Manduca or Ergo for 9mo?

[tiokiko]

I need to get a sling/carrier for 9mo DD2 and think I am going to go for either Manduca or Ergo. I had a BB which was uncomfy when she was newborn so won't be any better now she is 19lbs!

We need it for the Olympics as rules say babies under 1y must be in sling/carrier at all times inside venues, will be there for several sessions so need something that's comfy for us both.

No time to go to a slingmeet as I need to buy it in the next few days - any recommendations?

Hi tiokiko, im new here (have been lurking for a few months). I would really recommend the manduca 500 times over the ergo. I have both, the manduca is great, but am starting to experiment with proper wrap slings and ring slings as you cannot bf a newborn in either. Back to the topic, the ergo was a bloody waste of money, as for a baby under 3 months or so you have to purchase a separate newborn insert which is awfully hot and makes it difficult for the baby to breathe properly. I know i had it on properly as i even had a session with my midwife who assured me that all was well - we just couldnt find outs what made the baby wheeze in it !!! the manduca has a clever foldaway thin piece of fabric which keeps the newborns legs in the right position. It also has a zip up section to support the weak neck so that no silly insert is needed.
Putting the newborn issue aside, i would recommend the manduca wholeheartedly for an older child also, even if there is no newborn due , for the reason of the leg positioning: the manduca focuses of an orthopaedically essential M-Shape, to me it looks like a frogs leg position, and the childs legs are supported in the hollow of the knee. In the ergo, although the legs are also held to your body, the babys bottom is not lower than its knees as its should be, and its legs are held up on the thigh, which is not as comfortable as being held up on the knee hollows, especially for longer than an hour.
My experience has been for front and back carries and for newborns and slightly older babies - DD is now 7m. When she is tired and cant be bothered to hold her head up the zip section of the manduca can be used to support the head - ideal if you will have a baby on you for longer stretches. Sorry if this post is too long but i would be happy to have someone else avoid the mistake i made and the money i wasted.
I would not use a ring sling for hours on end as it weighs on one shoulder too much and i am unfortunately not good with wrap slings like the didymos, i need a few weeks and some help to get the and of it, unless you are good with tying strong knots already.
Hope i could have been of help.

Yep, greentrees has summed it up in in one lovely line , ha ha, me with my essay.

Thanks both - short and sweet is good, detail also good!

Don't think there will be another newborn (well, that's the plan anyway) but it sounds like the Manduca has lots of advantages so probably has a better resale value and we could probably use for longer more comfortably.

Right, my online shopping finger is twitching, will go for the Manduca unless anyone tells me not to!