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Original poster

Best sling/carrier for a 16 month old?

26 replies

threetinytots · 22/01/2009 19:43

Have been using a babyhawk until now, but can't get used to the back carry(just doesn't feel comfortable or secure) and dd is getting a too big to be carried on my front!

So, what is there I can try? What does everyone use to carry their toddlers?

OP posts:
TinkerBellesMumandFiFi2 · 22/01/2009 20:01

I was wrapping till Tink was about two and that was only because she was climbing out. I swear by wrapping!

mrsleroyjethrogibbs · 22/01/2009 20:04

hmm how about a toddlerhawk rather than the babyhawk? It will be taller and with mor support. IF not what about a soft structured carrier like a beco, patapum, ergo, yamo etc.
If not I am with tinkerbellesmumand fifi2 as I am still wrapping and mei tai'ing my 3.5year old at 25 weeks pg

Original poster
threetinytots · 22/01/2009 21:20

I used to wrap her when she was little and really liked it. Didn't think about trying her with a wrap now. What sort of carry would I do with her?

mrsleroy, have you tried the ergo type cariers? What are they like? Are they comfy?

OP posts:
TinkerBellesMumandFiFi2 · 22/01/2009 21:25

I was doing front cross, back cross and hip carry at that age. Cross on the outside of the cummerbund, don't tuck it in, and you will get a better hold. There're different ways to get them on your back, either throwing them over your shoulder or sitting them on your hip and sliding them around.

My babywearing pics

mrsleroyjethrogibbs · 22/01/2009 21:40

yes indeed I have. personally they were not for me as I cant get on with buckles as I am narrow shouldered. I didnt realise you had wrapped before thats why I didnt suggest it. In that case wrap wrap wrap. They are perfect adjustable and one size fits all

mrsleroyjethrogibbs · 22/01/2009 21:42

i sent you a cat btw

mrsleroyjethrogibbs · 22/01/2009 21:43

nice pics tinkerbellesmumandfifi2

cmotdibbler · 22/01/2009 21:54

I carry my 2.8 year old in a Toddlerhawk or toddler size TaiTasi.

How are you tying your BH on your back - I cannot do ruck straps at all, and do either Himalayan or front cross (usually front cross with a twist as not much nork and it's so secure) and a lexi twist on the back.

I have XL straps so theres plenty to work with and it's totally secure.

I had an Ergo and hated it. Just didn't work for me, and I found it hard to get DS properly down in it on my own

Original poster
threetinytots · 22/01/2009 22:08

I only did a front wrap from when she was around six weeks to six months - then changed to the babyhawk. I just can't seem to get the straps right for the back carry - doesn't feel as secure as it does on the front. That's why I thought about the ergo. I do love my babyhawk though. Have just been on the site drooling over toddlerhawks and hoodies

Thanks for the pics TMAF2, they are great!

OP posts:
mrsleroyjethrogibbs · 22/01/2009 22:09

were you using a stretchy wrap? If so then yes you wouldnt have found it very supportive.. woven is the way to go

Original poster
threetinytots · 22/01/2009 22:19

cmotdibbler, I'm doing the rucksack straps, but I don't think very well! They keep slipping off my shoulders. Haven't tried anything else but have just been reading instructions on the babyhawk website. Maybe a visit to youtube would help!

I only have normal straps. So perhaps a toddlerhawk with XL would be good. Any excuse to buy a new carrier

OP posts:
cmotdibbler · 22/01/2009 22:22

That'll be it then - I tried it that way at first, and couldn't work out why it was uncomfortable. And then I discovered the joys of YouTube for sling instructions and didn't look back.

You def need a new sling

Original poster
threetinytots · 22/01/2009 22:24

mrsleroy, yep, had a hugabub. Which woven wraps are good?

Can you tell I'm not a very experienced babywearer btw?

OP posts:
mrsleroyjethrogibbs · 22/01/2009 22:26

didymos
storchenwiege
girasol
bebina

to name a few.

Original poster
threetinytots · 22/01/2009 22:38

cmotdibbler, Have just informed my dh that MNers have told me I HAVE to buy a new sling

Mrsleroy, sorry to impose on you further, but do you know where onlinecan I buy woven wraps? Or even secondhand ones?

No CAT yet

OP posts:
mrsleroyjethrogibbs · 22/01/2009 22:50

samanthahilldrup at aol.com

if you email me I can help you

RobynLou · 22/01/2009 22:54

I carry my 17m old in a patapum toddler carrier everyday, back carry takes abit of getting used to and i don't find it v practical in this weather - hats go everywhere and i can't wear a coat but otherwise i love it - still front carry her alot and its fine for that still.

TinkerBellesMumandFiFi2 · 22/01/2009 23:46

If you already have a wrap jersey do work fine with older babies, just wrap over not under and you'll get a tight enough hold.

Yeni · 23/01/2009 09:12

I have the Beco butterfly which is extremely comfortable for a back carry but you might find the integral harness thingy a faff. I've never got on with the BH in a back carry. DH has an ergo but I find it pushes my trousers down and won't stay on my shoulders so not ideal really.

Original poster
threetinytots · 23/01/2009 10:30

robynlou - I was wondering about what everyone does about coats and such with a back carry in this weather!

I still find the babyhawk very comfy in a front carry with her, but have had a few comments along the lines of "isn't she a bit big for that now". Perhaps I should just ignore, but feel a back carry might be less stare and comment provoking. I like to blend into the background, me.

tinkerbellesmumandfifi2, I don't have my hugabub anymore. Unfortunately, my DH doesn't get the need for more than one carrier. Although that could be something to do with my collection of pushchairs as well...

Yeni, ergo doesn't sound too good then! With the Beco do you have to put them in the harness before you put it on, or vice versa? (sorry if I'm being a bit thick)

OP posts:
mawbroon · 23/01/2009 10:43

I bought an ergo about a year and a half ago when we moved house and I started taking the bus everywhere.

DS was around 20 months and I still carry him in it now and again if we are walking too far or if he is too tired. He is now 3.2yo and weighs 15.5kg.

I have a kindercoat and have used it pretty much every day since I bought it over a year ago.

Yeni · 23/01/2009 10:57

Yes, you clip them into the harness before you put it on like a backpack. I don't find it a problem but if you are good at getting them into back carries the normal way the beco will take longer. I can't do a normal back carry without a degree of jumping and twisting so I find the beco very straightforward. Older toddlers can just step in to the harness without you needing to undo the clips. I find the beco very handy if I need to give DS to someone else for a few minutes as I can just hand him over still in the carrier.

cmotdibbler · 23/01/2009 16:18

Re coats - I just wear my normal coat (although less warm coat than I would wear if not carrying), and DS the same. A good layer of babylegs, and he's fine with or without his hat - he hands it to me when he's had enough. I don't bother with gloves as he just stuffs his hands in between us if they are cold

LaTrucha · 23/01/2009 16:23

Connecta - I really want one as I've tried my friend's one a few times and it seems so comfortable. I love it!

Original poster
threetinytots · 23/01/2009 21:29

That kindercoat looks great!

Yeni, I am rubbish at getting dd into a back carry, so beco with a harness sounds good.

cmotdibbler - so I'm ok using a BH/TH over a fleece, and dd in perhaps an all in one? Blimey! I'll def need XL straps for that!!

LaTrucha, haven't heard of a Connecta, will go google.

OP posts: