Do I need to spend £££ on a carrier?
Essentially no, you don't need get the most premium thing out there. In carrier world more money doesn't equate to best, and what's best for me might not be the best for you! And after trying a few expensive brands some definitely feel more premium for a reason in my opinion, especially when it comes to buckle carriers. With handwovens I'd say it's a bit different.
Currently one of the most premium buckle carriers is Artipoppe. Not many sling library's have these to hire due to expense!
Is it the best? Well that depends on you! If you must have a specific Artipoppe print, like the branding or want to make a bit of a statement with your carrier and are happy with the following pointers then by all means get one! The Artipoppe really only carries in one position well / most comfortably (front - inward facing), the brand isn't megga plus size friendly, they fit baby's best from around 8-12, poss later depending on size of baby (though say from newborn in their labelling??!), simply because the narrowest base setting is too wide for scrunched up newborn legs, and the panel height isnt the most adjustable either, on the upper limit I'd say fit is to around 18m.
After wearing one myself it I would say it felt quite comfortable, and the fabric seemed good quality – however, ive tried other less expensive brands with very similar, or better comfort levels. Also my short torso with their rather deep waistband this isn't exactly a match made in heaven! The waistband although sturdy was not diggy feeling. You can back carry with the Artipoppe, but you will need something (like an accessory clip) to secure the carry on the front, as you don't want the shoulder straps being in danger of slipping off.
Generally speaking I feel that if you are spending above £150 on an infant carrier things then tend to be about style over functionality.
In my opinion a very lovely, popular and comparable buckle carrier to the Artipoppe that I tend to show customers considering a premium buckle is the Lenny Lamb Light starting from about £100rrp, (yes this could still be considered fairly expensive, but when you consider cost-per day of wearing with up to around 18m/2yrs in longevity (depending on size), then actually it's a good investment, esepcially when you think in comparison how much people spend on strollers! This amount is also much more afforable than a brand new Artipoppe. Currently you won't find many Lenny Lamb Light's preloved, as this is a fairly new model, and people are hanging onto them, because of their quality. As with most Lenny Lamb Products, even when you do get preloved items, you don't tend to get too much of a bargain because of demand. In terms of features the Lenny Lamb Light is simple, but far more adjustable in minimum width, and height - I have fit 4 week old baby in one. I will say though in the earliest of weeks you often can't beat the comfort of a full fabric sling (stretchy, ring sling, woven, or v mouldable mehdai). The straps of the Lenny Lamb Light are possibly a bit more padded but you can cross them at the back, plus you have the option to have them in H formation as well. Positions: Now this carrier doesn't offer front-facing as a position (more on why I'm not the biggest fan of this carrying style in a different post later) but you can hip or back carry with the Lenny Lamb Light quite comfortably. And although you can, I wouldn't actually use an Artipoppe to outward face baby - the front panel around baby's face just seems way to gapey, even once you've used the additional piece to get the main panel narrower for baby's legs. Remember we want our baby held tightly against us, to reduce risk of slumping, and keep that chin-off-chest. The fabric on the Artipoppe is lovely, but the Lenny Lamb Light is available in so many beautiful prints - I don't actually think the images do them justice! I always get so many compliments with their products. From dinosaur patterns, to lovely floral designs to match your personality, they even have some linen options for more breathableness in the summer. The Lenny Lamb brand also has a very positive relationship with consultants, which is always why I'm happy to promote them too. They are a Polish brand, so although this adds to delivery costs, delivery is still fairly quick. I currently can dropship Lenny Lamb products to Little One Snug customers (if you hire or book a 1:1) via my consusltancy account, once delivery is added to the displayed price (around £15-19 depending on the product ordered) I can get you around 10% off, and can sell on NOVA prints even more affordably.
If you are on more of a budget than the two carriers I've cross referenced above my first step is suggesting to customers reputable preloved brands to shop for, they might sell for 'cheap' now because the model is slightly older now, or not as popular in the UK as some examples. Even with the preloved market I'd still recommend trying before buying - my carrier hire starts at £7 a week with no appointment!