Babywearers - help me choose a new sling !

[cmotdibbler]

DS is 19 months, weighs around 13.5 kg, about 86 cm tall. Currently we have an Ergo and a Fron Back and Sides MeiTai. The Ergo is really a bit short in the body for him, especially when he's asleep, and so am thinking about selling that and my Ellaroo ring sling and buying something else so that I have two slings that fit.
So - Patapum toddler ? ToddlerHawk ? Other ideas ?
The only other person I know IRL who carries a toddler (or indeed their child at all) uses a framed Little Life, and although we have one for DH, I prefer the close contact, but am at a bit of a loss.

No one ?

what type of sling are you after? a soft-structured one like the Ergo but with a higher back? Another Mei Tai?

In an ideal world, I'd like something with clips thats quick to get on like the Ergo, but in a bit more of a funky material and a higher back.
Its looking like another MeiTai is the way to go though. Will just have to get better at tying one on my own.

you might like the beco then.

more beco patterns and moshi (toddler size) are available from here (beco is 1 size fits all - and it really is tall in the back)

hugabubs don't work for heavier babies and toddlers because of the stretchy fabric.

If I still had a toddler (sniff) I'd get one of these

but she's all grown up now ...

I'd missed that the Moshi came in a toddler size - I love the patterns, so think I'll try and find one in stock.
The Scootababy would be great if DS wasn't such a fiddle fingers, and I find it hard to believe that it would be comfy for wearing for a few hours at a time (but might be wrong). Certainly using the Ergo in the hip carry doesn't work anymore.

Yamo are a nice structured carrier, not sure if they are classed as a high backed one though.

The most comfortable toddler carrier I have are the wraps (take time to use though) and two mei tais a Kozy and a Ball Baby Overall. Both high wide panels and I carry my 16 months old DD no problem in them.

DS is about the same height, though is only 11.kg I think, and is 2.5 yrs old. I rarely carry him these days but when I do I actually tend to opt for my ring sling for quick "in and out" ability. It's heavy going, but easier than just carrying him! He is also OK in the Mei Tai, though I've been thinking it's getting a wee bit short for him (Ellaroo deluxe, anyone know max height?). I have a woven (non stretchy) wrap (5m storchenweige inka) but he won't let me wrap him. It's definately the most comfy to take his weight though. Might need to try DD in it again... she was in it a dozen times as a baby and never since as I found it awkward if we were out!

the latest sling of interest to me is a connecta... I've heard great reviews, looks fab and easy (hate when mei tai straps drag on ground when putting on) and has fab designs.

TBH not sure whether I could deal with the learning curve for a wrap. Also I like to be able to get him in and out quickly as he demands to get down and walk, then get up again.

Will have a look at the Connecta too - Suzi, I know just what you mean about the straps on the ground. Managed to drag mine through a puddle yesterday in Swindon. Yuk !

you can have two elastic bands or hair bands with which to roll up and tie off the straps so they don't drag on the ground.

try the connecta, its a mei tai but with buckles, really quick and easy to get on and off and just like a MT think it's this connecta its very easy to find though if that's wrong and she can custom make or she's got ready made

Kisidee- see, I really am not capable of dealing with a wrap if a solution that simple hasn't occured to me before !

i don't think it is occurred to a lot of wrappers before. even experienced ones.

I hold the wrap tails or mei tai straps between my knees, when I use slings outside.

You can also stuff them in your pockets if need be.

Never heard of the hair band idea, but I like it. Do you use them too shorten the straps whilst tieing ?

yes, just to shorten to keep them of the ground.