Toddler back carrier recommendations

[Kcoffecakebubs]

Hi, we're thinking of getting a back carrier (more structured type) for our 18 month old to hopefully be able to take him on some walks without the pushchair. He's ourgrown the baby carrier we had and i have no idea where to start! I'm hoping we can get one without breaking the bank, as so far- all the ones that are coming up seem to be £150+ (eek!). I'm wary about spending this much and then find out it's a pain to use /doesn't fot right etc.

Any recommendations for a suitable more budget friendly option? I'd ideally like it to last a while too, so have a good upper weight limit.

Thank you

We got a second hand Little Life carrier for about £30 on ebay or Marketplace. Have a look at second hands, they're often almost as good as new.
(The bid was whatever and 99p and the bloke put a penny in the bottom pocket which I thought was sweet. We've never taken it out.)

We bought a new face pad assuming the last kid would have drooled all over it, and also a raincover which I think was more expensive to buy new than the actual carrier.

I also have a Connecta carrier which comes in baby and toddler sizes. The baby size lasted my first until she was over 2. They're really easy to use and fold up small. Much better for napping than the LL, but LL is better for longer walks where you might want them high up, enjoying the views, and it has good pocket storage, a slim map pocket, main pocket which fits loads in, and two external side pockets for snacks/water bottle. Ours has removable sun shade and rain cover.

Thank you @DontBuyANewMumCashmere, I'll have a look at second hand options. We won't really be going om very long walks, just wantef something sturdy as our son is big for his age.

I have an old mothercare one I picked up in marketplace for £10 and it's brilliant. Definitely look secondhand.

It's definitely better for bigger kids. But personally I don't use the LL unless I'm going on a particularly long trek sort of walk. The hip straps really sit on my hips and I sometimes have bruises next day! Husband much prefers it though.

I use the connecta for day to day use and sometimes walk dogs with 15m DS, plus used to take DD into London on day trips with it, so I know it's comfy for up to a few hours.
You could probably try a a connecta at a local sling library?

Osprey Poco - they are very expensive brand new (for good reason) but we bought a nearly new one on FB marketplace for less than half the price. My husband wears it for longer walks and he says it's very comfortable. I use my Connecta sling for front or back carrying short distances (16 mo).

Thanks all, I'll have a look into all your suggestions and see if I can get lucky secondhand! DS is 15kg already at 18months, so think I'll let my husband carry him most of the time! 🤦🏻‍♀️ 😂

The Little Life is great as there’s a big pocket at the bottom and sides which hold everything you need so you don’t even need to take a bag. DH usually carries him, but I agree it is a little more difficult for me, I can manage about an hour before it pushes down too much on my shoulders. DS is heavy lol. We usually swap half way as I’m trying to get used to using it more often.
DS absolutely loves it though and would be happy in there for ages.