by:: lizzie sorensen


You only have two hands. So that being said, what do you do when your infant needs a cuddle but you have laundry to put in the wash, dinner to cook, email to check, or worse yet- a toddler's bottom to wipe on the potty? Yes the last one is something whether you would like to admit it or not you have had to do most likely while you are supposed to be holding your new baby. For me I was actually nursing Elkė at 4 days old when Ruby yelled "WIPE ME". However I won't tell you what I did then. That is another story completely. What I will tell you is that a baby carrier is great anytime any place but especially when you have brought home your second baby and you are chasing after your first. Not to mention the fact that it helps burn calories and get your abdominal muscles back into shape every time you wear your baby!

So let me break it down for you. You need a baby carrier. Question now is- which one? If you can only get one that decision is up to you but here are my honest to goodness opinions on why you may like some of my top picks for this very important purchase. One reader will have a chance to win their very own black PortaMEe baby carrier complete with infant headrest and hooded cape! At $254 value. (see left)


Wrap It Up

A baby wrap, nothing seems more cozy. Honestly The Peanut Shell is the coziest pouch sling that I have ever used. I own at least 4 and have gifted all of my new mom friends with them so when they started making wraps with their trademark micro fleece I had to try one. We love it. I have to say that I had the same fears as before when I had seen wraps, one long piece of fabric. But hey- it does wrap up nice and cozy, and when you aren't using it it rolls up nicely and can be stashed in a diaper tote, or in a stroller basket. No hard fabrics to fold or contort only to have them come springing back up at you. Another bonus- they have an instructional video on YouTube for how to use their products. Great for newborn to toddler, and did I mention it was cozy?

Baby Wrap by The Peanut Shell
use code:: sekund (case sensitive) for 20% off. exp. 4.30.08



Soft Structure With Added Safety Features

If you love the idea of carrying your baby in a soft carrier but have fears about the knots coming un-tied, the baby slipping or just not feeling "right" the designer at Catbird Baby has introduced the Pikkolo just in time. Buckle closures allow you to adjust the fit so that you can cinch baby closer to you. Catbird baby is known for their popular Mei Tai carriers but decided to take it up a notch with a soft structured carrier that has buckle closures and a genius hood (included) that can attached to keep baby protected from the elements. Perfect for carrying baby 8 to 40lbs, front facing, on your hip, on your back, the Pikkolo will be a great investment that you can use for years. Designer Beth Warrell Leistensnider is happy to help with how to get the best out of your carrier and she is a phone call or email away. This personal touch is a huge value.

Pikkolo by Catbird Baby
use code:: SPRINGSTROLL for 15% off. exp. 4.30.08



Ring Sling A Modern Classic

There are different kinds of slings. Some are cotton, some are fleece, some have rings, some do not. The thing about the ring is that it's adjustable. This is a big plus because when you start to wear your baby when she is brand new you may be one size (larger) having just had a baby, a few months later you may find that the "large" sized sling you purchased is now too big and unsafe. Or maybe your child's caregiver likes to wear her in a sling and she is a different size. Well you aren't Mrs. Rockefeller and you can only buy one carrier, and you like a sling but you need it to be adjustable, safe, beautiful and so what is a girl to do? Get a Sakura Bloom. Sakura Bloom is in my opinion the Rolls Royce of ring slings but with good reasoning. They are 1. amazingly well constructed, 2. beautiful, 3. come in a wooden box that will make you gasp when you open it or make you gush when you have gifted it at a baby shower and everyone is looking at you like you ARE Mrs. Rockefeller. An extensive instructional booklet is also included with purchase that shows the many ways to wear baby in your Sakura sling.
In Silk or in Linen the collections are filled with so many color combinations your head will spin. Think bohemian, think island chic. This is Sakura. I can't wait to wear Elkė this summer in our linen ring sling in stone and licorice from the "Hana" collection. Just she and I in the breeze, nice and light in her sling, me in a tank top. Ahhh.

Sakura Bloom
use code:: FREESHIP for free shipping. exp 4.30.08



Not Just A Baby Carrier

So you are carrying the baby but who is carrying everything else? It can be tough to balance wearing a baby and lugging a diaper tote, so for those who like it all right at your finger tips, try the PortaMEe. Wear the baby, the bottle, some diapers, your keys, a wallet and your phone! PortaMEe is limited to a hip carry which doesn't work for everyone but if your baby loves being on the hip and is old enough (5 months+) for this carrying style, than this is the carrier for you. Especially if you are like me, a plain Jane who loves black or brown and that uptown, urban look to my baby gear. PortaMEe leaves no stone unturned on their site and in their print materials that come with each carrier. They detail all of the great features and how to wear your baby safely and get the most out of their product. With the urban look does come a heavier nylon fabric but the carrier has substance and ergonomic support and that is very important. A infant headrest and baby cape are also available for sale. The infant headrest makes it so that you can carry a baby in the PortaMEe as early as 8lbs, or 6 weeks according to their website. Suggested max weight is 35lbs.

PortaMEe
use code:: SEKUND20 for 20% off. exp 4.30.08




Like A Hawk

Baby carriers are a style statement on their own but when you can design your own you really can take pride in the ownership and get excited to sport it all around town. BabyHawk Mei Tai carriers are the classic Asian style which is very popular. How they have taken over the market is all in their, well, marketing. They have a great site, tutorials on how to use their simple carriers and baby wearers everywhere go crazy for their abundance of fabric choices. Mix and match, make the exact carrier you want. Make one with black trim and tattoo fabric for the daddy baby wearer, and soon enough he will be taking the kids off of your hands for a day in the park! Wear baby in the front, wear him in the back, wear them big, wear them small. BabyHawk also offers a gift card and gift registry service which is unique. If you are unsure about designing your own just shop their ready to wear collection. If you need help with how to wear just checkout the video instructions on their site and materials included with your purchase.

Mei Tai by BabyHawk