Something for a 30# 3 yo?

[marimara]

I gave away all my baby carriers since we aren't having any more kids and today at a festival I ended having to carry my 30lb. 3.5 year old (and a backpack) for about 15 minutes and it just about broke my back. Is there something cheap recommended for carrying her occasionally? Considering I won't be carrying her very often, needs to be small and stashable, easy on/off, and cheap. Is there something I can make? (I have a sewing machine and fabric).

I've used in the past: pouches and mei tais, but she's too big for both now.

What about Scootababy? I like the idea of it. She likes to be up, then down, then up...

[lifeguard]

I recently purchased a piece of material that I am going to finish up the edges to make a wrap. I figure that will pack small at the bottom of a bag for just in case moments as ds starts to walk more & more & I don't want to carry the ergo (which I find bulky in a bag).

But I haven't tested this theory as far as ease of use just yet.

[meco]

I would also suggest a wrap. The issue would be choosing the right fabric. Woven wraps are made of a material with a diagonal, cross weave so I would look for something similar if you want to DIY. Or you could use heavy gauze. I have heard of people using osnaburg fabric.

This woman posted about making her own wrap:
http://www.inhabitots.com/2009/01/27...baby-carriers/

And there was a thread on TBW about making your own:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/s...d.php?t=376337

Or you could make a Mei Tai:
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/asian.html
http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/mei-tai-carrier.html

And a list of other DIY options:
http://www.pookababy.com/101/myo.html
You could make a pouch or ring sling

[Adasmommy]

I used a rebozo a ton for my dd when she was 2, 3 and 4 years old. It's a short woven wrap, three and a half meters or so, and I'd almost always use it in a rucksack tied under the bottom. Super fast up and down, and I tied it around my waist when she wasn't up.

Another good rebozo back carry is a Reinforced Rear Rebozo Rucksack (RRRR).

But you could also use it for front/hip carries by tying a slip knot and using it as a sling.

I bet you could find a cheap one used.