Good carrier for 20 lbs babe????

[Debobu]

Hi,

I am looking for recommendations for a comfy carrier for my DS who is almost 9 months and over 20 lbs.

We used a Moby for the firs 6 months and have a Mei tai and an Ergo but he doesn't love either one.

Anyone have experience with a hip carrier such as a Hoslings or other? Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks sooo much!

[MamaPhD]

Hi there,
I'm in the exact same situation. My daughter is 8 mo and 21 lb. I have several carriers and they all have pros and cons. So quick answer is try something other than what you already have, but it's not guaranteed that you will find THE perfect carrier. Keep trying, though...

Baby Bjorn synergy: We got it when baby was 5 mo when regular Baby Bjorn started to hurt my back. Lumbar support really makes a difference! Great for carrying baby facing out when there's things to see, i.e. aquarium. Compared to Ergo, shoulder straps are streamlined but just as strong. But since it only does front carry, it has a limit of 25 lbs. Baby probably will gain 1 lb per month, so if you get it now, you can use it for 5 months - it probably is not worth it, unless you can get a used one cheap.

Hotslings: I was really intrigued by the simplicity this promised. It is pretty good for hip carry and folds super small. But maybe it's me, or maybe it's my baby, but it's not hands free for us. I have to have my left hand on her to stabilize her. But it has its place. I mainly use around the house. Outside, I like to have both my hands free to carry a diaper bag, etc. I got mine used for $7! Definitely wort it. I don't think it's worth it to get it at full price ~$50. Seriously, you can make your own.

Ergo: I was debating getting Ergo and my DH bought it for me this week! Super excited about it. I was afraid baby won't like the split leg position but she actually likes it and was able to fall asleep in it a couple of times already. For me, if baby cannot fall asleep in a carrier, it is no good. Still need to practive hip/back carry, though. I think Ergo has the highest weight capacity I've seen (40 lbs). Have you tried different positions on Ergo?

I use maybe 45% BB, 45% Ergo and 10% Hotslings right now. All in all, I still feel the weight of the baby in each carrier. I'm beginning to think it doesn't matter which carrier you use, if your baby is getting heavier (of course they are!), you will feel it. You just have to keep trying different carriers/positions to minimize discomfort. Also, keep in mind once baby is mobile, they might not like being in a carrier for long periods anyway.

[Lauren710]

Which mei tai do you have? Maybe there's something about it that your son doesn't like? FWIW my DD didn't care for our MTs at first but she came around pretty quickly after I got better at seating her in there and tying high and tight, so you may just need to practice if you've only used them once or twice. They're my favorite type of carrier ATM, so versatile but easier to learn to use than a wrap.

Since you've used a Moby before, maybe a woven wrap would be a good choice? They do have the steepest learning curve but you can do hip, front, and back carries, and many mamas wear their toddlers in woven wraps. FSOT on TheBabyWearer always has tons of carriers for sale, it's been slow recently but you could definitely find a nice woven that's already been broken in for much less than you'd pay for it brand-new. They also have a great community that you could ask for help - I've learned a ton through reading and asking questions both on the BWing board here and TBW.

Did YOU like the Ergo? What about it seemed to bother your DS? Maybe you just need to adjust it differently - I prefer mine adjusted fairly tight in the waist but with the shoulder straps a bit looser than you'd think, it's a very different feel from a MT (and I'd imagine a wrap as well) when I get the sweet spot with the Ergo. I've heard a lot of mamas adjust both the waist and shoulders a bit looser too, the tighter waist is just my preference. And there are SO many different SSCs to try, you and your DS may just prefer another kind.

I have no experience with ring slings or pouches so I can't be of any help there - I'm a two-shoulder-carrier girl.

[limabean]

My DD is 21 pounds and I still find it comfortable to wear her either in a hip carry in the ring sling, or in the Beco (on front or back).

[Drummer's Wife]

I'd get a Beco or Ergo. I can easily carry my 2 yo in both (though, we much prefer the Ergo, ATM).

[caenach]

I was going to ask the same questions as the others did about the Ergo. Have you tried some different carries with it? Because the Ergo is definitely the most friendly on our bodies for long periods of time/hiking/running around in parks/etc. I almost never pick the Ergo for short trips or around-the-house-wearing, but it's so nice for the more serious babywearing adventures!

I LOVE my Gypsymama wrap and find it distributes the weight (DD's about 21 lbs) very well, nearly as well as the Ergo in certain carries. I also like being able to adjust it on the move--for example, being able to pull it up over her head if she's asleep, tuck her legs in if it's raining, etc, etc.

I also like my ringsling for hip carries. I do have to switch sides sometimes if we're doing a longer trip, but it's so convenient and easy to use. I am not a big fan of our Hotsling and haven't used it since DD was about 8 months old. It put just as much weight/stress on my shoulder/hip as the ringsling, but at least I could adjust the ringsling a bit more to get the perfect tightness/security/comfort level for DD and I.

[LianneM]

I've hardly touched another carrier since I got my Ergo (I have a MT, several pouches, and a ring sling). Absolutely love it.

I agree with a pp that a pouch is great and simple, but not 100% hands-free, esp when babe is big enough to lean over when he wants something

[Debobu]

Hi Mamas and thanks for the replies!!!!!

To answer Lauren 710 and Caenach re the Ergo....My DD does not hate it...it is just that he wants to see everything and gets uncomfortable turning his neck form left to right every second so he can see things.....Same with the Mei tai-I have a baby Hawk...

Caenach was talking about he different ways to carry a baby in the ergo...I only know the regular way and back carryng which I have never tried to be honest...it seems like it would be hard to get him in and out by myself?!!!!!!
Are there any other ways?? I got an older Ergo as a hand me down so never got instructions or anything.....
My DH carries him in the Moby facing forward and he seems to like that....but I have a hard time with the Moby...not the easiest carrier for me to use.

If I wanted to try a hip carry, what carriers should I try? Any recommendations?
Thanks Mamas!

[D'sMama]

Get a Scootababy hip carrier!

My DS is also 20+ pounds and we got a Scootababy a few weeks ago. It's now our go-to carrier (and we have an Ergo, Beco, mei tai, woven wraps, ring slings, and pouches, so that's saying something!)

It's a super easy, supportive carrier, with a buckle on the padded waist. It can go on either hip, and the shoulder is broad and fleece and adjustable from both sides. It's one-size. It takes 10 seconds to put on and allows DS to see out better, while still facing me and straddling my hip. He can go arms under or over. I love it so much, and compared to most other carriers, I don't feel his weight as much in it. Oddly, even though it's a hip carrier, he feels very balanced. Most of the weight is put on your hip, not your shoulder or back like in the RS. I'm going to stop now, but I could rave about it for hours!

[MamaPhD]

You can watch instructions on web at ergobabycarrier.com. The back carry is actually pretty easy. It took us 4-5 practices and now we've got it. Hip carry probably gives your baby best view of the world. Also pretty easy once you practice a few times.