[natashaccat]

I need a velcro toddler solution, ya know someting for those days when dd just wants to be carried around. I have a size L OTSBH that someone gave me but I've never been really comfortable with it (I probably need a small or regular size). I think I prefer a nice snug sling fit.

my dd is big for her age (almost 30 lbs) and I'm smallish 5'4, 125 lbs.

What do you suggest? I'm considering one of those pea in pod slings by mom and me creations has anyone tried these or similiar stretchy sling on a toddler?

 

[pinky]

I have a size medium OTSBH sling and use it regularly with my 2-1/2 year old. The thing I love about it the most is how snug it is!

Everyone has their own opinion on slings, but this works so much better for us than any of the others that I've tried.

 

[luckylady]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my Hip Hammock. It is easy to use while holding DD on and fastening it with 1 hand, and it is SO comfortable for both me and DD - it is actually her preferred place to fall asleep (rather than the stroller if we are out shopping or at the Zoo or whatever).

http://www.hiphammock.com/

 

[Wendi]

I have a Maya Wrap Pouch, which is super for a toddler, however, my back and neck are not in such great shape, and now that Max is 30 pounds, I just can't carry him in it for long periods of time anymore... or carry him in my arms for that long... I wish I could though, I love my Maya, but I'm ready to sell it since it's not getting used anymore.

 

[MamaMonica]

I LOVE my Packababy- I can comfortably carry my 33 lb 4 year old or my 26 pound toddler in it. It is he most comfortable for me and the kids never get red marks on their legs.

It's versatile- you can use it front, side, back or hip and the cross over straps in back for the hip carry make it the the most comfortable for me. I had a hip hammack, OTSBH, unpadded sling, Ergo, Pea in Pod- and this was the comfiest- but a litle trickier to get on. Dh uses the Ergo- likes it better- but I'm nursing and the strap is poorly placed over the chest- gives me a plugged duct.

I'm taller though-- 5'7 - so don't know if that's a factor in how carriers fit.

 

[littletree]

Dd is 28 lbs and I use a sling often w/ her, unless we're walking for a long time. I have a Maya wrap sling that I love. The colors are beautiful and thee's a pocket on the tail that comes in handy.
My fav sling though is the one I made. It's a pouch style. I used my friends med sized Nojo as a pattern. I got remnant fabric, a light type of canvas in a deep chocolate brown with a dark purple trim. The best part, it only cost $1.52 to make! The worlds cheapest sling

 

[stafl]

I use slings I made myself based loosely on the Mayawrap pattern.
Just don't wear it up next to your neck! pull the piece that goes over your shoulder down towards your arm instead - this makes it much easier on your back (I got a bad back, myself, and can carry my toddler in a sling as long as I do this). If you make your own, it also helps if you pleat the end that attaches to the rings, makes it easier to spread over your shoulder and more comfortable.

 

[BensMom]

I had to stop using my Maya at around 25 lbs. I have an ERGO and it works well for my long and lanky 34 lb toddler. It is easy for me to get on and off, he loves it and it feels ok on my bad back.

 

[QueeTheBean]

My guy has outgrown the Baby Bjorn, and try as I might, I could never ever ever get used to the sling. I am looking for something to carry him in, too. I am even smaller than you, Natashacat--only 5'1". I want to try an ERGO, but they are so $$$ what if I don't like it???

I like the idea of having him on my back, though.

 

[natashaccat]

Quote:

Originally posted by djschrader My guy has outgrown the Baby Bjorn, and try as I might, I could never ever ever get used to the sling. I am looking for something to carry him in, too. I am even smaller than you, Natashacat--only 5'1". I want to try an ERGO, but they are so $$$ what if I don't like it??? I like the idea of having him on my back, though.

Actually for a back pack I highly reccomend the tough traveler filly (these are specially made for petite people), yeah they are expensive but oh so comfortable. I do most of my babywearing with this pack but some days dd just want to be held KWIM, and for that I prefer the closeness of a sling.

personally I hated the ergo, compared to a frame pack I never felt that my dd was secure in it, and that wide waist band made my butt look huge, lol! Check out ebay for the tough traveler filly's are not to common but sometimes they show up.

 

[lizziejean]

I adjusted my New Native Baby Carrier from a medium to a small for hip-carrying my 15 mo 26-pounder. Making it smaller means that his butt sits between my waist and my hipbone. I keep it folded in two - when he was little he was actually inside the sling, now it's sort of just under him. It really works well, and is great for those times when I need two hands or I need him to feel super secure and loved. I really love it, but I don't tend to use it for long periods of time since a) he's HEAVY whichever way you carry him and b) I'm <blush> worried about his little testicles!!! probably ridiculous... but I worry when they're mooshed hard against me...

btw I make my own NNBC's (just made a template, it couldn't be simpler) for me and all my friends out of bits of Guatemalan fabric I buy on ebay now and then... very cool. We always get comments!

 

[Quirky]

For walks and trips to the grocery store and so forth I use our frame backpack (Vaude Swing), for slinging around the house or short trips I use the Hip Baby from Walking Rock Farm. My ds is 24 pounds and 30 inches, and I can't use our slings/pouches any more, partly because he's too heavy and partly because he's too wriggly.

I've tried the Ergo but I found it really awkward to use in a front carry or a side carry, and ds doesn't like to be facing into my back where he can't see things. I also find it awkward to get him into and out of, and it's definitely not something I want to do by myself in the parking lot.

 

[PUPPYLUV]

I love my Ergo - I would be lost with out it. But I'm not nursing anymore - if you are looking for something to nurse in that wouldn't work. I mostly use it for the front carry - I would think it would be good for someone that had been used to a Baby Bjorn.

Lisa
Carina 7/22/02