Best wrap?

AmyS · #1 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:13 AM

I had a HAB for first baby and loved it, but it did stretch a bit too much and I had to keep retying it. I've read from a few people that it's not the best wrap for an older baby? So...what do people recommend for a newborn and up? I have a ring sling and will get an ergo for DH (he doesn't like 'all that material' etc), and prob a mei tai of some sort as well (!) but really want a good wrap which will last.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

**Susan** · #2 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:24 AM

I love the Lana wrap. I found it really versitile. It is made from an organic cotton and is not as stretchy as the HAB. I loved wearing my second son on my back in this wrap. Just be prepared for strangers to rush to your aid as you "throw you baby over your back"!!

justincredible · #3 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 09:40 AM

I love my Gypsy Mama

emd · #4 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 01:24 PM

I also have a Gypsy Mama Bali Breeze, great for hot weather and better for big babies than a cotton jersey wrap.
If you're shopping for mei tais, look for one made with long, wide shoulder straps so your DH doesn't have to spend the extra 20 seconds tying it properly, and it's long enough to go around a big man's body.
I would wait til baby is a few months old before starting to use an Ergo, if you've already got a ring sling. You can carry a newborn in a mei tai too.

AmyS · #5 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 03:46 PM

I love the look of the breeze gypsy wrap.
I only thought the ergo because last time we had a baby bjorn (much to my horror) and DH loved it. The Ergo is not unlike the bjorn in that it's a structured carrier (kind of) with buckles etc. Easy to use! I am happy with the mei tai and the ring sling, but not so much DH.

justincredible · #6 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 04:18 PM

I also have a mei tai and a ring sling. The ring sling is my workhorse, and a well made one will get used to death.
The mei tai I use for short carries when out shopping, and if I need him to sleep while we are out and about.

The wrap is for longer outings for me. I can easily wear it for up to 4 or 5 hours if I need to, and it's still comfy.
I have an ergo, and I hardly use it compared to the use the wrap gets.

emd · #7 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 07:17 PM

You can only use an Ergo for a newborn if you have a newborn insert. The insert is like a baby blanket (in fact, I've seen some people use a baby blanket instead of buying the special insert) which you use to wrap the baby. Then put the baby in slightly sideways - so the head is out the side at the top, and the feet are out the other side at the bottom. This is because the Ergo has babies sit on their bottom with their legs either side, which is better for baby's spine but very different to other commercial soft structured carriers.

I sell baby carriers, and I notice that dads often favour the engineering and clips on the Ergo, but mums favour the versatility and quick in-out of ring slings. Mei tais seem to be popular all round. I've also seen plenty of dads willing to wear a stretchy wrap if it keeps baby happy (my husband is wearing one in the photo collage on the Baby Carriers Down Under home page).

sling_dad · #8 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 11:48 PM

Well I've tried more wraps than I care to admit

, but if you join the group in my sig you'll find lots more info on different types of wraps available and what ppl prefer. If I were to recommend just one wrap that will last you from newborn to preschooler and for many generations, it's the Storchenwiege. Downside is it can get a bit warm to wear over summer (but there are lighter wraps for that purpose

).

kara10 · #9 (**permalink**) 15-02-2008, 08:42 AM

I just got a new Belle Baby Carrier, and although it is not a 'wrap', it's so comfortable and I would use it over a wrap or sling anyday.

It has the basic functions of the Ergo, however it's specifically designed for infants and smaller babies. I like it because it's so easy to use (wraps can be a huge pain sometimes) and both my husband and I can wear it because it's adjustable.

When my son exceeds the weight limit of this carrier I'll move back into my Ergo so that he can be carried on my back.

jnordon · #10 (**permalink**) 16-02-2008, 12:16 AM

Hi
I have a home-made didymos sling. Think the web site is didymos.com .
I couldn't afford or justify the price the sling. (I borrowed a few slings off friends until i found the right one for me). It is a tie/wrap sling. I used it with DS until he was around 18months - he just got 2 heavy to carry. And now my DD uses it on a daily basis.

Its very important to get the right material so that it doesn't stretch, as this means you are constantly re-tiring it up.

I have attached a pic to show you what mine looks like. DH loves it and wears it almost as much as me.

It you wish for me to make you one I can. Or just give you the details.

Thanks

Jenn
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