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Original poster

Hip Sling for a toddler?

18 replies

baubleweed · 20/12/2006 19:02

Can anyone recommend a hip carrier for a toddler?

Not the Ellaroo Mei Tei which I have got and which is rubbish because it pulls on my shoulder and you cant do anything with it on.

And not the hip seat thing because I need something where arms are free.

My 14m dd is a limpet, and whinges as soon as I put her down so I cant cook tea or do anything at all. She loves being in the sling but I am disappointed with my Mei Tei hip carrier.

Any others on the market?

OP posts:
Tatties · 20/12/2006 19:04

Do you think the Mei Hip is rubbish? Or are you using the Mei Tie on a hip carry which you don't like? Or both?!

liquidclocks · 20/12/2006 19:10

Do you definitely want a 'hip' carrier - IME they all put more pressure on one side of the body than the other - not good with a heavy toddler.

The back carry's are much more comfy.

HowTheFillyjonkStoleChristmas · 20/12/2006 19:21

new ergos you can put on the hip or on the back

the coorie is also quite good but stretches out of shape quickly IMO

Original poster
baubleweed · 20/12/2006 19:23

Tatties, its the Mei Hip I've got. I've tried it about 8-10 times now and I'm annoyed that its rubbish because I had high hopes for it (and spent £40 on it!).

Its rubbish because a) its difficult to actually fasten properly with a heavy toddler in place b) you cant do anything with your arm above waist height or the shoulder strap moves and c) it pulls on my shoulder after only 20 mins

liquidclocks, can you get a back carrier that you can use in the house?

we have a rucksack/frame type one for walking but I need something easy to put on and off and store for around the house

OP posts:
PollyannaInExcelcis · 20/12/2006 19:24

I still used my hug a bub at this age I think. - you can tie it on so that it is a hip carrier but I haven't mastered that. I use an ellaroo one now (dd3 is nearly 2) and find it comfortable but can only carry dd3 in it and as you say can't actually get on with anything else at the same time.

PollyannaInExcelcis · 20/12/2006 19:25

Is the ellaroo mei hip one a carrier with a ring in it? I use the ellaroo and find it quite comfortable.

Original poster
baubleweed · 20/12/2006 19:32

hi polyanna, I also have a hug-a-bub, but have only used it in front-carrier mode. dd no longer likes to be on my front as she cant see what I'm doing - she prefers to be on the hip. I would have no idea how to tie it on the hip, as the dvd has all the different positions but no hip position.

The mei hip doesnt have a ring it has clip in fasteners at the waist and shoulder - its not very adjustable once you are wearing it.

OP posts:
Original poster
baubleweed · 20/12/2006 19:33

okay I've just googled the ergo back carrier - which looks good from the pictures but how on earth do you get the baby in it - it looks very complicated

OP posts:
liquidclocks · 20/12/2006 19:38

DS1 was never clingy fortunately but around the house I'd still have used my 5m length of cotton I bought to use as a sling - so much comfier than any of the carriers I tried!

TBH do you really want to get yourself into the position where she expects to be carried all the time? OK if you do but just think how heavy she'll be in 6 months time...

Original poster
baubleweed · 20/12/2006 20:01

the way I see it is she is asking to be carried because she needs to be close to me, if I can meet her needs now then she will hopefully grow more independent

not carrying her doesnt make her ask to be carried less - it just makes her cry. alot. and I cant do anything.

thanks for your advice though - I am considering a back carrier - which will be my 4th sling!

OP posts:
Tatties · 20/12/2006 20:39

Do you have a normal Mei Tai soft carrier? If so you could try a hip carry with that. Some instructions here

My ds didn't like going on the front or back when I tried him in structured carriers, so I assumed he wanted to be on my hip. I also bought the Mei Hip and sent it back because it was uncomfortable for any length of time. I have since bought an Ellaroo Deluxe Mei Tai, ds likes being on my front in that, and it is much more comfortable.

PollyannaInExcelcis · 21/12/2006 08:05

I have got the Ergo carrier too - I can't use it because I can't master getting it round to my back. I have an ellaroo ring sling which I can carry my nearly 2 year old in comfortably

amazonianwoman · 21/12/2006 13:42

I'd recommend the Ergo - you can use it on the hip but I've only tried that position for short periods.

The easiest way I've found to get a toddler on your back (and I did this successfully with DD til she was 2 - too pregnant to carry her now!) is to fasten the Ergo around your waist with the shoulder straps loosened and the body bit hanging down behind like an apron.

Get the toddler to stand in front of you facing away from you. Reach over the top of their shoulders then hold them under their armpits. Then swing them up over your shoulder, leaning forward so they sort of balance on your back. Keep holding them there with one arm whilst you pull the other shoulder strap over their backs then put your arm through it. Then ditto the other arm. Then tighten shoulder straps and chest strap. Done! Not as complicated as it sounds (takes a minute) and they love being hoisted over your shoulder

Definitely the comfiest way to carry an older/heavier toddler imho.

belgo · 21/12/2006 13:44

I use the ergo for my 15 month old and find it's great on my back, and sometimes on my front as well. Don't use it on my side, but it looks very comfortable.

liquidclocks · 21/12/2006 13:46

I think the mamatoto websites have got some videos of how to get a toddler safely on your back and tie the sling around them - I'll see if I can find it for you.

Don't worry, I wouldn't presume to have a clue what life is like with a toddler crying to be carried - mine weren't llike that at all. I'm just very impressed with you - must be very fit to carry he around all th time!

belgo · 21/12/2006 13:48

I've just bought a BB sling, which is similar to a Maya wrap, and that's quite comfortable, but wouldn't walk long distances with it.

I agree with amazonianwoman's way of using the ergo - the trick is to bend over so that your back is horizontal, and to loosen the straps before putting it on.

liquidclocks · 21/12/2006 13:49

Here - You have to scroll right down to see the 'back wrap cross'. Sorry, can't find the video - the site changes every time I go on.

Hope that's of use to you

Original poster
baubleweed · 21/12/2006 14:45

thank you everyone for suggestions - especially the links to instructions etc

I am going to try sending my hip carrier back even though I've had it more than a month - because it doesnt do what its supposed to

I reckon I could use those instructions to tie my hugabub on the back maybe .. hmm needs a bit of work

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