor in case it helps you get a name (if you wish to go that direction):
http://www.icpa4kids.org/locator/index.php

A pouch sling is great for newborns and toddlers. The weight will be distributed evenly over your upper body and will be comfortable for both you and the baby. I recommend www.HeartStringSlings.com for custom made, affordable slings.

I had three different carriers and did like them for different reasons... i.e. I liked the sling pouch for nursing in public, but it was way too big for us in the beginning, my husband was most comfortable in the bjorn , etc....

However, I lloved my Mei Tai carrier the best. It was the most comfortable for me and I used it the most when my daughter was between 2-15 months old. Once I started walking in it regularly she really liked it .. And it allowed me to do so many things hands free....

Good luck finding one that works for you and your little one!

I also have 2 older children, and needed hands free moments at times too. I have an adjustable fleece pouch from www.kangarookorner.com. I can't say enough great things about it. I've been wearing my now 5 month old since he was born, and have been very happy with it. Don't know how it feels to carry a toddler in it though.

I've heard amazing things about an ergo baby carrier too ~ that might be a good option for your back. Also the moby wrap looks nice & comfy too.

Enjoy wearing your sweet babe!

I liked a sling the best, but I don't know if that would work for you. I used it to nurse and carry and then to hold them on my hips.

Have you tried a backpack? That puts the weight more on the hips if you get a good one. I could only use a back pack up to 20 pounds or so, though. I think you can get infant inserts for some of them.

I recently had a little boy, my second, at the end of September and I too was looking for a good carrier since the others seemed to hurt my back. My friend let me borrow her Moby Wrap, and at first I thought it looked hard to put on, but after watching a few video's on YouTube on how to use it, I tried it. It's the best!!! It totally takes any strain off of your back and distributes it evenly. The baby is in there so secure and there are different ways to hold the baby in it. My little guy loved being that close to me when he was in it and fell asleep everytime he was in it. I would even use it when just sitting around with him that way I could still do other things with my hands.

Look it up on the internet and don't get discouraged how confusing it looks, it's really easy and better than your 'normal' carrier.

The only type of baby carrier I've found that worked well for me is one you can either buy or make yourself. I personally made mine b/c they range in price starting at $100 and going up from there. It is called a "Mei Tai Wrap" and you can carry child up to 40lbs in it. Since they are right next to your body in the wrap it doesn't put extra stress on you back and sholders. I still get tired wearing it, but my daughter is 2 and love being in it. I'd look them up online and if you can make your own I'd suggest that, but "Silly Goose" makes one that is really comfortable and comes with good instructions on how to wear it.

Good Luck,
E.