When I found out I was pregnant with Nolan, one of the first things we did was head to BuyBuyBaby to look at everything baby-related. I was barely five weeks along, and we were still coming to terms with the huge life change ahead. While we were ecstatic to be expecting, we were also terrified by the realization that our lives were about to change in every way—financially, physically, and emotionally. It wasn’t just going to be Collin, me, and our pups anymore. To help ease the stress of it all, we found comfort in simply browsing baby items. That first night at BuyBuyBaby, I snapped a picture of Collin trying on a baby carrier, just for fun. Little did I know at the time how significant baby-wearing would become.

The concept of baby-wearing turned out to be vast and, surprisingly, a bit polarizing. There are so many variations of carriers, each with different price points. Some parents swear by baby-wearing, while others find that their babies simply don’t take to it. Since we had no idea how Nolan would respond, we decided to keep things simple and registered for a basic buckle carrier recommended by Amazon.

Fast forward to after Nolan’s arrival on June 17th—I was deep in the throes of postpartum, completely in love with him and wanting him close to me at all times. It felt like he could never be close enough for comfort, especially when we were out in public. That’s when I started researching how other moms handled this, and I found the baby-wearing community. Eagerly, I pulled out the basic carrier from our registry and tried it on. It was a complete disaster. The carrier was way too large for Nolan, and the straps, buckles, and sections made it overly complicated. Instead of offering me the comfort and mental support I was looking for, it only caused more stress.

I had seen influencers on TikTok rave about the Artipoppe baby carrier for over a year. They were gorgeous, but the price was outrageous—the cheapest option was just under $400. I couldn’t fathom how a baby carrier could be worth that kind of money. But they did look easy to use and elegant. Then, in June 2023, I stumbled upon a post in one of the many Facebook groups I had joined. A mom raved about how much she loved her Artipoppe carrier, and that brought back all the memories of seeing the product praised online. Maybe it wasn’t so overpriced after all if it could solve my stress and help me keep Nolan close.

That post sent me into a hyper-focused research mode, trying to find the best and safest option for baby-wearing. Most recommendations pointed to soft wraps like the Solly Wrap. My mom ordered me the MomCozy wrap from Amazon, but it felt too loose for my liking. I wanted something more structured. That’s when I discovered the Wildbird carrier. It had a thick waistband, large buckle, and crisscrossed padded straps—similar to the Artipoppe but at about half the price. After scouring TikTok for reviews, I found many moms comparing the two carriers. While some reviews seemed like paid collaborations, there were plenty of smaller creators with fewer than 1,000 followers sharing their thoughts. Most agreed that both options were comfortable, offered great back support, and were easy to use. However, I was surprised by how many people preferred the Artipoppe, despite the price.

Maybe it was the postpartum anxiety and shifting hormones, but after all that research, I decided to take the plunge. I found a coupon code that knocked off a bit of the price, making the purchase somewhat more bearable. If I was going to invest in an expensive carrier, I figured I might as well get the one I truly wanted. And if it didn’t work out, the resale market for Artipoppe carriers was strong, so it seemed like a safe investment.

Shipping was remarkably fast, and just two days later, my Artipoppe carrier arrived. I chose the “Zorro” style, a black linen blend with a subtle design. As beautiful as some of the lighter fabrics and patterns were, I couldn’t handle the risk of a blowout ruining something so expensive. The dark, neutral color seemed like the most practical option. When I opened the package, I found a beautifully designed box with a welcome note, the forward-facing insert, and the carrier neatly folded inside.

As soon as I put it on, I was hooked. It was so simple—just three buckles and a few pulls to tighten the straps. Nolan fit snugly and comfortably inside, and he immediately fell asleep. For the first time since he was born, I felt a sense of calm. I could finally get things done around the house without sacrificing baby cuddles. Nolan sat high enough on my chest that his head rested at my collarbone, exactly where they say babies should be for you to kiss the top of their head without strain. It was perfect.

To say that I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of the Artipoppe is an understatement. Nolan is now over 15 months old, and we still use it. It’s been a lifesaver during our travels, grocery runs, and even at baseball games. And since the carrier expands at all the buckle points, Collin can wear it too.

In hindsight, I probably would have loved the Wildbird carrier just as much. The Artipoppe wasn’t a necessity for my baby-wearing success over the past year. In fact, since then, MomCozy has released an even more affordable option with the same structure and support, priced around $50. Some moms have even snagged it for as low as $20 with promo codes or on resale sites like Facebook Marketplace.

Looking back, baby-wearing wasn’t just about finding the perfect carrier—it became a way to feel close to Nolan during those precious early months. Whether it was a pricey Artipoppe or a budget-friendly alternative, what mattered most was the connection I felt with him. The journey taught me that every mom’s path is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s about finding what makes you feel confident and supported as you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood. For me, baby-wearing was more than convenience—it was a bonding experience, a source of comfort, and a tool that helped me feel more capable in this wild, wonderful chapter of life.