SSC on a budget?

[Lauren710]

I've been scoping out SSCs for the last few days for my 4.5 month old. I've mostly been looking at used carriers on the trading post here and on TBW but even used, there aren't many that I could afford and very few in husband-friendly colors (DH said he'd try wearing her if we got something that's not girly). As a temporary solution, I found that BabiesRUs has some super cheap carriers (Infantino, for one). Does anyone have any experience with these? DD isn't terribly big, I'd say under 15 lbs still, if that makes any difference; I'd really just want to use it for a month or two while I save up for something nicer.

My other option is to sell or trade my Gypsy Mama wrap to fund an SSC, but I keep telling myself that I'll get the hang of wrapping someday so I'd rather keep it for now

[dachshund mom]

I'm eyeing a Pikkolo myself. $129, yikes. And then what if she doesn't like it?

[tinyblackdot]

Do not buy a carrier from BRU! They are horrible and you will hate it.
Here are some

And here, and she also has layaway.

You could always put up an ISO and put your price range up, but really the $$ you will spend in it will be well worth it.

[maymorales]

If your heart is set on a ssc, I'd try to trade your wrap for a ssc now. post your thread on both TBW and MDC trading post and see what happens.
You can look around for a great deal on clearance items or older models in the mean time. There's a great deal here:
http://quirkybaby.com/item_372/TenTo...-on-River.html
It's a smaller baby friendly carrier. When you do grow out of it, you can trade up for a Beco or Pikkolo or Ergo.
Imo, BRU infantino would be a waste of your money. You wouldn't be able to use that to trade for anything else so it's just dipping into your much needed funds to buy a quality carrier that you can actually enjoy using for months to come.

[MittensKittens]

That action carrier looks neat!

[Lauren710]

Thanks ladies

That hip carrier looks neat, that's how I usually carry DD anyway so she'd probably like it.. it says it's not in stock so I don't know if it was sold already?

The more I think about it, it really just makes the most sense to sell or trade the wrap... whatever I can get for it plus what I'd have to spend for a cheap, uncomfortable carrier will probably get me a decent used carrier that I'll actually like and use and that DH will be willing to try also.

[pixiepunk]

IMO the best bang for your buck is going to be a Patapum. get the baby size for now, though as baby gets taller you might need to upgrade to the toddler size.

there are at least 3 of these languishing on FSOT over a TBW right now in the $35-$45 price range (just search baby patapum in the FSOT forum), and they are super DH friendly as they are solid colors black, khaki or navy. even brand new they're only like $80 which is cheaper than most other SSC's are used. i actually loved my patapum when DD2 was little enough for it(had one also when DS was little), and have thought about saving up for a toddler version. it is one of the most supportive SSC's i've tried (and i've tried quite a few )

[AnnR33]

I was just coming to suggest a Patapum as well. They are basically a scaled down Ergo IMO and just as well made. You can get them in "infant" or "toddler" sizes. They are just solid colors like navy and tan so DH should be happy with that.

I think they run about $75.

[Lauren710]

My best friend came to visit yesterday, I haven't seen her since my wedding and she hadn't met my little one. She gave us some money towards a carrier as a new-baby present, so I don't have to sell the wrap yet and I can spring for a new carrier if I don't find a used one that I like

[MittensKittens]

Do you sew or know anyone that does?

[Lauren710]

I sort of sew.. I have a machine and used to quilt a lot, with a little practice I'd be fine again.

[MittensKittens]

Originally Posted by Lauren710

I sort of sew.. I have a machine and used to quilt a lot, with a little practice I'd be fine again.

I'll link you a great tutorial to make your own - not very difficult. Got the link saved on my other computer, which won't connect to the web right now, I'll post it up once it connects.

[ChetMC]

Butterfly I

I got my Beco Butterfly when they started moving out old stock for the BUtterfly II. i've seen a couple retailers online that have the older style Butterfly for $100 if you aren't fussy about the pattern.

[MittensKittens]

http://diyhoodtoheadrestmeitai.blogs.../tutorial.html

[maymorales]

can you get together with a babywearing group or go to a local boutique to try on some carriers? i imagine you'll be relieved that you skipped the bjorn / snuggli / Infantino.

[Lauren710]

Originally Posted by MittensKittens

http://diyhoodtoheadrestmeitai.blogs.../tutorial.html

Sweet, thanks! I was hoping to find an SSC that would be easy for DH to use but that would also allow me to wear DD on my hip or FFO sometimes, and the only one I've seen that does all of that is the Pikkolo.. if I can make a mei tai and find an SSC that DH will use too, whether it's the Pikkolo or something else, I think that would be ideal.

maymorales, there is a store that's not too far from me where I can try on carriers, I'm planning to go this afternoon to get a better idea of what I want

[MittensKittens]

Oh, and do you know The Baby Wearer? I think they have a trading post too.

[yarngoddess]

I love http://www.thekoreanbaby.blogspot.com for my Chunei carrier(only SSC or carrier that I use).
If that's outside your price range I would start STALKING the FSOT here on MDC, on TheBabyWearer.com/forums and on diaperswappers.com/forum Ebay also has lots of SSC's if you know what you want and a general price that you are comfortable- but the baby wearer is your best bet for getting ANY and ALL carriers!

Blessings!