Baby Carrier for 11mo?

[DrewsGirl]

I got rid of my baby carrier when DS was about 5 months and started pulling things off the shelves at the shops, but I have just moved to Cyprus and would love to walk along the beach in the evenings, we tried a few nights ago and took it in turns carrying him (tried the buggy, big mistake on sand!) and DH had him on shoulders but he gets fidgety and tired.

I want something easily adjustable so we could take it in turns to carry him and not to expensive because he is nearly walking so we will only need for 6months tops probably.

Just a thought, but I don't think they stop needing to be carried at 18 months. Mine is still in a sling at 2 1/2, because it's easier to let him down to run and play, and then pick him up when he's knackered, than it is to manage with one hand on a buggy and the other holding his. They still have very small legs, tire easily and fast, and still plead to be carried for quite a while yet in my experience. Mine loves to walk and run about when he feels like it, but I use a carrier as well, in lieu of a buggy. A toddler can't walk as an adult can. Worth bearing in mind, maybe?

Ergo www.ergobabycarrier.com/ very practical, easy to put on and much more comfortable than slings.

last long too so second hand are usually in good condition.

Ergos are faked on an industrial scale. They're sold in massive numbers on Ebay claimed to be brand new - a giveaway is the dvd they can sometimes come with. Real Ergos haven't come with one in years now. Amazon is not safe either as anyone can sell through them - it works like Ebay, essentially. And I'd not buy a second hand one unless I knew the seller personally or they provided a receipt, either, because they may well have bought a fake unknowingly themselves. A fake Ergo may break at the buckles, and the dyes they use may well be toxic. Just not worth the risk for a few quid. If you google "fake ergo" you'll see the scale of the problem.

It's a brilliant carrier though - I have one as well. A Manduca is similar and as far as I know, not faked. It didn't suit me as well, but they are really good. Their Ebay resale value is better as well as they are not faked.

Thanks for all the ideas. perfect storm - does it not break your back carrying a 2.5 yo in a carrier, mines already heavy!?

I remember struggling to carry DS in my arms for 20 minutes at 6 months because he seemed really heavy. Now, I manage just fine. I think it's because they grow incrementally, so you adjust to it, and I had back problems from SPD that first year which didn't help.

I wouldn't want to carry him for more than an hour - but at his age you don't need to (unless he's poorly in which case he's not going for long tramps). It's to give him respite from walking, or me a turn of speed if we need it. Honestly, I love it. He's almost out of babyhood completely now and the cuddly way he grips on to me and the way he chatters away about what he sees is pretty special. All too soon he's going to be a schoolboy. I like enjoying this closeness while he still wants it. And an ergo (or Manduca, depending on what suits you) is the only way I can do that, because loose, he really does kill me. The ergo makes it completely manageable.

Thanks for your advice, i have looked at the ERGO they look amazing but have to talk DH into spening £100.