please recommend a baby carrier

[pbjmama]

This is for a friend, I'm just not sure what to recommend. Right now she has a strechy wrap, not quite as stretchy as the moby. She is short and short waisted. Her baby is about 5 months old, over 20 lbs and long. I think she needs something that goes over both shoulders and she would prefer to be able to carry him facing out. I think ergo and similar is out of her price range. 

[clovergirl]

That's a tough one.  My first thought was a Pikkolo or Beco Gemini if she is insistent on the facing out carry, but they are both more expensive then the Ergo.  A mei tai (BabyHawk, FreeHand, Mei Tai Baby) would probably be comfortable for her and they are usually less expensive then soft structured carriers, but they don't really allow a facing out carry.  They do offer the option of a high back carry though, which allows the baby to see over the wearer's shoulder.  This is more ergonomic and usually more comfortable for the wearer then a facing out carry. 

If she's willing to buy used she can probably find a mei tai for around $50-60, and a soft structured carrier for $80-90.  Another good option would be a woven wrap, again used she can probably find one for about $75.  A woven wrap she would be able to use for front carries as well as hip and back carries, so basically it would pick up where her stretchy wrap left off.

I hope your friend can find something that works soon. :)

[kmcscott]

I agree with getting a MT, since they run cheaper. But also, she can check out someone like FrogMama that has gently used carriers and maybe she would be able to get a really nice one (like a Gemini or brand-name MT) for a good price. http://www.frogmama.com/catalog.php?category=13

[stellamia]

I second the Gemini! I found one in like new condition for under $100.. What's her budget?

A woven wrap is also a GREAT idea and used ones can run you $60ish. That may be her best bet...

[TiffanyToo]

I would suggest learning back carries and buying a German Style Woven wrap.

[Mom2M]

I totally agree with the Gemini, I'm short too and it fits perfectly, the Ergo was way too bulky for me.  My DD is 23 pounds and has room to grow in it.  I love my wraps but it is so fast to use the Gemini for quick in and out to the store, especially now that it is winter!

[ActiveMa]

Originally Posted by Mom2M 

I totally agree with the Gemini, I'm short too and it fits perfectly, the Ergo was way too bulky for me.  My DD is 23 pounds and has room to grow in it.  I love my wraps but it is so fast to use the Gemini for quick in and out to the store, especially now that it is winter!

I use the Gemini too and it's a great easy solution. I definitely would recommend it!

[MoonMum]

Why not get a mei tai from a Work at home mom? Good quality and affordable. I second that MT's are best, versatility and simplicity. Here are some beautiful mei tai baby carriers.

[TiffanyToo]

Is there a local babywearing group? If so help her get to a meeting. This way she can see the variety of carriers, make an informed decision on what will best meet her needs.

www.thebabywearer.com has a forum of baby wearing groups. Google also has a number of listing for baby wearing groups.

[RiverandJulie]

Try www.diaperswappers.com , you can get really good deals from other parents on used baby carriers. (and other baby items).  I spent some time on it and got a barely used organic ergo for $60.

[indymom82]

I would recommend a Moby Wrap.  I'm 5' 4", and it works REALLY well for me!  I wish I'd know about it for my first son, because it was a LIFESAVER with my second.  I was able to cook, do dishes, eat dinner, EVERYTHING while he slept away inside.

[cettasmom]

I'd say to use either an Ergo or a Mei Tai style carrier.  Those are both fairly easy to use and great for back support.

[jPapa]

Since your friend is short and has a small waist, the Beco Gemini is the better option especially over the ergo. Don’t get me wrong, we had an ergo and it was comfy but I noticed it was too wide for my wife and bulky on her (she has a similar frame), it looked too big on her so we sold it. The Gemini worked out a lot better and it was taller not wider and a better fit on our shoulders, exactly what we needed. Mei Tai is always a great way to go but your little one will soon out grow it!

Your friend should definitely check out Frogmama and Paxbaby, they rent carriers.

PS, Beco just looks better!