k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 DS wants "up" all. the. time. I can't get anything done because he's always hanging on my feet. At the store....he won't ride in the cart - trust me, I've tried MAKING him. He just screams. He just wants me to carry him. I have a moby wrap. I tried to put him in it in a back carry the other day so I could get some stuff done and it was just too darn hard and complicated and even once I got it done, it wasn't tight enough. I can't be fiddling with that in a parking lot full of snow, or a slushy entry way at a store. So, I'm wondering.....is a mei tai easier to get on for a toddler? I would prefer to carry him on my back or hip. Are those both options with a mei tai? It sure looks easier to get on, but maybe not? I appreciate info from anyone that's BTDT. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hwin Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Yes, absolutely get a Mei Tai! The moby will never be tight enough because it's stretchy and it has too much give with a toddler (or heavier baby) in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 ditto, a Moby is not designed for a toddler, more for a small baby. Personally, I would recommend an Ergo, very easy and distribute the weight very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyD Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Agreed -- Moby is way too stretchy. Ergo all the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Perfect! That is just the response I was hoping for :) I think I might order this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/66332545/mei-tai-baby-carrier-spirograph?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=mei%2Btai&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Also a mei tai lover here. They can be used for hip carries, although I found it awkwrd. The print on the one you linked is cute! but be sure you want minky come warm weather. Also, I checked some of her other listings to look at structure. Glad to see x-box stitching, but would personally prefer the straps to extend farther into the interior than they appear to. Esp since this is for a toddler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PentecostalMom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I vote for Ergo, too! I carried dd until she was almost 40 pounds. She loved it! Sorry I sold it, now looking for another one for litle dd. You can put them on ou back with no help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Thought of something else - the waist doesn't seem to be padded. Many people prefer padded waists with bigger babies/toddlers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rootsnwings Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Julie :001_wub: her Ergo!!!! Watch babysteals.com often--they have the organic ones on sale, regularly $135 + Shipping for $87 shipped!! That's where we got ours! :) FTR, I had a babyhawk with Caleb and it was super nice for front carry but I couldn't ever figure out how to get him on my back without help--it's no problem in the ergo! I DO love the looks of the Mei Hip carriers, have you seen those? They are super cute but once they hit the 1 year mark I have to stop using the pouch as much or my back/shoulders start hurting. There's no pain with the ergo b/c of the 2 straps and she's pushing 35lbs now. :) I do LOVE my pouches before about 25lbs though. HTH!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Moby wrap is great for newborns, but it's too stretchy for a toddler. I'd definitely go for a mei tai or Ergo for the toddler. I am a very experienced babywearer, and I would recommend you look at reviews on thebabywearer.com to find a good brand of mei tai. They can vary a lot, and I would recommend finding one that is well-liked and time-tested. They may be a bit pricier but have had extensive testing, may carry insurance, and use high-quality materials. I can personally recommend the Kozy carrier, kozycarrier.com; I have been using the same Kozy for nearly five years, with two different children, and aside from being a bit dirty, it is in excellent shape. The owner has worked really hard to build her business and to ensure that she uses only top materials and construction techniques so that children will be safe. (She is also a friend of mine and a fellow homeschooling mom.) There are other excellent brands out there as well, but before you buy anything, I would definitely read reviews at TBW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrappyhappymama Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I love love love my BabyHawk mei tai carrier. I carry my toddler on my back in mine all the time. It took me a few times practicing to get comfortable getting him on my back on my own, but after that I've had no problems at all. It is truly wonderful. :001_wub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Okay, here's my hang up. I really don't have much to spend (which is why the $30 price tag was attractive) and as far as longevity, DS is already 20months old and at this point we don't really have any intentions of having any more. So, I don't necessarily need it to last forever. Also, I imagine I will be using it 3-4x a week for an hour or so per time. So, I think I could get by with something not top of the line, yeah? I did look at the EXTENSIVE list of reviews on The Babywearer already tonight. I checked out a few of the higher rated ones and all were more than I have to spend. Maybe I need to look a little closer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Ergo :) Sling or Moby (or similar) was great for little. I got the Ergo when my son was 1.5 years and wore him till he was almost 4. It's incredible and very comfortable. Stretchy doesn't seem to work for toddlers.... The Ergo has good padding (but not too much) for your shoulders ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waa510 Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Mei tai!! Moby's work great until the kid is about 15 pds. Then you suddenly have a baby sagging lower and lower by the second :tongue_smilie:. We use a babyhawk (technically a toddlerhawk). I'd check craigslist or diaperswappers.com (a cloth diapering site that sells baby-wearing stuff) I bought my bh for $30 on there! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elinnea Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Another vote for the Ergo. My dd is 32lbs. and I carry her on 10k walks in it all the time and it is quite comfortable. As everyone else said, the Moby is great for newborns but is too stretchy for toddlers and dangerous for back carries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I loved the ergo for the toddler years. I had a Mei Tai (baby hawk) as well but the ergo was easier to pop the girls in and out of (up, down, up, down). The ergo is also nice if you spend a lot of time out. I still use ours when we are out for a full day in case the girls get tired. I just throw it on and then when someone gets tired they can have a piggy back ride with no effort (my 6 year old was in it last week when she got tired at the end of a day hike). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I have a Kozy Carrier mei tai, and swear by it. They're also not hard to make, there are some good patterns free online. If you make your own, wide shoulder straps are easier than padding and enhance comfort. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Ugh...if only I was rich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 You can also check on thebabywearer for local bw'ers to try out different carriers. There are sometimes groups with a lending library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I didn't read all of the responses, but if you want a MT, you should look at a SSC or a buckle tei. I love my SSC; I've made myself 2 so far :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 help me out....what's a SSC? I've seen the buckle ones....can you use them for a hip carry? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 SSC is soft structured carrier, like an ergo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 ahhh....thank you :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 yes, that lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 and I thought this was going to be an easy decision...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I haven't researched it, but I do think I remember seeing that there is a specific carrier for a hip carry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 I saw that there is one that is specifically for a hip carry, and a hip carry only, but it looks like at least the regular mei tai can be used front, back, or hip too. I'm curious about the buckle version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I think the ergo is okay for hip carries.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Everything I see on Diaperswappers that I like is $75+. I really can't spend more than $40. Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 you can get a MT for about that, but the buckle carriers take a bit more time and supplies to make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Ergos are great. Could you spend a bit more and then sell it later to recoup some of the money? I've had several slings... I am a solid ergo fan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Ergos are great. Could you spend a bit more and then sell it later to recoup some of the money? I've had several slings... I am a solid ergo fan! I just don't have the cash up front right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bird Girl Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I wore my now-8-year-old from birth until she was three, and I was too pregnant to hoist her anymore. I would like to recommend the carrier I used once she was too big for our pocket sling: the hip hammock. http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Hip-Hammock-Standard-Black/dp/B0007XTN5S At the time I bought mine, it wasn't licensed by Playtex, but it's the same product. It works kind of like the Ergo, but with one strap instead of two. (If you've ever seen those ergonomically designed back-packs that are tear-drop shaped and fit over one shoulder, you'll know how it works.) In the link, they show women wearing their kids on the side, either one or the other, but it's equally easy to shift your kid around to the back, where they ride in the same position as they do in the Ergo. The strap will go over one of your shoulders, lying between your breasts. The main advantage of the Hip Hammock is that it is substantially cheaper than the other carriers I've seen. I paid $40 for mine, but Amazon has it on sale right now for $19.99. I was comfortable in mine for hours--both my DH and I vastly preferred hiking with our DD in the Hip Hammock to hiking with our bulky frame backpack-style kid carrier. So anyway, perhaps this will solve your dilemma. I know I sound like a shill for this product, but I love mine (I held on to it and used it with my son and will use it with baby #3 when he/she arrives.) I can't believe how expensive a lot the newer carriers are when this one gets the job done for so much less. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Check out diaperswappers.com -- they have a for sale board that I hear has good prices on things like gently used Kozies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Check out diaperswappers.com -- they have a for sale board that I hear has good prices on things like gently used Kozies. I've checked Diaperswappers and TheBabyWearer. I'm thinking my budget is just not in line with how much these things cost :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommee & Baba Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I LOVE my moby as I made it from gauze fabric and it holds my toddler perfectly...and is so breathable HOWEVER as for back carrying I'd suggest a mei tai 100% hands down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murmer Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Sorry I am not going to be helpful but I totally recommend the Ergo also...quick easy, it gets used a lot. My 3 year old still wants to be in it and my 19 month old loves it to. I got mine when babysteals did their deal but it is so worth the extra bit of money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Keep an eye on craigslist. I just got an ergo for $50 in perfect condition. I've seen a coupld as low as $30. Most are listed for $75, but they do go lower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevilla Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Buy an Ergo (used if possible), use it for however many months your child needs it and then resell it. You'll recoup all or almost all of your $$ b/c they are very popular carriers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 After looking at the Ergo, I'm just not convinced it's quite what I'm looking for. I actually REALLY like the looks of the Dream Carriers and the Kinderpacks, but I certainly cannot afford them, even at used prices. Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlychan Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 (edited) I have used every carrier made (I think) for my 4 kids. I love, love, LOVE the ergo. It is, by far, the best for a toddler imo. ETA: You should try ebay for used carriers, also. I have sold and purchased many times with no problems. Edited February 3, 2011 by carlychan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Ergos don't look all cutesy and don't the fabric choices but they win hands-down on comfort imo. I had the aforementioned Kozy carrier, very expensive Didymos wrap, moby wrap, etc and I love the Ergo for the ease and comfort. We use it still for my almost 4yo for long hikes and still don't feel it. The ERgo is the most widely well-reviewed carrier out there and with the awesome resale it cannot be beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Keep looking. Sometimes it takes a week, but there are mei tais on thebabywearer for $40 frequently enough. I have sold a few for less than that myself. FWIW, I don't like SSCs, not even the ergo. If you think you'd use hip carries the most, go to the fabric store and buy 2.6-2.9m of osnaberg fabric, or something else that catches your eye. If you are comfortable doind a back carry in a moby, doing a hip carry with non-stretchy fabric will be a cinch. I much prefer wraps for hip carries. Much much prefer. Mei tais are super fantastic for back carries for me, but they're perfectly possible with a short wrap too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 My favorite for the toddler years was Sarah's Ride. I can't find it for sale anywhere, but this one looks similar: http://www.swankeltd.com/howitworks.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Also, can you sew at all? If so, you can sew a mei tai for a very reasonable price. You would want something like canvas, or JoAnn's used to have a nice bull denim that is soft and strong. A non-stretch twill would work nicely too. You just don't want to use quilting cottons for the body and straps (though you could use them on top of the body for a decorative layer). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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