Carriers, and wraps, and slings... oh my!

When it comes to carrying baby, sometimes your arms just wont do!  I used a carrier when I went for neighborhood walks in the winter (too cold for baby to be alone in the stroller), or when I had a second kid to push in the stroller.  Another great time to use a carrier is when the terrain doesn't allow for a stroller like on a hike.  I personally don't recommend carrying a little baby non-stop around the house or when they're sleeping unless you plan to keep up the practice for the next 18 years.

I have reviewed a few carriers for when the need arises...

Ergobaby Sport Baby Carrier

The "Ergobaby Sport Baby Carrier" is lightweight, pretty easy to load baby into, and can be used "from birth" when the baby is only 7 pounds.  This carrier is very comfortable with a little baby facing you while wearing it on the front.  When my baby got bigger, I wanted to wear him on the front but facing out and this carrier is not designed to do that.  Although this carrier can be used with a child up to 45 pounds, I don't know how to get baby in it when wearing it as a backpack if you're alone. I feel like it was grown out of really fast; especially for the price!  Retail price: $115

BABYBJoRN Active Cotton Mix Baby Carrier

First of all, the "active" in the name of this carrier refers to the added lumbar support for the parent.  The original BabyBijorn just has a crossed back.  This carrier is VERY comfy and supportive.  It's easy to get baby in, and you don't feel like baby is flopping around or that you need to keep your hand on him.  I loved this carrier in the winter but the extra back support is extra sweaty in summer.  I like that baby can face in when they're little and need head support and they can face out when they're older and want to see what's going on during your walk.  The biggest downside to this carrier is the price, but maybe you get what you pay for.  If I was an avid baby-wearer, the investment would be worth it.  Retail price: $130

Fleurville 3-Position Comfort Carrier

This is the carrier I actually decided on for my baby... the price was right!  This carrier can be worn on the front with baby facing you or out, and it can be worn back-pack style (those are the "3-positions").  The most disappointing thing about this carrier was how long it took my son to grow into it.  I couldn't use it until he was about 3 months old.  This is not the manufacturer's fault though, it just took him that long to get to the minimum weight; maybe this is why I didn't turn into the baby carrying type.  Anyway, this carrier does its job and works for both my husband and I.  The only thing that could be improved upon is its stability.  Even when you tighten the shoulder straps, it still feels like baby is leaning way out and "flopping around".  I liked it much better when I would wear a coat and zip it up over the carrier.  Like the Ergobaby, I have not used this wearing it backpack style because I just don't know how I'd load baby that way.  Retail price: $30

Seven Everyday Sling

I acquired this sling from a promo code for a free sling (just pay shipping) which was actually legit.  The "Seven Sling" is not adjustable or stretchy so it comes in several sizes.  You need to measure yourself to make sure you get the correct size.  I like this sling because I can easily fit it into my diaper bag in case I'm in a situation where I need to hold my son for an extended period of time.  They also have trendy fabrics, and my husband really likes the fit of this sling!  There are three ways to wear this sling but I only had luck with the hip carry position.  My son was too big to fit inside the sling even though he was younger and smaller than the suggested hip carry size.  This could have been my fault for not getting a big enough size (my chest took up most of the space that was supposed to be for him).  This sling is a really simple, easy idea and a great price.  The back support is limited.  Retail price: $48 (but there are always promo codes)

Baby money saving tips!

Remember, eBay and Amazon are your friends when buying baby stuff. Never pay full price for anything! If you don't like something and can't return it (like some diapers I've tried) sell them on eBay! Cloth diapers are soooo easy to resell and you rarely lose money.

If you "like" a company on Facebook such as Diaper Safari or Thanks Mama they frequently post coupon codes. You can also search coupon codes for any store on google.

Of course breast feeding gives you free food but if you have to or want to use formula, you can sign up with Similac, Enfamil, and Gerber (basically you're selling your email address to them so use one you don't mind getting junk at) and they'll send you $5 off coupons in the mail every month or two.

Babies R Us usually has deals if you buy diapers, wipes, and formula in bulk.

Target has a huge baby clearence in July and January before they put all the new stuff out. You can get big items like swings, high chairs, car seats, and strollers at 50% off or more!

Buy solid foods for your baby that aren't marketed as baby food. Examples are bananas, avocado, natural/no sugar added applesauce, 100% canned pumpkin (not pie mix), Cheerios, etc. It is also really easy to cook a bag of frozen veggies in the microwave then throw them in a blender.

For clothes, think ahead and buy clearance items for next year. Carters and Kohls often have baby clothes on sale along with coupons you can use in addition to the sale.

Review of "Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Stack & Roll Cups"

I bought this toy when my son was about 6 months.  He was a preemie so he goes to developmental assessments at 4, 12, and 24 months adjusted age.  He did really well and they recommended getting him something he could hold and pass back and forth between his hands.  They also used a little ball like the yellow one in this set while they were assessing him so I thought it looked great.

He is almost 11 months now and this is still his favorite toy.  He can chew on the pieces, bang them on things, crawl around with them, push them away and chase them, and when he's older he can stack them.  Our older niece (seen above) loved this toy too.  It's so inexpensive and simple! No music or flashing lights but definitely a favorite; we take a couple in the diaper bag everywhere we go too :)