Manduca or ergo

[zinher]

I have been looking at different carriers for my baby. She is 5 weeks now and still quite tiny (6lbs). She dsnt like to be put down at all so I have narrowed my search to these two carriers.

The local sling library is too far from me and I dnt have a car so can't try before I buy. I am leaning towards the ergo as I can order it from JL and return it in store if I dnt get on with it. I have heard it's too hot for baby. Will it be ok for UK summers?

The reason I want the manduca is because it seems more ergonomic. But I dnt like ordering from websites and find it a hassle to return stuff.

Basically I want to know if they are equally ergonomic or is one more so than the other? Sorry for the rambling post and than you.

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

May I ask your criteria? Both carriers have a minimum weight of 7lb so I wouldn't actually recommend either just yet. neither of them is likely to be ideal while your baby is so tiny and you will likely need the newborn insert in both for a while (which is also what can make them quite hot). There is then an awkward phase around 3 months where the baby is too big for the insert but doesn't yet have the head control to go in without.

Both are often recommended as an ergonomic means of carrying bigger babies and will certainly last you into toddlerhood, but your baby may seeem a bit lost in each for a while.

Mothercare sell manduca so you could do a click and collect to try one in store as you plan with the Ergo at JL. But with a very small baby I'd use a stretchy wrap now and move to a ssc around six months.

[KatAndKit]

Try a close caboo while your baby is too tiny for the other carriers. They are comfortable and easy to learn to use. You can probably buy one in mother care or john lewis if you aren't keen on internet shopping.

I would choose a manduca rather than an ergo once she is bigger. Partly because i think they look nicer, but also the body is longer than on the ergo so it will last longer.

[Spindelina]

I got a Manduca because you don't need a fleecy newborn insert - there's an extra built-in popper bit which keeps a small one in. I second getting a stretchy for a littlun - I had one from birth - but it was used All The Time so I got the Manduca for when the stretchy was in the wash and gradually used Manduca more and stretchy less as she got older.

Other than that the insert, the main difference is the straps. Ergo's are curved; Manduca's are straight. Manduca's you can cross behind you; Ergo's are often preferred by the larger-busted.

And I wish my Manduca had a pocket but I am too lazy to sew one on.

[BeattieBow]

I found the Ergo too big for a newborn (even with an insert). I had a baby connecta sling that I really liked - it still fits my dd now and she is 22 months!

It's the same shape as the manduca and ergo, but smaller. There is a toddler version of the connecta for when the baby gets bigger. I personally preferred it to stretchy slings, but everyone has different preferences.

[zinher]

I want something that isn't too complicated so the design of the ergo and manduca appeals to me. The wraps really confuse and daunt. Thank you for the store recommendations. Will see if I can get to them to try. I am very large busted. Currently 32F. Will that create problem with the manduca? Is there any store which stocks the connecta? The website seems to be out of stock of most of the designs.

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

OK. I still wouldn't go for either one as I'd be concerned about carrying your baby safely while she is so small. I agree with KatandKit - John Lewis sell the close caboo which is lovely and soft like a stretchy wrap but without the need for complex wrapping.

[Isisizzie]

I would go for a close caboo as well. Then onto a manduca when bigger. You can buy both from Mothercare so easy to return better than just a website.

[Isisizzie]

Just looked on Mothercare they do an Ergo as well and have got an offer of 15 percent off when 100 pound is spent so you could get a bargain.

[Doodleoinkquack]

I clicked this thread thinking it was a baby name thread, interested to see the replies . I was thinking 'neither'.

Sorry, as you were. I wish I had bought a sling for my DD.

(And congrats on the snuggly tiny baby!)

[pootlebug]

I run a sling library, and really like both the Manduca and Ergo, but not for such a tiny baby. I think the lower weight limit on them are 7-8lb so you wouldn't be able to use it yet.

If you really can't cope with the idea of a stretchy wrap, I'd think about the Close Caboo. They had some in TK Maxx recently I believe - don't know if there are any still left.

If you really really want buckles, the Beco Gemini is easier to use for smaller babies because it doesn't require an insert. But it's from I think 7lb7 or similar.

[pootlebug]

Are you near a Babywearing Consultant? You would need to pay for a consultation but could save you an expensive mistake in carrier buying.
You can put your postcode in here to find if anyone is local. www.babywearing.co.uk/localsupport/