Baby carrier help

[Wills Mom]

Hi, we have our next WDW trip planned for next May when DS will be 14 months old and between now and then I want to get both of us used to baby wearing as I've read its a good idea in the parks. I wore him in a wrap around sling for the first 2 months of his life but haven't used it since and now hes much too big for it. Can someone please recommend a carrier for a big 7 month old (hes around 20lbs+ and very long) that will suit both of us for the coming months AND on our trip next year? Thanks in advance

[LoveBugs]

I can't say enough good things about the Beco Gemini. I'm even bringing it with me in two weeks to use again with my 2.5 year old!!

http://www.becobabycarrier.com/cat-13/gemini

[Wills Mom]

Thank you! I'll have to look at that one. I live in Ireland so hopefully they ship internationally

[J3nn78]

Ergo. I could comfortably wear my kids till they were 3 years old.

Any soft structured carrier should be good. Just stay away from crotch dangling carriers like Bjorns. They are bad for baby's spine. Not to mention harder on the wearer as well.

[Wills Mom]

I just had a look at an Irish website that sells both Would these type of carriers be good to use in hot weather? I don't want DS to overheat. One other question - the site says you should not wear the baby forward facing for longer than 20 mins at a time. Would that be correct?
Thanks for the tip about the Bjorn, I didn't know that

[christygobar]

I love my babyhawk Mei Tei. It is similar to an Ergo, but without the "structure" (i.e. thick padded straps). DD is 2 and even though she hates it, she still fits in it comfortably!

[RachaelA]

We have an Ergo Sport. It works. Not my favorite because its a bit long for me (I'm only 5'2), but DH is 6'5 so I wanted one that worked for both of us. I have a ring sling and woven wrap that I use pretty much all the time.

All my friends that have Geminis don't use them anymore because they said once their kids hit 20+ lbs, they weren't as comfortable anymore. They have better luck with the Beco Butterfly. I had a Gemini, but ended up returning it because I never used it (just liked my ring sling better).

They also say you shouldn't face your child out at all once they hit a certain age and weight because it still isn't good on their hips (even if they are in a ergonomically carrier) and its too overstimulating. They can still see everything from a back or hip carry.

Olives & Applesauce are a great carrier brand that always gets great reviews.

[Habbott]

For coolest carrier for a bigger baby/toddler Boba makes the Boba air http://store.bobafamily.com/boba-air/?show=features

Or, I've heard great things about this brand and older kids. http://www.babytula.com/

[~Kristina~]

I like the Ergo better than the Babyhawk for long carries because the straps start to bug me. I had a Beco Butterfly I and loved that as well.

[awoogala]

Any mei-tai type carrier. loved them with my giant babies! (24 lbs at 4 months- needed the support!)

[sbtw13]

I love my ergo. It was all we used with our then 23 mos old on our trip to Yosemite last year-- both hiking around the park and also on the cross country flight, in the airports, etc. He was 30 lbs at the time.

You can wear the ergo on the front back or side. I find it easier to get on alone wearing it on the front- but DH vastly prefers the back carry. (For 30 lbs I prefer the back carry too- but need assistance getting LO in).

I now use the Ergo all the time for our 16lb 8 mos old.

I don't think carrying 30 lbs of kid is every going to be particularly comfortable- but the Ergo makes it as comfortable as feasible.

I have not noticed LO's getting hot in the Ergo- anymore then they would say just being held on a hot day. I get hot wearing the ERgo- but i would get hot just carrying them to.

[Wills Mom]

Thanks guys You've definitely given me a LOT to think about! I know its not going to be particularly comfy carrying him in that heat anyway but I suppose I'm just looking for one that won't break my back and shoulders if you know what I mean He's big for his age so I keep thinking by the time we go he could be huge altogether and as DH has back problems I'll be left wearing DS so just want to get one thats suitable, or as suitable as possible! And one that I can practice with NOW that will still fit him next May! Off researching I go Thanks again for the advice, its greatly appreciated

[FreeThinker]

I think it depends on what you are planning to use it for. I have used different types of carriers w/ all 5 of my kiddos, and when we went to Disney DD was 12 months, I took a solarveil zolowear ring sling, non padded and very lightweight material. We had the stroller for walking, and I used the sling for naptimes, waiting in lines if she didn't want to stand, cover-up for nursing, and even a light blanket. I went back and forth on other carriers, but the non-padded ringsling is just so versatile, tiny to pack, easy and quick to use. I think the Gemini would be good if you planned to carry him a lot of time around the park, but it will be bulkier to pack, and hotter/thicker. You also have to remember how heavy he will be for you to carry all day. Either a ring sling or a Gemini carrier will work, and those would be my top picks. Ergos are okay, too, but I still think they are hotter than a ringsling would be. My picks for material would be solarveil, or a light linen.

[naomi78155]

Ergo! Hands down the best! Wish I would have known with my first...
After 3 kids and multiple slings/carriers the Ergo is the best carrier out there.
It is so comfortable for mom and baby. I still carry my 25 pound 18 month old in it!

[littlebit0863]

I haven't tried it at Disney but I use an over the shoulder baby holder with DD (11 mos) and it is very comfortable. I wore her for over 4 hours a few weekends ago at our local boardwalk with no shoulder or back issues.