Looking for input... which carrier for my big babe?

[lizzylou]

DS is almost 5 months and already 20 lbs. So far we've used the Moby (which I really liked) and a carrier similar to Baby Bjorn. I don't want to use the Bjorn-style carrier anymore, as it's uncomfortable and I'm concerned about him hanging from his crotch.

I'm considering the Ergo, the Beco or the Kozy. I need something that DH will wear and I think he'll be open to any of these. I also need something that won't get too hot in the summer months as we spend a lot of time outdoors.

I like the Ergo because it seems like it would be super comfortable and a no-brainer to use. I am afraid it would get too warm though. The Beco looks comfy and like it might stay a little cooler than the Ergo. Will it be comfortable as DS gets heavier? The Kozy seems kind of like the Beco but without buckles. My concern is the same as the Beco - will it remain comfy?

[pixiepunk]

a SSC (soft structured carrier) like Ergo/Beco/Patapum is probably your best bet. i do love my Kozy and it works great for heavier babies and toddlers, but once they start pushing 30 pounds i find a SSC more supportive, especially for extended wearing like hiking.

i've never had an Ergo, but love my angelpack lx. there are tons of SSC's on the market these days beyond the ergo and beco, so it might be worth a little looking around to see what strikes your fancy. there's an exhaustive SSC comparison thread over at thebabywearer.com in the Choosing and Using Asian style carriers forum that compares them to each other, which is very helpful.

[VOBetz]

I find my mei tai very comfortable for my 27 pound DD. Both of my baby's weight tended to stop growing so exponentially around 5-6 months, so you might want to consider that your LO will stop growing so fast.

My only complaint with the SSC that DH and I have shared is that because they are buckles you have to adjust them every time you wear it after your DH. With a mei tai, because you tie it on - its instantly adjusted between the two of you.

But generally speaking, SSC (like ergos) are more supportive than mei tais. I haven't noticed any difference in my DD getting too hot in our MT vs. our SSC though.

HTH!

[Quirky]

I don't think the regular Ergo is going to be significantly warmer than the Butterfly -- really, IMO, the biggest warmth factor is having a little sweaty body next to yours! There is the new Ergo sport version which is meant to be cooler and is a lighter-weight fabric, and has a ventilation hole.

With a 20 pound 5 month old my vote would be for a SSC of some kind, as I like having baby's weight distributed to my hips.

The big thing between an Ergo and a Butterfly is the internal safety harness of the Butterfly. Some people like it because it takes the fear factor out of back carries, while other people don't like it because it adds another step to the process. Also, if your dh is on the big side, I think he might like the Ergo better, as the Butterfly is cut more narrowly through the shoulders and doesn't fit taller/broader-shouldered people as well as the Ergo does. I can wear either (5'4" and fairly broad shouldered) but my 6' dh loves the Ergo and hates the Beco.

HTH!