What sling next?

[Heaven]

Ok, I have a HAB and Pouch already and want another one. I don't know what though. I don't like the look of the ergo but would like one that you can use for back carrying too. I have no idea what or where to get it!!

I was looking at Mei Tai's. Any good?

[maz]

Ive just ordered an ergo exactly for what you asked about...back carrying. I have a side mai tai and love it but findthe srap bigs into my shoulder abit after awhile (well I ma carrying 14kg) so decided on getting a sports ergo.

Will let you know what its like once I get it

[Michelle71]

Yep - mei tai's are good I have front and back carried DS (12+ kg) without problems and front carried DD (8kg). I would say for longer carry times I prefer the Ergo for padding and weight distribution but for a few hours the mei tai is great (and easier to stash under the pram too )

[Trillian]

I luff's my meitai, and I don't get a sore back or shoulders when carrying for a long time either. But the ergo can be worn on the back too.

[suse]

Here's a post I wrote elsewhere which gives a lot of general information on mei tais, and SSCs (soft structured carriers). One thing to remember is that a mei tai is a generic style of carrier of which there are many, many types. SSCs (soft structured carriers) like the Ergo are based on the general concept of a mei tai but have buckled straps, and usually quite heavily padded, structured waists.

...Generally speaking, the differences will be in the following:

Body dimensions: taller bodies suit toddlers and babies who like to be carried with arms in. Shorter bodies suit younger / smaller babies. (And similarly, taller bodies suit taller wearers, short ones suit short people). Narrower bodies may be preferred by petite wearers (a wider body like that of a Kozy gapes on me causing my baby to sag and lean), wider bodies by those with a larger frame. Bodies that taper in or can be cinched at the bottom creating a narrower seat (like a Connecta) are better for smaller babies, bodies that flare out somewhat at the bottom creating a wider seat are good for toddlers and tall babies as it prevents their legs from drooping and helps encourage the knees higher than bum position.

Shoulder angle: narrower shouldered people generally like shallow angled shoulder straps (eg: catbirdbaby), broader shouldered people prefer wide angled straps like in the Kozy. I think a babyhawk is somewhere in the middle.

Shoulder strap width and padding: Theoretically speaking, padded straps can provide greater support, but most mei tais have light padding compared to (for example) an Ergo, and can be equally, if not more comfortable as they are more 'mouldable' to the individual. Some find the Ergo padding to be a little rigid. Narrower mei tai straps (usually about 10cm wide) tend to have some padding. The other end of the spectrum is wrap style straps (eg: Ball Baby Overall - BBO, Octi Mei Tai - OMT are two of the more well known types - both hard to get in Aus) and woven wrap conversions which have wide, unpadded straps (usually at least 15-20cm wide) that work more like a wrap on a mei tai body. Because they cover a large surface area, these are very supportive and comfortable without being padded, I would personally say more comfortable than a padded strap.

Fabric: the heavier the fabric - the more supportive. Canvas and drill are often used in multiple layers in the body of toddler carriers.

Waist: heavily padded SSC (soft structured carrier) style waist bands with seat darts in the body are often used in toddler mei tais (although these are not able to be worn apron style like a true mei tai), or medium weight padding in a traditional tied waist offers more support. Some mei tais use unpadded waist straps attached to the side of the body either at a 90 or 45 degree angle (the Kozy has an angled waist, a BBO has 90 degree waist straps), whereas others use a full waist band attached to the bottom of the body that usually has even just a little bit of padding.

There are sooooo many different types of mei tais out there it's not funny. Apart from wraps, they are probably the most versatile carriers you can get. If you join a babywearing group (either baby carriers downunder for 'local' knowledge - they also have a loaners database, or thebabywearer is more international in focus), you can get an idea of what will suit you personally. It's also useful to know that just because one type of mei tai may not be extremely comfortable for you - something else more than likely will.

A note on Ergos, although most people find an Ergo to be quite comfortable, people of slight build (especially with a short torso or narrow shoulders) often find that they are not the best fit. If you are of a petite build, you may want to try an Ergo before buying, and if it is not particularly comfortable, a Pikkolo may be a better option.

HTH!

[MrsB26]

what dont you like about the ergo? I'd be lost without mine, i can wear ds for ages and not even notice he is there

[Heaven]

Thanks for all your info everyone!!

A note on Ergos, although most people find an Ergo to be quite comfortable, people of slight build (especially with a short torso or narrow shoulders) often find that they are not the best fit. If you are of a petite build, you may want to try an Ergo before buying, and if it is not particularly comfortable, a Pikkolo may be a better option.

HTH!

Thanks so much for all that info!! Awesome. Yeah, I'm petite so the ergo might not suit me anyway.

bodies that flare out somewhat at the bottom creating a wider seat are good for toddlers and tall babies as it prevents their legs from drooping and helps encourage the knees higher than bum position.

Ooh....is this a good position, knees above bum? I have been wondering if DD is getting a bit cramped in the HAB lately, but maybe not.

what dont you like about the ergo? I'd be lost without mine, i can wear ds for ages and not even notice he is there

I don't know. Just the look of it maybe? A bit too structured? LOL, I haven't even tried one.