Sling and Carrier Advise

i highly recommend a patapum carrier. it's the same design as ergo, just a lot more affordable.
http://www.theportablebaby.com/toddlerpatapum.html
I used this carrier when we traveled to south america and it was so comfortable and easy to use.
Maya wraps are also great for the smaller baby.

The Ergo Baby Carriers are the best. You can put an infant in them as well as wear them in the front, side or back and they have been tested up to like 90 pounds. They are a bit pricy, but worth it. http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

For a heavier baby, I recommend a two shouldered carrier like the Ergo. We still use it for our almost 3 year old on long trips. You can wear it back or hip. http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

I have used a Hotsling for my one year old before but only for short trips, because after a while it starts to bug my back. I know some ladies do use slings for older kiddos though.

Ergo is the best. I highly recommend it.

I vote Moby or the like. I have a 4 year old, 45lbs. and this is the only way that I can still carry her. it works great for new borns too. If you carry your children, you neew a wrap style carrier.

I have gone through A LOT of slings, and I, too, understand how your needs and likes change as the child grows. I have the moby wrap, which is the most versatile, and it seemed difficult to wrap before I got it, but have since learned that it is really easy! I don't like paying $40 for a piece of fabric, but since it was given to me as a gift, I must say, I do like it. I have also done research on youtube and if you search for DIY Baby wrap, there is a video that teaches you to tie a sheet into a baby sling. I have also made a ring sling, and I used fabric I had around the house and the only expense to me was buying the 2" metal rings and then I watched you tube videos to tell me how to slide the fabric through the rings. If you are in Austin, the austin baby store that somebody else mentioned has a "library" and I have checked out different wraps to find the one I liked. I definitely think it is dependent on the baby, because I liked the bjorn with my first baby, but with my son, also 11 months, I didn't like it as much. My son used to do best in a ring sling, but he is too wiggly in it now, so I now prefer the moby. I do have a friend who swears by the ergo, but I have not tried that one. Good Luck with your search!

I love the moby wrap. It takes a bit to get use to the way you tie it on, but once you get the hang of it, you'll LOVE it!!

I have a couple friends that LOVE their Moby Wraps.

T.,
Why are you carrying around your 3 year old girl? She's an active toddler,right? I mean, you didn't mention anything in your post that would indicate she's unable to walk or run. It just doesn't make sense to carry her around if she has two good legs to stand/walk on.
Once in a while, my son wants me to hold him and if I'm not carrying a smaller child or not holding anything in my arms, I'll pick him up and hold him for a little while (5 minutes or so) but for the most part, he's on the ground running or walking/getting around by himself.
There's no reason why a relatively healthy toddler in their pre-school years can't walk to and from the house/car/store/etc., as long as you're holding hands when crossing a street/parking lot/or other busy area.

-Jen

I have the same ages kids (almost!). If your 3 yr old is developmentally on track and is able to walk, then she should be doing so. There's no reason to carry her unless you're in a place that requires it (like a home tour or a trip to a glass factory). As for the little guy - I have 2 slings, and use them a lot. The first is a Hotsling - it's great for a hip carry and super easy to put on, off and store. I use it for quick trips - pick up mail, drop off my 3 yr old at preschool, etc. You can't wear it for hours tho, it will hurt your back and shoulder. For longer wearing, I use a Beco Butterfly. It's a great carrier, very well designed, and easy to do a back carry with as well. I've worn it for 4 hours and didn't have a single ache (my just-now 1 yr old is 25 lbs). I have friends who swear by the Ergo tho as well.

For cost - you can't get a GREAT carrier for super cheap. It's one of those things that you get what you pay for. On the upside, used carriers sell wonderfully on Ebay, so when your LO outgrows it, you can recoup the majority of your money.

S.

I used a NoJo sling for my 3 boys up until they were each 35# (the stated wt limit of the sling). Your sling should have come with an instruction manual. Not to sound rude, but instead of buying a whole new piece of limited baby gear, learn to use what you have. I had to have my BIL show me how to use my sling. Once I got the hang of it, it was my best friend!

T.,

I swear by my Ergo, and it's the ONE piece of mommy-gear that I would NEVER live without. It ranks right up there with disposable diapers!!!

I carry my 2 1/2-year-old in it ALL THE TIME (it's a life-saver at the grocery store), and I can STILL carry my 5-year old in it. I've used it BY FAR more than my strollers, and keep it in my car at all times.

I have the old-school version that does front and back carry, but the new version does hip-carry as well. It's around $100, but I assure you, it is WELL worth it. It's SO easy to use, and I've never been afraid that my child is going to slip out of it. Once you get it adjusted where it's comfortable (you just pull the straps under your armpits to tighten, just like on a regular backpack), it's a matter of clicking two buckles and you're ready to go!

The website that I got it from 5 years ago still offers a 90-day money-back guarantee (yes - 90-DAY), so if you do decide it's not right for you, just send it back.

Check out www.myfavoritebabycarrier.com.

Best wishes!
M.

If you are handy with the sewing machine, sleepingbaby.net has a ton of good patterns, and if you aren't handy with the sewing, she sells them too! I have about 6 different kinds of carriers and the ring sling is my favorite. I used it to help me carry my oldest until she was over 30 pounds!

I loved my Hotsling ($40 at Target). It's good for up to 30 pounds.

Slings are GREAT! I have a 17 month old that has wanted carried since day one. At 2 months I made a ring sling for him and have used it since. Now I make them for others and sell them for $35. I now carry him on my hip with the sling and have both arms free. It is super adjustable so it will grow with your little one and I can make it out of which ever material you'd like. I love mine and give them for every baby shower I'm invited to!! E-mail me and I'll send you some picts . . . ____@____.com

Good Luck!

I wouldn't get a Moby-style wrap - it will get too stretched out once your kiddo is past baby stage. If you like wraps, looks for woven or German-style wraps, as the fabric will accomodate heavier weights for longer.

IMO, the ultimate carrier to have, once baby can hold their head up is a mei-tai. Join thebabywearer.com - http://thebabywearer.com/ (look for register on the top right) and then start reading to forums (same line as register, third from left ... don't mean to be overly descriptive, I've just heard so many folks say they can't find the forums when I send them there :)

You can read about the different types of carriers, and then, once you've narrowed it down, search the FSOT forum to find one in your price range.

I've been wearing my youngest (now 16 months) daily since she was born. As soon as she was ready for a back carry, my BabyHawk mei tai was great. But since she still takes two naps a day in the carrier, I wanted something with a structured waist - I ended up swapping for an Olives & Applesauce half-buckle carrier and have been in love with it since my first wearing.

The carrier has been a godsend while trying to deal with a preschooler and a toddler on my own!

You can do back carries with the woven wraps I mentioned earlier, as well, I've just never gotten the hang of it. Do check out the local babywearing meeting (I think I saw someone mention it in the previous replies) as you'll be able to try on different types of carriers and find what works best for you.

Good luck!

If you are in Austin go to Austin Baby, now on S. Lamar just south of Barton Springs. They have a variety of carriers you can try on and helpful staff to determine which one is right for you. Here's their website too http://www.austinbabyonline.com

The Ultimate Baby Wrap $29-$40

T.,
I know exactly how you feel!
I have a 2 year old and a one year old and we still use our Mobywrap for both of them. My husband uses it too and loves it! It looks complicated, but is so easy to use and versatile. I carry my 2 year on my hip with it, or my back. My one year old still likes to snuggle close on my front or face outward on my front. You can use it any way you can think to carry a baby. I bought mine at Austin Baby. It was 30 dollars and SO WORTH EVERY PENNY!! I feel like I got a deal for how much I use it. It's a store in south Austin on Mary St.

http://www.austinbabyonline.com/

Also, here's a link for moby wraps online that tell all about them:

http://www.mobywrap.com/

I have a friend that is a nanny and she has two year old twin boys and a one year old daughter, and after she saw my moby wrap she went and bought one and has been in love with it ever since. She has used many different types of slings, but with this one she doesn't get any back pain because the material spreads out over the back and distributes the weight. It's wonderful!! Hope this helps!
-F.

You should go to the next baby wearing meeting at Austin baby store. You can check out a sling to try for a month at a time. no charge!
they also have weekly classes, but no checking out. http://www.austinbabyonline.com/Babywearing101.html
The next babywearing meeting is may 13th. good luck!

I found one at Target that I use. It was only $30. I was willing to spend up to $60 on a sling. It is called a Jelly Bean. You can wear it till they're somewhere over 30 pounds (I could even carry my 3 year old in it, if I wanted to). It can grow with your baby. It starts out, where you can hold baby lying down in it, goes to where you can carry her facing you, to the hip, and then even on your back if you'd like. My back still hurts a little from using it, but it takes a lot of weight off because he can't hold on yet. It's also reversible. I saw another respondent's information, that she makes a ring sling. I might email her as well, as I've never tried the ring slings out : ).

I haven't been able to find a sling that my daughter is comfortable in (she is 5 months old). Currently we are using the Baby Bjorn and while we like it I keep hearing over and over again how great the Ergo is. Also, another poster recommended Austin Baby on S Congress. Once a month they have a day where you can go "check out" a sling like you would a library book and talk to other moms about slings they have used. I might still do that myself. Good luck!

T., I do not have an Ergo Carrier but burrowed my friend's when we went on vacation. It was FANTASTIC!!!!!! I wore my daughter all day long with no pain or discomfort. She is 18 months old now and I wish I had one. I should have bought one months ago. She still wears her 2 and a half year old in it. If you are concerned about the cost, I just want you to know that they resell on Ebay for nearly as much as they are new. You can resell it and get most of your money back.

Hi T.,
I am a mother of three and have tried several types of carriers. I liked the Hip Hammock the best, but I don't believe you can use it on your back. I liked it because you can be hands-free.

I have used a Slingling, Moby Wrap, and a Calyx Buckle Tai carrier from Mama by Design (www.mamabydesign.com). A her age, I would recommend the Calyx. It WILL be around a $100, but it has been a lifesaver for me. It keeps both hands free, her arms can be in or out, it isn't too hot to wear in Houston, easy to wash, nice fabrics. I am certainly not carrying her as much at two as I was at one, but there are times when she wants to be held or I just need her to be safe. She is 26 pounds, still pretty light, but it certainly makes it easy to lug her around and get stuff done.

For that age, I really recommend an Ergo Baby carrier. They are a bit expensive new, but I bet you could find one on Ebay or something. Other ones to look at would be Beco, Babyhawk Mei Teis, or any other kind of Mei Tei. Check out www.peppermint.com.

The Ergo is good up to 40 pounds. You can do everything with your baby in it - vacuum, mow the lawn, go through the airport, and it's really comfy. If I weren't pregnant, I'd still be using it with my 2 year old, and I will use it with him again once the baby is born.

I agree about the baby ergo carrier....it is THE BEST! I could not get comfortable with a sling they hurt my back, and I couldn't seem to get my daughter comfortable in it. I was so hesitant to spend $100 as well on a carrier...but it is definitely worth it!