[Autumn C.]

So, I have a Maya Wrap ring sling that I've used most often in the hip carry but its not working the way I like anymore. And I want full use of my arms.

A while back I bought a WAH made mei tai carrier that doesn't really work either. The straps get bunched and pinch in my shoulder and its too complicated to put on and fatigue sets in too quickly. I want something I can wear for a couple of hours comfortably.

I would like something fairly easy to put on, a good distributor of her weight, and where she would sit high enough up to see over my shoulder (instead of her leaning far enough to one side to see around me- which is what she does now!)

Any ideas?

 

[bremen]

babyhawk!

 

[Liquesce]

If you want something mei-tai-ish that's a little easier to manage and better padded, maybe something like an Olives and Applesauce carrier? They're pricey but sometimes you can find a good deal secondhand.

ETA: Bloo Kangaroo are similar; I think Dream Carriers are but don't quote me on that one.

 

[schreiberwriter]

LOVE the Ergo for a back carry. I also use a Catbird Baby.

 

[Autumn C.]

Does anyone have any experience with any of those camping/hiking style backpacks? I'm wondering if I give up a little style I'll get more support.

And I am no way attached to a mei tai system. Whatever works!

 

[ChampagneBlossom]

The only back carrier I ever tried *was* the MT and it's worked great for us. If you tie it high and tight enough the kiddo's weight almost disappears.

 

[MommaShark]

The backpack frame style carrier is bulky, hard to store, and a pain compared to the Ergo IMO....... I've lost my Ergo and bought a Pikkolo which I can use from birth on up...I didn't get an Ergo because I'm hoping to find mine....I also love my Pikkolo (w/ waist belt). I don't like the idea of straps dragging on the ground of the mei tai (I live in the mountains). My DH LOVED the Ergo with DS1 and that's all he'll consider. We tried the BEco Butterfly and he was annoyed by all the junk on it.

The only thing is you want the LO to sit up higher - the Ergo had DS's head resting on my back but he could see left or right easily when not tired. The Kelty he could see above my head.....as far as I know the frame backpack style carrier is the only one that has the kid up high and the weight is still distributed on your hips.....I'm not sure about a high back carry in a mei tai with a bigger kid.

I used my Kelty before I got an Ergo and never went back.

 

[Drummer's Wife]

I recommend an Ergo, Beco, or Babyhawk. (in that order!)

Framed backpacks, in my experience, are not as comfortable as a good soft-structured carrier like an Ergo. They don't distribute the weight as well, and they are heavy and bulky. Plus the kid ends up hanging from the little seat, instead of the more natural position a good back carrier allows. Maybe the $200+ framed back packs are better, but I still doubt they will be more supportive and comfortable than an Ergo.

 

[junipervt]

beco, baby hawk, or woven wrap

 

[Quirky]

So your LO is 1 year old? I would go for a soft structured buckle carrier -- she might not be able to see completely up and over your shoulder, but she will be able to see around, and you'll get quick on-off/ease of use, no fabric dragging, and good support with a hip belt.

 

[lifeguard]

I have a backpack & like it for long walks/hikes as I find it distributes the weight better. But for most day to day things I'm really liking my ergo.

 

[baturay]

Is it important that she see more over your shoulder rather than from the sides of your back? Because if it is, then you want to get something that allows her to do that. Most soft structured carriers do not. You can't get a high back carry with an Ergo nor a Beco. You can however do so with a mei tai. Maybe try another brand and see if that works better? Babyhawk, Freehand, Kozy, Catbird Baby are great mei tais (just to name a few) and you'd be able to do comfortable high back carries them. Another option is the Pikkolo. Without the additional padded waist, you'd be able to tie in a high back carry. And finally, a short woven wrap that you can use for hip, back and front carry (yet it's still short so there's not a lot of fabric) would allow you to do a nice high back carry.

 

[Autumn C.]

So, I went for a short walk again today using the MT type carrier I have and Littlest didn't have much issue not being able to see over my shoulder the way she has in the past, but, I think I need something more easily adjustable in the straps instead of the long ties and something I can get her in and out by myself when the only thing around is the car.

The bulkiness of the camping style backpacks would probably be an issue so I'm thinking maybe a MT type with backpack straps? That would be a Pikkolo and Becco Butterfly and what else...?

 

[To-Fu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autumn C. The bulkiness of the camping style backpacks would probably be an issue so I'm thinking maybe a MT type with backpack straps? That would be a Pikkolo and Becco Butterfly and what else...?

Definitely a Beco! I love my Pikkolo for front carries, but not so much for back carries. The Beco is my favorite all-around carrier (and I use it exclusively for back carries). The body of the Ergo seems too short for my 27-lb. 15mo, but might work for you (although it is not ethically made, if that matters to you). I really like things with buckles and good padding for when we're out and about b/c they are supportive and already adjusted for me; all I have to do is clip the buckles and put Grumblecakes in!

Here's a comparison chart for the carriers you're looking at plus some similar ones:

http://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html

Best of luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Autumn C.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by To-Fu Here's a comparison chart for the carriers you're looking at plus some similar ones: http://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html Best of luck with whatever you decide!

Diggin the comparison chart! Thanks!