My 8 month old is too big for the baby bjorn, and I have a structured backpack for hiking and such. But that isn't really great for the grocery store and around the house and such.
Do any of you have any recommendations for what to use now?
Thanks for your help!
I second the BabyHawk Mei Tai carrier In fact if you visit http://www.mymammasmilk.com/STOREFRONT.html you will find them there. Best of luck to you.
I love my Ergo Baby carrier. My son is in it now as we wait to board our plane. It's comfortable for both of us, has a pocket and is easy to adjust. I use it with him on the front and the back, even hiking.
Try the ergo carrier. A bit pricey, but I think it would do everything that you want it to do.
Hi S., I just upgraded from the Bjorn carrier too for my 9 month old son. I picked up a (barely used) BabyHawk Mei Tai carrier at a tag sale for $10! I love it--you can wear them on the front, hip, and as a backpack and it is comfy). So keep your eyes open for deals now, there are tons of parent association tag sales as well as Craigs list for carriers. The Mei Tai is nice as are the ring slings--both are pretty portable and easy to put on yourself. I have friends who have the Ergo and like it--it seems a bit bulky to me, but to each their own! There are plenty of options for a bigger baby/toddler.
Slings are comfortable, affordable options that you can use for babies through toddlers. You could buy three slings for the price of an Ergo, and you can use the sling in the front, on the side, or in the back. I've used one with both of my children (now almost 4 and almost 2 -- both still fit in the sling, although I'm 9 months pregnant and mostly make them walk!) and intend to use it with baby #3, set to arrive any day. You do have to get the size for the person wearing the sling (it is not adjustable like the Ergo and other carriers), but I find it to be the most convenient and easiest to use. Plus, if your kid wants to get out and walk mid-way through the trip, it's not a pain to carry around with you (it's small and light).
Check out www.eieiobabygear.com and use coupon code MamaSource08 for a 10% discount.
What about a sling that you can use on your back or hip? Some moms love those even with small kids ages 2 or 3. Most of the backpacks I've seen are geared toward hiking as well.
hi S.
i went on line and found several that u might be able to use. i just typed in carriers for big babies and lots of different links and things came up...a lot....so u just might be in luck
Hi, like a few other people have already mentioned, I love my Ergo. It's very comfortable and my 19 month old still loves it. You may be able to find a used one on craigslist as it is a bit pricey. Good luck!
I found that slings were good while the baby is small, but the Ergo is the BEST for when they get bigger. It takes some adjustment to learn how to put it on yourself. Don't worry about the price too much because when you are done with your Ergo you can sell it on ebay or craigslist and get almost all of your money back (used ones are really in demand)
As others have said, the Ergo is what you are looking for. However, I recently traded my Ergo for a Beco and LOVE IT even more than the Ergo! It has a few more features and also many more options for colors/patterns/styles. They are about the same price and you can probably find some sales online.
Check out Ergo and Beco. :)
I love my ergo. I have used it since my daughter was 8 months old and she is 2! It is so wonderful.
I use the hip hammock by playtex. It's really great because it sits on your hip so you can wrap your hands around the baby or use the hand. I use it with my 10 month old all the time.
i also use it for my 2 and 3 year old at times. It's easier than carring them on my hip when they are tired/grumpy at a store.
About a year ago I went on a long hike up a pretty steep mountain with a girlfriend. I had a backpack carrier and the hip hammock. I found the hip hammock much, much easier to use. It kept my 2 year old closer to my body and was easier -- and safer than the backpack carrier.
It's one of those things that i really don't know what i would do without.
There are so many options. I'd recommend checking out the boston babywearers. They have monthly meetings, and will let you borrow a carrier or two to try (they just ask for a refundable deposit) more info here: http://www.bostonbabywearers.com/
For me, I had a ring sling with my firstborn and that worked front, back, and side. With my second I had the ring sling, a Moby Wrap, a mei tai (homemade), and a gypsy mama gauze wrap. Our favorite was the mei tai.
Lots of people are fans of either the becco or the ecko (sp? on both)
