Toddler Slings ? Backpacks ??

[LoopyMum]

Can anyone recommend a good toddler sling for a heavy lump of a 1 and a half year old boy.

I would like to go out sometimes for walks without my sons stroller and the baby sling we had for him no longer fits !

I have been looking on ebay to see one that could possibly fit his chunky legs and the mei tai sling looked ok - does anyone have one or would you recommend another ?! Is is best to distribute his weight to my front or my back ??

I stopped using the sling early on with my girls so any advice with regards to carrying heavier bubs / toddlers around

would be MUCH appreciated.

[Inkmaiden]

I have a 13 month old and an ever-growing number of slings! The best ones I've found for toddlers so far are the Sleepy Nico for front and back carrying: http://www.sleepynico.com/

and the Scootababy for hip carrying, although can also be used for front and back carries:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=scootababy&tag=googhydr-21&index=baby&hvadid=5110290515&ref=pd_sl_4t3bo4m87e_e

Both quite pricey but very comfortable and I get so much use out of them- I still use a sling more often than the buggy.

You're very welcome to come and try them out if you like.

[Pickle]

I carried my daughter on my back using a Patapum, found it much more comfortable than front carrying once she was bigger. A Patapum is very similar to an Ergo, and they come in a larger toddler size.

[bluesuperted]

I only have experience of my now almost 7 month old. However he is a strapping 22lb already and I sling A LOT so I've been researching this question recently as not finished babywearing just yet. I use the Ergo and have just added the Beco Butterfly and Beco Gemini to my collection - overkill for someone a bit more sane but like Inkmaiden I hardly use my buggy at all these days and to me they serve slightly different needs. I recommend you look online at a few reviews of these plus the ones mentioned above (have read good things about Sleepy Nico and Patapum too). I've also looked at the Boba which is supposed to be great for toddlers as it has foot stirrups. Really good idea is hiring before you buy - Slumber Roo is a great site (fab customer service and advice) where you can hire most of the above and then you get a 10% discount if you do end up buying one.

Hope this helps! I love babywearing in case you can't tell...

[anna_r]

How did I know bluesuperted would pop up in this thread?? fast becoming our resident babywearing expert :)

[bluesuperted]

Lol anna_r, some might say sling bore! Couldn't resist though.... Took my Gemini out for a spin today and so pretty (oh and comfy/functional... But SO pretty!).

Forgot to say to OP, these are all versions of soft structured carriers by the way. There is also the woven wrap route (good for heavier babies) but I haven't researched those as much and IMO (although not really qualified as don't have ons yet!) the structured carriers would be easier to get a wriggly 1.5 yr old in...

[LoopyMum]

Many thanks for all your advice ladies - some real detailed info to grit my teeth into, sounds like I might even be

swamped with too much choice ;-)

Like the idea of trying before buying - will check out the site recommended and look at some reviews in detail.

And last but not least thank you Inkmaiden for offering the opportunity to come and take a peek/prod at yours

I may just take you up on that offer and send you a PM.

Thanks everyone !!!

[Inkmaiden]

No problem LoopyMum, just let me know if you want to come and try any of them.

This website also has an extensive review section- http://www.thebabywearer.com/.

bluesuperted, I totally agree with you about different slings serving different needs. Although I may have taken this reasoning a little too far because I now own seven slings, but with the exception of one (cheap ring sling- ergh, lesson learned) they have all been invaluable.

[duchessofdulwich]

ive just ordered the ergo sport for our 14 months old. were going to to north wales in the summer so hopefully we can still put her in it at 18 months?

[Inkmaiden]

You should be fine, the ergo is great for toddlers.

[cuppa tea]

I had an Ergo with my first son and used that until he was about 2.5...in fact at 4 he still fits in it, but he is a small 4! For my second baby, over a year old, I've been using a Napsack Baby mei tai, which i'm really loving. Spreads the weight really evenly. So now I'm flitting between the two slings. Have a woven wrap, but it is trickier to get a wriggly baby in like someone has said. Very comfy though, once wrapped.