What's the best baby "backpack" or carrier to use??

Question

I have an 8 month old, and I'm 5 months pregnant with my second child; I'm having a hard time carrying my baby now, especially up and down 3 flights of stairs, and it's breaking my heart...which carrier would be the best for me in my condition? I don't want to have to rely on other people to keep carrying MY child.

Answer 1

It completely depends upon your frame and so on...but as a babywear vendor and addict I must say I think the Ergo is totally overhyped. I think it digs in and the buckles and so on are restrictive and inflexible.

I think a wonderful choice for a pregnant mama is the Kozy MT -- you can tie it in a way that accommodates your belly and is still very supportive.

A good wrap, like the Storch is also an excellent choice as it suits your growing frame and supports a heavier babe (and you can use it from birth to toddler-hood)...

If you wanted a structured carrier you could look at a Yamo or Pikkolo

Answer 2

If any of your friends have carriers I would definitely ask them if you can try them out for the day. I bought a 3 way carrier for my son (ie front facing you, front facing out or on ur back) but found it was difficult to put on (clips AND velcro) got quite hot and hurt my back. I had the opportunity to try my sis-in-laws Ergo carrier recently and it was great! So comfortable & barely felt like I was carrying him (9kgs worth of 10 month old!) Am definitely buying an Ergo for the next bub (or maybe even this one yet!) They also have a hiking-type backpack - the kind with a frame - for their 15 month old & he loves it & my brother says it's awesome.  

Answer 3

I use the Beco Butterfly it is pricey but it goes from infant to toddler. I also make baby wraps (just asked a question on how to get the lines straight!)  The wraps are nice b/c it distributes the weight correctly and you can do various carries.

Answer 4

the ergo baby carrier is by far the most comfortable

however your baby can only face in with this carrier and my son does not like to face in, he likes facing out.  

hopefully he will like it better using it on the back because i do love it.

Answer 5

I always loved our Kelty. They make several different ones and they never bothered my back at all.

I am not sure if it would hlep but you can try. Here is a link:

http://www.kelty.com/kelty/kids.php?cat=...

They are pretty heavy duty and well made.

Good luck!

Answer 6

You should check out www.sleepywrap.com

I found it one day by chance and upon looking at it was hooked. It is inexpensive, has fast shipping, and has excellent reviews from its customers, I ordered mine and am so excited about receiving it. I suggest you at least check it out.  

Answer 7

I hear great things about the Beco and Ergo!  

I have a Babyhawk Mei Tai I love to wear on my back, and I have seen it used just fine during pregnancy.  I also love my Moby wrap.

Good luck mommy!!

Answer 8

I would get a wrap because you can just wrap and tie and it fits any body type so you can use it now and after you have your baby.  A few to look at are the moby wrap, the sleepy wrap, the ultimate baby wrap.  Or you can make your own.  All you need is 5 yards of fabric.

Answer 9

The Ergo carriers are well-reviewed for good reason.

But any 'soft structured' carrier -- the already-mentioned Beco, a Patapum, etc -- would probably fit the bill well. You can buy little inserts to make them usable for smaller babies and you can do a front carry with them, so you could use it with your second child as well.

Answer 10

I would get one with a solid frame - they are SO much easier to put a child into and then pick up, and you can put them down to rest too (obviously you have to hold on so they don't topple over, but you don't have to take the weight).

I had a Macpac, which is a New Zealand brand (I'm in the UK). Best thing I ever bought.