Which carrier for 4 month old and a 2.5 year old?

[FeatheredHeart]

Hoping to get sth I can use for ds2 round the house, and also for ds1 when we're out and he gets tired while ds1 is in the pram.

Needs to fit me at 6 foot.

Ergos sound a bit hit and miss, also not very high back support? Beco looks pretty good. Would love to hear about any others I should consider...

Have you tried a ring sling? I used mine for DD from birth up to nearly three years old (and still going, though she is quite small). They are endlessly adjustable so good for tall people or small people.

We have the Ergo Active which (the blurb says) was designed to be fine for men (ie for a bigger build than the normal ergo) dh (6'6) and I (5'6') both use it with no probs.

A meitai is good for both ages - something like a BabyHawk. You might want to go for XL straps so that it fits well on you and DH for front and back carries.

DH is a big 6'3, and I am 5'9 and we have no problems with our Toddlerhawk (which has a larger body for bigger children)

I got my toddler patapum when ds was only about 6 mths and didn't find it too big (and it was fine for my 2.5 yr old wheras the ergo didn't feel secure enough with her as it didn't come as high up her back. I do find my mei-tai more comfortable though (mine is a diy one so I made it to toddler dimensions) - if you go for a mei-tai you can roll the bottom if it is too big for your baby. I also love wraps and again I use the same ones with my baby and toddler - there is a bit more of a learning curve with wraps but it is well worth it.

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bloss - I think it depends what you're looking for in a carrier. If the Babytrekker worked well for you that's great, but one of the things I like about wraps and MTs (and SSCs, although I haven't really got into them) is that they DO extend over more of the babies back and thighs (something the Babytrekker has been designed to avoid), as that will spread the baby's weight over a larger area and so it will, IMO, make it more comfortable for them. Less wriggling also makes for easier carrying for me

FeatheredHeart - If it were me (and it will be soon - although I'll have a 2 3/4 yr age gap), I'll be relying on a woven wrap and a couple of MTs, possibly adding a stretchy wrap for when the LO is really little. Once you've got an idea of what you're looking its worth checking out the 2nd hand market - Natural Mamas and UKbabywearingSWAP are both great places to pick up a bargain. Happy shopping

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Great tips, thank you.

You mentioned the Beco - I'm tall too and so is DP and we love our Beco. I had it from when DS was 5mo and DD was 2.2 and both could be carried v comfortably in it. Was invaluable, very sturdily made yet soft and comfy for the kids and the wearer. Sarah at www.naturalconnection.com was very helpful in letting me try and return different models.

a connecta is a good choice too there is a lumbar support belt you can buy now to complement it should you feel you need it though i dont even when carrying my 2 yr old

Thank you - great tip about the try before you buy! People seem to swear either for or against buckles - can anyone fill me in a bit - especially on the cons?