SSC/Buckle Carrier Recommendations for BIG Baby/small Mama.

[crosscat]

The title sums it up! I've heard that Angel Packs are good for petite moms, but before I buy one, I'm wondering if it would work well for my plus-sized baby.

I'm 5'3", 118. She's around 25" and 17 lbs (at 3 months). We're not having much luck with pouches and slings because she's too big for newborn positions, but not quite there yet with neck and trunk control for the older baby positions). I want a way to wear her that is faster to "pop in" and "pop out" than our wrap and MT, so I was thinking a buckle carrier (Ergo or Beco) would be the way to go. Read about the Angel Packs being great for petite mamas, just don't know if it would be a good choice for a big baby...

Your thoughts on *any* brand SSC for our situation are welcomed! This will be the fifth carrier I've bought (so far), and I want to be sure it's something I use since I'm not using the ring sling or pouch.

Well baby's awake, gotta go!

Thanks for your input!!!

[Halfasianmomma]

Ok, this is not from first hand experience, but rather from what I've read on the babywearer board, as well as from the experience of other mamas in my old DDC.

An Ergo would be good for a bigger baby, though as a smaller mama, you may not be able to get the straps tight enough for a back carry. It really depends on the width of your shoulders. There's also a little pouch in the Ergo that can be useful to carry essentials, like keys, money, etc. I tried an Ergo when my DD was much smaller and though it was comfy, I found it a bit bulky.

I've tried a Beco myself, and I'm close to you in terms of measurements: also 5'3, 130 lbs, and my 6 month old DD is 21 lbs....I personally LOVED the Beco, because DD felt really secure and the carrier didn't dig into my shoulders like my BH mei tai does, especially in a back carry..the chest belt also seemed to help keep the straps from slipping. Front carry was also really comfy. Downside to the Beco: there's an insert that needs to be used for the carrier to work...some mamas don't like the extra step of having to put their LOs in the insert (my fussy DD didn't seem to mind tho!)

The AngelPack LX might work well for a small mama/big baby, but there's no sleep hood, which I personally want b/c my DD falls asleep in her mei tai all the time and I end up having to support her head with one of my hands. An alternative to this might be the AngelPack production samples, which have seat darts to ensure deep seating in the carrier. Frogmama has some of those on clearance right now...

If you're ok with spending a bit more, Olives & Applesauce carriers are GORGEOUS, have a sleep hood, chest belt and seem to work really well for petite mamas.

Finally, I've been told that a petite Calyx would work great, but I've yet to try one. It also has an insert, puts more weight on your upper back/shoulders instead of your waist, but doesn't seem to have a sleep hood.

Anyhow, I hope that helps you instead of makes your head ache. Definitely check out the Babywearer and their FSOT forum. Perhaps you can find something second hand so you don't have to pay full price! GL!

[MoonStarFalling]

I always see ten toes click recommended for petite moms. I'm 5'4" and I have large babies and it works well for me.

[tropicalmom]

We didn't get a SSC until DD was older so can't speak to head control but we love our Angel Pack LX. Super comfy! Even DH wears it

[Quirky]

AFAIK, APLXs do have sleeping hoods. At least mine does!

I'd also throw into the mix the Pikkolo by CatBirdBaby, with support belt. The main reason being that it has the cinchable toggle drawstring at the base, which will allow baby to ride with legs out. At 3 months, even though she's bigger, she's still likely in the awkward stage of being too big for legs froggied in but not quite big enough to ride with legs straddled. The cinchable base means that you can narrow it up enough for her to have legs out and be comfortable.

[Drummer's Wife]

I'm similar in size (though a couple inches taller and a few lbs heavier ATM ) I wear my big 21 month old in a Beco Butterfly comfortably. I also have a AMC II that works well, it's just not as pretty and I don't think it would be so good with a 3 month old.

I also love Mei Tai's, specifically the Babyhawk I have. I think in a couple months you will have more options and find bw'ing easier when your little one is a bit older.