[FiddleMama]

I have a very heavy 16 month old (30 lbs) and a new baby on the way in August. I'm thinking of this carrier purchase as being more for the new baby but it would be nice to be able to hip carry my toddler from time to time too.<br><br>
I basically failed at babywearing my toddler. I had a ring sling that I just hated and could never be comfortable with and he was a winter baby so wearing him in addition to all those layers seemed more than this mommy could handle.<br><br>
I've given away my two ring slings and I would especially like to buy something on Etsy. I'm open to other possibilities too but my budget is somewhat limited (less that $50 would be ideal) and I really am feeling the pull to buy handmade as often as possible (part of my own unofficial Compact contract).<br><br>
Any ideas or suggestions for me? Here's what I got when I entered "babywearing" on Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=babywearing" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/search_results.p...ry=babywearing</a>

 

[gretchtables]

Nestlings is a good name. Pouches are easy to use but non adjustable. Good for beginners but you will have a one shouldered carry.<br><br>
Another that did not come up in your search is silly goose mei tais. mei tais are two shouldered, somewhat more complicated than pouches (but worthwhile to learn) that will accomodate bigger babies and toddlers more readily. A two shouldered carry is usually more comfortable for the wearer. (I searched for mei tai to find the silly goose) ETA: this is a GREAT deal for a MT, the bigger brand names can go for twice that, easily.<br><br><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5708550" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5708550</a><br><br>
That said, most slings/pouches/mei tais, etc ARE handmade as long as you stay away from things like Ergos or Patapums, etc. Look around at TBW<br><a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com" target="_blank">http://www.thebabywearer.com</a> - definitely look for reviews on TBW of whatever you are thinking of buying.<br><br>
Good Luck!

 

[melissabel]

If you want to support an Etsy mom, I have heard many moms say great things about Nestlings. They also make mei tais which would be great for carrying your toddler but can be hit or miss with a newborn.<br><br>
Here is one though its a little more than you were looking to spend but still a great deal:<br><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5129534" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5129534</a><br><br>
I have also heard good things about Silly Goose Baby and I believe their mei tais are contoured so it may work better for a newborn as well as a toddler.<br><br>
Here is another great vendor if you decide to go for another pouch or ring sling:<br><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=27063" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=27063</a>

 

[hubris]

I third the Nestlings rec. I have a Nestlings mei tai and like it a lot.