best active carrier?

[kekane]

I've got grand plans of doing lots of day hikes while on maternity leave -- due in mid-July and it's usually lovely here through September.

What are some good choices? Slings/pouches seem like they would restrict my arms to much (tried on a kangaroo pocket). bjorns would fix that, but folks in the know seem to loathe them (and they're sooo 1990s).

Tried on an Ergo carrier, and so far that's the lead candidate, but I wasn't totally convinced a newborn would be really secure in it. (perhaps if I tried with a real baby instead of a stuffed elephant...)

Anyhow, what are the top contenders for active new moms?

[JacksMommy]

An ERGO is definitely a great option. If you buy the infant insert, baby can be really secure.

Mei tais and wraps are your other best options. You can get a very secure carry for a newborn in a wrap (like MobyWrap or a woven wrap like Ellaroo or Didymos) or a mei tai that has a long body (like a Kozy or BabyHawk).

I wouldn't recommend a pouch or a ring sling because their carries are a bit less secure and if you are hiking all day, the one-shouldered aspect could bother you. And there is some restriction to arm movement.

HTH,

Laurel
Mama to Jack 6/02 and Maddy 12/04

Babywearing education in Napa, CA

[tarynsmum]

The Ergo is really nice for the 'active' set (me NOT being one, a Suburbanite here). Did you try one with the Infant insert? And yes, it will feel a bit different with a heavier object (I assume the elephant isn't weighted, lol).

You could also try a mei tai, although I think an Ergo (or equivilent) would be easier for hiking.

Oh, and God Bless You for wanting to go hiking 2 months post-partum. I had grand plans of going to the 'track' in my little town... yeah, maybe this year.

[new_mommy25]

The Ergo is great but the Beco is AWESOME!! Love, love, love it! It is way more comfy than the Ergo, less bulky, and goes up higher on the babies back. http://www.ecobabies.com/

[MarisaSF]

How does the waistbelt of the Beco compare to that of the Ergo (esp. in the back-carry position)? That was the one reason I didn't like the Ergo on me. It may have been comfortable, but I couldn't get over the poor aesthetics. (Vain? Yes. :P)

[samantha546]

My vote is for the ERGO or a Mei Tai!

For an active mom, the ERGO definitely fits the bill. :)

[JacksMommy]

Don't worry, you can afford to be vain these days since there are so many great options in baby carriers! And why are there so many cute options? Because even new moms deserve to have a little style and to like their accessories! by "accessory," I mean the carrier, not the baby :)

I have heard many great things about the Beco but have no experience with it myself. You can probably find answers to all your questions about it at thebabywearer.com since there are many beco-loving mamas over there.

Happy Shopping!

Laurel
Mama to Jack 6/02 and Maddy 12/04

Babywearing education in Napa, CA

[kekane]

How do large dads do with the Beco?

I do like that it goes further up the back. too bad i can't see check one out in person -- i'll have to keep a lookout for Beco-wearing strangers.

With the infant hold on both the Ergo and the Beco the way the legs get squished to one side seems awkward to me. But everyone (parent and baby) does ok with this?

[new_mommy25]

Sorry, I am just seeing this now. I have the newest Beco (4th generation? and the waistbelt is wide, similar to the Ergo. I don't think it looks too bad though. The pretty fabric more than makes up for it.

If you don't mind used, you could look for an older Beco. They used to have a thinner waistbelt.