[devildogwife]

Or more like toddler carrier help! I know there are quite a few of you that are more experienced than me. I wasn't able to wear Cameron very much due to the shunt that he had on his heart as a newborn. The shunt isn't there anymore, so I can wear him upright just fine.

Lately, he is NOT feeling well and is wanting to be carried all the time. I'm fine with that, but I do need to get some things done around my house occasionally.

Here's what I'm looking for: something very easy and simple to put on and get him in by myself. I don't care what position he's carried in as long as we're both as comfortable as possible. He hovers between 22-23 pounds but is of average height for a 2 year old. I'm pretty petite, 5 feet tall, average weight.

Any recommendations?

[OakShannon]

Do you have friends with baby carriers you can try out? Some of it seems to vary depending upon your body type. I tried other carriers recently because my body was protesting carrying my kiddo around for long periods. But the ergo was still most comfortable for us. For me, it gives the most support when carrying a bigger child. I can carry him for up to 1.5 hours easily. David is about 29 lbs. and 33 inches tall. I also have a petite build although I'm a couple of inches taller than you are.

The advantages are that it's easy to put them in it. You can put them in a back carry or front carry by yourself. And the weight is carried mostly on your hips, so it's not hard on your back, even when they are toddler size. I also like the fact that it has a pocket big enough to hold a snack, my keys, or other small things I might need if we are going to be out for awhile. If you know someone who owns one, maybe you can ask to try it out to see how it works for you.

[Magic_Hat]

I second the Ergo. The Mei Tai is also great for carrying on the back (can do on the front too). They have ones that tie on and have ones that clip on. I have tie on but I think clip would probably be easier/faster. I got a really nice one from a work at home mom and it was pretty inexpensive compared to what I've seen out there. If I had to do it again, I would've paid more to have padded straps.

[crick]

I recommend a house cleaner.

[Nevada Jen]

I had a commecially avalable hip carrier. I think that was actually what it was called. I thought it worked pretty well. It had just a little bit more oomph than a ring sling but was easier to use. Let me see if I can find a link to it. It was kind of like this Ellaroo Organic Mei Hip Baby Carrier - London - Ellaroo - Babies "R" Us only mine was cheaper. You could also make a ring sling pretty easy. Or purchase a pouch sling somewhere. I thought those worked best with a toodler.

[sugarandspice697]

Originally Posted by crick

I recommend a house cleaner.

I would too but that option isn't cheap

We have the Ergo carrier and I LOVE it for Firefly. One of the reasons we chose it was because most of their colors were gender neutral and DP refuses to to use a carrier with floral prints in pink!

Another option is the Becco Carrier and Mei Tais. We have heard good things about those carriers too.

[052001]

I love the Ergo. My DD is almost 4 and I can still carry her around. The Ergo converts from front, back, or hip carrier.

[Magic_Hat]

I loved my pouch sling for when the babies were infants cause it was the easiest to use, folded to be almost the size of a cloth diaper and kept the babies close to the body but I can't imagine using one like that once the baby gets some weight, like over 10-12 lbs. I think it's better for the weight to be distributed evenly on your back (or front) than on one side of your body but I don't know if there's any research behind that.

[goodiesformom]

I have a scoot-a-baby hip carrier that was awesome with my toddler. You can carrier up to 40 lbs. and he like being off to the side so he could see where he was going.

Lois

[Tracey33]

I also recommend the Ergo. I was able to carry our 25lb DD, hiking trails on vacation. Her weight was on my hips, so it didn't hurt my back. I was able to maneuver pretty well (bend, climb, etc.) with her on the front, and never worried that she might fall out. And, she was comfortable in there. When I bought it, I remember thinking that it was kind of expensive, but for that one trip alone, it was worth the cost.

[mondk]

We had the Baby Bjorn, but I could never get him in it by myself, someone had to help me. So I don't recommend it!

Blessings, Michelle

[aclee]

I my ergo. Most recently, I got Matty in it, ON MY BACK...ALL BY MYSELF! He loved it back there too. I haven't put Ty in there yet though. I think it's super comfy to wear once you get it on and baby settled, but for me, it's sort of a PIA to get on and adjusted. Waist is super easy, and then putting the shoulder straps on is not too bad, but you have to be a little flexible to get the cross strap...so I love it on the back

[isitnaptime]

I love our Egro too, although at 5 feet you might find it rather bulky. The shoulder staps are wide and at 5'5" I couldn't get it to pull small enough.
So now that is my husbands carrier and I got a Beco, which is much more comfortable. My friend that is the same size loves her AngelPac, which is the same concept as the Ergo and Beco.

[Amber76]

I use my Mei Tai and my Moby wrap both for DS. The Moby is great for a hip carry for a toddler and the Mei Tai is perfect for front or back carries. I like that it has ties rather than buckles because DH can wear it easily without having to adjust a bunch of straps and buckles. The Mei Tai I have is a Freehand that I bought off of craigslist, but Baby Hawk Mei Tai's are worse.

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by isitnaptime

I love our Egro too, although at 5 feet you might find it rather bulky. The shoulder staps are wide and at 5'5" I couldn't get it to pull small enough.
So now that is my husbands carrier and I got a Beco, which is much more comfortable. My friend that is the same size loves her AngelPac, which is the same concept as the Ergo and Beco.

That's kind of what I've wondered too and is a common problem I've had with other carriers that I've tried. Nothing seems to be small enough that I have tried thus far. Otherwise, the Ergo looks like a good option.

Thanks for the ideas everybody. Crick, I have to say yours was my favorite! One day maybe. I appreciate everyone's suggestions. I wish I knew someone with an Ergo so I could try it out. I rarely see anyone here wearing their baby or toddler. I just want something that fits me even though I'm shorter than the average person.

Shannon-how tall are you? Do you think an Ergo would fit you okay if you were shorter? Any other short people who have done fine with an Ergo?