Hi there, Hope you dont mind a question from a 'newbie.'
I've been chatting with some friends about baby carriers. One doesn't particularly like them but has tried one. Another has had several and tried different ones till she found her favourite.
We got a Wilkinet when our first arrived, loved it and stuck with that (my wife and I needed it especially when our little girl decided to cry from 10pm every night and was only consoled by being put in the carrier).
So what do you think of carrying? Has it never appealed, did you strike it lucky with the first, or have you tried a few? (I know there's an attached parenting forum - but everyone there is likely to be baby carrying kind already - so wanted a broader view).
Greetings!
I have tried two different baby carriers, and was lucky to find both were very useful and recommendable. The first I tried was the Baby Bjorn carrier, the more expensive of the two. It was very comfortable for me to go hands free when I needed and my son felt well supported. I never worried about a strap going loose or a buckle breaking since it is very well made. One downfall is that they seem to grow out of them so quickly. The next carrier I used was the Maya wrap baby sling. Now this design allows for a much longer use. From newborn to ... well, whenever they are too heavy to carry anymore. I have tried it out with my 6 yr old when playing around and found it still very comfy and supportive. You can use it in many different positions, and even breastfeed in privacy with it. The one downfall is getting the hang of adjusting it, but once you are past that it's a breeze. It has to be one of the most versatile carriers around.
I would recommend any new (or old, lol !) parent to try at least a few baby carriers before giving up on them completely. Reading customer reviews is helpful in making choices.
I used a padded ring sling (like a sling you get in the store) with my first 3--loved it. But then when the twins came, that particular type of carrier is not so helpful. So. . .I have used 2 mai teis (Asian Baby Carrier), and I am going to get two Maya wraps (unpadded ring slings) now that they're older so that I can carry them and use the Maya wrap as a tether when they want to get down and walk. Sounds complicated huh!
I have written a blog on baby wearing but I didn't post it because I know you said you wanted a broader view--but if you're interested--I'll post the link or you can find it under my blogs or by searching baby wearing.
I used the Over the Shoulder baby holder with my first three. It's a padded sling and it worked well when they were small. They outgrew it fast and I didn't use it much as they got older. I have a maya wrap sling for the little one. So far I love it and so does he. I found it easy to use by following the DVD. We've only used the cradle position so I haven't tried all the positions. It seems a lot more versatile and comfortable than my old sling.
I read a few articles about the health benefits to babies who are carried, and 'holding therapy' for some special needs kids, then decided to get a carrier.
then I saw the prices, and nearly fell over..... so looked up a sling pattern online and made my own from an old blanket and pair of curtain rings. The curtains are hanging funny, but the sling works fine!
--I totally cracked up. You can make your own. . .thebabywearer.com and kellymom.com are both great resources. You can order ring slings for cheap at ringsling.com.
I don't have one iota of time or talent to sew and I order my carriers from wallypop.net. I cannot say enough good things about the gal who runs it--and I promise she doesn't pay me to! She is great and custom made mai tei's for me for the twins according to my specifications. She's a WAHM and she really believes in the products she's selling. Her slings are much cheaper than anything else I've found--$25 for your basic sling. Not as cheap as using curtain rods. . .but much better than other places out there.
How many (if any) baby carriers?
--I totally cracked up. You can make your own. . .thebabywearer.com and kellymom.com are both great resources. You can order ring slings for cheap at ringsling.com. 
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