Multi Position Carrier Recommendation

[candelaria80]

I am in the market for a new multi position carrier. The Ergo doesn't work for me, it just seemed too long, it wasn't comfortable. I am thinking about the Boba or Beco, but I am open to others as well. I have to have a snap not tie and it has to come in a plain fabric so DH can/will use it .

I am 5'4", 125lbs with a short torso.
My DD is pretty small, 20%. Right now, 7.5 months old, 26", 15.4lbs.

If anyone has any recmmendations or opinions I would greatly appreciate them.

[meco]

I'd say the CatBirdBaby Pikkolo with waist belt. It's easy to use, fits a variety of body types well, comes in more plain colors. It crosses in the back, which I personally find more comfortable (most SCCs like the ERGO have backpack straps with a sternum clip). And it also makes the straps fit my narrow shoulders much better. Also, it's the only soft structured carrier you can face your baby out in AFAIK.

When you say the ERGO was too long, you mean it came up too high on your torso? The Beco and Boba both have higher bodies compared to the ERGO. However, I hear that the Beco and Boba tend to fit more petite people much better than the ERGO. They are both trimmer.

I like both the Beco and the Boba, but there are a few differences. The Beco has the baby in a pouch, where there is some fabric between baby and wearer. you can put your baby in the carrier and then put them on your back so it's a nice feature for people who are not so comfortable with back carries. Also, it's good for infants to toddlers. The Boba is 15+ lbs, and it also has the unique feature of removable foot straps.

[Adasmommy]

Wraps are the ultimate multiple position carrier

[chase_mommy]

I am 5'3 and hate our Ergo. Those things are not made for short torsos! DH likes it but never uses it. Anywho, I love our Onbuhimo. Its sort of like a Mei Tai but doesn't have waist straps. Last summer on vacation (she was about 23lbs) I wore her for 2 to 3 hours at a time without any issues. I just have to have her high up on my back. I am wanting to get a wrap though, I have heard *so* many good things about them!

DH and I both can use the Onbu. I wore DD in my front until she got to big, on my back and occasionally on my hip (although its not as convenient as a RS).

[Carhootel]

I cant' do the ergo at all and am loving 2 buckle carriers right now - Olives & Applesauce and Kanga X

[candelaria80]

Originally Posted by meco

I'd say the CatBirdBaby Pikkolo with waist belt. It's easy to use, fits a variety of body types well, comes in more plain colors. It crosses in the back, which I personally find more comfortable (most SCCs like the ERGO have backpack straps with a sternum clip). And it also makes the straps fit my narrow shoulders much better. Also, it's the only soft structured carrier you can face your baby out in AFAIK.

When you say the ERGO was too long, you mean it came up too high on your torso? The Beco and Boba both have higher bodies compared to the ERGO. However, I hear that the Beco and Boba tend to fit more petite people much better than the ERGO. They are both trimmer.

I like both the Beco and the Boba, but there are a few differences. The Beco has the baby in a pouch, where there is some fabric between baby and wearer. you can put your baby in the carrier and then put them on your back so it's a nice feature for people who are not so comfortable with back carries. Also, it's good for infants to toddlers. The Boba is 15+ lbs, and it also has the unique feature of removable foot straps.

Thanks, I don't even think I have seen the CatBirdBaby Pikkolo, I will look into that.

The Ergo was just ill fitting for me. I didn't like how stiff it was and the bottom padded hip or waistband was to long. Also, there just seemed like there was too much fabric. It just seemed too bulky all the way around.

I was leaning towards the Boba, but I like that the back carry is easier in the Beco. I have to admit I am not very good at getting my LO on my back and DH freaked a little when he spotted me. In your opinion is there a large downside to have a piece of fabric between the babe and you? I know when she was very little I loved the Moby because of the skin to skin aspect, is that just as important when they are older?

Thanks and sorry for all of the additional questions, I have about 15 carriers/wraps/slings and I don't want to spend more money without doing research.

[candelaria80]

Originally Posted by Adasmommy

Wraps are the ultimate multiple position carrier

I do love the wraps, especially when she was younger, but they are so hot (at least the Moby is). My DD runs so warm, even skin to skin contact makes her sweat so I cannot imagine using them in the summer. Is there a cooler wrap, one with perforation or something?
Thanks for the input.

*Also, my DD is the squirmiest baby ever, and I cannot get the wrap tight enough. Is there a secret or is it unsafe to wear a spastic baby in one?

[candelaria80]

Originally Posted by chase_mommy

I am 5'3 and hate our Ergo. Those things are not made for short torsos! DH likes it but never uses it. Anywho, I love our Onbuhimo. Its sort of like a Mei Tai but doesn't have waist straps. Last summer on vacation (she was about 23lbs) I wore her for 2 to 3 hours at a time without any issues. I just have to have her high up on my back. I am wanting to get a wrap though, I have heard *so* many good things about them!

DH and I both can use the Onbu. I wore DD in my front until she got to big, on my back and occasionally on my hip (although its not as convenient as a RS).

I agree, and I was so upset because everyone raves about them, I really wanted a good Ergo experience. Oh well!

I have never heard of the Onbuhimo either, it looks like I have a lot more research to do.

[candelaria80]

Originally Posted by Carhootel

I cant' do the ergo at all and am loving 2 buckle carriers right now - Olives & Applesauce and Kanga X

Checking those out as well.
thanks!

[Lauren710]

Originally Posted by candelaria80

I do love the wraps, especially when she was younger, but they are so hot (at least the Moby is). My DD runs so warm, even skin to skin contact makes her sweat so I cannot imagine using them in the summer. Is there a cooler wrap, one with perforation or something?
Thanks for the input.

*Also, my DD is the squirmiest baby ever, and I cannot get the wrap tight enough. Is there a secret or is it unsafe to wear a spastic baby in one?

The Moby is notorious for being really thick and hot, I've never tried one myself. There is a HUGE variety of woven wraps out there in different lengths, many of them are much thinner/cooler. Didymos Goldfish is one of my favorites, breathable and thin but will be supportive enough to carry around my toddler this summer. BBSlen and Vatanai both make great summer wraps too.

Wrapping definitely has a learning curve, there's not really a secret, just takes a lot of practice. YouTube videos were my best friends when learning to wrap. My DD is super squirmy and spastic also, which makes it tougher. I had to force myself to only use wraps for a week or two to get good at it, but they're really all I use now. And once your wrappee gets used to it they generally know to chill out and be still while you wrap them.

I'll get off my wrap soapbox now, LOL.. As far as buckles.. I had an O&A here for a little while and it was awesome. Fit similarly to the Ergo IMO, but was not so heavily padded so was much more comfortable.

[jess5377]

Originally Posted by meco

I'd say the CatBirdBaby Pikkolo with waist belt...[trim]...Also, it's the only soft structured carrier you can face your baby out in AFAIK.

I just heard today that Beco is coming out with a similar design, where you can cinch the front so the baby is facing out. Someone saw it at a trade show.

Also, the Lillebaby structured carrier does a forward-facing carry.

[candelaria80]

Originally Posted by jess5377

I just heard today that Beco is coming out with a similar design, where you can cinch the front so the baby is facing out. Someone saw it at a trade show.

Also, the Lillebaby structured carrier does a forward-facing carry.

I just googled Lillebaby and it looks great. Has anyone tried or heard anything about them?
Thanks!

[jecombs]

Just wanted to add my about the Moby. They can be really hot and the fabric is too saggy, especially for a squirmy baby. Have you thought about a guaze wrap? Much, much cooler and more breathable fabric and it doesn't have the amount of stretch of the Moby, so it will stay put even when LO is squirming. I don't know how crafty you are, but they look easy enough to make yourself (at least I'm going to try it!). I've also heard that the Gypsy Mama Bali Breeze is the ultimate in guaze wraps, but they are pretty pricey. I've seen them used though and they are much more affordable.

[ryan'smom]