Does a carrier like this exist?

[mrs.t]

I would like to find a carrier that doesn't make my back and shoulder issues worse. I can't use anything that only goes over one shoulder, so slings are out. I want something in which DS can be worn on the front or back, and that allows him to have arms and legs free (he's not a fan of being all constricted). I have tried a bjorn and it makes my shoulder and back much worse. In addition, I would love to be able to nurse him while he's in the carrier if need be. Finally, I would like to order from a site that has a good return policy because I can't afford to waste money on another carrier that doesn't work for me. HELP!

[LionessMom]

try ergo. i love them. very comfy. and i have back and shoulder issues and fibro. i can nurse in it. wear front and back. but i cant turn to face out.

[P.J.]

Sounds like the Ergo meets all your requirements. I would bet most sites that sell new ones have a return policy.

We love our Ergo.

[Marylizah]

A Beco would work, too. I think there's a new one out that allows outward-facing front carries, as well as inward-facing front and back carries. Super comfortable, prettier than the Ergo, easy to find.

GL!

[mrs.t]

I forgot to mention that I do want him to face out...so maybe I'll try the beco gemini.

[clovergirl]

Originally Posted by mrs.t 

I forgot to mention that I do want him to face out...so maybe I'll try the beco gemini.

If you want the facing out option, the Beco Gemini or Pikkolo are probably your best bets.  That said, the facing out position puts a lot more strain on your back then facing in on your front or a back carry.  The baby's body facing away from you pulls your center of gravity forward and can through your alignment out of whack.  So if you already have back and shoulder problems it may not be the best position for you.  As it is, most people find that once a baby hits about 15+lbs a front facing out carry is very uncomfortable even if they don't have existing back/shoulder issues.

Your baby is definitely old enough for a back carry, so if you would like for them to have a better view of the world that may be a more comfortable option for you then a front facing out position.  You can use any type of soft structured carrier (Ergo, Beco, Boba, Oh Snap, etc.) for a back carry, but if you'd like to do a high back carry (so that baby can see over your shoulder) you may want to consider a mei tai or a woven wrap instead.  Since the SSCs are designed to have their waist strap sit lower, more on the top of your hips then your waist, the baby will sit a bit lower on your back.  With a mei tai you can tie the waist strap anywhere along your waistline and you have numerous options for high back carry variations with a woven wrap.  The woven wraps do have more of a learning curve then the other two, but most people find them incredibly comfortable.

Good luck in your search, mama!

[Mom2M]

I have a Gemini and really love it.  My DD is 23 pounds, 1 year old.  I had never thought to try her facing outward until the other day when there was a question about it on another board so I did it.  Honestly, I was amazed that it was not uncomfortable at all.  I don't know how long I would wear her like that comfortably but I had her front facing for about 20 minutes.  I also have back problems so I'm especially careful with how I wear her.

Another consideration is your frame and height.  I am short and find the Ergo very awkward and bulky.  I had one to start with and could not use it at all so I stuck with wrapping until I got the Gemini.

If you like the Moby wrap you might like a woven wrap a lot, they are much more supportive and perfect for a bigger baby/toddler.  DD1 still begs to get wrapped and she's 5, lol.  I do it once in a while.

[Contrariety]

ERGO!  I got one  a few months ago and now whenever I have to use my Babyhawk mei-tai, it just kills my back.  With the ergo, all DD's weight is supported by my hips, not my back.  love it love it love it!

[Mom2M]

Originally Posted by Contrariety 

ERGO!  I got one  a few months ago and now whenever I have to use my Babyhawk mei-tai, it just kills my back.  With the ergo, all DD's weight is supported by my hips, not my back.  love it love it love it!

I have the same problem with the mei tai :(  I want to love them because some of them are so beautiful,  but I need the structured waist like the beco and the other ones. 

[mrs.t]

double post, sorry.

[mrs.t]

Originally Posted by Mom2M 

I have the same problem with the mei tai :(  I want to love them because some of them are so beautiful,  but I need the structured waist like the beco and the other ones. 

That's what I'm thinking, that structure will be better for me. Plus, it is nice to have the carrier all put together for stuff like the grocery store, rather than trying to wrap a squirmy baby in a parking lot.

[littlemizflava]

i have a pikkilo. it worked well for me. i have back problems and did fine with facing in/out and on my back. i stopped wearing my ds at 2.5 he was 35lb. the thing i found that made it easier on me was to have him in the carrier with tight straps, it was body to body with no gaps.

[valsblondies]

I tried the ergo, beco  and babyhawk oh snap! but returned them all because I LOVE the Boba. Its made for taller babies so you can wear it longer, imo. Everyones body is different, though! Im 5'6" and 145 lbs.  DS3 is currently about 25 pounds, 1 year and 2 months and I can nurse him while walking around which I couldnt do w/ the beco or ergo for some reason.   I have also carried ds2 in it very comfortably on my back - he is 3 years, 39 pounds. I purchased mine from heavenlyhold.

[margarettim]

I mostly use a woven wrap (Didymos) for my 20 pound DD. It distributes her weight evenly, so is gentle on my back or shoulders. It is comfortable for long walks. It takes a while to learn how to tie, but you can do it. My DH mastered it too, after a bit of encouragement and practice. DD likes to have her arms out in a front carry. I use the back carry when she is grumpy and needs to fall asleep. Works a treat.

I occasionaly use Babyhawk mei tai because of its popability - when using public transport or when DD is bundled up in cold weather, but it digs into my neck and I feel her weight much more compared with the woven wrap. So definitely would recomend a woven over a mei tai for comfort both for you and the baby.