I need a sling/wrap for dd to use at WDW

[design_mom]

I love my Ergo. We took DD to WDW for two days when she was 18 months and I didn't even take the stroller into the park. The Ergo was so much easier and comfortable, too. She's 3yo now and we still use it a lot.

Here's a pic of her wearing it at the airport. (We like the back carry best, but the front carry is good too):

And snoozing in it at the MK (with any carrier, don't forget sunscreen!):

 

[nemonoah]

I used the Playtex Hip Hammock for our 9mo. old and it worked great! I know it's not a sling, but he still was comfortable enough to fall asleep in it, and he was a big kid at that age! it was really comfy for me too, my back and shoulders diddnt hurt at all.

 

[Honeymooner04]

I used a hotsling for a while after the Bjorn got to be to heavy to carry and I really liked it. I just noticed that they are selling hotslings at Target now so you can test it out before purchasing one.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I'm hoping all of you moms may have some advice for me!

I have a Kelty front carrier for my 3 month old son, which is working well so far. I tried a sling, but I must be doing something wrong, because it always looks like his neck and head are being flexed forwards in it. He's not comfortable at all. I thought he might just be too long (26"), but others seem to use them forever.

I was looking at a mei tai, and thought it looked really comfortable, but kind of confusing. Are they comfortable with a heavier kid? Is it hard to tie when they're on your back?

Help!

Jen

 

[abookworm]

I'm hoping all of you moms may have some advice for me!

I have a Kelty front carrier for my 3 month old son, which is working well so far. I tried a sling, but I must be doing something wrong, because it always looks like his neck and head are being flexed forwards in it. He's not comfortable at all. I thought he might just be too long (26"), but others seem to use them forever.

I was looking at a mei tai, and thought it looked really comfortable, but kind of confusing. Are they comfortable with a heavier kid? Is it hard to tie when they're on your back?

Help!

Jen

Mei tais are great for bigger babes! I haven't used mine much since my 2.5yr old prefers to walk, but I used it easily when he was 2 yrs old and about 25 lbs. I could easily carry him for an hour on my back with no discomfort.
Of course, I've carried him since day one in some type of carrier so I'm used to his weight, but I think it only takes a few weeks to get used to carrying them.
It does take a little practice to get them on your back by yourself, however, with just a little practice it's a cinch.
www.mamatoto.org has little videos you can watch to help Just practice at home on the couch for a few times.
Whenever we go to the park, shopping,etc and DH is with me then he helps so it makes it quick and easy too.

A key to the comfort is wider straps-they need to be about 3.75 inches or more. I like wider straps myself-about 6 inches to distribute the weight better. But if you stick with a "brand" that is well reviewed and well made then the straps will be the right dimensions. Many of the store bought ones (like bjorn or snugli) have only 2inch or so straps which are too narrow and can dig in the shoulders or neck after a while.
good luck!

 

[Ariel8676]

I'm hoping all of you moms may have some advice for me!

I have a Kelty front carrier for my 3 month old son, which is working well so far. I tried a sling, but I must be doing something wrong, because it always looks like his neck and head are being flexed forwards in it. He's not comfortable at all. I thought he might just be too long (26"), but others seem to use them forever.

I was looking at a mei tai, and thought it looked really comfortable, but kind of confusing. Are they comfortable with a heavier kid? Is it hard to tie when they're on your back?

Help!

Jen

Check out http://thebabywearer.com/ you can find a ton of info on all different carriers....

 

[tanyaandallie]

If you are looking for a good carrier for an older child, I would recommend a soft structured carrier like an Ergo, Beco or Patapum. My second choice would be a mei tai. IMO, it depends on how you want to carry your baby. If you are comfortable with a back carry, I'd go with a soft structured carrier. If you are not and want a front carrier only, I'd get a mei tai. Both types of carriers can be used for a front, back or hip carry but I think the mei tai is best in the front and the ssc is best on the back.

If you will back carry, the soft structured carrier just cannot be beat for comfort. It has a thicker padded waist band than really distributes the weight well. I carried my 20 mos old in my Beco almost the entire time we were at Disney last fall. I did again when he was 2+ in May (although he was more willing to walk/stroller ride then). I had no back or shoulder pain at all. They are just super duper comfy. It's not my fav for a front carry b/c the waist band is wider/thicker so it's sort of a weird fit for me with a front carry, but I have done it and it works fine, just not as well as my mt.

The mei tai can be used in the front or back but for me it's best on the front. It does make an excellent back carrier, but it doesn't have the super supportive waist band so my shoulders and back start to ache after long term carrying. It cannot be beat as a front carrier. Far more comfy than a baby bjorn and much better for baby as it holds your baby in a seated position rather than the hanging from the crotch position.

If you have an older baby and are going to do so long term carrying at Disney, I would not get a ring sling or a pouch. I have both and love both but I could not carry my kids for hours on end at 9 mos old in a one shouldered carrier. They are awesome for quick trips to the grocery store, etc. but a two shoulder carrier is far more comfy if you are going to be walking Disney, standing in line, etc.

FWIW, I LOVE my beco (www.ecobabies.com). I also have a patapum and I really like it as well. I prefer the Beco b/c it's made of beautiful material and it has a taller body. The Ergo is an awesome carrier as well. I don't have one but the moms who do, love them. The body on the Ergo is much shorter than the body on the Beco. You cannot go wrong with any of these carriers. If cost is an issue, visit the for sale or trade board at www.thebabywearer.com. You can find excellent deals on previously loved carriers. You can also find tons and tons of info on babywearing there!

 

[tanyaandallie]

Forgot to add - a couple of pics of my ds in the beco. These are old ones. He still get carried in the beco sometimes and he is 2!

 

[mhm]

I'm hoping all of you moms may have some advice for me!

I have a Kelty front carrier for my 3 month old son, which is working well so far. I tried a sling, but I must be doing something wrong, because it always looks like his neck and head are being flexed forwards in it. He's not comfortable at all. I thought he might just be too long (26"), but others seem to use them forever.

I was looking at a mei tai, and thought it looked really comfortable, but kind of confusing. Are they comfortable with a heavier kid? Is it hard to tie when they're on your back?

Help!

Jen

Someone else that uses the Kelty front carrier!! I love ours, but I wanted something cooler for our Sept. WDW trip. I bought a Solarveil mei tei, and I like it even better than the Kelty. I find it more comfortable for my back. I also am looking forward to carrying dd on my back when she's a little bigger. (I need to help to get her on my back because she's too wiggly.) I'm going to ask for a Babyhawke mei tei for my birthday.

 

[kokotg]

another Ergo vote. I carried my then 9 month old all over WDW in ours last September.

 

[studentmom]

Thanks again, ladies!
Oceana- Do you know where I could rent an Ergo? That could def be an option.