Help me pick out a carrier

[HikeMama]

My daughter is 16 months old and about 20 pounds. I am 4'11" and about 100 pounds. I've carried her a lot in my arms and still do. I also used a baby bjorn front carrier until she got too big for it to be comfortable anymore. Between carrying her and holding her hands while she walks, my back hurts. I used to use a balboa baby adjustable sling but it's way too big for me so it only helps a little. For long hikes, I wear a kelty kids hiking backpack carrier. I need something to wear around the house when she needs to be held and I need to get stuff done. I have little money. What should I buy? Can I get it used? Where? Thanks!

[tinyblackdot]

hm....what is your budget?

You could try a sling, and use it for a hip carry. Or you could get a Rebozo wrap and then be able to use it like a sling, or put her on your back.

I cot bot my rebozo and my sling for $10 on a babywearing forum.

[nerdymom]

if you're a coupon clipper, sign up to recieve coupons from fabric stores. A few yards of gauze will make a nice summertime wrap and you can do a variety of carries in it. sleepingbaby.net has info on making and carrying in a gauze wrap, and so does thebabywearer.com

[chase_mommy]

I'm going to suggest a Mei Tai (I have never used a wrap). I do have a ringsling and they are great for quick ups and downs with toddlers but not so great on the shoulder for long periods or times when you need both hands (minus the little ones hands). These are just my personal experience though. Some mommas swear that a ringsling never hurt them with their toddler but I do wear my ringsling correctly and for long periods of time, its a no go for us.

[HikeMama]

I'd say my budget is about $20ish and I have the balboa baby sling to trade. I'm hesitant to get another sling because of the fit. I'm just so small that regular sizes don't usually work. Any other suggestions?

[tinyblackdot]

You could try a ring sling.

Are you measuring yourself before you bought your pouch?

[chase_mommy]

Originally Posted by JamieHornych

I'd say my budget is about $20ish and I have the balboa baby sling to trade. I'm hesitant to get another sling because of the fit. I'm just so small that regular sizes don't usually work. Any other suggestions?

A Mei Tai would fit almost anyone... They are just long straps, to get them to fit isn't that hard. I would think a ringsling would be the same... if you got one of those to big, wouldn't you just have an extra long tail? I would look on the trading post for one of the two, preferably the MT. You could make one of the two under $20 if you have sewing skills.

[HikeMama]

You know, I have never sewn anything, but maybe now is a good time to start. Thanks for all the input.