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Original poster

Carrying baby on your back- what do you use and why do you love it??

14 replies

littlelamb · 02/03/2009 21:12

I am struggling to decide what to buy for our next sling. I started with a Close and then changed to a Kari Me, both of which I loved using. I am still carrying ds in the Kari me on my front and it's still comfortable but at nearly 9 months he is getting in the way a bit if I have stuff to do- reaching in my bag or purse is getting a bit difficult! I am not confident enough to wrap him on my back. I want to buy a good carrier for back carries as we are up and down the country a lot on trains and taking a buggy is a nightmare, and just for day to day use- I much prefer not having to lug a buggy about. I like the look of the Beco Butterfly, but I admit it is mostly because it is pretty . From what I have heard the ergo is well liked as well. I wouldn't mind something that ties on either so maybe a mei tai type thing? Help me decide! I am not keen on a big framed backpack carrier purely because we are short on space and the one I had for dd was not too comfy and I was forever banging it into things as it was so big when I had it on. And finally, does anyones dc just not tolerate going on your back? Ds loves being carried on my front and is very calm and alert when he is, even facing in which is what we mostly do. And will I develop a bald patch from what I assume will be the inevitable hair pulling?!

OP posts:
gingerninja · 02/03/2009 21:22

I have an ergo but am not experienced with mei tai's. I do have a woven wrap but could never really get the hang of back carrying with it. The ergo isn't that big. folds into itself pretty neatly. I loved it. DD loved it but I know there is a real mix of opinions. I'd say, if it's possible, try and see if you can try one on before you buy.

CMOTDibbler · 02/03/2009 21:29

I have a Toddlerhawk (large sized BabyHawk) and a toddler sized TaiTasi - both MeiTais for my 2.9 year old - check out the pics on my profile. I love them both.

I had an Ergo before trying MeiTais, and didn't get on with it - found it hard to get on over my coat, and difficult to get my arm back through straps. Also adjusting with DS in seemed really hard.

DS loves being on our backs, and although he has tried hair pulling soon stopped. I do have long hair that I wear up most of the time though.

Tangle · 02/03/2009 23:39

I wasn't convinced about wrapping DD on my back, but I'm actually happier wrapping her than putting her in a Mei-Tai - although I had to find the right wrap (I don't think I'd have felt confident with a stretchy one). I think the MTs should be good (I've got a BallBabyOverall and a Napsack) - I just need more practice...

I tried an Ergo but didn't find it comfortable at all.

Can you get to a www.slingmeet.co.uk? That way you could give a few a try and see what you felt comfortable with before buying. The problem is there are so MANY different carriers to choose from, and what works well for you and your DS may not be what you expect.

Otherwise, how do you feel about buying 2nd hand? Natural Mamas forum and the UKbabywearingSWAP mailgroup are both worth keeping an eye on - buy something that takes your fancy, try it, and if it doesn't work sell it on for what you paid.

Good luck

Original poster
littlelamb · 02/03/2009 23:44

I do fancy the ergo actually now I have read up about it. Has nayone ordered from Free Range Kids?? I don't like ordering from websites I'm not familiar with and it does seem a bit 'basic' iyswim- there's no address or phone number for a start But they seem to be selling it the cheapest?

OP posts:
pooter · 03/03/2009 00:06

i bought my ergo from them about 18months ago - they were very good iirc- think its a v small business - the man had to ring me about something and im sure i heard children in the background . i LOVED the ergo , so much so that my best friend bought one too, and loves hers! i cant wait to have another chance to use it again. DS is now too heavy . Echo about slingmeet - i met some lovely people through that website.

Original poster
littlelamb · 03/03/2009 00:10

Ah that's good to know pooter. Did it take long to arrive can you remember?

OP posts:
omgidbi · 03/03/2009 09:02

I tried to order an ergo backpack from Free Range Kids, but they contacted me a few days later to say it was out of stock in cranberry and would black be ok instead.

I love my Ergo, it's really practical and comfy and just ace. I got mine from Baby-Bean.com and I think you can use the code SMILE for 10% off.

Yeni · 03/03/2009 09:42

I got my Ergo backpack and waist pack from Free Range Kids and found them very good. They exchanged a faulty item very quickly.

I use a Beco Butterfly for a back carry. It has an internal harness that you clip the baby into before you put the carrier on so it's easy to do a back carry. I also like the fact that the shoulder straps are comfortable and don't dig in but they are not bulky at all. You can also undo the waist belt with the child still inside which is quite useful, and you can hand the child to somebody else without taking them out of the carrier. The fabric is very nice and smooth. I have the Butterfly 1 and the hood is not brilliant but apparently it has been improved on the new one.

I can't get on with the Ergo. I can't keep the straps on my shoulders and the hip belt pushes my trousers down. I think the straps are quite bulky too. The hood on the ergo is very good but I don't like the awkward way it tucks into the pocket. Having said all that, lots of people swear by the Ergo and my DH uses it with no problem. It was our first SSC and we got it because it was supposed to be the best but now I've seen what else is available I wish I'd saved my money and got something else. It is very expensive now.

HolidaysQueen · 03/03/2009 09:47

Both DH and I love our Ergo - really comfy, and DS feels so light in it. DS adores it - he was ill this weekend (teething and a virus) and the only time he wasn't constantly crying was when we went for a walk with him on daddy's back. I'm 5ft5 and DH is 6ft2 and it suits us both, plus DH has an ongoing back problem but doesn't suffer from using the Ergo.

macaco · 03/03/2009 10:09

this is more supportive than an ergo and doesn't need a cushion for newborns. Goes up to 20k on the back.
I have one and I luuuurve it.

breadandroses · 03/03/2009 10:33

Patapum.

Fab fab fab.

Don't buy Ergo- they have some v dodgy marketing practises.

HolidaysQueen · 03/03/2009 10:35

breadandroses - what is dodgy about ergo?

Loopymumsy · 03/03/2009 13:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
littlelamb · 07/03/2009 15:36

Wow, thank you for all the advice. I couldn't decide between a mei tai or the Ergo so I ordered both I took the mei tai out yesterday but wasn't bowled over tbh, the pattern is just beautiful but I want it to take the place of a pushchair tbh so it needs to be comfortable. I wore ds on my back today in the Ergo and I am sold . The mei tai is going back on Monday. I just cannot beleive how comfy the ergo is, and also that I am not at all worried about ds falling out! It is completely secure and it was so nice that he was at people level and lots of people stopped to talk to him. I did order from Free Range Kids in the end- brillaint service. They didn't have the colour I ordered first but they quickly sent my second choice. And at £72 was the cheapest I could find. I adore it Am a bit sad about stopping with the wrap but he just got too heavy really, so I am going to wash it ready for next months NCT sale. Thanks again for all the advice

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