Quick carriers/slings?

[StJuniper]

I don't know how many of us around here are still baby wearers, but I'm looking for some advice on something for the new baby. The dilemma is that the only way three car seats fit in our car is with the infant seat in the middle. With the boys as babies, we'd always bring them inside from car trips in their car seat, and let them sleep there, but with the new baby it would not be practical to be lifting the car seat in and out from between the boys seats. So I'm thinking I need some kind of sling/carrier so I can have free hands to wrangle the boys and so baby can sleep at church and such.

It needs to be quick to get on and off, for when I'm out just with the kids. It should be DH-friendly, because as much as I like pretty colourful wraps, I don't want to have exclusive carrying duties. Price isn't *too* much of a concern, because whatever it is will be cheaper than a new car would've been Any suggestions?

[qbm]

I used (and occasionally still do use) a Beco Gemini - it is incredibly easy to get on and off (buckles, not a wrap) and is very comfy to wear. It can be used from birth right up until toddler age. I also lent it to a friend in between babies and when she returned it she bought another one because she and her wee one loved it so much.

[emzit]

Ring slings are fabulous for small bubbas - really quick and easy on and off and very snuggly, and they last ages. Very easily adjustable. I wouldn't be without one for a newbie. I'd recommend looking on bst sites for one, they are great second hand as they're broken in so nice and soft.

[qbm]

I know everyone is different but I just did not get on with a ring sling. I think there's a bit of technique involved so possibly worth trying out first.

[Kitcameron]

My friends just hired a close caboo from the sling library for her little one. Our library doesn't really good offer for newborns so I think it was £20 for 3 months hire but he did say after 3 months she'd probably want something else so better to hire it than buy it.

[Lily]

I used a close caboo with B and it was brilliant for naps, easy to use, but not sure about DH-friendly. Also it was hopeless once she was older than 3 or 4 months as her weight made it sag too quickly.

I'd also advocate a buckle carrier. We have a Manduca but there are plenty of similar ones. It's so quick and easy to put on, great for DH too, and lasts into toddlerhood. Most of them have the option of a newborn insert or configuration, too, though I found the Manduca awkward for the early weeks.

[Pics]

A stretchy wrap is ideal for you ofr the first 6 months as you can have it tied ready to pop the baby in and out of before you get in the car. It is also really secure for chasing toddlers.

[qbm]

^^ Actually, yes, I had a Moby for DD2 rather than using my Beco and it was perfect. Easy to tie on then slip baby in after.

Can't believe I'd forgotten that already!

[lizandimo]

Whilst I did mostly love my Moby, the only one thing I would say is that I found it quite hot to wear in the summer. DD was pretty much too big for it by then, so it didn't matter so much for me. I also had a black one, so that probably didn't help!

[StJuniper]

I have a black Moby but find it not that quick; I think I'll keep it for at home. I got a ring sling when P was born but also didn't really get on with it. I like the look of both the Manduca and the Beco; I found a few used Beco's in my area, so I've put in a few offers. Thanks

[EnigmaFish]

I had a moby, and was going to recommend it for newborns until lizandimo posted that it was quite hot in summer - I'd forgotten that!
DH has a Manduca and he's happy with it. I used it as well when Newt was small, but I just prefer wraps for squishy newborn cuddles.
Another wrap option would be a whrapsody hybrid. They are stretchy enough to pre-tie like a moby, but the fabric is lighter so they wouldn't be too hot in the summer. However, if you found the moby fiddly, you probably won't get on with any wrap. The ability to pre-tie a stretchy wrap, leave it on all day and just pop baby in and out is their biggest selling point.