Hello Mamas!
I am due in 8 weeks with #2 and I know that to survive life with my 2 year old and a new baby I will be doing a lot of baby wearing. With my older daughter I used a Jellly Bean sling constantly and loved it! I just know that it will not be practical to wear a baby in a sling and still run around after my 2 year old. When DD1 was in the sling I still felt as though I had to hold her to make sure she was supported and didn't "fall out" she never came close to falling I just would get a little nervous. You also can't bend and move as freely with a sling. So I am looking for something else.
The 7 month old I babysit comes to me with a BabyHawk Mei Tai - which I love! I really like it becuase my 2 year old also likes to go in it, which is ideal. I just am confused as to what I want to get if I go with the Baby Hawk. I was trying to look on the website and honestly I don't like a lot of the patterns. I was thinking of doing Minky on the inside so that it is nice and soft and then a pattern on the outside with a pocket. The one that I have used does not have a pocket and I have constantly thought how nice it would be for my phone or keys. Has anyone used one with a pocket? Is it worth the extra $10? Is the minky worth the extra $10? I just have trouble paying $100 for anything, even knowing I will use it all the time. Has anyone used the "generic" ones from Target? Any opinions on those compared to the Baby Hawk?
I have also been looking at the Moby Wrap because I know it will hold the little one securely. But I really want a carrier that I can use for both of my children (not at once obviously) and a friend told me that the Moby (even though it says it goes up to 35 lbs and my daughter is only 21) would be to stretchy and wouldn't hold her. I am also concerned that I would be to hot using the Moby. We live in Central FL and my daughter is due the end of March. So we are heading into summer. I would mostly be using it for Disney, parks, playgrounds, anywhere where I didn't want to bring the double stroller.
Another friend suggested using a woven wrap because it would be strong enough to use with both kids, but they are SOOOOO expensive!!! and they look really complicated to me. I wouldn't know what to do with all that fabric!
My 2 year old hates hates hates to be in a stroller so out and about I would be using it for her, and around the house I woud be using it for the newborn. I am just looking for opinions from people who have used different ones.
I am not really interested in an Ergo or any carrier with a "frame" or lots of buckles. The Baby Hawk mei Tai can be folded up and thrown in the diaper bag which I LOVE.
Sorry this is so long, I just don't want to waste any money. I am going to go check out some consignment shops to see if I can find it cheaper, but I also would rather pay a little more for something that I like as opposed to getting a few dollars off for a pattern/color I don't like. I know I will be using it all the time with 3 kids under 2 in the house. Any opinions you ladies have will be greatly appreciated!!!
TIA!
Baby K'Tan all the way. Soft, breathable, easy to get on, easy on the shoulders, etc. I buy them for all of my friends baby showers!
The k'tan baby wrap.... hands down!!! LOVE it from birth on. There are instruction on line... 8 ways to wrap all following basic concepts, not very expensive comparably speaking, and can be used for both your "babies".... not at the same time though... until the newborn gets bigger anyway. Check it out online... although I did get mine at a local baby boutique, so I was able to check it out before I got it.
Hi TIA,
Check out the 'La Stella Blu' retailer at http://www.justgreatkidswear.com/OtherFavorites.html This site has everything for kids and represents so many good retailers. Le Stella Blu has many brands and styles. Hope this helps.
This is a place where I rented some different carriers to try them out:
http://www.sproutsoup.com/baby-carrier-rental-c-95.html
Seems they are all out on loan now, but you might keep an eye on it. The rental fee is applied to your purchase.
I really liked the Beco Gemini.
FWIW I too felt I needed something "safer" for baby #2 and used a wrap during the first several months...but now (he's 9mths.) I mostly just use my old ring sling.
BUT if I were going to Disney a lot (I'm jealous! Grew up in Tampa and had passes when we were kids) I'd definitely want a soft structured carrier. :)
I wish I had more suggestions, but this is my only thought -
If you go with the Minky inside it might make baby get really, really hot. Especially if you already live in a warm climate.
I've heard really good things about the Baby Hawk. Since you're familiar with it, it sounds like it would be a good fit for you. I wouldn't go with Minky on the inside though. It's going to make the baby hot, especially since you live in a hot climate. You'll want something that breathes a bit.
You can probably find gently used carriers on Ebay or Craigs List. You might be able to find something on Etsy too.
As far as the cost, if it's something you're going to use a lot, then it's well worth it. When my youngest was born my oldest was 2.5. My Moby saved my life! LOL! I would put the baby in the Moby and I still had my hands free for everything. It also saved me from having to buy a double stroller. And I never had to lug around the heavy infant seat.
I think you'll find that it's the best $100 you've ever spent :)
I have pocket carriers and ring slings and used them with #3 and #4 until toddlerhood when the other children were ages 2 and 1, and then 4,3, and 1. I was running around A LOT and really wish that I had used one with my first and second children!!
I didn't care for the carriers with all the buckles, either. But I never felt that the slings were unsafe. I'm sorry, I don't have any experience with the mai tai or Ergo, only have friends who use them.
Have you looked at the possibility of making your own slings? They're not that hard to make (some types only require a length of cloth and the knowledge to wrap) and if they require any sewing, it's only the very basics.
If you were to do that, you could add a pocket, get any pattern you want, and even color coordinate your wrap with your outfit. (Which you could use as a "fashion accessory" when you're not feeling into doing a whole lot with yourself...cause let's face it, chasing after a 2 year old and long night with an infant and you're searching for ways to look good and not like the exhausted mama you feel!)
I have a few slings, I found that a ring sling and the moby wrap worked well for my son when he was an infant. They both felt more secure. I am also due in 8 weeks and plan on using both of those for the new one and will be chasing a 2 year old around as well. Good luck to you!
Hi there-
Check out www.loveyduds.com or www.loveyduds.etsy.com
The owner is a good friend of mine. She lives here in Central Florida too and has the cutest patterns. There is a huge selection on the etsy site.
Congrats on number 2!!!
