Want another carrier, but which type/brand?

[FortunateHamster]

Hi,

I have a ten-week-old son and have been using an Ellaroo Mei Tai carrier that I really like. But for some reason I just fancy getting another one so there's variety if I want it.

I've read the info online about the different types but still can't make up my mind.

Basically, wraps look good but I think they're a best buy for birth onwards (would definitely get one next time) as they're so ideal when babies are small and I'm thinking that it'd be a pain to have another with even longer straps trailing around. Something simple to put on would be nice. Not totally opposed though.

I like the idea of ring slings/babasling but I've had a troublesome lower back in the last couple of weeks and suspect they could aggravate it so unless I can get a bargain on ebay or a cheap babasling I don't think they're a good buy for me.

Looked at babybjorns but they're expensive new and hard to get a good idea of quality of new ones on ebay as there are so many, plus people on here don't tend to be a fan.

Ideally, I'd like to get something DH could use as well. He's almost six foot and I'm a shortie.

So what's left over? Are there any carriers after that which people would recommend? I'm open to looking at specific brands as that makes it easier to google/find on ebay. I do keep whining about price but it's my birthday next month so I can always get one then - in which case I definitely need to get a fair amount of use for three/four months and beyond!

Sorry for the long message and thanks if you get this far.

Forgot to say am also happy to look at another mei tai/soft structured carrier :)

I have a babasling, which I got quite cheaply in tk maxx, worth checking there. (I know you weren't sure about that one) I'm still using it with DS2 at 1year :)

I will not be much help as I am trying to work out which sling to get for myself and don't actually have one yet. However, I did use a BabyBjorn last time and I did like it, as did DH. I always felt that DS was very secure in it, and they are quite ergonomic and take the weight of older babies. A friend of mine just recommended an Ergo too, which is a structured carrier and she is still using it for her almost 2 yr old and prefers it over the BabyBjorn.

A Podaegi?

Sorry I wasn't clear - DH does use the mei tai. I really have no reason for wanting another except that sheer wanting urge that has taken me over, and the feeling I might be missing out on an even better carrier.

I suspect what I should've done was to do a thread saying 'tell me your favourite carrier and why' - though possibly that's been done before and I should just look through the posts :)

Have read slingguide but it mostly left me wanting everything and unsure.

Podaegi looks interesting - I'll look into it :)

I am really enjoying using my Yamo sling. I have a really heavy baby (she was 11lb at birth) and with the padded waistband I find it very comfy. I haven't tried a back carry yet but found the front carry really easy and we've now progressed to hip carry. She is 6.5m
The Yamo is a soft structured carrier but with clips so very easy to adjust.

Yamo

I hired one for 2 weeks from slingjax and liked it so much I arranged to keep it.
If you are unsure then hiring one might help you decide.

Thanks for the forum link, Loopy, looks good :)

And SmacsGonePotty, the Yamo looks very nice indeed. Hiring is a good idea too.

Basically, I want all the carriers, all the time!

My Ergo is the best money I have ever spent in my life. I carried DD1 in it until she was 2.5 and I threw her out so DD2 could go in it, and now I still carry DD2 (2.5) to the after-school club in it every afternoon to collect DD1, with absolutely no difficulty. Can't recommend them enough.

Just to say I got a Yamo off eBay at a bargain price and it arrived today. Have only managed a short walk in it so far (v.windy and rainy here), but I think I'm going to love it :)

I carry DD in a woven wrap and she's 2 - weighs about 32lbs. I just started wrapping her about four months ago. I think they're good for any age really, but just take a bit of practice to tie. I tried a couple of things, but wrapping was comfiest for me and I like that I can wear it different ways.

You could try getting a size 4, about 3.6 metres. Then you can use it for two shoulder carries, front, back and hip but it wouldn't be really long. Usual starting length is about 4.6. I struggled with one a bit longer than that when P was small, although don't find it a problem now. Natural Mamas and slinguide are great places to check stuff out though. And www.slingmeet.co.uk to see if there's somewhere near you where you can try some things out.