I'm a bit confused! Looking for a new carrier...

~Sunflower~ · #1 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 01:33 PM

Hi guys

I’m on the hunt for a new carrier. My baby is 12 months old and weighs about 10kg. Dressed weight. At the moment we use the old baby bjorn but I have major concerns about spine compression etc, plus he is going to fast grow out it soon. He insists on facing outward, though I have learnt through reading these threads that’s not such a good idea.

I love wearing my babes, and use a stroller rarely. I would love something that will accommodate our son for another year or so, but could also be used for our new born should we have another.
I’ve been looking at online shops and reading through different threads in the baby wearing section but I have just got myself so confused – there is sooo much choice!

I really like the look of the hug a bub, but the amount of fabric scares me as it looks complicated to get on and off! And overheating would be an issue in summer I am guessing? Also, is this style better than a baby bjorn for the spine, even in the front facing position? Also what is the difference between the moby and hug a bub?

There is quite a price difference.

I’ve looked at the pikkolo, ergo, hug a bub, Ellaroo, moby… (as I said) I feel very confused!
What combination of carriers works for you? Any recommendations?
I’ve only ever used the baby bjorn style carriers and am a complete novice with terminology and styles etc. Sorry.

Thanks in advance!

justincredible · #2 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 01:55 PM

i use an ergo and a gauze wrap (gyspy mama). stretch wraps like the hab are crap for bigger babes.

Quote:

Also what is the difference between the moby and hug a bub?

the moby is wider, for back carries.

Quote:

Also, is this style better than a baby bjorn for the spine, even in the front facing position?

a SSC or wrap is a billion times better, but none recommend forward facing.

ren · #3 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 02:00 PM

Maybe something like an ergo or the toddler patapum would be good for you. You can use them in a back carry so your son can look forward over your shoulder... and they look like they click on nice and easy like the BB.

emd · #4 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 02:11 PM

It is possible to have a baby facing out in lots of carriers (click here for info on doing it in the Ergo), but it's not great for long periods of time. You might also find that, like lots of babies, he's quite happy to be carried on your back so he can look over your shoulder at what's going on.

A wrap gives you lots of different ways to carry your baby. But if you don't like all that fabric, I'd go for a mei tai (front or back carrying) or a soft structured carrier (SSC) like Ergo, Pikkolo, AngelPack etc.

And go join Baby Carriers Downunder. Someone on that Google group will have tried just about any carrier you might want a review on, or may be selling their old one at a good price.

sudevi · #5 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 05:15 PM

great link thanks for that

Deesalie · #6 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 08:36 PM

I love my Hug a Bub. It's really not difficult to put on, like tying a shoe lace, once you've got it you never forget. I do tend to put it on at home rather than once we're out... it's a bit awkward in an oily carpark with that amount of fabric.

Having said that, I carried my DS until he could walk easily on his own... and preferred to rather than in a pram. It does spread the weight evenly across the back

sling_dad · #7 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 11:13 PM

I would not recommend a stretchy wrap like Hug-a-Bub or Moby for a 12mo. It will be way too stretchy to support the baby's weight.

If your bub prefers facing out, I'd recommend a good Mei Tai or (if you prefer buckles) the Pikkolo. They'll be more comfy for both you and your bub. Plus they can be used in the back carry.

~Sunflower~ · #8 (**permalink**) 23-01-2008, 01:07 PM

Gee thanks everyone, what great help!

I joined "Baby carriers downunder' thank you emd for the link - had never heard of that before - now I just need to learn how to navigate it!

I love the look of the hug a bub style ones, will get one for the newborn stage if we are blessed with another buba in the future, so I can say goodbye to the baby bjorn.

Hmmm pikkolo, thats like an ergo, right??
Mei Tai - I will explore that style more, cheers!

Oh decisions, decisions....

emd · #9 (**permalink**) 23-01-2008, 01:16 PM

A good place to get the basics on the different carrier styles is www.mamatoto.org
There's everything from online videos on how to use them, to instructions on how to make your own.

virtualmeg · #10 (**permalink**) 23-01-2008, 01:35 PM

I quite like the ergo, patapum, yamo, or mei tei...we have a (nearly) 4 year old who still gets carried in the ergo on bushwalks, I chose to buy the ergo simply because I have neck problems from old injuries and it offers great support for the spine of the wearer as well as the baby/child.