carrier suggestions

[sunriseiz]

Hi all,
DD is almost 6 months old and ~16lbs. She loves riding around in the Bjorn. However, this is on loan and my friend's second child is due in a couple of months, so we will be giving this back soon. I don't really want to spend $90 for another Bjorn at this stage in the game. I know there are a lot of similar looking, less expensive ones on the market and would love to hear any suggestions or comments you might have.

Thanks for your help!

Sunny

[yitlan]

I don't know about the other Bjorn-like carriers, but I know you can use a wrap sling to carry baby similarly. You would also be able to use it for other holds, including a back carry position.


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[lfp2n]

I had an Evenflo Snugli and a Bjorn. The Bjorn looked much cooler and is easier to get on but when DD was bigger I started using the Snugli as its bigger inside and has more back support so it easier to carry a heavier baby. I assume its cheaper than a BB but I didn't buy either myself.

Lucy

[mommd]

Well, there are so many carriers out there, maybe if you tell us more we can help you better! So, what is it you like about the Bjorn? What positions would you like to carry her in (front facing in, back, hip, etc)? Do you want a more structured carrier or will a wrap carrier work for you? Also, what do you primarily use the carrier for (shopping, housework)? Sorry so many questions, just want to help as much as possible!

[sunriseiz]

Thanks for the questions! About the Bjorn...I like having both hands free...DD likes facing out to see everything. I wear it some around the house and frequently when shopping or running other errands. Also, my grandmother lives with us and when the 3 of us go out, I have to be able to push a wheelchair, so the Bjorn has been great for this. (I'm thinking of creating a tandem wheelchair/stroller! LOL!) I'm not sure I could use a wrap or sling in quite the same way, but I'm open to suggestions. So far I haven't really had any back problems, though I know this is more likely as her weight increases, so I am trying to think ahead on that count too.

Thanks for your help!

[sunriseiz]

Thanks! I will look into it!

[sunriseiz]

Thanks for your comments on the snugli. The Bjorn is easy to get on and off, but there is a significant price difference, so I will check it out. Hopefully I will have time this weekend to check out a couple of consignment stores too.

Thanks!

[mommd]

I have a hug-a-bub, which is a wrap carrier, and I can carry DD in same positions as the Bjorn, but it is ALOT more comfortable. A Moby wrap is very similar and cheaper. I also have a Kozy (www.kozycarrier.com), but I just got this so I can't really review it yet. This works for front and back carries. You might want to check out www.thebabywearer.com for reviews of different carriers to see what might work for you. Good luck! :)

[PookaMama]

I think a Moby Wrap or Hug-a-Bub would be a great option for you; certainly the best option for the front-facing-out in my opinion. As the previous poster said, the Moby Wrap is much less expensive if price is a concern for you.

You also might want to think of something that will give allow you to do a comfortable back carry. I imagine carrying your daughter will continue to be the most convenient for you when walking with your grandmother, and soon she will be too heavy/big for the front-facing-out carries. Something like the Ergo or Kozy Carrier would be great. (You can use both of these in the front as well, but they really shine for back carries.) The Ergo adjusts with buckles and will be more similar to what you're used to with the Bjorn, but the Kozy is more versatile because it's so unstructured.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

[joannect]

I second the Hug a Bub! I recently got one and DS and I both LOVE it. It's really comfortable and not hard to get the hang of. It is pricy though $85. I've heard the Moby wrap is comparable (not quite as tailored though) and it's only $30-$35.

I know not everyone likes the look of the wrap carriers. So if it's not for you and you really like the Bjorn then take a look at a Theordore Bean carrier. Nearly identical to the Bjorn (I've heard it's more comfortable) but 1/2 the price. I have one and it's OK- I really prefer my Hug a Bub.

http://www.theodorebean.com/

HTH :)

[carli8020]

I HEREBY PRAISE THE ERGO CARRIER!
I bought it because the Active Baby Bjorn still hurt my back despite its "lumbar support" feature. The Ergo is so easy to use, and I can carry him close to my heart (front facing in) which he enjoys, or on my back, which he loves even more and falls asleep there too. And NO BACK PAIN! I learned about this product from BABYWEARER.COM web site. They provide links to all manufacturers and retailers.

He has begun crying frantically when I try to place him in his stroller so this ERGO is heavensent...and we use it every day. Baby is 10 months, 22 pounds. Ergo is super comfortable yet very supportive for baby. Baby is very happy, content, and relaxed in it.

[new_mommy25]

If you want another Bjorn..
Check consigment shops. I see Bjorns in just about every one I go to, and all in Excellent condition.

[sunriseiz]

Thanks for the suggestion. I also started using the carrier perhaps more than the average person because dd would wail in her carseat/stroller. Can the baby face out in front? Just curious because Ellie loves to look around while we walk.

Thanks!

[sunriseiz]

If the weather cooperates, I am going to try a couple of shops this weekend to see what they have and how the prices run. Thanks for the suggestion!

[sunriseiz]

Of all he wrap-type carriers I've seen, the hug-a bub looks the best to me. I am just a little afraid that dh might not go for it. I may have to be creative! :)

Regarding the Theodore Beans, the ones I saw looked a little lees, but similar in price to the Bjorns (~75-80). Am I missing something here?

Thanks for the help!

[Marissa]

My husband loves the hug-a-bub precisely because it gives him a chance to bond with our son. You wear the baby so close that he can hear the heartbeat, voice, feel the movements. My husband basically fights me to get to wear Joshua!

[joannect]

Wow I never looked at the prices of the Theodore Bean on their on line catalog! I paid $45.99 for mine brand new at a brick & mortor baby store! Try looking at their retailers. Here's one at one step ahead

http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.jsp?itemID=736&itemType=PRODUCT&lGen=detail&iMainCat=117&iSubCat=27213&iProductID=736&change=117

It doesn't say Theodore Bean in the description, but you can see Bean on the carrier in the picture.

Or here:

http://www.thebabyplace.com/cgi-bin/WebStore/index.cgi?use_frames=yes

Hope you find what you are looking for!

[sunriseiz]

Sweet! :)

[sunriseiz]

Thanks for the links. I wouldn't have thought there would be such a huge difference!

[sunriseiz]

Do you know if any of these are carried in regular stores? I am interested in all of the different options, but I sure would like to check them out IRL (guess I'm a chicken!)

Thanks!