Baby Wrap vs Carrier. Which is better?

When I was pregnant I wanted every baby item on the market; however, everything added up super quick! If you know me, you know that I like to save a buck anywhere I can. I decided to go to a baby store to try on a few different styles and see which wrap or carrier worked best for me. The wrap is close to $75 and carriers are around $150. They both felt super comfortable and were easy to use. However, as the store associate suggested, you can only really confirm what style best works for you with a baby present. 

After a ton of pondering and researching, I had decided to order a baby wrap very close to my due date - there was a Black Friday Sale! I figured I could use it around the house for naps, especially if Baby L was colicky, plus it would be easier to nurse in, in public. I saw tons of reviews for the Baby Beluga Wrap and LOVED that it was made in Vancouver by a mom -- oh Canada! Right then and there I knew I had to buy it. I chose Hunter Green as green is my fave colour and it was a limited edition colour so I had to act fast. I watched numerous videos on YouTube and read about various wrapping techniques on Pinterest. I figured I was an expert, until the baby arrived...I had no idea what I was doing. Baby L was SO TINY and SO FRAGILE! I was super scared about placing him in my wrap. I actually had my husband help me place him into the wrap before he left for work because I was too scared to use it myself. Eventually, Baby L could hold up his head and I got used to placing him into the wrap easily. I love the wrap because it's machine washable, light-weight and easily foldable. The fabric is super soft too - made out of bamboo.  I wore the wrap a lot while he napped, like at a movie theatre. I could easily use it to cover his head too.

One day, I decided to take Olive for a walk with Baby L in the wrap. That was a horrible idea. I barely made it off our driveway. The wrap clearly indicates to keep one hand on the baby at all times (those wiggly worms can easily fall out). Walking Olive with one hand and keeping the other hand on Baby L was difficult, especially when she pulled. I later decided to look into a baby carrier. Something with back support, straps that fit tight and had hands-free options. Baby L was getting bigger and more curious too. I definitely wanted something he could face forward in as well. I had done tons of research online and asked many of my mom friends as to which ones they recommended. The Baby Bjorn by far was the highest rated and recommended. I waited until there was a sale at West Coast Kids and decided to purchase one.  

I was going on a trip by myself with Baby L and had heard that it is next to impossible to carry a baby, a stroller, a diaper bag AND a purse all by yourself! You obviously need 4 arms. Also, air hostesses can only help you with so much. Nobody helps you hold the baby at security or folding and unfolding the stroller, the car-seat weighs too much with the baby inside and so I decided to invest in a carrier. The Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One was on sale.  I decided to walk around the store with Baby L in it and stayed there until I was 100% comfortable strapping him in all by myself. He was SO happy in it because he was facing forward AND was close to me. He absolutely loves it when I place him in the carrier and walk around outside or at the mall. I really relied on my carrier for when I travelled with him alone by air and numerous dog walks. I keep my carrier in the trunk for quick errands and shopping trips. Carrying Baby L in the car-seat is next to impossible for me! Those things are like 15lbs by themselves. Now that Baby L can sit, I place him straight into the cart while grocery shopping but I definitely used my carrier a lot more than my wrap.

Until Baby L was about 6 months old the wrap was perfect for around the house and naps. Once he became more mobile and wiggly, during long walks and travel, it was not comfortable - especially on my back. Plus in a wrap he couldn't face forward. I am happy that I purchased both. I learned from my own experience. The wrap will definitely come in handy when we have Baby No. 2. He/she can comfortably nap breastfeed on me easily while I entertain Baby L.