structured carrier or mei tai for toddler

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I'm looking at babyhawks at the moment (although happy to consider others) and can't decide between a mei tai or something more structured. I'm hoping it will last until about 3-4 years old, and would like it to be relatively easy to get my dd into a back carry position.

Does anyone have any advice, Dr does it just come down to preference?

I had a toddlerhawk, which I loved, and then when ds was 3 I got a wrap conversion Dreamcarrier half buckle which was fantastic as it did put more weight through your hips. Dh and I carried ds still when he was 4, and he's no lightweight!

Ooh, well that was my third option - the Babyhawk oh mei which is a buckle at the waist but a mei tai top half. Maybe that would be a good one. Unfortunately there are no sling libraries around here.

Did you (or anyone else who sees this!) carry your ds on your back or front? And was it hard to position on your back?

I think I started carrying on my back when ds was 15 months or so. A bit nerve wracking at first, but you soon get the hang of it - as do they! Much more comfortable as they get heavier too.

I'd recommend getting xl straps unless you are really petite as you need the length for a lexi twist and to go round them as they grow

Thanks ever so much for your advice! Now, to shop..!

Thanks ever so much for your advice! Now, to shop..!

Hi,

A Babyhawk, Toddlerhawk or Babyhawk Oh Mei (half buckle one) won't offer knee to knee support until LO is 3/4. They'd all be best for up to 12/18 months.

All manufacturers will extend the length of time a carrier can be used for. Although not unsafe to be used to the specified weight/age, it won't necessarily be comfy for either of you.

It is totally personal preference. Try www.itsaslingthing.co.uk for postal sling rental if you can't find a local sling library.

A lot of people prefer buckle carriers for toddlers and older children as they tend to give you less time for faffing the older they are! If you go down that route, I'd strongly recommend the Toddler Tula - it will last through as long as you'd like and is good from around 18 months ish.

If you'd like a toddler sized mei tai then my favorite is the Pre Schooler Melkaj. Very beautiful and comfy too.

As for front vs back carrying - you generally find you can't see past their heads at a certain size when they are on your front! As said above, back carrying can need a little bit of practise, but there are a number of methods and if you can't get to a sling library, there is always YouTube to have a practise with. Practise with a doll/teddy or over a soft surface with a spotter. Before you know it, you'll be a pro!

Good luck!