Not sure where to start with identifying a carrier for a toddler

[HappyHappyMommy]

Hi Mamas,

I'd like to get something for wearing/carrying my toddler, but have no idea where to start. Can anyone suggest some resources?

Thanks in advance!

[sapphire mama]

I LOVE LOVE the Ergo. It is very comfortable and easy to wear. It is great for wearing a toddler too. Check your local area. You may have a baby wearers group that may be able to help you try on different types of carriers. I hear that the Beco is like the Ergo but I have no experience with a Beco. Hope that helps! Good luck.

[MamaKickyPants]

We have an Ergo and I've been using it a lot for my DS (26 lbs, 32", 18mos) but I fond it too short in the body. I've ordered and Olives and Applesauce and I'm so excited for it to get here! I recomend checking out thebabywearer they have whole forums on wearing your toddler. I'd say the best options are a soft structured carrier with a well structured waist-band, a 'toddler' mei tai, again, with lots of waist support, or a woven wrap.

[Drummer's Wife]

Yup, very happy w/my ergo for my 2.5 yo (and I have quite a variety of carriers). It's the most comfy for me.

[HappyHappyMommy]

Thank you so much Mamas! I really appreciate this and will be posting in my tribe to see about a babywearing group or place to try out some carriers.

From what I saw, it looks like there are multiple types of Ergos. Any that you think are especially good for toddlers? I'm also going to check out the Beco and the Olives and Applesauce and the site that MamaKickyPants recommended.

Thanks again!

[GAjenn]

http://www.quirkybaby.com/

I was able to do an email consultation with Jane from this web site. AWESOME!!! I will hopefully be able to purchase from her after Christmas.

[HappyHappyMommy]

Thank you!

[Southern_Belle]

Originally Posted by MamaKickyPants

We have an Ergo and I've been using it a lot for my DS (26 lbs, 32", 18mos) but I fond it too short in the body. I've ordered and Olives and Applesauce and I'm so excited for it to get here! I recomend checking out thebabywearer they have whole forums on wearing your toddler. I'd say the best options are a soft structured carrier with a well structured waist-band, a 'toddler' mei tai, again, with lots of waist support, or a woven wrap.

This is my issue right now as well. I want to keep wearing my little one (13.5 mo old), but the body is too short. She leans back (no matter how "deep" I get her in the carrier) which throws off my balance, and actually defeats the purpose of carrying her. I'll have to look into your suggestion as I really don't want to break down and get a stroller, but something has to give!!

[SpunkyMama]

We have an Ergo, several woven wraps in different lengths, a mei tai, and a ring sling. I must say that I prefer the wraps over any of the others for the versatility and comfort.

[thtr4me]

Personally I prefer wrapping my toddler. He is 3 1/2, and just over 30 lbs. I tried SSC's (like the Ergo) but had issues with the structured waist band, and was not able to get the shoulder straps tight enough. My favorite SSC was actually one that is not well know, Nanas Jetpack. It had a tall body that DS could not lean out of, and the shoulder straps adjusted down far enough that I could get it nice and tight. I also have a couple of toddler Mei Tais (MT's) that work well for me. I prefer MT's to SSC's, as they have infinite adjustments, which work much better for my small frame. My favorite MT right now is my Ocah wrap conversion. Any MT with a padded waist will be more supportive than an MT without. There are so many wonderful choices out there. Some good ones are Kindercarry, Bamberoo, NHT (Nurslings Hemp Tie - you can only find them used right now) and Himmel, to name a few.