The Perfect Carrier?!?

From the minute your little one arrives home, the hunt begins for the perfect baby carrier. As a new Mom you wonder how you are going to do all the newborn laundry, wash bottles and hold the baby all at the same time! And from those questions my journey began to buy the perfect carrier.

FIRST ATTEMPT: The Traditional Sling

I began as a practical Mom and purchased the traditional sling. From the moment I tried to squeeze my nine pound baby into it, I knew I would be in the return line at the baby store! Sebastian looked so uncomfortable and I constantly worried I was going to smother him in it. Also, I could never get it to sit right on my somewhat narrow shoulders.

The one time I figured it out!

SECOND ATTEMPT: The Ergo with Infant Insert

I LOVED how easy the Ergo was for me to get on and off. This carrier is also extremely easy to get your baby in and out of. The biggest problem with this product is that in order to fit a newborn you need to use the infant insert. It’s the only fabric they use for this insert and without it your newborn is not secure. It’s like wrapping your baby up in a down comforter. It was a 100 + degrees outside and poor little Sebastian would be a sweat ball when I took him out. I was also very hot and sweaty wearing it too. Not a good choice for a summer newborn. However, something to consider for winter newborns.

Sweating it out with Rookie Husband

THIRD ATTEMPT: Baby Bjorn

This baby carrier is a winner for months 0-3! It is very easy to use and is comfortable for your baby. I splurged and bought the Baby Bjorn Active which had a breathable mesh material and some back support. My son had reflux so he spent a lot of time upright in the Bjorn.

What a retail relief it was to know I was all done with baby carriers. Then Sebastian hit 13 pounds! Even with some back support the Baby Bjorn was starting to kill my back. I knew I needed a carrier with a waistband to help move the weight of the baby off my lower back. So back to the store I went...

Facing out

Facing In

FOURTH ATTEMPT: Beco Baby Carrier

This one looked great and I loved the options of all the cute prints. I bought the apple one because of my background as a teacher. I was so excited to get it! This was a huge flop! It worked for my sister, who has a longer torso, but for some reason when I tried it, it killed my back and Sebastian was not comfy. Was there a “perfect” carrier out there?

This carrier was so short lived I don't even have a picture!

FIFTH ATTEMPT: The Lillebaby Carrier

I loved that this one came in the color red and had a waist strap. It was the most versatile and could be wore five different ways! That being said, it had so many straps and directions that I found it to be very confusing. Too much over thinking for a new mother and therefore not user-friendly.

Facing out and having a waist strap for back support!

SIXTH ATTEMPT: The Kokopax

Suddenly my extremely active son was not interested in being snuggled in a tight carrier. So I decided to explore backpacks. So off to the baby stores I went to see my options. I immediately loved the Kokopax brand. They have many bright colors and patterns. The backpack also has terrific back support. That was a must for me especially with a older and heavier baby. The only downside to the backpack is that it is not designed for newborns. Most backpacks out there are designed for baby’s five months or older.

Thank you to all the stores who accepted my returns and to my patient husband who watched me bring several carriers in and then out of the house. What I learned is that there isn’t a “perfect” baby carrier. Rather a perfect carrier for a certain age of your baby. Also preferences may vary depending on your body type and lifestyle. So don’t be afraid to try many until you find what works for you. For me, the Baby Bjorn was my favorite for the newborn stage. The Lillebaby is great for those in between months after newborn weeks and before your baby becomes active. And finally, the Kokopax is a winner for both Mom and Dad for baby’s over five months old. Just ask your husband about color preference if he plans to wear the Kokopax too. Some Daddy’s care about baby fashion statements. Mine was just happy I stopped buying carriers.

What’s your favorite baby carrier?