[Stardusties]

DD is 3.5 weeks old and basically a dream baby. She sleeps well, eats like a horse and is generally very settled and calm. However we have a period of around 4hrs in the mornings (6-10am or so) where she is clingy, unsettled and just wants to be held.

This poses a slight problem, being that I need hands to be able to get things ready for the day, which I prefer to do before the rest of the house wakes up. Usually I'll do the washing if it needs it, sterilize her bottles and express for a few day feeds. That's not even counting everything that she needs (nappy change, clothes etc.) or some of the things I need to function (coffee, breakfast etc.).

Now I've got no problems at all holding her, but I'm thinking a sling or carrier of some sort would satisfy her need to be held while allowing me to do the morning jobs. So hit me up with your favourites! I've got no idea where to even start looking, so any and all help is appreciated!

Cheers

[Tulipa]

I heard that the ergo carrier and manduca carriers are very good. Too many people seem to complain about back/shoulder pain from the baby Bjorn. In the end I went with the manduca as it comes with a newborn insert already and (apparently) is slightly shorter in the torso, which suits my height but is supposedly still ok for taller people like my husband. Having said all that, I haven't actually had a chance to use it yet as my massive 8+ month belly makes it hard to do up. Their website has a lot of info. It's from Germany I think.

[MrsMammaB]

I have an ergo and a hugabub. I highly recommend the hugabub for newborns. It's awesome for settling as they are super snug. It has saved me!
I have recently started using the ergo now that DD is bigger (19 weeks) and its great. You would need to use the newborn insert for the ergo which gets really hot. This is the only thing that put me off.
Also keep in mind that they can't face out later in the ergo. They can go on your back though.

[~squiggle~]

There are LOTS of options. I prefer stretchy wraps for newborns, you can tie it on in the morning and pop bub in and out as need be. There is the Hugabub, Boba wrap, or you can even make your own quite cheaply.
You could look at a SSC like an Ergo, Manduca etc but I don't find them as comfy, especially not for littlies.
If you wanted something that will last from now until school age I would highly recommend a woven wrap. They can be tied in a variety of ways to wear on your front, hip or back and are amazingly comfortable even with an older child.

[Stardusties]

Thanks for the replies, I've got some research to do it seems! I like the idea of a stretchy wrap so I'll be looking at those first.

[frogcal]

Hi SD,
Glad to hear things are going well, my DD also has periods of unsettledness throughout the day. sometimes it is just a matter of picking her up for a few minutes to resettle her before I can put her down again. I have a stretchy sling which is use when I go outside with DS so I have my arms free to grab him, catch the horses etc. I also have an ergo that I used with DS once he was older, didn't like the way he was slumped in it when tiny.
FWIW don't stress so much about the stuff you have to get done - enjoy the cuddles while you can!

[MrsWidget]

I've used a Manduca since DS2 was about 3 weeks old. I love it. I used to cook in it, clean in it and take him everywhere in it. At 7.5 months we still use it all the time.

It's easy to put on and feels very comfortable.

[feliz6]

I also Have a Manduca which has been great for DS. I thought it was going to be really hard to put on but after a couple of practices it's quite easy. I feel like I could wear DS in it all day without becoming sore. I bought mine at a store where they were happy to demonstrate and have me try some on.

[mal'occhio]

I highly recommend the hug-a-bub, it has been invaluable and I've used it everyday since DS was 3 weeks. He's now 13 weeks, and I've just purchased an ergo to start using in a few weeks time.

[SlowLoris]

Hi,

Another vote for the Hug-a-bub! It basically saved my sanity with my newborn who refused to be put down for the entire first 3 months of her life! It was snug and comfy. It takes a bit of practice to tie, but don't let that put you off. I was pretty much able to do it in my sleep. As bubs get heavier, it starts to get uncomfortable. We started using an ergo and a baby bjorn when she was around 5 months old. The ergo was more comfortable for me, but DD didn't life facing inwards and would make a big fuss. the baby bjorn has the option of facing bub either way, which I found super-handy.