Being Savvy When Buying a Baby Carrier!

Miles in an ErgoBaby Carrier

When you are a new Mum you are bombarded with things you need to buy, the latest fancy gadgets, the best stroller/carseat, cloth/disposable and many more things. It really makes it easier if you have someone to guide you through the process. Because, yes there are things you need, but the things you don't trumps the need.

One of the things a new Mum will always need is a baby carrier, even if this is their second child and they got through the first fine without one (now you have a toddler/child to chase while holding a baby). I went through the first two weeks without a baby carrier and man, looking back it would have been so much easier with one.

If you have read this blog before, you know my sister and I love woven wraps, but you don't need to go down that route if you don't want to. So it would be handy for you to connect with your local babywearing community and ask questions, feel, try on, borrow a carrier before you buy. This will prevent spending money unnecessarily, by buying carries that don't work for you.

So, if you are local to Victoria you will find us here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/victoria.babywearers/

If you are somewhere else, post here and ask if there is a local community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/377237985638946/

Or if you just want an online community (you can also find local groups here too)
http://www.thebabywearer.com/

Miles in a SleepWrap

From experience, nothing works quite as nice as a stretchy for newborns.
This post gives a little more detail about stretchy wraps:
 http://momawraps.blogspot.ca/2013/02/types-of-carriers-part-3.html

The convenient thing about stretchies is most local store carry them, or some version of one, but the local stores also provide lots of choice. I am going to provide some links to local stores that are great resources for babywearing (this is going to be in Victoria), but I am going to include some National (Canada) and International companies that will rock your socks for variation, quality and customer service.

A good place to start if you are wanting to buy new is Mothering Touch, they have a good variety of carriers and very helpful staff. They also provide great drop-in classes, Mom-Babe groups and prenatal classes. I have had the pleasure of taking advantage of all they have to offer and think this great community resource kept me sane in the first year.
But back to carriers, Mothering Touch has SSC (soft structured carriers) like Ergo, Beco and Boba, stretchy wraps, pouch and ring slings. They have everything short of woven wraps, but it is a great place to start. They even have a weighted doll to try out carriers with, I suggest (if you are still pregnant) go try one before your belly gets too big.
http://www.motheringtouch.ca/

Jamtots is another local company that carries baby carriers, they have a selection of different types. I don't make it out to Westshore often, but the times I have they have been great there! The staff is eager to help new, expecting and seasoned Mums find what works best!
http://www.jamtots.com/

AbbySprouts an online store turned brick and mortar, has a quaint shop that carries some babywearing items, but not just carriers, babylegs, hats and Padraigs (the best baby/toddler boot out there) as well. Check this store out if you want personal one on one service.
http://www.abbysprouts.com/

If you are willing to branch out and go online, there are some local business that offer baby carriers that go beyond the big names. Here are some great local stores!

http://oscargonewild.ca/

http://continuum-family.com/
http://abernathynaturals.ca/

Miles in Oscha Starry Night Vespers (woven wrap)

As for national stores, there are lots out there, but I am going to link you a couple!

Birdies Room is a great resource for Woven Wraps, it is know worldwide and has a great reputation. 

http://www.birdiesroom.com/

Tadpoles and Butterflies is a great place too, they have everything you could want, plus they also are the founders of the Canadian Babywearing School, so very knowledgeable.

http://www.thatbabywearingstore.ca/Baby-Carriers_c_2871.html

If you can't find what you are looking for at any of these great business, or you are international, here are some awesome stores!

http://www.marsupial-mamas.com/
http://www.cariboubaby.com/
http://www.wearababy.com/shop

And if you would like to buy used, here are some great swaps!

Local to Vancouver Island
https://www.facebook.com/groups/180549145407208/
Canadian Swap
https://www.facebook.com/groups/253106198097799/
International Swap
https://www.facebook.com/groups/196221090408274/
Thebabywearer.com Swap
http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?63-For-Sale-Or-Trade