Another "which carrier" thread!

[justKate]

Here's the situation. We have a bjorn and a ring sling. DD is almost 8 months and 15 lbs. She is VERY active and high needs. She's fussy in the evenings when she gets sleepy, so I carry her a lot and let her be involved in whatever I'm doing. As she's getting bigger, the only position she'll tolerate in the RS is the hip carry (otherwise she stands up). I don't feel like I have as much movement in it as I'd like, because that arm is always smacking her in the head it's hard to reach into the fridge/closet/whatever.

I dislike the bjorn b/c of the dangly legs--it's not cozy. When she's fussy I'd like her to be tummy to tummy with legs supported, ideally. I'm considering either an Ergo or a Babyhawk, because I like the idea of support over both shoulders. Is the Babyhawk hard to use?

I'm not looking at wraps so much because it took me a long time to figure out the RS, and I want something that's easy-in easy-out so that I can also use it for popping in to stores. I need to be able to put it on and baby in without any help, in a parking lot, in the rain, when I'm running five minutes late.

What do you all think would best suit our needs? Thanks for your help!

[ledzepplon]

I have an Ergo and a Babyhawk. I love the Babyhawk, it was my fav carrier, until I got the Ergo.

The Ergo is just more comfortable over long periods of time for me. I still really like my Babyhawk, but the Ergo has become my go-to carrier. I do have a very large (HEAVY!) baby, so that influences my preference. And I have a bad back, so the really sturdy support around the waist is better for me with the Ergo. But I still think the Babyhawk is cuter!

HTH!

[Drummer's Wife]

I also have both a Babyhawk (well, toddlerhawk) and Ergo and while I like them both just fine, I much prefer the Ergo and use it almost exclusively at this point (though, DS is 2.5 yo).

I have a bad neck/back and I can definitely use the ergo for longer periods of time than the babyhawk - or another mei tai.

[justKate]

Is the Ergo bulky? Some of the photos I see make it look really big. I'm not small--5'6'' and 140 lbs., so it shouldn't be a problem anyway I guess.

Would there be a downside to buying one used off of eBay?

[Kutie.Pie]

Just something to look at, I've been researching the Boba carrier (http://www.sleepywrap.com/index.php?page=boba) and I'm actually very impressed with it so far. It looks like it's a mix of the ergo and a mei tai carrier. I haven't tried it personally, but I plan to when DS is old enough and ready for it. From what I can tell, they're just out on the market and still a brand new product. I was going to see if anyone on here has tried them yet. Good luck with finding the right carrier for you! =)

[ElaynesMom]

I have an Ergo and I find it very comfortable with my 26 mo dd. I also have 2 mei tais (though not Babyhawks), but I use them far less because I don't find them quite as comfy for really long periods and they aren't as easy for me for times when she wants up and down often because of the long straps. A mei tai isn't hard to use in my opinion, but if you will be putting it on in the parking lot remember that the straps can often drag on the ground because they are so long, though this doesn't bother everyone. Have fun choosing

[HarperRose]

Originally Posted by justKate

Is the Ergo bulky? Some of the photos I see make it look really big. I'm not small--5'6'' and 140 lbs., so it shouldn't be a problem anyway I guess.

Would there be a downside to buying one used off of eBay?

Not at all bulky. I am NOT a person who handles bulk well, so wraps are out for me. I love the Ergo.

Totally get one off ebay!

[ledzepplon]

Originally Posted by justKate

Is the Ergo bulky? Some of the photos I see make it look really big. I'm not small--5'6'' and 140 lbs., so it shouldn't be a problem anyway I guess.

Would there be a downside to buying one used off of eBay?

I'm about the same size as you and I don't find it at all bulky. And I live in an area where we regularly get temps over 100 in the summer, and it was not too hot to wear. I think it might look a little bulky in pictures because the hood is kind of scrunchy, but the fabric as pretty lightweight. It's very est to grab and go. The Babyhawk has all these long straps, and you kind of have to wrap up it all up in a ball to transport it, unless you shove it in a bag or something.

Please don't think I'm knocking Babyhawks, though, because I do love mine and I get so many compliments on the cute fabric when I wear it.

I can't imagine a serious downside to getting a used one in good condition. Mine is a cranberry colored organic cotton one, and I did get some fading in the shoulder strap where my little guy would chew and suck from time to time. So maybe just ask if there is any cosmetic thing like that you should know about.

[nextcommercial]

I worship my Babyhawk.

Mine is SUPER old. It's the old style, just a rectangle shape without the headrest. I love that thing!!

I prefer back carry. Especially at 15 lbs. The babies seem to prefer that too. (daycare kids)

My babyhawk has been through about six kids, and is still looking good.

[bugleg]

I've been on the fence about an Ergo...we have a Bjorn, which the little one likes but isn't very comfortable...and we have a Kelty backpack carrier, which the little one likes and is good, but bulky. Maybe time to add one more to the baby-carrier-industrial complex.

[HarperRose]

Originally Posted by bugleg

I've been on the fence about an Ergo...we have a Bjorn, which the little one likes but isn't very comfortable...and we have a Kelty backpack carrier, which the little one likes and is good, but bulky. Maybe time to add one more to the baby-carrier-industrial complex.

I was on the fence about an Ergo for 9 years. I finally bought one and can NOT believe I was on the fence for so long!!! I should have bought it 9 yrs ago!

[bugleg]

Originally Posted by HarperRose

I was on the fence about an Ergo for 9 years. I finally bought one and can NOT believe I was on the fence for so long!!! I should have bought it 9 yrs ago!

Thanks for the push! I'm going to get an ergo--long flight coming up and the Bjorn just isn't doing it for me.

[Blueone]

I plan on getting a Mei Tai from here: http://twomommasdesigns.com/

I can't wait and hear wonderful things about it for all ages. The Ergo does look nice as does the babyhawk but I couldn't afford it. We had been using the Moby, but he's getting a bit too big for that. The babyhawk might take some getting used to when using since you have to tie it and the baby on. If you want an easier one, try the ergo. But if you want one similar one to the babyhawk there is a buckle version on that site.