I used a stretchy wrap for DD when she was tiny and then an Ergo, however she's never been that happy in the Ergo, but I love carrying her and wonder if there are any alternatives before I give it up. When she was younger she'd soon nod off in a front carry, however before she went to sleep she would whinge and wriggle around. Now she's older and obviously isn't always up for a nap! She fully pushes against me with her hands/arms and it's really annoying and uncomfortable, and obviously she isn't happy either. I've tried her on my back and it is usually the same. Most of the time she is straining to see where we are going. Doesn't seem to make any difference how often I stop to point out interesting things to the side. I have tried the hip carry with the Ergo just once in desperation (Boxing day muddy walk in the middle of nowhere!) and she absolutely loved it but I found it really uncomfortable and was aching afterwards.
She loves our littlelife backpack - I assume because she is up so high she can see everything - but I find it too heavy really with her in it too, although DH is fine with it - I liked the ergo for convenience - we keep it in the car to be whipped out when the buggy is too much of a faff.
Are there any other options I'm missing? Are hipseat type carriers any good or are they always going to cause strain due to the uneven-ness of the weight? Thanks!!