Guys, I have a newborn baby. And despite the fact that I've had a baby before, I totally forget just how hard the first few months are. Moms of newborns are emotionally up and down, recovering themselves, functioning on little sleep, and still have to be responsible for a tiny human being and possibly a few other slightly larger humans. It's no wonder memories of those first few months get hazy!
But there are a few products out there that I totally believe help me be a better mother, especially during those hard first few months. Investing in a good baby carrier is so worthwhile, and this Nesting Days carrier is a game changer for me!
Disclosure: I was provided with a carrier to review.
Introducing the Nesting Days Carrier!
This is a fabulous newborn baby carrier intended for babies 5 to 18 pounds, which is usually the first three months of life. It has an ingenious design, which allows for hands-free use without bulky straps, buckles or constant adjustments. Your life is hard enough without having to worry about wrapping yards of fabric or tightening lots of straps! The Nesting Days Carrier is super easy to put on, which is a necessity when you have a fussy baby and just want to get things done quickly.
One of the beautiful things is that it doesn't look like your typical baby carrier. Hallelujah! The carrier is built more like a shirt, with a full-back and long length. You step into it like a pair of pants, and then there are two "wings" that go up and over your shoulder, cocooning in the baby at your chest. The side tie doesn't hold the baby, it just allows for hassle-free adjustments as your baby grows.
The stretchy fabric of the carrier lets the weight of your baby distribute all the way around your stomach and back, instead of straining your shoulders. That fabric is perfect for those early postpartum days when your body doesn't feel quite your own yet because it feels like a snug, comforting hug. There are brightly colored "handles" inside so you can easily locate the front and back, even if it didn't get folded up nicely from the last time you stuffed it in your bag.
It's clear this product was designed by a mother! It comes with its own dedicated zipper pouch, just the right size to keep in my diaper bag when we are away from home. I feel more confident taking three kids in public knowing that I have an easy and safe way to hold my baby. I own other carriers, but none of them are small enough or convenient enough to carry in my diaper bag for unexpected use... which means I don't use them. Besides, the Nesting Days carrier is far more comfortable and easy to use than any of my other carriers, so I've used it almost exclusively for the last two months.
I have a beautiful polka dot carrier from the first collection of designs. Black and white dots totally work for me, but I really love the subdued colorways of the current version: all black, black-on-brown, black-on-grey, or black-on-teal. So much baby gear is loud and garrish, and I think solid colors for a carrier are such a nice break from pastels and cartoony motifs. The black is classic and very flattering for a new mom!
The Nesting Days Carrier is priced at $99 (although you can stack two ways to save - pre-order to take $10 off, and then use my $5 off code 'SNAPHAPPYMOM' as well! = $84 !). At first glance, that price might seem steep for a product that has a short time frame. I thought so at first, but then I realized that all baby gear works in combination with a baby's size, so it all has a short time span. Things like swings, bumbo chairs, and bouncers are incredibly useful for the short time when you need them, and the price reflects that usefulness.
This carrier happens to be the most comfortable and highest quality of all the carriers I've ever used, which is a lot by the time you get to three babies. That price is absolutely worth it to me because it lets me mother my baby and still be a mom to my other children too.
Anyone with a newborn will tell you just how hard it is to get things done in those first few weeks. Babies don't really have a schedule, so all those little things that keep your home running suddenly go out the window. Have you ever tried to sweep while holding a baby? Or setting the table with heavy dishes? It's pretty much impossible, let me tell you.
And it's not just household tasks vying for your attention either: what if you have other children? My older children always love the baby, but man, they need a lot of loving attention themselves as they transition to having a new sibling in the house.
The ability to multitask is one of the true beauties of this carrier for me: I can love and comfort and cuddle my baby while still being an attentive and deliberate mother to my other children. Just being close to mom provides a calming effect on my newborn, and if the baby is calm then I feel like I can give focused time and love to my older children as well.
A few weeks after having a baby, we needed to go grocery shopping. Like we really needed actual food, not just a quick stop for milk and bread! The way it worked out, I knew I only had an hour window to shop before a doctor appointment, with kids in tow. I had a list and a plan, and we could do it!
You can guess that I was not the serene mother of three calming walking the aisles. I needed to pay close attention to labels (darn dairy-free diet) and my other kids were not being helpful at all. Of course, the baby started screaming in his car seat and was not going to calm down on his own. We pulled over to the toothpaste aisle, which for future reference, is always deserted. I grabbed the carrier from my bulging diaper bag and popped my red-faced child into it close to me. And just like that, he went to sleep.
It was clear my young baby needed his mama in the store that day, and I was so thankful for the carrier giving me the chance to comfort my baby without having to cut my trip short. I knew my baby was safe and happy because he was right there next to me, which enabled me to focus on my task and be patient with my older children.
(There's a picture from this shopping trip on this post, as well as some more pictures of how awesome it is to be hands-free!)
I love my Nesting Days carrier! It's fabulous for those earliest days when all you really want to do is cuddle your baby and rest yourself. This carrier lets you do the "nesting" you crave, while slowly working back into the rhythm of your other responsibilities as well. It's honestly the best baby carrier I've found for the early months, and I whole-heartily recommend it.
Check out Nesting Days for yourself; it's a beautiful and useful carrier, and totally worthwhile for that newborn stage.
Nesting Days Promo Code
I've arranged to offer my readers a discount code for a Nesting Days Carrier! The promo code is "SNAPHAPPYMOM" and will give you $5 off the price of a carrier! Tell your friends, because this carrier is hands-down awesome!
Also - if you're looking for a free shipping code - Nesting Days doesn't offer free shipping codes to anyone. I checked with the company and that's not something they plan on offering. Instead, they have a pre-order system set up, where you can pre-order for a delayed 4-6 week ship date. You save $10 just by choosing the pre-order option instead of immediate delivery!
This is perfect for pregnant moms; after all, you know your due date, so you have time to pre-order and save. If you need it quickly, you can always buy it at the regular price and it comes on two-day shipping!
How I use it real life.
Being hands-free is awesome, and here are your real-life, un-styled pictures to prove it!
Making cinnamon bread at 10 days old... I love his little eyes just peeking out.
And then french toast for dinner at two months old. Look at the size difference by six weeks!
My view of that cute little head:
Hands-free when I needed to serve dinner to 40 teenagers:
Cranky baby made instantly happy at home:
Shopping for groceries without the older kids:
This next picture matters to me because of what it represents - I know I was calm enough to appreciate my daughter clicking her cream-cheese "camera."
Minutes earlier I would not have taken the time to even notice this moment because my baby was screaming, but once I put him in my carrier the entire mood of the trip changed.
This was one of the first moments I realized that my Nesting Days carrier would let me multi-task and get things done without feeling like I was ignoring my kids. It was a good mom day.
And lastly, this carrier is awesome for photographers! I really appreciate the ability to have my baby close to me and still be able to use my big heavy camera.
I just love this carrier! And I want one of you to have one too! Use code "SNAPHAPPYMOM" to save on your carrier.
Disclosure: I was provided with this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and contents of this post are 100% my own, and I only tell my readers about products I truly love and enjoy.
Margaret Proffitt says
I could borrow yours, but is rather win my own. This looks awesome and I'd love to try it!
Stephanie says
I totally want one of these!! I love that it isn't like some of the other fabric ones that you wrap and tie around you in all sorts of strange ways. This seems easy enough for me to manage. 🙂 And it looks so cozy for the baby.
Becca says
This looks like a great carrier. Wish I would've had one these last couple months!
Elizabeth says
You almost made me cry with your story about the grocery store trip. I've definitely made the emotional connection with this product 🙂 I'd love to have one this time around.
Meg says
Sounds like a pregnant woman talking! 🙂 But really, it brings me so much peace of mind as a mother of more than one child.
Meagan Cook says
This does look really comfortable!
Marsali says
So sweet! He looks so comfy snuggled up next to you!
Jen says
I'll take one! You know why 😉
Jen says
My early months of motherhood tip would be to let people help you, and try to get more sleep in. Everything else can wait!
Michaela says
I'd love a great option before baby is big enough for my Beco!
Jenna O says
I´m looking forward to chance to be close to my little one whenever I want 🙂 And I hope her dad will use it as well!
Melanie F says
Oh this looks like lifesaver for sure & I love the cute polka dot design! My best "motherhood" tip is after you bring that sweet baby home... sleep when baby sleeps!
Elizabeth B says
I've tried a couple different baby carriers but none that I liked. This one looks so comfy and easy (yay for not having a million yards of fabric to try to wrap up!). It would definitely come in handy with #3!
Meg says
Seriously! Yards of fabric is kind of overkill with a newborn I think. Plus, it's just not worth it in the summertime!
anne stewart says
I would love to use this for baby #2!
Stacie says
I want one! And so does baby #3 🙂
Stacie says
I agree with Steph - it looks less complicated than the wrapping ones. And I think I will need a hands-free device with three kids to keep track of.
April says
I think this carrier looks much more simple to use that others I have seen and used...I never knew what to do with the ones you have to tie yourself!
Glad you found another great tool for mommy-hood Megan!
Sarah Davis says
This would be great for when we have baby 4! I've never done baby wearing before but I'm excited to try with my next one.
katie s says
I would love this carrier as I don't have anything for baby wearing for an infant. I feel like baby wearing is going to be essential with this next kid so I can still have time with my oldest.
Meg says
Babywearing becomes more essential with each child I think. Of course you do it for your baby, but I think you also do it for the sake of your other children.
shelleyb says
Best tip for early stage of motherhood, it's tough to follow: Sleep when the baby sleeps
Ashley Tucker says
I look forward to carrying my baby boy who should be here in February.
Pam Epp says
This would make a great Christmas Present for my DD who Just gave me my first grandchild (6 weeks early)
Erin S says
I'm look forward to trying it out because it looks very comfortable.
Crissie Woolard says
To let people help you when ever they offer
Fiona N says
This Nesting Days carrier looks so comfy and safe! I would love to win it for my newborn baby!
Thank You for the chance
Kimberly says
My best tip for the early stages of motherhood is to relax. Babies are more durable than they look and all they really need is you.
Jamie says
I would look forward most to the easy-on and off use! I'm not very skilled with my moby!
Caitlyn says
I like that that carrier looks snug to the body and safe. The sling type always look loose to me.
Stephanie Calvert says
I would love to use this for baby number two. Carrying the first one around was so easy. This second time around, however, I will have an 18-month-old that will want Momma to play.
rachel says
My baby is five months old and how I wish I would've had this! I think it will be so useful for baby #2.
Rachel S says
Easy and hands free baby wearing!
Lori Simpson says
This would definitely be very helpful for my daughter who is about to have her fourth child two of which are twins. I love the way she can cuddle but yet her hands can be free to help the other little ones.
Meg says
This carrier is good for twins too! I know the Nesting Days people can modify it a bit to carry BOTH babies when they're small. How many other carriers can do that? There's pictures on the website, and I know they'd love to help you.
Austin Baroudi says
I'd love to give this to my friend whose having her 3rd in October!
Lauren says
It would be so great to be hands free with baby while also taking care of a toddler
Dawn Monroe says
My tip is to take advantage of help offered and get plenty of rest.
Miranda Welle says
Tip: breastfeeding on demand helps keep an adequate supply. Babies are meant to be held.
This carrier looks awesome! As a mom to 5 with our newest just arriving, carriers have been a huge blessing. However, I'm still searching for that awesome newborn carrier. The nesting days one looks fantastic!!!!
Meg says
I agree- it took awhile for me to find a carrier I like for this age/size, but I'm not looking anymore. Nesting Days is hands-down the best for the first three months!
Anissa says
I look forward to using this because it looks so comfortable for both me and the baby as well as very secure.
Franny Dee says
I'm a FTM and I'm looking forward to watching my little one grow up and the many firsts I get to experience.
Spyk says
I look forward to being able to take the baby on walks around the neighborhood. We like to walk every night if possible, and this carrier would be perfect for the new baby on the way. Thanks!
Franny Dee says
I love that this carrier looks comfortable, easy to use, and keeps baby close to me. Also breastfeeding is much easier that in those bulky carriers. Much more convenient when going to a quick errand or grocery shopping etc.
Angie Ukena says
I look forward to going on walks with my baby with it. It looks pretty easy to use.
Holly Marie says
This looks SUPER-COMFY for both mom and baby! Love this! I would say my number one piece of advice is to remember that you are doing your best... sometimes(maybe a lot of the time) you will feel like your house is not clean enough but all of that can wait. They are only little once.
Samantha Plotkin says
I would love to use this for bambino #1 in January! I plan to wear the baby when doing work around the house so this would be perfect 🙂
deanna says
My best tip is to not stress out. You aren't perfect. Your baby isn't perfect. And that's ok!
jenny pizana says
Trust your instincts.
Nancy says
My best tip is to accept all offers of help when baby is new: meals, laundry, cleaning the house, etc.
kelly says
My daughter is to big for this but my sister is due with her second soon and I'd love to give this to her. She'll have 2u2 and I know she will need it.
Theresa says
I look most forward to being close to my new daughter!
Jennifer Crum says
My best tip: tell other people how they can help you and let them do it.
Laura C. says
It sounds like it would be easy to put on! It certainly would make it a lot easier to get things done around the house and when shopping.
Helga/billsn beaks says
I have a new mommy friend who would love this!
Bethany says
Looks like a great product! I remember my carrier unsnapping with baby three, and barely catching him before he fell. I was afraid to use it after that day. This looks like it would keep "little miss" safe and sound.
megan tilley says
I love this, we have a small six week old who is a high needs baby and it is so hard to get anything done. I love cuddling with her and could use this carrier to get so many things done! This would be such a blessing.
Danielle Royalegacy says
I would have loved to have had something like this when my kids were babies. I could have gotten much more done with my hands free. Now, I would like to get this for my daughter for a future grandchild.
rachel jenkins says
To stay home with new baby as much as possible! 😀
latanya says
I like having my baby close and still being able to do other things around the house.
Edie says
Best advice is to hold them close, because they grow up so fast. Also sleep whenever they do if you can, because there are very few opportunities for sleep when you have a baby. I would love this carrier, looks beautiful and comfortable. And I prefer wearing baby over strollers whenever possible.
Sarah says
I would love this so that I could take care of my family, including the husband. It would be a lot easier to just carry the baby with me! :0)
Rachel Coleman says
Being a mom is awesome! My advice for new moms is to sleep when they sleep.
THRansom says
I like the closeness and how stable the carrier appears to be. It is perfect how close the baby lays on your chest and can be comforted and soothed by listening to your heartbeat.
Wehaf says
I have two tips - take lots of pictures, and sleep when the baby sleeps. 🙂
Sarah says
This carrier looks awesome! Like a stretchy wrap... but better! I'm no stranger to babywearing, so I'm most excited about getting squishy newborn snuggles while wearing, and this would give exceptional help to those snuggles 🙂
Veronica cummings says
My best tip is to sleep when the baby sleeps, that is more important than doing laundry or cleaning.
Chrissy says
I will be a first time mom when my baby boy is born in January!! So I have no tips, but this Nesting Days carrier is exactly what I've been looking for! I would use it every single day so I could hold my baby and have my hands free. Thank you so much for this chance to win!
cassandra says
I look forward to bonding with the closeness and being comfortable at the same time.
Lauren says
Just a question about the carrier since I'm having a baby this August - is it hot? I know basically all carriers are hot but am trying to find a newborn carrier that won't make me and baby girl melt!
Laura says
Hi there! I am debating between this and the baby Ktan which is also a wrap without the wrapping part needed. I'm wondering if you have tried both and could provide a recommendation between the two. Ktan is half the price and comes in a breezy fabric. But I'm willing to spend if it's worth it!
Thanks!
Meg says
I have tried both - and I much prefer Nesting Days. The K'tan must go over your head, and then you have to untangle and adjust it until it lays correctly. The loops of fabric are simple, but sometimes fiddly. It can ONLY be worn on top of other clothing. It took me twice as long to put on the K'tan as the Nesting Days, even though yes, you are correct that there is no wrapping involved with either.
The Nesting Days can be worn in more situations - it's can be worn as a shirt, or on top of other clothing. I really liked that in the early newborn period, because it gave me options and worked no matter what. I also liked the compression feeling it gave me around my middle, since my core was rather out of commission otherwise. Nesting Days can also be pulled up like a skirt, which I found much easier than pulling fabric down and untangling it.
So... I think Nesting Days is worth it the cost!