Hi Moms,
I currently use a slingling w/ my toddler. He requires a lot of snuggle time so I wear him around when I am doing housework. It has recently gotten uncomfortable to wear him on back and front and is only comfortable on my hip but on my hip prevents me from doing some things. I am torn between the ergo and toddler patapum. I like the ergo bc it offers the option to wear him on the hip but the toddler patapum looks like it offers more support for a toddler and goes to a higher weight. Anyone have an opinions on either of these I would love to hear them. I figured it will also come in handy when we go on vacation to Canada in August.
I don't have the patapum, but I can say that while I love my ergo it doesn't have great back support for my toddler. I haven't really used it much on the hip carry setting (back is just much more comfortable), so if the patapum is similar in all otherways and offers better back support it might be worth going with that. Do you live near a store where you could try both on and see if your child prefers one over the other?
I have an Ergo and love it. Not sure where you live, but local stores like Magic Beans carry them. YOu might also try checking with a local babywearers group to try out both. My Ergo provides some back support that I did not get with my sling and I needed it esp. as my DS got bigger. I now wear him on my back, he doesn't like the hip carry.
Good luck.
I am not familiar with either product you are referring to, but I wore my toddlers in a backpack, especially at the bewitching evening hours as I tried to cook and staighten up. They always enjoyed watching me cook and "being held" but I didn't have to worry about them touching the stove or cutting boards. I also used it while traveling in airports, zoos, etc. they could always see!
Mother of 4, ages 12, 10, 7, 4!
Hi there.
I've used the Ergo pretty extensively (my husband and I own Magic Beans - thanks for the shout-out Allison!), and to me, the Patapum looks very similar in design. I would be surprised if it was significantly more comfortable than the Ergo. But now you've got me curious. :)
The Ergo is very comfortable to wear, and will certainly give you more complete weight distribution than a Slingling. After a certain point, a toddler gets heavy, and any carrier is going to cause some aches and pains. A wrap (like Moby Wrap) would give you the most support, but it takes some practice to master the backpack carry, and all that fabric can be inconvenient.
Definitely, if you're in the Boston area, stop by any of our stores. Our staff knows the Ergo inside and out and can help you try it on with your son and see if it will work for you.
And if you do get a Patapum, please let me know what you think - S.[at]mbeans.com.
You can also browse our online selection of carriers:
http://mbeans.com/baby-carriers.html
I would suggest going to mymammasmilk.com and look at the carriers she recommends and you can talk with her she is very helpful and if you are nearby she can let you try them etc.
Rachel,
Before you spend the money I would suggest getting in touch with this group. From what I understand you can borrow a sling/carrier to try before buying.
http://www.bostonbabywearers.com/
L. M
