Hellobee Boards

@macintosh: I know that you can use ring slings for newborns and he could definitely put it on/off without help. You would definitely have to help him get baby in/out and tighten it/loosen it for him because that takes two hands. I had a ring sling when LO was a newborn but personally I could never get her in there in a way that felt secure to me so I didn't really use it until LO was a few months old (although now it is my fav!).

Although I'm sort of wondering if he is going to be just sitting if you could/should maybe look into alternate "carries" with the ring sling that are maybe looser and would not be appropriate for standing/walking but maybe would be as an aid to just holding the baby in a seated position. If you have a local baby wearing group I would really recommend going to a meeting and talking to a leader there. They usually have weighted dolls to practice with and they could probably talk you through the safety precautions to be used with any sort of wrap/sling/carrier and things to watch out for if you're using "alternate" type carries to just assist him in holding your LO!

We have a toddler Tula (they also make baby Tulas) and I find it very easy to get on and off and it's pretty comfortable to sit with LO, but I didn't start using it until he was a toddler so I can't speak to that factor for the baby Tula.

Is there anywhere locally you can try out carriers? The Tula has two buckles, I think you'll have to help him get it on and off, but it's very easy. The toddler Tula is really adjustable and LO has had sippies and stuff while in it.

@macintosh: I used a moby when lo was tiny but indont think it would be a good option in your case. The ktan is similar but easier to get on and off, might be worth trying out.

Just wanted to point out you cannot use a regular ergo facing out. There is the ergo 360, or Beco gemini, which both have front facing out options, if that's important to you (I have a beco and love it but use it primarily walking outside. I can sit with her in it but it's not the most comfortable ever. Then again my LO is 28 months old now).

@macintosh: My mind immediately went to ring-slings. There's some flexibility with positioning (so you don't have to hold them just one way), you could use one comfortably sitting down, they are easier to adjust, and it would be easier to get baby out of a ring sling versus, say, a wrap. It might be nice for him to try one out if you are able to find a group near you--depending on the specifics of his mobility he might be able to adjust it on his own, or he might need some help. There's an awesome "headrest" trick you can do with a ring sling for more newborn head support:

If your only issue with the ergo is the infant insert, check out the beco gemini. No insert required! Maybe try a peanut shell sling. If it's mainly for extra security while DH is sitting with her that could work. I dont personally love them for doing a lot of moving around in them.

We loved our Moby but it doesn't meet your first criteria of easy on. But DH was able to learn how to do it in his own!

I think a ring sling would be great! We used it for DD2 daily for the first couple months and it kept my hands free to do other stuff. We had her strapped up high so I had no trouble sitting down with the carrier on. A moby or other type of stretchy wrap is another great option.

i've only used a ring sling with a toddler, but i am definitely going to use it for baby #2 when he is a newborn. there is a small learning curve (like with any carrier, but not nearly as much as a wrap), it's relatively easy in and out, and probably the least intrusive in terms of sitting down (the ergo belt is quite wide, as you know).

@macintosh: So just curious, is his other arm ok?

I was amazed this year to see a mom at our breastfeeding group that only has one arm (well I guess she had the upper portion of her other arm). She was able to get the baby out of the car seat, lift the newborn up with one hand and get into position to nurse. You may be surprised what your husband may be able to do without a carrier!