https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 13:12:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597772 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:22:44 +0000 cranberryapple 597772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll have to chime in and sing the praises of the Beco Gemini! I love it! It's so easy to put on, and DS can be in it for hours. I bought mine on Amazon, and they have free returns, so you could order it and try it out. I know it's more expensive than a lot of other carriers, but with how often I use it, it definitely has paid off! Perhaps you can find a used one? Or, buy a new one and then sell it after you are done? :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597747 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:12:54 +0000 Mrs. Twine 597747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjazz- have you considered a wrap? The Wrapsodi Bali Breeze is super lightweight and a gauze that is very breatheable. You can use it to 35lbs (and beyond), and, like other wraps, the ways to wear it are almost endless. Plus there are some really cool patterns. I have one in Hope and I love it. Have used it with a 5-year-old who got tired of walking on a hike (45lbs at the time) and with my little one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597619 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:35:08 +0000 immabeetoo 597619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjazz: I know I've read about a boba air that's lightweight? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597614 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:32:28 +0000 mrsjazz 597614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: Both temperature wise and the weight of the carrier. My ideal carrier would be lightweight, have some sort of breathable, sweat-wicking panel between parent and baby, not have a bazillion buckles, but be super comfortable to wear. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597604 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:29:08 +0000 MsLipGloss 597604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@scg00387: I am 5'7" (with a long torso) and I don't have any issues with the Gemini (my LO is a little over 15lbs at 6 mos.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597602 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:28:04 +0000 MsLipGloss 597602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjazz: By lightweight, do you mean cooler (temperature wise) to wear? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597569 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:15:37 +0000 immabeetoo 597569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjazz: I wish I had helpful input but my LO is only 16 lbs/3months. I will say I struggle with the torso length and have read becos are better for short folks (I'm 5"2). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597565 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:14:00 +0000 mrsjazz 597565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@scg00387: I have a Beco Gemini and I love it, but I'm looking for something with a bit of a longer body for LO and that goes up to a higher weight. Also, something that may be a little more lightweight.</p> <p>I saw the Ergo in action up and close and it seemed really great. My Beco has been great but as LO gets bigger it's been giving me some lower back pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597522 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:04:10 +0000 immabeetoo 597522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjazz: I do! It took a bit to get LO used to it but I like it. I have a hand me down ergo but haven't tried it yet so can't compare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-597448 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:44:57 +0000 mrsjazz 597448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone here have the Boba 3G? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-595511 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:08:34 +0000 travelgirl1 595511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: As someone whose baby has hip dysplasia, I cannot recommend the Ergo enough. It's the only one we could find that kept A's hips in the optimal position. The Bjorn does not do this, although some others do. I would only use the Ergo with my future babies just in case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-595328 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:43 +0000 Mrs. Twine 595328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oooh-- Comfy Joey is my current favorite ring sling. I had my six year old in it on my hip (48 pounds, just to be silly and show someone that it was strong)! It was totally do-able. So bring on the big babies... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-595113 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:40:46 +0000 aprk 595113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Boba wrap, mostly for home while he's little, and just ordered a Comfy Joey ring sling, which can be used for years. As other folks have said, it's definitely dependent on your body type and your lifestyle for what is the "best" for you.</p> <p>Any chance there is a Babywearing International group near you? They really helped us a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder/page/2#post-595079 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:31:14 +0000 Mrs. Twine 595079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ever read reviews on Amazon-- there will be many 4.5 star products that some people only rated one star. Carriers are so like that. What fits you really well, or your baby, or feels the most comfortable varies. I'm actually in the process of starting a lending library in our area of wraps/slings, etc., because the best way to see what works for you is to try some out. Personally, I'm a Ring Sling/wrap combo-type-person; ring sling for quick ins/outs, and wraps for when she'll be up there for the long haul. When she was smaller &lt;6 mos it was pretty much exclusively wrap. She would often nurse/sleep in it and I wore one every hour of the day I was awake. They are expensive, but if you find the one that's right for you and your baby it will become your best friend! Feel free to message me if you want more ideas, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594989 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:06:49 +0000 littlebittyhouse 594989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have 3 carriers:</p> <p>Moby: I loved this when he was little. It was snug and he felt secure. The moby was really how I survived those first few weeks. There is a learning curve but once you get it down it is really quick. I also liked that I could put it on before I left the house and 'pop' him into it when we got to our destination. Around 5 months he got too wiggly and I quit using it. </p> <p>Girasol Woven Wrap: I switched to this after the moby. It is similar in the way that it is a long wrap but because it is woven there is less 'give' - I like the versitility of this - I can wear him front, hip, back. There is a learning curve here too but now that we are in a groove this is my go to carrier.</p> <p>Ergo: I started using this when he was about 2 mo old without the insert. We rolled up a blanket in the bottom so that he fit properly. He was born in June so the insert would have roasted us both. DH uses this more than I do but we both really love it. It is a bit bulky and I don't like the fact that I can't put it on before I leave the house. I find it easier to wear him on my back to get things done of he is in the ergo because for me I feel like the carrier gets in the way a bit. It is really great for when you know you're going to be wearing for a few hours - super comfy.</p> <p>A friend of mine swore by the K'tan but I think you have to be spot on about the sizing to get a good fit. </p> <p>I think a lot of it has to do with your wants/needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594928 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:51:32 +0000 ladyfingers 594928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also love the boba 3G I'm always surprised it doesn't get more love. DS has been in it since birth at 7 lbs, it's very secure a d can hold newborns without a hot, cumbersome insert. You just have to rethread the waist straps so they face opposite directions from how they are originally (then rethread again when LO is bigger). But it's super easy. Easy to get on - buckle around the waist, slip in shoulder straps, buckle behind neck, slip baby in the front, facing you.</p> <p>It is over $100 but will be good for a while so you get a lot of mileage out of it. You can't do forward facing out in it but that position isn't good for you or baby anyway. You can do backpack carry when they're older so they can have visibility that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594856 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:31:19 +0000 rrachael 594856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I realize that you probably don't live in San Diego ... but we have an awesome resource here run by baby wearing mamas. They actually run a "library" where you can check out different carriers until you find what works for you. I'm sure it's not the only one of it's kind. Maybe look if there's one in your area too? <a href="http://www.babywearingsandiego.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.babywearingsandiego.org/</a></p> <p>ETA ~ I'm not affiliated with the group ... I just think it's cool! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594599 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:18:07 +0000 birdofafeather 594599@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the boba 3G and love it. You can use it from infancy to well into toddlerhood. No need for an infant insert and it comes with foot holds for when they get bigger. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594570 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:11:13 +0000 Mrs. Pen 594570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: I recommended paxbaby too! Oh and good call on babywearing group. Actually my local LLL has a babywearing info session. So does my local cloth diapering store. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594567 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:09:58 +0000 Mrs.B 594567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Haha yes she is a big girl. She is already in 12 month clothing and some 18 month! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594564 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:09:41 +0000 Weagle 594564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>PaxBaby has a great carrier rental program! And I absolutely recommend trying to find a babywearing group in your area. Part of the meetings are explaining, trying on, and troubleshooting various carriers. FWIW, we have an Ergo, Beco Butterfly II, Babyhawk Mei Tai, and a Sleeping Baby Productions RS. The Beco is my favorite and the Mei Tai my least favorite. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594521 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:01:01 +0000 Mrs. Chalk 594521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: It's so confusing, right? I feel like I have spent many many hours researching the different kinds of carriers, but in the end, you will have the best luck if you're able to try them on yourself. QuirkyBaby has a rental program, as well as a generous return policy (quirkybaby.com), and the owner is really really helpful over email. I was considering purchasing a ring sling, and she even offered to do a Skype session with me to help me figure it out. </p> <p>I do love our Babyhawk Mei Tai. We also have the Beco Gemini, which I will use more when Eloise is a little older. I know it can be used with newborns, but I find the mei tai to be a little snugglier when they are little. I like it for all of the reasons that Mrs. Pen mentioned, as well as the fact that the straps are just straps - so I can fold it up and my husband can pick it up and put it on without having to adjust anything. They also come in a ton of fun patterns. I've worn Eloise in it for up to two hours and still been totally comfortable. Granted, she is still only about twelve pounds or so, but I do find it to be pretty supportive. I also like that it has a little built-in headrest; she can fall asleep and not have her head flopping around. Oh! Also, it folds up nice and small and can easily be thrown in the wash. Very easy to put on by yourself as well (although we are still in the front-carry only stage.... I can't speak to back carries.)</p> <p>The Beco Gemini is also a good one, and I second (again!) all of the points about it that Mrs. Pen mentioned. It's well worth the price. I went back and forth about whether to buy the Beco or the Ergo. I've never heard anything but good things about the Ergo, but the Beco felt a little trimmer to me, which I liked.</p> <p>Loads of people also love ring slings, especially for the newborn stage and again once they are able to hold their heads up and want to do more of a hip carry. I borrowed one from a neighbor with Owen, and it was not for me. It is an easy on/off option, but I really didn't like having the weight only on one shoulder.</p> <p>I love the idea of the Moby, but just found it to be way too much fabric for me. Even though I got how to do it, I just was annoyed every time I had to put it on. </p> <p>Good luck! I would definitely suggest looking into a rental/loaner program so you can try them on yourself. Another option would be to find a babywearing group near you and go to a meeting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594499 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:56:01 +0000 anbanan15 594499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: You can try them and send back! Check out the rental program at Paxbaby! <a href="http://shop.paxbaby.com/sling-exchange/" rel="nofollow">http://shop.paxbaby.com/sling-exchange/</a> A few other places also offer rental programs.</p> <p>Of the carriers I've tried a prefer the Moby when little and the Ergo when bigger. I also like my wrap conversion ring sling (made from a woven wrap) for easy up and downs or nursing. I have a wrap conversion mei tai with a ring sling waist on the way but haven't tried it in real life. I've had some woven wraps which are similar to a moby but have no real weight limit and wrapped slightly different. I liked them but don't have the time to wrap them while out and about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594461 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:46:16 +0000 Mrs. Pen 594461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.B: omg 17 lbs 4 month old?!?!?! gahh!!! My 12 mos old is only 19 lbs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594433 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:38:22 +0000 Mrs. Stroller 594433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tried LOTS and use my Ergo the most. However, I wish I had the Beco Gemini because it does everything the Ergo does AND does an outward facing carry. Outward facing isn't good for them and it's only feasible when they're under 12-15lbs -ish because of the strain it puts on your back. Little M just loved to face outward when he was really small.</p> <p>ETA: At 14m I still use the Ergo every day when we take the dog for a walk and use it for hiking too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594432 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:37:19 +0000 Mrs.B 594432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought a used Ergo. It cost me $70 so it wasn't very expensive. I love it so much I may order a new one because I do not like the print of mine. I recommend the Ergo hands down. I can wear my 17lb 4 month olds for hours and not be uncomfortable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594421 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:34:27 +0000 loveisstrange 594421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Yeah, but stretchy fabric carriers aren't really that great past that weight because they stretch out and can come loose when you're using them. After C reached that size, it became very uncomfortable and a hassle to wear. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594411 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:31:21 +0000 Mrs. Pen 594411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: not entirely true. I still wear my 12 mos old in the moby! I actually like it more now that he's bigger. It goes up to 35 lbs.</p> <p>Alright I have so many baby carriers and tried a ton!!</p> <p><b>Baby Bjorn:</b><br /> Not a fan. at all. Firstly for the hip development issues they can cause, and secondly because the design doesn't distribute the weight very well and can cause a lot of pain to you.</p> <p><b>Beco Gemini:</b><br /> LOVE. IT. I wasn't as much a fan while DS was a newborn - and he wasn't either, but once he was about 15 lbs he started to appreciate it. The nice thing is that you don't need an inset like the ergo, and there are snaps to make it fit a smaller baby better. You can use this as early as 5 lbs! I love the versatility of this one. Starting at 6 months, you can use the beco on your back as well. If DS is cranky while I'm trying to throw dinner together, I throw him on my back. It's also great if we're going for walks where strollers are hard to maneuver. For awhile, we also always brought it with even in the stroller just in case DS got cranky/clingy. Though once he hit 7-8 months he liked the stroller a lot more. You can also wear this on your hip, and front facing out or in (facing out isn't recommended for more than ten minutes at a time for the same hip issues as well). Definitely worth the $130!!!</p> <p><b>Maya RS (ring sling):</b><br /> This is probably one of the cheapest - because you can get an off brand (like on etsy) that is essentially the same. Though I would recommend making sure it has a padded shoulder..</p> <p>This is so comfortable and so easy! It's a lot easier to get on/off than any of my other baby carriers. It works amazing for a newborn because it keeps them really close and snug, but also for a toddler. I still love wearing DS in this one! You can do back carries with this too but I haven't mastered it - it's more difficult. You can do hip carries though. I have one friend who still carries her three year old in her RS!</p> <p><b> Moby: </b><br /> you're right - it's a lot of fabric and can be cumbersome. Personally I LOVED it. I took the time to watch a few youtube videos and that really helped - there is a definite learning curve. The downside was that it could get really warm. However it was a lifesaver for me as it was the only way DS would nap away from home! </p> <p><b>Babyhawk Mei Tei: </b><br /> My sister has this one and it's the only one she has and uses. She LOVES it. She carries her toddler mostly on her back now, though they started out using it front carry facing in at first. She says baby wearing saved her life - she does all her cooking/cleaning with her baby on her! He was especially clingy and needy. She said it's so comfortable, even with her 25 lb kid! And the Babyhawk is less than $100.</p> <p>Check out paxbaby - she sells baby carriers and helps moms find the right one for them. She also has a baby carrier loaning system so you can try different carriers.</p> <p>Good luck with your decision! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594391 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:23:58 +0000 lawbee11 594391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's an awesome comparison chart: <a href="http://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-best-baby-holder#post-594354 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:11:43 +0000 Freckles 594354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use the Ergo and love it. On a recent international trip, i had my 20lb LO strapped to me for about 10 hours. I know that's not the best situation for LO or myself, but i was able to do it comfortably. It's also great in hot weather because you don't have all of that extra material which could heat up the baby.</p> <p>If i had to do it again, i'd probably buy a wrap (moby or blue celery) when LO was a NB because i did not like using the infant insert. </p>