Sharing a carrier between parents of v different sizes?

[ChunkyChicken]

I am trying to get an easy-on carrier (rather than a wrap as I can't be bothered with the 'faff' of learning it all...) for both DH & I to use for DS primarily (he's 24wo & around 16lb) particularly when we go away in 2mths. The problem is I'm 5'3" on a good day, slim, whilst DH is 6' & has brick outhouse tendencies :)

I have been recommended Ergo, Connecta, Manduca & Boba 3G as the type of carrier we're after (alternatives to Babybjorn type things) but am unsure which would work best. And short of ordering one of each in every style/model, I can't find a stockist for every one nearby, so can't try them all 'in the flesh'.

I am aware of a local sling library so will ask if they have any/all of the above, but wondered if anyone had any recommendations for the best one to try?

p.s. we're unlikely to use it every day, all day, more as a second option to a strolled, as we also have a just 3yo DD (who weighs about 14kg).

TIA

[wonkylegs]

I am a petite 4'11", DH a very broad build 5'11"
We both got on with the close baby carrier for DS, which was also very easy to use.
I just wrapped the excess fabric round and tied under the baby rather than at the back as DH did.

[ChunkyChicken]

Thanks. Got a close carrier but sometimes feel its a bit 'flimsy' with my Chunky monkey in it. I mean, its perfectly safe, but I wonder if he isn't drooping in it with time wearing it. Perhaps I just need to adjust it & try it out a bit more?

I half wondered if we should get a different carrier that fit me (as I'm more likely to use it) but that could fit DH

[MollyNollyNoo]

A Tula? The straps fit a petite person better than the ergo (which once I had lost my baby weight began to fall off the shoulders). The straps can extend loads so your DH should be ok as well. I loved mine so much that I bought a toddler one so that I can still carry the DD's on my back when I need to.

This is there site but there are UK stockists.

[FreeButtonBee]

I find sticking the close carrier through the wash now and then tightens it up nicely.

[pootlebug]

If you have a local sling library I'd try as many as you can within the sling library session then take away the one you like best. I am 5'5 and short in the body and the Ergo is pretty much at its shortest setting with a 6 month old so might be too big on you. I can make the Manduca fit if straps are cinched right down. I love the Connecta in a front carry but less in a back carry.

I agree with the person above who suggested a Hop Tye too though - it is often easier with a buckle carrier to keep the straps roughly in the right place - so sharing between different sized users isn't ideal, whereas by contrast a carrier with long straps like the Hop Tye etc goes on much more easily.

[whatsoever]

I found my Close felt droopy with my heavy baby by the time he was 5 months. I've replaced it was a Rose & Rebellion SSC. DH (6'1" and skinny) and I (5'8" and flabby) both use it with DS &it takes seconds rather than minutes to adjust.

[ChunkyChicken]

Thank you. I'll have a look into those options.

[FriendofDorothy]

We have a Connecta. I am short and fat my husband is tall and skinny Our son is 17lbs and the carrier works great for us all.

[BananaramaLlama]

I second the idea of a tie on one - my faves are kozy mei tais (you can get XL straps depending on your husbands size)