Baby carrier recommendations?

[MogTheForgetfulCat]

I currently have a Kari-Me sling that I used for both my DSs from birth. With DS1, I then went on to a buggy, and he was fine. DS2 is delightful but much prefers being carried, which I am very happy to do

However, he is now nearly 6 months and over 18lb so I need a non-stretchy carrier for him. What I like about the Kari-Me is that it is very comfy for him (he often falls asleep in it) and I can pull the fabric over his wee head when he does or if it's a bit cold or raining etc. So I don't want anything too rigid, and it would ideally allow me to cover his head (although if I need to use a muslin or whatever for that - not a problem).

I'd like it to be as hands-free as possible, and ideally comfy enough to wear for longish walks.

Any recommendations? Or should I post this in Products?

I would recommend going into a large Mothercare and trying them out to see what suits you and him. It may be worth going for a back pack style carrier as it may be quite trying on your back if he is already 18lb.

yes yes get a lovely woven wrap.
I have a beautiful storchenwiege one that I am really enjoying with 9 month old ds2

www.thebabywearer.com and DONT go to Mothercare and buy a conventional carrier shudders
Go for a Mei Tai, or a non stretchy wrap. Or maybe an ergo if you fancy something structured. From what you've said it sounds like you like wraps so a Storch like thisisyestersay suggested is a great idea.

I have this one in inka

sa sa slings is also a great place. you can hire slings to try out too if you need to

Thanks - will check all that out!

I have a baby bjotn with a lumbar support. It's great and I walk around 6 miles a day with DS - weighs a stone now.

I'd echo what trafficcone says about mainstream shop carriers. They aren't much use with larger babies, no matter what the manufacturers claim. Go to a specialist dealer instead.

SleepyNico soft carriers are comfortable, very easy to use and have a sleep hood. They're available from www.sleepynico.com

If you're planning on back carries, the Calyx soft carrier is great because you fix the baby in it before putting it on. That's available from www.mamagear.com

I also love BabyHawk mei tais. Available from www.babyhawk.com and various British dealers.

Have a look at www.slingmeet.co.uk for other specialist dealers and advice from babywearers. You are sure to find something to suit you whether it be a soft carrier, mei tai or woven wrap.

The only problem is they are so gorgeous it can be a bit addictive....

I have a storchenweige as well. It looks lovely on, and is so comportable! I've also got a mei tai, which is very comfortable as well, but you can really feel the weight of the baby being taken off your shoulders in the storch. DD loves it too. We have Inka from this store

You want an Ergo. Trust me, you want an Ergo, they rock. They even have the little hood thing so your DS can "close the curtains" to go to sleep. Best thing I ever bought. Don't go to Mothercare, their selection is shite.

Also- stop people in the street if they are wearing an interesting sling, and ask their opinion. That is how I ended up with an Ergo-three people seperately recommending to me.

Look at the reviews section on MN for more!

Blimey - a whole new world of retail indulgence has opened up to me, yay!

Second the ergo or similar. I ended up with an ergo in black for DP and a beco in a really nice pattern for me. Both v comfy, hood for snoozing, front or back, and pack away fairly small.

DS spent most of his fist six months in stretchy sling. I have got a calin bleu woven but never got the hang of back carries and found the Ergo easier when he was a bit bigger.

Always fancied a mai-tai but with 4 wraps, 2 soft carriers and a little life backpack couldn't get another one past DP

I have a didymos woven wrap. I carry ds1 -2,5 and ds2 2 - 14 months in it. One at a time obviously .
It doesn't stretch and is reall comfy and - best bit - really funky colours.

The ERGO is great, the hood thing is brilliant, like domesticslattern says, it's just like a curtain. It's very comfy and your LO is also carried in the correct position as her weight is correctly distributed. And its quite unisex looking. And its really easy to put your LO in and out.

Look at [www.thebabywearer.com] and [http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/] for info.

My sister recommended the ERGO and I also met a mum with one who let me try her's - she was another big fan.

I remember being pregnant and wondering if all the ergo recommendations on message boards came from some man in the ergo factory...

dd is 21 months, not massive but well over 10kilos, I'm little (5"1) and can carry her around for ages in it - really well worth the money, and dead simple to use.

And I'm not from the ergo factory, I promise

I had the same problem as you recently and needed to upgrade from my Moby as dd2 was too heavy. I opted for a mei tai but REALLY REALLY wish I had gone for the woven wrap option as I am not finding it nearly as comfortable as a wrap.

I swear by my Ring Sling,h have used it with many charges ranging from a 5lb/6wk premmie to a 30lb toddler for extended periods and find it brill tho i have i positioned around my shoulder rather than over it, it is a NoJo from the States as couldn't find a comfy one here (UK) when i needed to replace the first one when it gave up the ghost, (did 10 yrs mind you) 5yrs ago - so hit eBay.com and voila 3 for the price of 1 new one

I can't use ones that go over the shoulder as give me awful headaches tried B.Bjorn, Wilkinet,Tomy and some back packs.