Best sling carrier for toddler?

Question

Hello, I would like some advice on the best sling for carrying a toddler. I would like something that will work up to 35 lbs. Personal experience only please...

Answer 1

The Ergo is the best. I still use it for my 44lb, 4 yr old when she gets too tired at the zoo!!

"The ERGO Baby Carrier's ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for the baby's hip, pelvis and spine growth. It disperses most of the baby's weight between the hips and thighs, which helps to eliminate compression of the spine when hanging by the crotch which most other designs require. The ERGO also balances the baby's weight to parents' hips and shoulders, and alleviates physical stress for the parent."

Here's a photo gallery:
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/gallery/2/

they also sell an insert for infants to be in a sling-type / cradled position.

SOOOO worth the money!!
(mei tai styles are good too, but my husband does not like the "look" of them, too girly, the ergo is more backpack like - and has "man buckles" so for us, it was the more versatile choice)

Answer 2

"Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" is what we used. It carries up to 40 lbs. The first site is where we got ours years ago.

However, friends of ours swear by the Nojo that you can get at surfsidebaby.com

It looks a lot like ours and surfside I think also carries our brand. Most slings are the same...they just use different fabrics and padding.

Warning though. I found the sling to be very hot, especially in the summer. It's also hard to pick things up. When we had our third child I gave up the sling and got a Baby Bjorn. I wish I had this when I had my first two kids. We tested an Ergo that our friends had and didn't like it nearly as much for a variety of reasons...the most was how it felt on me..I felt very uncomfortable with an Ergo on...They are especially cumbersome if you have a long or heavy toddler.

I honestly think slings are a bit of a fad and for your comfort, definitely not the best once baby gets to be about 9 months or more. They look "maternal" but the more I talk to others about it, the more I found people who abandoned the sling, like we did. I did find it VERY useful for nursing...especially in public. Later, like I said, I didnt use the sling at all because it was more of a pain than a help.

What I found very helpful ...and I should have done it with the first baby...was to try various carriers on and see what felt best for our child and us. That's how we ended up picking the Bjorn.

It's definitely a hard choice. Good luck! ((((-:

Answer 3

I know this answer. With my daughter I tried your average snugglies. New research shows that they are bad for the childs spine development (the ones that the legs are spread at the wrong angle). Plus I have a curved back that hurts easily when carrying things. The only thing that worked for my daughter was those back pac carriers with metal frames. They are excellent.

I know have a six week old baby. I was determined to do better with the carrier thing. I got a sling for around the house. I does hurt my back, but is fine for around here and is easy to put off and on. But for when we go out... I reasearched every possilbe sling and carrier out there. I ended up getting a wrap. I got a Moby wrap. That thing is hard to learn... but I got the hang of it now. It does not hurt my back at all. It is comfortable, my son loves it (but nuring in it doesn't work that well I find personally). I can carry him for hours and hours and hours and we are all happy. It takes about 1 minute to put on and so I dont' use it around the house. It goes to 35 lbs (mine does anyway). I highly recommend it.

Answer 4

I use pouch slings that I make and sell on ebay. They work from birth clear through until the child is too heavy for you to carry.

Theyre smaller, more comfortable, and more versatile than anything mass produced. Not to mention they are cheaper, and can match more outfits.

we only use regular carriers for hiking.

http://flickr.com/photos/61931273@N00/430430076/in/set-72157600300922538/

Thats the kind i have.

Answer 5

I 2nd the Ergo!