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Original poster

baby carrier for the back - recommendations?

18 replies

loomer · 09/09/2006 09:44

At nearly 20lbs my DD is getting too heavy to carry for long in the Baby Bjorn (which I love and have used loads). So now I need to 'upgrade' to a backpack carrier...

Anyone in love with theirs? My local nursery shop only stocks the Little Legs brand, as they said they're the only brand that they sold even when they stocked others. Are they really that great?

Also a consideration is the fact that DH and I are both over 6 foot tall, so need something that is fully adjustable for long backs/people.

I'm sure I must be able to get something suitable off the www, but no idea where to start. Thanks for any tips!

OP posts:
Twiglett · 09/09/2006 09:46

mumsnet reviews

chocybickie · 09/09/2006 09:49

the ergo baby carrier is the best back carrier available IMO

Original poster
loomer · 09/09/2006 10:14

Oh I feel like a right numpty now Twiglett... I totally forgot to look at the reviews on MN! I notice that the Little Legs brand doesn't feature at all in the list... hmmmm.

Thanks again!

OP posts:
Lmccrean · 09/09/2006 10:16

ergo ergo ergo (new one looks great, but I have the classic and i love it)

FillyjonktheFluffy · 09/09/2006 10:16

ERGO!

ERGO!

ERGO!

ERGO!

(I quite like the ERGO, its very comfortable and also, compared to other backpacks, quite cheap)

Original poster
loomer · 09/09/2006 10:18

The only thing that puts me off the Ergo (having looked at the picture in the MN review) is that the child doesn't seem to be high enough to get a view of anything in front (other than the back of your neck)... I would prefer that DD is positioned a bit higher so that she can see over/around my head?

OP posts:
Original poster
loomer · 09/09/2006 10:20

Ha! no wonder I can't find any reviews of the Little Legs carriers - they're called Littlelife, not legs. D'oh!

OP posts:
FillyjonktheFluffy · 09/09/2006 10:29

how old is she?

My 14 mo (small) dd can see over my shoulder, and is quite happy.

My 3 yo (he's only about 20 or so lbs) is easily big enough to see anywhere he wants.

It has the added bonus that you don't hit their heads going through doors!

3andnomore · 09/09/2006 10:41

I ahve a Sutemi which is nice...similar to teh Ergo, but crossed over straps! Crossed over straps make it easier with teh weight distribution, but do make your boobs look a bit odd,lol!
Or a mei tei, cwtchy, kozee type carrier might be an option!

Twiglett · 09/09/2006 10:41

the bushbaby premier is designed for tall people .. I'm selling mine at the moment on the for sale boards .. but there's already a first and second refusal I'm afraid

Original poster
loomer · 09/09/2006 10:50

DD is very nearly 8 months, and is around 73cm long, so I suspect she might struggle at first to get a view (the child in the photo looks very low, don't you think?).

I'm also inclined to go with something that has some storage for use on long countryside walks.

OP posts:
Original poster
loomer · 09/09/2006 10:55

I'm really liking the look of the bushbaby premier - oh poooooo twiglett, are you sure the other MNers are as needy as me? They couldn't possibly be as tall !! Did you consider yours to be worth the money, as they aren't cheap?

OP posts:
FillyjonktheBananaEater · 09/09/2006 10:58

yes, that kid does look low...

dd would not stand for being so low. It is, of course, possible I am doing it wrong.

Storage wise... I do around 3-4 miles a day with dd in ergo and ds walking or on a likeabike. We also do hiking at weekends.

There is enough storage in the ergo itself for probably a small water bottle and a couple of nappies, purse and keys.

I carry a handbag sized bag (NOT a handbag, you understand) at the front if need be. If I am doing hardcore shopping I have a granny trolley. Or I make ds take his bike trailer

you can always hire one to try it out. I think its big mamas slings, its on google. Around £8 per week. I did this and was sold, despite initial skepticism. They also have very good resale value, especially the newer model.

FillyjonktheBananaEater · 09/09/2006 10:58

oh, have bushbaby premier btw and massively massively prefer the ergo.

Lmccrean · 09/09/2006 11:19

I know websites prob offer it too, but Im not using my ergo for a few months, so if you want to try it, you can borrow mine for a few weeks for a proper trial to see what you think. Only thing Id ask is something towards postage!

email me at lauramccreanor at hotmail dot com if you want to try it!

Original poster
loomer · 09/09/2006 12:04

Oh go on then, I'll give it a go... I can't refuse an offer like that can I? I'll email you Laura.

Just out of interest Filly, what is it about the bushbaby that you didn't get on with? I'm encouraged to hear that you use your Ergo so much.

OP posts:
FillyjonktheBananaEater · 09/09/2006 12:34

the weight distribttion was crap. It really really pulled on my shoulders, especially when ds/dd leant back.

It was quite heavy.

IMO it is designed for men. I am pretty well built but the shoulder straps etc were too far apart for me to get it comfortable. dh is 6 ft and says the same. even the shop couldn't adjust it to make it comfortable.

it does have a long back though. but so do i and i couldn't get it comfy.

it always gave me neck strain and a frozen shoulder.

I have carried both mine in slings all their lives (velcro babies....) so my muscles up there are reasonably developed. Still hurt.

amazonianwoman · 11/09/2006 09:46

We have the Littlelife back carrier (little legs lol!) and also have an Ergo - and I MUCH prefer the Ergo.

DD (26mths, 30lbs) feels a lot lighter in the Ergo, I can carry her forever and she feels weightless, whereas she feels v heavy in the Littlelife and my shoulders/neck/back ache after less than an hour (and I'm pretty strong). I think she prefers the Ergo too, and can easily see over my shoulder (she's 90cm tall)

DH quite likes the Littlelife (he hasn't tried the Ergo yet). It does have great storage (can fit a small picnic and her wellies in it!) and comes with a rain/sun cover, altho' we haven't used this.

The Ergo can also be stored under the buggy if necessary, and does have a little storage space.

Oh, I'm 5ft9 and not skinny, and DH is 6ft3 and stocky (the Ergo definitely fits him, he's tried it without DD in it)

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