https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:13:08 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197776 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:08:06 +0000 birdofafeather 2197776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Loved our boba 3G for birth until 18 months and then we got a toddler Tula. Both of these were very comfortable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197767 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:01:21 +0000 MsMini 2197767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you really need to give each carrier a bit of a longer try out to know what will work best for you! A lot of BW friends love Tula but no matter what I did the straps shredded my upper inner arms. We have an Ergo that I loved for DS but for DD I have only been using ring slings. I am Lenny Lamb SSC curious though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197755 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:47:46 +0000 anbanan15 2197755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Tula! It is far more comfortable than my Ergo. I never realized how diggy the Ergo was on my shoulders until I got a Tula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197730 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:21:11 +0000 Ree723 2197730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Astro Bee: The straps slide off my shoulders until I clip the top clip on the Ergo. If I try to be lazy and skip it, the straps are forever sliding off my shoulders. That being said, you're really not supposed to use it without the chest clip anyway so it's pretty much a nonissue! And by the way, so jealous you're going to NZ - that country is AMAZING! Have fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197714 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:04:50 +0000 bunnylove08 2197714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Astro Bee: Mobys were way too complicated for me too, I ended up with a K'Tan but it was a purchase that did not last long. I loved it and would buy it all over again. </p> <p>I would definitely stop by the store, bring your LO and tell them what you're thinking about using the carrier for. we used the carrier at Disney World and it worked really well for us because we were able to back and front carry in the tula while waiting in line and when we wanted her to nap.</p> <p>I believe you can rent a tula on their website </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197709 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:02:18 +0000 Astro Bee 2197709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're going to New Zealand in a few weeks and I really need something that I can wear for a long time. Hearing from you all that you can carry your littles for hours with your carriers has convinced me that the Bjorn isn't for me. </p> <p>@Damda: I'll see if there is a BWI group nearby. It would be great to be able to borrow a carrier rather than trying to decide in store in a more limited period of time. </p> <p>@BunnyLove08: I know there is at least one shop that's really knowledgeable. My friend bought her Moby there. She loaned it to me, but it seems a little complicated to use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197641 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 09:28:28 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2197641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a beco Gemini and love love love it. I could wear my son for hours without any back or shoulder pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197546 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:47:00 +0000 MenagerieMama 2197546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I have our Ergo adjusted well all the weight is on my hips and it's great! It took a little while for me to figure out how to adjust it well for the backcarry for some reason but once I did it made the world of difference. Just like my backpacking backpack for traveling. I've also hear the Lillebaby has a great lumbar support and is really comfy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197544 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:46:46 +0000 bunnylove08 2197544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found Tula the best for my shoulders. I carry DD who is a 2.5 year old and is about 32lbs on the bus and walk to her school. I found putting the "hip" strap higher to your natural waist really helps distribute the weight. Also what other bees mention about adjusting the shoulder straps. I too would recommend finding a store (maybe a mom and pop shop (I found those stores are certified in baby wearing), big store brands I find are not very knowledgeable) that can help you find a carrier that is most comfortable for you and fits your needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197536 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:38:36 +0000 Kbee 2197536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Boba 4g and LOVE it. I never thought a carrier could be so comfortable. It doesn't strain or bother me in the least. When I was pregnant I spent a lot of time reading Amazon reviews and checking out Lucie's List - and the reviews for the Boba are outstanding across the board. Just another alternative to check out if you want!</p> <p>ETA: I'm 5'6'' and DH is 5'10'' and we both use it. The straps adjust really easily. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197514 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:27:17 +0000 Cole 2197514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We love our ergo too! I skipped the newborn insert and waited until she was about ten pounds to use it, at that point I used a rolled up muslin blanket or a thick burp cloth instead to prop her up a bit. </p> <p>Going to the store to try on options is a great idea. I encourage you to try the carriers on your back with a weighted doll (every store with carriers I have been to has them). While the ergo fits me beautifully for front carries, it fits oddly on my back. A mama at the baby wearing group I belong to kindly pointed out that most women can fill out the carrier better on the front than on their back. I am currently looking for another carrier so I can wear her on my back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197508 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:24:22 +0000 Peasinapod 2197508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have super narrow shoulders and I use a Tula. Although with prolonged wearing (over two hours) my back sometimes gets a bit sore, my shoulders have never had any issues at all. My lo is around 20pounds now just under 9 months.</p> <p>Eta: Im 5'5 and a narrow build all around. Tula can even be adjusted a bit smaller than I am which I know some carriers would be too big. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197502 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:22:29 +0000 catlady 2197502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the ergo would work well for your height. It doesn't strain shoulders. I don't like it personally but I think I am too short for it so it puts pressure on my lower back. DH is your height (hehe) and he likes it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197489 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:11:45 +0000 Pumuckl 2197489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a Tula Lover as well as a fan of using a woven wrap. Both I can use for prolonged periods of time without pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197485 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:08:50 +0000 avivoca 2197485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love my Ergo! It's always been super comfortable and very easy to take on/off. It adjusts easily and my husband likes it too. We used the infant insert until she was probably 4 months old, then used the pillow until she was around 6 months old. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197481 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:04:17 +0000 bushelandapeck 2197481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Astro Bee: another ergo lover here! We stopped using the infant insert when DD was right around 12lbs which was around 4 months for her, because she is tiny!. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197479 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:01:59 +0000 danda 2197479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are a bunch! Bjorn gets some flack in the Babywearing community for being uncomfortable and turning people off from babywearing. Ergo is probably the most common but some other well-loved brands are Beco, Lillebaby, Tula, and Kinderpack (although Kinderpacks currently have high demand outpacing supply so they are hard to get ahold of). If you want to try out a bunch of options, see if there is a Babywearing International (BWI) group near you...they will have a lending library of carriers that you can try on at a meeting (or borrow if you pay for membership). The meetings are facilitated by expert babywearing educators who can help you understand how to adjust it for maximum comfort (for you and your husband). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197475 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:58:46 +0000 QBbride 2197475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think even your Bjorn could be more comfortable if you adjusted the straps and played with it a little. Having said that, I'm not really a fan of the Bjorn... I'd try out an ergo and a tula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197472 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:53:13 +0000 Foodnerd81 2197472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Astro Bee: I have broad shoulders, but used both an ergo and beco. I think the beco is a little better early on, but she did outgrow it before outgrowing the ergo (not until 18 months though!) I like that you can cross the straps on the beco though, and that you have the option of forward facing when they get a little older (but my LO never liked that anyway.) DH and I both wore the beco no problem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197467 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:48:45 +0000 Astro Bee 2197467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think there is a local store where we can try on some carriers and wraps to decide. I hadn't done this when setting up my registry, since they recommend bringing your baby in to try them out. It's probably a good idea now. Everything I've read about Ergo and Beco have been great. I had actually registered for the Beco Gemini just based on reviews, but my MIL completely ignored my registry (even though she was the one who had urged me to make it - sigh!). </p> <p>@Ree723: You don't find the straps are too wide set for your shoulders? A workout friend once told me that I have shoulders like a brook trout! Ergo lovers, when can you stop using the newborn insert?</p> <p>@Rockies11: Good point about posture. I have to constantly remind myself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197462 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:46:16 +0000 Alivoo01 2197462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Ergo!! I wore DS around in it all day long when we were on vaca while walking and site-seeing. Never feels like I'm even wearing him. I love that thing and so glad DS did too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197398 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 02:54:45 +0000 Ree723 2197398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely the Ergo for me! It put all the weight on my hips, completely off my shoulders, and meant that I could wear my LOs for hours. I have ridiculously tiny shoulders so with the Bjorn, I found I could only ever wear my babies for about 20 minutes at a time before my shoulders were killing me; no such issues with the Ergo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197393 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 02:02:47 +0000 curlymama318 2197393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would really look in to Beco carriers! You're able to cross the straps to more evenly distribute weight and it feels more secure at the same time (good for narrow shoulders). The Beco Gemini can be used from birth with no infant insert and is good til the kiddo is 35 lbs. The Beco Soleil is what I have and can be used from birth with an infant insert or without the insert from 15-45 lbs. They are amazing carriers and what I always recommend to people! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197390 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:01:57 +0000 gracecat 2197390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Would definitely recommend the Ergo. You can adjust it to fit you and your DH. We both shared the Ergo and it is so much easier on the shoulders. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197352 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 23:01:10 +0000 magnolia 2197352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've tried a lot of different carriers and slings and the ergo is the only one that doesn't hurt my back/shoulders.. My baby is almost 6 months and big for his age. I'm 5'6 also and petite. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197343 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 22:42:23 +0000 Rockies11 2197343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found the soft structured carriers like Ergo were much better than the bjorn and britax. With Ergo, you have to make sure that the straps are adjusted properly - particularly the hips and back, or it still puts pressure on your shoulders. The other thing to be aware of is posture - postpartum, your shoulders slump forward and your belly sticks out, and it increases the strain and back pain when you have a carrier with the wrong posture. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-a-baby-carrier-that-doesnt-put-strain-on-your-shoulders#post-2197335 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 22:32:35 +0000 Astro Bee 2197335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wore my Baby Bjorn Original today for a long time, and my shoulders are killing me where the straps dug in. I was gifted the carrier by my MIL, who kept going on and on about how great it was, otherwise I probably would have returned it for something else. Now I'm wishing I had. </p> <p>Is there another soft shelled carrier that distributes the weight better? I'm 5'6" and narrow-shouldered, if that helps. DH is 5'8" and very muscular. It would be nice if we could both use the same one, but it's not a showstopper. </p>