Best thing for 21lb 10mo, back carry and exercise?

[InMediasRes]

I would love to be able to wear my DD on my back to go for walks, or to do stuff around the house. She never took to a front carry in the moby, so I'm not sure how she'd even like carrier like a mei tai or ergo, but I think something like that is my best bet.

Right now she ONLY likes the maya wrap in the infant carry with her legs still frogged. I have no idea how her feet are not falling asleep in there, but she won't be carried any other way. She is definitely way too big for that carry, and for my maya in general (it's not that comfy for me anymore) and I'm not even sure it's that safe. I wish I had a structured carrier to try out first.

Suggestions?

[junipervt]

I have an Ergo & a Beco & I really like both of them. Both are not too hard to get on your back (beco is a little easier) & comfy for longish periods of time.

[lifeguard]

The store I got my ergo from will let you test them out - maybe there is a place close to you that will do the same?

[GoGoGirl]

I have a 21 lb 10 month old too.

I like different carriers for different things. The ergo is nice for exercising--I put DD on my back in it and walk up and down the stairs in our apartment building when I want to work out. I like how it feels for working out. It distributes the baby's weight really well to your hips. And since it's DH's carrier, I don't mind getting it sweaty!

I definitely prefer a mei tai or woven wrap for in the house back carries because you can do high back carries with them. DD likes to be high enough on my back to see over my shoulder. In the ergo, she's stuck looking at the middle of my back. She tolerates staring at my back if we're on the move but gets fussy if we're standing still and she can't see what I'm doing. DD's weight is distributed differently in the mei tai or the woven than in the ergo (more on my torso and shoulders, less on my hips) but it's still comfortable for me.

Of course, you won't really know what your DD likes until you try it. If you can't find a place to try things on before you buy them, is there a babywearing group in your area? And if you end up with a carrier that doesn't work for you, you could try to resell it on thebabywearer.com's FSOT forums.

[almadianna]

another MT or wrap lover here. High back carries are wonderful.

[InMediasRes]

Help! I can't decide!

So I'm stuck deciding between an Ergo and a Babyhawk. I just can't make up my mind. Anyone want to make it up for me?

I like that the ergo seems fast and easy to do, which means DH wouldn't be opposed to using it. I don't like that it seems a lot bulkier than a mei tai, and I'm not sure about how snuggly it fits. When I look at the pictures, the MT just looks like it has more adjustability.

Is the high back carry what everyone uses the most?

I can't help also that the MT just looks prettier.

And, I do want it for exercise, but I will more likely be using it around the house most of the time. I also want it for when we go on hikes and such this summer.

[GoGoGirl]

Yeah, MTs are way prettier.

I do almost exclusively high back carries...the only time I low back carry is while I'm working out. And you can't do a high back carry with an Ergo. The baby is just stuck staring at your back. But who knows, maybe your DD would be ok with that? I know some babies are--just not mine! So in that sense, I think a mei tai is more adjustable.

But I do think you're more likely to get your DH to wear an Ergo. For me, the backpack-y-ness is a drawback, but it's reassuring to my DH. My DH has never once put on the mei tai, but wears the Ergo at least a couple times a week. Really though, once you know how to use a MT it's just as fast as an Ergo. You'd just have to be able to convince him to try!

It sounds to me like you might prefer a MT, but maybe your DH would rather an Ergo. Who will be wearing the baby more? You, right? So I'd just go with what you want. Either way, if it doesn't work out you can resell it!

[ann_of_loxley]

I really like my MTs. I have some buckle tais but I find they are not as comfortable as they are not as versatile...you can only clip and tighten in the places offered. With a MT, you are limited by buckles. Sure - they can be a bit more fiddly at first but I was able to chuck my son on my back at the age of 2 (35lbs) in a matter of 2 mintues no problem! lol Its something you both get used to.

Now...there are so many MTs out there! lol

Is she likely to fall asleep in it? - Get one with a hood!

If not - don't worry about the hood!

I always suggest longer top straps too so you can do a lexi twist which just lifts their weight a bit more and I find more comfy as I also like to cross the straps in front (I never got on with 'rucksack' style - I like crossing my straps).

My all time fab MT is a 'Beansling' MT. They have a website and are she makes really pretty MTs and you can even get very specific about little things you want if you don't mind paying a bit more.

[lindsayjean]

My DH has worn both our kids in our babyhawk mei tei before. I love woven wraps the best for the adjustability. I like the high back carries- when I see kids in back carries with the ergo they always seem so low to me. I'm relatively new to wrapping- I guess I never intentionally wrap high, just where it makes sense for him to be

[fawnanddoe]

I have a 22lb 6.5 month old and the only thing that has been comfy to me is my ERGO. I love it! I also have trouble with my left shoulder from a surgery I had a few months ago but the ERGO is so comfy that I can wear DS for hours.