You might want to look into the babyhawk Oh Snap - which is the SSC version of the babyhawk mei tai (designed from about 7kg to toddler).
Haven't used either, but have used a catbirdbaby mei tai, which is of a similar body shape etc to the pikkolo. The CBB carriers are shorter bodied with a narrow strap angle on the shoulder straps - they are in their element with smaller/younger babies and narrow shouldered or petite wearers. You can also get the CBB support belt which allows the carrier to be worn non-apron style (like an Ergo), which gives more support for heavier babies/toddlers as well as extending the body length. To the best of my knowledge though, you cannot use the support belt when forward facing, as you can't cinch the waist in whilst using the belt. (I've used the support belt on other mei tais and it is comparable with an Ergo waist for support).
I would say that an Oh Snap is going to give you greater longevity, especially as E gets older. Are you particularly keen to do forward facing carries, or are you just finding inward facing carries a bit limiting now that E wants to look around? Depending on how heavy E is, you might find that you don't get much use out of a carrier capable of forward facing. Personally I find that they are not very comfortable for the wearer in any carrier, as the baby's weight is not distributed evenly. As a baby gets older I find back or hip carries much more comfortable, they still allow the baby to look around but in a more natural carrying position, and they can still turn in to snuggle when they want to. I used (and still use) a Scootababy for DS - it's a toddler suitable SSC/dedicated hip carrier and is probably the most comfortable one on the market. I've worn him all day (as in, for nearly eight hours straight) in it and that was when he was nearly 13kg. If you are finding that an Ergo is not suitable yet for back carries because E is sitting too low on your back to be able to see, something like an Oh Snap or Pikkolo can be worn higher on the waist than an Ergo, which is generally worn on the hips.
So you might find that your hotsling is more useful for the looking around stage - as you can carry in a hip carry or a buddha carry. And it's pretty light and portable, so you could always have the hotsling for 'visible' carries and pack a meitai or SSC for sleeping.
Just something to consider, but if you are really keen to have a carrier capable of forward facing, then the pikkolo is your best bet. It may not be the best choice in terms of longevity though.
ETA: if E is looking like she's going to be tall, an Ergo is a relatively short bodied carrier so although it's supportive enough for toddlers, some people (including myself) don't find it tall enough in the body for tall toddlers. This is where a babyhawk MT would be a good option.
Camme-Lot, I hope you don't mind but I am subscribing so I can get some more useful info on slings...thanks suse! What a wealth of information you are on carriers
Someone just suggested in a thread I posted that i try carrying DS in a sling to sleep but even though he is only 4 and a half months he is heavy (8.5kgs) so I didn't think I would be able to get one that he could sleep in but some of the ones that suse suggested for you sound like they might do the job...I am off to google
Camme, I got a Baby Hawk toddler mei tei from Mel and it was awesome for a taller toddler but yeah, if you aren't fussed on tying straps etc then it probably wont be ideal for what you want. I know Maz is using the Oh Snap for Mini Me and Tank, so ask her what she thinks?
Thanks for all that suse, i looked more into it last night, and noticed that the forward carry doesn't really allow for much use - you can't use it when they get really heavy anyway, so hip carry would probably be what I would do.
I love my ergo, and DH wears it with DD1 as well, so its just something that I would use. I don't think I have narrow shoulders - I don't think they are particularly wide either though? I wear the ergo with ease though, not a problem comfort wise there.
I did like the look of the Oh Snap - just worried that because it is relatively new on the market, they might not have ironed all the kinks out yet?
Is the oh snap comparable to the ergo in terms of shoulder comfort do you know?
Hell - maybe I'll get both and sell my Close and mei tai...lol
Oh - but you are right - Eden has a very long body and she will be tall - just like the other two. I love that I can still carry Aricyn on my back in the ergo - so won't be getting rid of that.
I got a custom from Melbel when she had them and I was worried like you...their a big out lay for starters and having no luck with other carriers bar my ella roo hip buckle I said bugger it and did it.
I am so glad I did.
Im still a bit unco about getting them on my back but they are so easy. I carried Tank around for 1 1/2 hours the first time we went out and he loved it. My back was alittle sore towards the end onf it but he is 17kg and I have a pretty bad back. Mini me wants to get in to and cracks it.
They have alot of support on your back, hips and shoulders...no digging in on the straps nothing. Beinga big chick to I was worried but I could put on another 20kg and it would still fit me.
Im lazy to.....to hard to wrap bloody straps around me to hold it up..blah bugger that snaps for me and they dont bite your hands either when you put them on
The carrier itsself isnt very heavy and its realy comfortable.
Dame that I dont live closer hon cause Id let ya lend mine to try.
Look at wrigglesbots FB page..I put a pic up but here's alink to my FB pic of it http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...8&id=659478766
you can see how supportive it is...doesnt dig into my fat and has great padding and support for my shoulders!!
If you're slender, the Pikkolo can be a pain, in that the buckles end up in a harder place to adjust.
If you're going to use it for more than one child, I'd actually suggest the BabyHawk, because you don't need to re-adjust the buckles for each child. I thought the straps would be tricky, but they're a piece of cake, you'll get good at it in no time at all. My boys love the BabyHawk. Plus they're pretty. (and it can be used inside facing out if DH is too manly for your pattern.
They're both good. Si lived in the Pikkolo as a newborn. If I have to chuck someone up there and I'm on my own, I'll use the BabyHawk (because of the buckle positioning for me). If I'm out with Dh though, I might use the Pikkolo and get him to help with the straps.
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and has great padding and support for my shoulders!!
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