Back carrier with good 'poppability'?

[mambera]

Hi everybody, I am having trouble deciding on a new carrier.

LO is 5 months old and outgrowing the ring sling. I really need a two-shoulder carrier that can be used for front and back.

I want to be able to get the baby on and off my back easily by myself. Like if I have to do it multiple times a day, it shouldn't be a problem.

I was considering a mei tai but it looks like untying and retying the straps every time would be a PITA.

Also under consideration are the Pikkolo and the Ergo, and possibly a Beco?

Can anybody comment on the ease of in-and-out with each of these carriers?

[Oliver's Mama]

I recently posted a thread here asking about the beco- it is supposedly the easier way for back carries, since it has a built-in child harness, so it's like you're just putting on a backpack with baby already in it. There seemed to be mixed reviews over how useful versus the annoyance level. Others commented about how backwearing is easy with any carrier- just with a bit of practice. I'm going to skip the beco and just do a bit of practicing with the carrier I get.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1157542

[Sk8ermaiden]

I think the Beco is by far the best for easy on and off the back, however, I am sure with practice, a wrap or mei tai could be just as easy. (I have both, but aside from a couple rucks, have not practiced much yet.)

[Quirky]

I'm a huge fan of buckle carriers -- I love the supportiveness and the convenience, especially without having any wrap ends or fabric straps dragging on the ground. A regular SSC (Ergo, Patapum, AngelPack LX, BabyHawk Oh Snap, Olives & Applesauce, etc.) will be very easy if you practice and get the hang of it -- the more you do it the easier it gets. The Beco definitely takes the learning curve out of back carries, but it's not quite as fast since you have to buckle baby into it and then put it on.

[Adasmommy]

I haven't used a buckle carrier, but I don't find it at all annoying to untie and retie the mei tai. I think the mei tai and wrap can both be really fast.

Just like taking shoes on and off--you do it often enough that it takes less than a minute to tie . . .

That said, I think you should trust whatever impression you have about what would work for you. If it looks like you could do it at home, you have a better chance of being able to!

[riverscout]

I hate all the trying and untying with a mei tai. As a mater of fact I just sold a few including a Kozy. Blasphemy, right? But since I got my Ergo when my first child was a baby, they have just been collecting dust.

Anyway, I love my Ergo. I found with just a little bit of practice, back carries were really easy. I waited till my first was over a year but wished I started sooner. With my second I think I started around 5 months. I can get him on and off my back quickly anywhere anytime.

[mylovere123]

i seldom use back carrier for my son,hug him whenever we go outside.
sorry ,i cant help you.

[major_mama11]

I love my Ergo. Very easy to take on/off.

[mambera]

nak

I see a lot of people like the Ergo - can you post your heights?

I feel like a lot of the neg reviews on the Ergo came from short women who found the straps too wide-set. I am 5'3". I like the look of carriers with a chest strap (eg Angelpack LX), or where you can cross the shoulder straps (eg Pikkolo).

Originally Posted by Adasmommy

Just like taking shoes on and off--you do it often enough that it takes less than a minute to tie . . .

Yes... well, on that topic I do not own any shoes with shoelaces because I refuse to waste a minute of my day tying and untying my shoelaces... All of my shoes are slip-ons.

[riverscout]

Originally Posted by mambera

I see a lot of people like the Ergo - can you post your heights?

I feel like a lot of the neg reviews on the Ergo came from short women who found the straps too wide-set. I am 5'3". I like the look of carriers with a chest strap (eg Angelpack LX), or where you can cross the shoulder straps (eg Pikkolo).

I'm 5ft 10in. The Ergo has a chest strap like the Angelpack. It looks like a pretty similar design actually. The Pikkolo looks more adjustable, but I've never actually tried one, so I don't know for sure.

Have you checked around to see if any stores in your area carry the Ergo so you can try it out? I've seen it a couple of small shops here lately.

Originally Posted by mambera

Yes... well, on that topic I do not own any shoes with shoelaces because I refuse to waste a minute of my day tying and untying my shoelaces... All of my shoes are slip-ons.

I can relate. I've got a universal dislike of tying as well and usually wear flip flops or Birks .

[Carhootel]

I think you'll find that any SSC will be fairly easy to get on and off your back quickly. Both the beco and Calyx (another one you may want to check out) have the internal harness which is so helpful for getting them on your back safely when you don't have a lot of experience with it. It's sort of a 'no fail' way of doing it IMO. If you can find a place that has any SSC locally I think that'd be the way to go - try stuff on, see what you like/dislike. Also I'd recommend getting your SSC used - not only are they cheaper and softer than new ones (broken in), but also that way you can resell it and won't lose a lot if you decide it's not for you or that you want to try something else. Good luck! Back carries are such a lifesaver, I use an ergo, a wrap (in a rucksack carry) and a MT for back carries depending on where/how far I'm going.

[finn'smama]

Originally Posted by major_mama11

I love my Ergo. Very easy to take on/off.

[MommaShark]

love my pikkolo!!!!!!!!!! Ergo's straps too bulky
nak