Best Structured Infant Carrier?

DD is just 10 days old but now that the weather is getting nicer, an infant carrier is so much easier when I take the dog for a walk. I tried (not so successfully) the other day to put her in the stroller and carry the dog leash at the same time. I've tried numerous of the wrap/sling carriers for DD and I hated them all -- the Baby Balboa, the Moby, the Baby K'Tan. I think I'd be happier with a more structured carrier that has straps similar to a backpack and has an infant insert for extra neck support. I'm plus size (womens size 18/20) and need to make sure the carrier fits comfortably. Can anyone suggest one you've used, liked, and can put on on your own? Not looking for something with a ton of buckles and clips, as I'm home alone during the day and need to be able to secure it myself. Thanks, everyone!

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

The Ergo is easy and relatively inexpensive. You can find one for $60 at TJ Max or Marshalls, sometimes even Target. They can retail for like $120 though. The cheaper carriers aren't too comfortable and don't offer enough support for babies hips. You want a carrier where the baby has a full seat, not dangling.

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

Another vote for the ergo. It isn't cheap but it will last you and should be the last one you need to buy. I put dd2 in there from the time she was probably under 6 pounds. They sell an infant insert but I found putting a rolled receiving blanket under her just as comfortable. I used it with my first from 4 months until 18 months and was very comfortable.

Re: Best Structured Infant Carrier?

i was not a fan of the ergo
i borrowed my friends Stokke and liked it...but its expensive

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

Ergo will definitely work. You'll need the infant insert though.

If your DD is 8lbs or over, I would also recommend the infantino mei tai which is very simple to use and very inexpensive.

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

Im in the minority here... Son didnt like the Ergo at all and this time around we purchased the Bjorn (hopefully, when our daughter arrives she likes it). I still have my Ergo with the insert- used twice, brand new. If interested, let me know:) its the organic fabric, navy color fyi

Re: Best Structured Infant Carrier?

HATE the Baby Bjorn... Ordered Ergo but haven't received it yet. Zulily had a sale last week.

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

I love the ergo. Dd hated the infant insert but once she was big enough to go in without it she loved it.

Re: Best Structured Infant Carrier?

If your focus is structure, the ergo might be your best bet. They make an ergo specifically designed for larger people and you can get an infant insert. The baby Bjorn is popular, but I have heard pretty consistently that its not as well structured.
DD was in the ergo for dog walks starting about 5 days old. She is 20 months now and still loves it.
ETA I have also heard wonderful things about the Tula, but don't know much about it.

Message edited 5/13/2015 10:18:23 PM.

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

I have the Britax carrier. I don't use it a lot, but I like it. Amazon usually has a pretty good price. It is easy to put on and has a large waist belt.
I don't know what the age recommendation is, you would have to look it up, but there is an extra piece for smaller babies.

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

I have the ergo and still use it with my 12 month old. It's very easy to use.

Best Structured Infant Carrier?

Just a bit of advice if you get the ergo. No need to spend the money on the insert. Take a receiving blanket or saddling blanket and roll under babies bum.
Look into the tula.
You can also join Long Island babywearing on facebook and gain a ton of knowledge and if you want to come to a meeting you can try almost Everything. There are also girls selling their ergos, Tulas. Etc