Reddit mentions: The best child carrier slings

Warning - lots of text below! My baby is about 6 weeks now and I'm exclusively breastfeeding. My Medela Harmony manual pump has been fine for building a stash - I pump 1-2 times a day for the freezer and occasional bottle feedings from Dad. I think it's pretty convenient, but I'll be using a double electric pump when I go back to work (waiting to see what Tricare will cover in 2015!).

Whatever you decide to use for diapering, I'd strongly recommend getting some prefolds (I got Osocozy unbleached). They're great for burp cloths, catching milk from your other boob during letdown, etc and they're also way cheaper and more absorbent than fancy burp cloths. Personally I love prefolds and covers for diapering, but don't buy too much into any one system or brand until you know what works for you. My husband hates prefolds so now I'm having to add pockets and AIOs to appease him.

I'd get some swaddlers (at least 2; my favorite is from Nuroo but that was a gift and they're pricey, the summer infant SwaddleMe wraps are good now that she's bigger but didn't fit well until about 10 lbs). My girl lives in footed pajamas and I love the Gerber zipped ones, we found tons at goodwill for $1.50 each but if you can't find them used, they're on Amazon for $10 for a 2 pack. You're right that other people will buy clothes, but they'll pick cutesy stuff and you need some practical choices too.

Nursing pillow - I had an unexpected C section and this has been so necessary. I love the Luna Lullaby since it's big and I had a big baby.

Some kind of baby carrier, I got a Moby wrap while she's small and it's amazing for running errands (I put it on before getting in the car and pop her in before going in the store, WAY easier than a carseat and stroller).

We were gifted a used swing and it is a freaking godsend. It's the only way I get chores done since I can pop her in there and cook, do laundry, clean, etc without her crying. YMMV, some babies hate them, but buy used and you won't be out too much cash.

Wubbanub pacifier is easy to keep track of and super cute.

Pack n Play with a mattress for cosleeping (recommended to reduce SIDS risk for the first 6 months). At least 2 mini crib sheets.

Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter is amazing for the first couple weeks.

QuickZip crib sheets will be amazing once you use the crib.

Simba baby safety nail cutter - no bleeding!

Finally, the Itzbeen pocket nanny timer is so helpful for keeping track of feedings and diaper changes, especially in the first few weeks.

Hope this wasn't too overwhelming. Good luck!

*Edited to add links to products.

Look for a babywearing group in your area. You'll find lots of different carriers to try out and find something that is best for him. I find some of the carriers difficult to get on on my own, but there are tricks to each of them that you can learn at a meet-up. Also, YouTube is great for how-to videos. I would suggest something other than a Baby Bjorn. Boba, Beco, Tula, Ergo are just a few. I also love the ease of a padded ring sling (specifically I have a Maya Wrap ring sling). He might find the adjustments on a buckle carrier too much. But the ring sling is beautifully simple! And it is good from newborn through toddler.

I would imagine a number of ways to put baby down that are higher up (than the floor) would be helpful, like a Rock n Play sleeper

You might look for a car seat that is extra light to carry. The Maxi Cosi Micro is the lightest one that you can get.

And check out a good stroller. Whatever you do- get one that you can push with one hand! If you have a "baby boutique" type store nearby, you can go and check them out and see what will be best for your family. I suggest a higher end store than a Babies R Us because they can be extremely helpful in finding one that is a good fit and pointing out features that might be useful. Even if you don't buy one there, you can get ideas of things that might be helpful to look for. Some strollers have a more complicated folding system that require 2 hands while others are super easy and just require you to pull a strap.

Uppababy Mesa / Vista

I hate to be the person to suggest to you the expensive things, but if you can get people to chip in, this is gonna last you. The Vista is built to last and has excellent handling. Which matters. As someone who runs my kid into stuff constantly, trust me. It can be made into a double stroller down the road if you need it too. A triple stroller if you count adding on a standing board. The Mesa is awesome, easy to install, and makes life grand in the beginning. Those first 6 months are tough. They are great, but also easy to let yourself slip into 'I'm not leaving the house' if you don't have things to make it easy on yourself. You can throw the Mesa into the Vista frame and spend the day loading it up at Target. You can get 12 paper towel rolls and like an 18 pack of toilet paper plus some in that basket. I'm not a 'stroller person' so to speak - I won't bring a stroller to Disney and I go at least 1x a month - but I love this stroller and car seat.

Ring sling, I suggest this one

I'm a huge babywearing advocate and have what my husband believes is too many carriers (10). I have 3 ring slings and 1 mesh ring sling for water. They are lifesavers. They are easy to store in a bag, work as a nursing cover, and are one layer of fabric over the baby so not too hot. Unlike a Moby or Boba where you have a lot of fabric and are layering three pieces of fabric over the baby, ring slings are basically a pouch where you slide the baby in, tighten by pulling the fabric through the rings, and voila, done. They also last well into toddlerhood. I carry my 25-pound active kid in one still. They are also the thing I usually buy new moms as a gift.

White noise machine

It doesn't have to be a baby one. It doesn't need to be expensive. It doesn't even have to be a machine - do you have a Spotify subscription? Look up white noise (I suggest this) set it to repeat and a cross fade between, and voila! White noise!

We have an infant seat and two bases (one for each car), plus the stroller it snaps into. Two seats is unnecessary for sure. The stroller is nice, but not essential.

As for wraps/slings... We have a Moby, a Snugli, and an Ergo. I like them all for different reasons.

The Moby I use mostly at home because it's complicated to wrap and a bit hot. But it's fantastic if your baby wants to be held and you need to get stuff done. I used it a lot when he was under a month old so he could snuggle up and sleep while I did dishes and such.

The Snugli is great for little babies who hate the Ergo insert (as ours did). we used it on our first outing at a week old and I just supported his head with my hand. It is easy to put on and take off and getting baby into it is a cinch. Once they start getting heavier (over 10lbs) it starts to get a little less comfortable for the wearer. I can only wear him about an hour in the Snugli before my back and shoulders start to complain.

The Ergo we use for long wears and if I'm going to need to nurse with him in the pack. It is especially good for an all day outing. I have successfully breastfed with him in the Ergo and me sitting down. (I saw a woman once doing it standing up with an older baby who had good head control.)

My husband happily wears both the carriers and is quite comfortable in them. My tall sister has a Maya wrap and loves it. I found it hard to use with my short torso.

Full disclosure: I don't have a baby yet, so all of my "it will totally work" is positive thinking. That being said, it sounds like we have the same Pack-N-Play! (Or at least with the same functionality.)

It sounds like we're in the same boat registry-wise. We opted for the Fisher Price Rock-N-Play, my girlfriends' kids like it, so hopefully baby girl will too. I initially wanted the Puj, but a friend got me something else, and it seems like it'll work just fine. It collapses nicely and fits under our sink. We have the Baby Jogger City Lite Stroller, and the Britax Roundabout Convertible Carseat. Some of our friends surprised us with a BoB running stroller, so my husband is pumped to take the kiddo out on the lake shore path.

I want a carrier, but I'm holding off on buying one until I have a baby to put in it. I liked the Baby Bjorn and the Baby K'tan. I've heard great things about the Ergo, though, so that's another reason why I'm holding off.

Again, we don't have a baby yet, but I don't anticipate adding too much stuff. It'll be some time till baby comes home, so I'll know in about 4-5 weeks whether my plan worked. :) Best of luck to you and your family!

Congrats! My baby has yet to sleep in his crib, so I won't comment on that, but he did sleep wonderfully in a rock 'n play Can't praise it enough. Only problem is transitioning them out of it.

Other things I really like:

Car Seat: Chicco KeyFit Magic 30 Super easy to install and use.

Boon Grass I really like having a special drying rack for all of my bottles/pump parts/ect and I like this one because you can stick stuff anywhere and it's cute. Also comes with cute accessories.

Bath tub Baby seems to like it and it dries quickly and can be hung up.

If you're into babywearing, I have an Ergo 360 and a K'tan which I've found to be comfortable and easy to use.

Hi! I’m back!!
Although I thoroughly intend to write my birth story when I’m ready, I just finished my first piece since the baby arrived so in celebration, I’ll pair it with something useful.

I really appreciated posts like this while I was pregnant so here goes:

Things I didn’t know I needed:
(AKA things I have frantically ordered on amazon at or around 2am)

•Bottle Drying Rack This probably seems obvious, but when we didn’t get this from our showers we were like... idk why we can’t just use a towel??

•Safe way to cosleep My husband built a BEAUTIFUL Sidecar Crib, but it was attached on my side of the bed and it took 2.5 weeks for me to have healed enough to climb in bed around it safely with the baby. This way, I didn’t have to bend over to pick up baby or even spit up to check on/soothe him.

•Lactation Suppliment My lactation consultant approved. This one worked well in my breakfast tea.

•Better flanges My poor nipples were so sore and the flames that come with the Medela... well I’m not sure who they’re supposed to fit but not me. My doula practically ordered these for me. GAME CHANGER.

•Pumping bra I was cutting holes in sports bras. This is better.

•Nipple Shells Another kind reddittor sent me in the direction of this AMAZING INVENTION after I posted a photo of ice packs tied to my nipples with a burp cloth because I refused to wear a shirt my nipples hurt so bad. I will be purchasing these for EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN FOREVER. They keep your nipples dry, collect drips, apply counter pressure to keep your nipples shaped correctly for latching, and most importantly omg nothing touches the precious nips and you can wear a shirt!!

•Car mirror

Me: that seems extra, he’s in a car seat and safe why would I need a mirror??

Hormones; HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH YOU FOOL

•Car adapter for my breast pump Cheaper than batteries

•Shade for his side of the car because anything that wakes up my sleeping baby is the devil. This one has a bonus that allowed me to roll the window down and it was HOT in the south

•Better suction for the breast pump Again- just better than whatever they send you

•My Breast Friend we got the boppy but this one saved my back

•Heating pad Turns out I’ll do ANYTHING to keep the baby asleep when I transfer him to his crib including preheat the darn thing (on low!) before I lay home down

•Stroller Caddy You’ll want somewhere to put your keys, phone, and coffee

•Baby K’tan An easier way for my husband to wear the baby.

•Leggings I had a pair of these before, and they are SO COMFORTABLE on my postpartum body that I bought 5 more in different colors!

•Extra pump parts for whichever pump you have

•A hands-up swaddle I found at Target

•Wine.

Anyway, hope this helps! Best of luck to all of you!

https://www.amazon.com/Vlokup-Baby-Sling-Carrier-Rainbow/dp/B01BGSMIG8

I have this one and I LOVE it. It has gotten so much use. It is about $35, so its not a huge investment, but I know I've definitely gotten my moneys worth. My favorite things about ring slings:

1. PORTABILITY: it is the size of a baby kitten, so it fits easily in any diaper bag or glove compartment
   
   
2. LONGEVITY: it can be used for any size child (that you can physically carry). I used it when my baby was <6lbs and plan to continue using it when she is 30+lbs
   
   
3. NURSE-ABILITY: it is super easy to nurse in and be discrete about too! Just loosen it a bit, throw the tail over LO's head and let them go to town
   
   
4. SHARE-ABILTY: you dont need a different size for each caregiver
   
   
   The only things that I dont like about it is that it can be hard on your back if you wear it for long periods and baby cant really look around which might make them squimy when they are bigger. It it a really good carrier to have for out and about (like you are grocery shopping or at a restaurant or at the beach) and makes it SO easy to nurse on the go, but I would not want to go on a hike with it.

I was/am in the exact same boat - first kid, limited funds, starting from scratch, going through reviews and prices drove me insane. It took me probably three months to get my registry together, and, even then, I am still switching things up, lol.

lucieslist.com was invaluable while picking everything out. I highly recommend you check it out.

What we have bought ourselves that fit our tight budget:

Graco Comfy Cruiser Travel System. We had already decided to go with that car seat, given that it seems to be the top-rated budget option, and the stroller ended up being a much-needed bonus. We go on walks a lot, so it works for us. If you don't need the stroller, the seat itself is, I think, only ~$100.

The Pack N Play, which I've heard from literally everyone and their mother is almost a necessity.

Because we don't have an IKEA near us to get our hands on a swanky $99 crib, we bought this DaVinci crib. We still only ended up paying $100 for it, as we found it on sale, however, we would have paid the $200 for it, given that the reviews are good, and, when compared to some other cribs that cost $400 and up, the price isn't bad at all.

As for the rest of the registry, we have on there a Moby wrap (affordable baby wearing, yay!), nail clippers, outlet plugs, nursing pads, a wipes case, a baby tub, baby wash, assorted crib sheets, waterproof crib sheets, Pack N Play mattress, and sheets to go with, crib mattress (we actually bought this one when we found it on sale for $20, and it's just fine), receiving blankets, dirty diaper bags (because we aren't getting a diaper pail, just a small can with a seal-able lid), changing pad, and a cover to go with, pacifiers, Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow, a bottle brush, bottle warmer, thermometer, booger sucker, camera to monitor the baby, and a few other assorted things that I couldn't really find a definitive "best in class" for, so pick at your own discretion: diaper bag, swaddles (although I've read good things about the Summer Infant brand), bottles (we're going with Phillips Avent), a bouncer (we got this one), and a swing.

I agonized over this stuff for what felt like forever, lol, so I hope it helps you and saves you some hair-pulling. It's all so overwhelming!

The rolling over thing will get better. Spend a few minutes per day encouraging him to practice rolling over, but he'll get that soon enough regardless.

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I see you already attempt to baby wear, which is awesome. Some carriers have a sort of "side" carry option. This [Infantino](https://smile.amazon.com/Infantino-Sash-Wrap-Baby-Carrier/dp/B0185AH1F8/ref=sr_1_19_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1542739615&sr=1-19&keywords=infantino%2Bbaby%2Bcarrier&th=1) carrier has a side carry option, or if you already have a wrap-style carrier like the Moby you can try a hip hold. This frees up some space for you.

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For napping, I recommend sleep training. I'm very pro-feber personally. I'd say get the book, read it through, and then decide how you want to try it out. You can do it for naps only, or you can go all-in and do all sleep. The big thing is that you won't have him falling asleep on your chest, then put him down, only to have him wake up 5 mins later - you will put him down awake and then he will fall asleep on his own, which means he stays asleep (for at least 1 sleep cycle, anyways). I have a strong inkling that once he learns how to lay down and fall asleep on his own, he will also be less fussy chilling by himself on the floor with his toys and such.

I got this wrap last week https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Wrap-CuddleBug-4-Postpartum/dp/B00OJVNSFA and it's really great and easy to use. The ergobaby is too big for a newborn even with the insert. She doesn't like it. She loves the wrap though and sleeps the whole time she's in it!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1S7B60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_wfAWzb10HY1CE This night light. It's rechargeable. You just tap it and you can dim it. Also has two light settings. A warmer light and a whiter light. Perfect for all those night feeds!

What else... A billion burp cloths. Mats for the changing pad so we don't have change the cover as frequently. Thicker receiving blankets for swaddling rather than the muslin ones. They're so much easier to swaddle with because they're smaller and thicker. The muslin cloths are good to have around for other things though.

That's all I can think of for now besides the obvious stuff.

We tried several types, a shoulder-hip sling, a wrap and some carriers. It was the baby that didn't like the rejects, but she settled into a Baby Bjorn - this one in pinstripe - quite happily, and once she was old enough to turn around and see the world, she really loves it.

The only negative thoughts I have about wearable-baby-stuff are:

"If I trip and fall hard forward, I'm going to sacrifice my elbows or crush my baby."

and

"If I am in a position where I would normally defend myself, I can't because there's a baby strapped to me."


Other than those thoughts, I love wearing the BB with the babber kicking away in it happily and watching the world.

I got this one: Vlokup Baby Wrap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DTC7P1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3X37CbCDAGNYY

It's an "off brand" and not one of the super well known brands, but it works just fine. It's less than $20 too which is why I got it, I've spent so much on wraps already 😅 The fabric isn't stretchy at all like a Moby/boba so it took me a little bit too get used to it but I like it. Baby does too which is the important part

i have this one and it seems to be padded shoulder but i really like it and haven't had any issues with the shoulder. The strap is pretty wide and seems to distribute weight pretty evenly across my shoulder.

http://www.amazon.com/Balboa-Baby-Sears-Adjustable-Signature/dp/B001Q80GO0/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1421345591&sr=1-1&keywords=balboa+baby&pebp=1421345619483&peasin=B001Q80GO0

just my experience.

The Infantino Mei Tai is pretty affordable, and I find it to be really comfortable and easy to use. You can do front, back, or hip carries with it and it's fairly easy to put on.

Here's a link, although it's not exactly the same as the one I have: Infantino Sash Wrap and Tie Baby Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0185AH1F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Fp3Fyb5527VPM

I got this one. Once I learned how to do it, I loved it. But I did have to watch YouTube

4-in-1 CuddleBug Baby Wrap Carrier | Soft Baby Carrier | Baby Sling Carrier | Postpartum Belt | Nursing Cover | Best Baby Shower Gift (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJVNSFA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tgx-ybT2GC6DX

They’re called a wrap! It’s like a giant stretchy scarf you wrap around your baby. My baby is 21lbs and I can still carry him in it, no big deal.

This is the one I bought! There are cheaper, and more expensive ones. Out of the people I know who have one, most of them think I made the best choice.

This is a good video on how to put the wrap on for a newborn, I didn’t do it this way because my baby was 10 lbs 4.5 oz when he was born lol

This video is more like how I do it!

This is a way I’ve never seen before, but you might like.

You could also go over to r/babywearing and ask for advice there!

I've been looking at the k'tan wrap and JJ Cole Agility for the same reason (also have ergo). JJ Cole is cheaper and also has good reviews for newborns:


JJ Cole Agility:
http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Agility-Stretch-Carrier/dp/B009Z4VE7K

K' tan:

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Ktan-Carrier-Black-Small/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417315550&sr=1-1&keywords=k%27tan+baby+carrier

This is what I was going to recommend. I know the last thing you need is more expensive baby products right now OP, but this or this could help your GF immensely (if she's got the back muscles to bear it).

Infants often sleep better when worn, and even when they're awake it'll at least free up your GF's arms so she can do other things.

I have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00I2D82XO/ref=mp_s_a_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1473126416&sr=8-5&keywords=beach+baby+sling

I wish I would've gotten the wrap vs the sling because I just feel more comfortable with the wrap (love my boba!), but I got one of these because I live in the deep south and it is SO MUCH COOLER than the boba. I highly recommend if you are outside in the heat a lot. I do get sweaty, but it isn't nearly as bad.

I have [this] (http://www.amazon.com/CuddleBug-Carrier-Postpartum-Nursing-Shower/dp/B00OJVNSFA) in gray that I used only like once I would be happy to send your way if you'd like it!

My friends son loves the shower, my son hates it.

You can get certain slings you can wear in pools and showers if that would make you feel safer, slippery babies are difficult!

http://www.amazon.com/Bathing-Buddies-BS1000M-Medium-Shower/dp/B003XGLAYI/ref=pd_cp_ba_0 I have a normal sling which can be used the same but this one is for the shower itself :)

Hah great nickname. No it’s something like this: Baby K’tan ORIGINAL Cotton Wrap style Baby Carrier, Black, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vzxVAbY17BRKQ

It's true! They have these things at Amazon I just haven't gotten around to getting it yet! :)

It is not cheap, but with our now 7 year old we bought a didymos woven wrap. I still have it, and I think it was worth the investment. The woven material is pretty damn breathable (though not as light as cotton gauze), and extremely sturdy - I was still wearing him in it on my back around 2 year old.

If you find you want to keep the wrap style when she is bigger and heavier, a woven wrap may be worth the investment.

I am short (5’0”) and had a really hard time finding a baby wearing solution that worked for me with #1. I spent probably $300 or more trying everything under the sun.

This was my favorite and is now number one on my registry list.

Yeah wearing the baby is a "thing" I used a Moby Wrap a ton. It is a really long piece of cloth that you wrap around your baby and yourself to hold them tight against you without using your hands. The thing I did was wear my daughter like that all the time in the house just around. Not only when we went out to do things. That allowed me to rest my wrists. https://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Original-Cotton-Carrier/dp/B000OY539A

1)Swaddle blankets for newborn
https://www.amazon.com/SwaddleMe-Original-Swaddle-3-PK-Busy/dp/B013GYQVCW/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496771259&sr=8-1&keywords=swaddleme
2) Several different types of pacifiers/bottles (you don't know which they'll like and they do have a preference)
3) Travel swing - because they're smaller/take up less room/ and you can move them from room to bathroom or whatever and less expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Harmony-Kingdom-Portable-Swing/dp/B00E3RKC36/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496771354&sr=1-1&keywords=travel%2Bswing&th=1
4)Breastfeeding pillow: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Harmony-Kingdom-Portable-Swing/dp/B00E3RKC36/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496771354&sr=1-1&keywords=travel%2Bswing&th=1
5)Carrier:https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Ktan-Original-Carrier-Black/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496771644&sr=1-1&keywords=ktan

Check out the K'tan wrap: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UYFULU. It's a stretchy fabric wrap without all the wrapping. So easy!

Balboa sling. It's like ring sling with no adjustments needed. Just throw it over your shoulder , as easy as putting on a purse

Balboa Baby Dr. Sears Adjustable Sling, Signature Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q80GO0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Ft0Uub044SBJZ

From my research I would go with either the Maya Wrap, the Moby Wrap, or the Peanut Shell Sling.

Moby Wrap

Maya Wrap Sling

Peanut Shell Sling

The Maya Wrap Sling seems to have great reviews from breastfeeding moms but it is pricier than the other two.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGSMIG8?colid=38SHWFWZO9AB7&coliid=I10GMU3106BFSO&ref=br_mb_ov_item_detail

Forgive my abysmal linking, I'm on mobile. This thing is way easier to use than I thought it would be; all I did here was drop the baby in, get him latched, yank on the tail a few times and "oh, hey...I can just...let go? OH FUCK YEAH!"

It should really be pulled down over my opposite shoulder to distribute the weight better, I've since learned.

i've got a baby k'tan carrier , it's super simple and easy to get him in and out of. i was very confused and intimidated by the moby, this was a far more appealing option

Mine is a boba as well - I also have this one (https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Wrap-Carrier-CuddleBug-Available/dp/B00OJVNSFA) which I find to be a bit more supportive and will use more when they are heavier.

I also have ring slings so I can wear them in two rings slings at once, but they are seemingly too tiny for that. Or I'm used to wearing a 25 lb toddler in a ring sling and putting a teeny baby in one is just weird feeling.

I would stop letting them take your child from you. It’s going to be hard to train yourself to not give them the opening but I would actively avoid them or turn away whenever you need to to stop the grabbing. If they say anything, greyrock the shit out of them and just say “no thanks” or “we’re good” etc and just ignore them. If you need to JADE, keep it really simple “baby’s really tired now and needs to sleep” or something similar.

Also, this carrier might make it more difficult for her to try to take your baby out of it or at least would take long enough that it would give you the few seconds you need to back away before she can get to LO.

https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Wrap-Ergo-Carrier-Sling/dp/B00OJVNSFA

Be strong mamma! You’ve got this! The only people that baby really needs are you and DH.