Babywearers, give my your opinions

[sassyq]

I was planning on saving some money to buy a new (prettier) woven wrap for the new baby. There is nothing wrong with my woven, I just crave another/more beautiful option. As I ponder, I'm starting to wonder if my money wouldn't be better spent on buying some sort of buckle carrier, since that is the only kind I don't have (I have a woven, a Moby, a mei tai, and a ring sling) I've never tried a buckle carrier, so maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but I do really love the comfort and art of wrapping...
Any opinions?

[snowmoon]

If you have a mei tai and use and enjoy it then I don't think you need a full buckle. I like having a couple of different wovens in different sizes for different carries.

[Dramaphile]

I don't love buckle carriers, and they can be like jeans- you either love a brand or you don't. If you have a local BWI or similar lending library, try one out and make sure you like it, or get it from a store with a good return policy. I had an Rrgo 360 and hated it. I have a meh dai (mei tai) and wovens and a ring sling and love them all for different reasons. Buckle carriers are good for quicker ups and back carries, but I use my meh dai for that instead, so I don't feel like I'm missing out.

If you do get a buckle carrier, get one of the ones that does not need an infant insert. Tula Free to Grow, Ergo Adapt, Soul Anoona, or Lillebaby all don't require them. Infant inserts are a total PITA.

But my vote is for another pretty woven, maybe in a different size than what you already have so you can try different carries.

[sarenu]

I loved my buckle carriers for quick trips. They were a lot easier for the grocery store and shopping. But for extended wear, I loved my wovens.

I think carriers are like clothing, you love or hate each style for different situations.

I'd recommend checking out a BWI to try out buckle carriers or looking at used wovens. The market is down for a lot of carriers and you can even pick-up a regular Tula for $100 or less that's in great condition.

As for inserts, I don't mind that my Tula needs an insert. For the early stages I plan to use wovens, so this really doesn't cause an issue for me.

[mapleme]

I love all the buckles, but wrapping isn't my thing. I just wanted to add that the Boba infant insert is awesome. It's just a little pillow that snaps in under LO's butt. It's kind of like using a rolled up towel, but more secure. And +1 to trying out a SSC before buying it.

[Dramaphile]

Also, your local BWI should have a BST post on their facebook. Babywearing on a Budget on FB also has a ton of carriers listed, all for under $100. Join the group that has over 150,000 members (there is more than one)

[brandiewine11]

I'm all about the buckle carriers. I've decided wrapping is ok for my newbie but I will never wrap when he's bigger. I can use my buckle carriers quickly and easily when out and about. It never hurts to try something new but definitely try before you buy.

I started with an ergo but switched to Tula before my son was 1 because it just wasn't that comfortable and the panel was shorter so didn't feel as secure. I splurged on a wrap conversation bigger size and love it so so much. I can't wait until my tiny guy fits it. It's so incredibly comfortable.

It's all personal preference just like wrapping.

[jnu76]

I freaking love my toddler Tula. I don't care if it looks ridiculous to have an almost 3yo on my back when I'm 5 feet tall- it's so much better than chasing and tantrums.

[baymare]

Sept 1, 2017 14:32:17 GMT -6 jnu76 said:

I freaking love my toddler Tula. I don't care if it looks ridiculous to have an almost 3yo on my back when I'm 5 feet tall- it's so much better than chasing and tantrums.

Tell me about the toddler Tula. We have a Boba, which I like, and we use frequently. J will be 3 in January and hates the stroller. He is small for his age (about 27 pounds) and I am also 5 feet tall. I guess we don't really neeeeeeed a different carrier ... But if there were significant advantages to the toddler Tula, I might be convinced ... I was remarking to a pregnant friend the other day that our SSC was one of our best baby purchases. Not too many items used at 3 months and 3 years lol.

[milano]

Sept 2, 2017 3:49:59 GMT -6 baymare said:

Sept 1, 2017 14:32:17 GMT -6 jnu76 said:

I freaking love my toddler Tula. I don't care if it looks ridiculous to have an almost 3yo on my back when I'm 5 feet tall- it's so much better than chasing and tantrums.

Tell me about the toddler Tula. We have a Boba, which I like, and we use frequently. J will be 3 in January and hates the stroller. He is small for his age (about 27 pounds) and I am also 5 feet tall. I guess we don't really neeeeeeed a different carrier ... But if there were significant advantages to the toddler Tula, I might be convinced ... I was remarking to a pregnant friend the other day that our SSC was one of our best baby purchases. Not too many items used at 3 months and 3 years lol.

I also adore my toddler tula. It's so comfortable! I can carry my 3 year old 40lber very easily (but I'm 5'10). He enjoys it too most of the time.

[brandiewine11]

Sept 2, 2017 3:49:59 GMT -6 baymare said:

Sept 1, 2017 14:32:17 GMT -6 jnu76 said:

I freaking love my toddler Tula. I don't care if it looks ridiculous to have an almost 3yo on my back when I'm 5 feet tall- it's so much better than chasing and tantrums.

Tell me about the toddler Tula. We have a Boba, which I like, and we use frequently. J will be 3 in January and hates the stroller. He is small for his age (about 27 pounds) and I am also 5 feet tall. I guess we don't really neeeeeeed a different carrier ... But if there were significant advantages to the toddler Tula, I might be convinced ... I was remarking to a pregnant friend the other day that our SSC was one of our best baby purchases. Not too many items used at 3 months and 3 years lol.

I don't have a toddler Tula but have a wrap conversion of a brand that fits similarly (Gracie and Sam). I noticed a huge difference in comfort going to a bigger size even when he was 2. I'm 5'2. I can still wear him comfortably at 3 years old. So if you still like to wear him, you might appreciate the upgrade.

[charlotte]

baymare I love my toddler Tula. Unfortunately, my DS stopped cooperating with being worn around the time he turned 2 . Anyhow, I think 27lbs is right around the time that the toddler Tula became a good fit for my DS, so now may be a great time to try it. I think you'd still have a ton of room to grow with it.

[Dramaphile]

baymare Toddler carriers are all about height and leg length, not so much weight. Usually wearing size 2T pants without rolling them up is the benchmark. Unless your 3yo is very short, it's probably a good fit for him. The panel height is also higher, which could be an issue with your height. You may want to try and borrow one before buying to make sure you're not swallowed by it.

[jnu76]

Sept 2, 2017 3:49:59 GMT -6 baymare said:

Sept 1, 2017 14:32:17 GMT -6 jnu76 said:

I freaking love my toddler Tula. I don't care if it looks ridiculous to have an almost 3yo on my back when I'm 5 feet tall- it's so much better than chasing and tantrums.

Tell me about the toddler Tula. We have a Boba, which I like, and we use frequently. J will be 3 in January and hates the stroller. He is small for his age (about 27 pounds) and I am also 5 feet tall. I guess we don't really neeeeeeed a different carrier ... But if there were significant advantages to the toddler Tula, I might be convinced ... I was remarking to a pregnant friend the other day that our SSC was one of our best baby purchases. Not too many items used at 3 months and 3 years lol.

It's more comfortable than my old Ergo, the higher back panel makes her feel much more secure, and at 5 ft tall it fits great. I even used it for real hiking a few times over the summer- we have a backpacking style carrier that my husband loves, but even adjusted as small as it could go it was big, uncomfortable, hard to put on by myself, and made me feel tippy. I was a stroller person, but I almost never use it since getting the Tula.