Too many to choose from...

[Nelle]

Okay, so I'm still researching and learning those two, but:

CatBirdBaby sell MeiTais, but they also sell a Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) called the Pikkolo, and Beco make SSC's too. The Ergo is a SSC for reference - same category.

I don't know about more complicated...perhaps different? Because I have a Mei Tai, but I can be a bit of an unco with the straps, where these two strap on like a Bjorn or Ergo.

But yeah, I think they do all the things Mei Tai does, like front and back carries, and maybe hip? Mel says the Beco Butterfly does a hip carry, not sure about the Pikkolo.

I'm leaning towards the Pikkolo, because the front bottom can be cinched in to allow bub to face forwards (without doing the splits!)...I remember Riv really enjoyed being forward facing in the Bjorn.
BUT I love the Butterfly prints, there are some awesome ones there...

When I first started researching baby carriers, I didn't understand all these people who owned a collection of carriers...I wonder if I'm starting to understand now...

[{sarah}]

Nelle, same here!! I have one here & am waiting on one in the mail It's addictive I think!

[Nelle]

Haha Sarah, what do you have and what are you waiting on?

(Kellie, we're only hijacking til you pop back in, then I promise it's right back to helping you. )

[melbel]

I think it is a bit like MCNs .......Once you have one you can't stop!!

I have spent hours today playing in the custom design page at babyhawk trying to decide what design combos to get for the store.........arrrggghh there are too many great fabrics to choose from...it is doing my head in!!

[{sarah}]

I can move the non-related posts to an "addicted to carriers thread" if you want

I've got a Moby Wrap, a really pretty one. Ummm Batik I think it is, two different coloured blues & a floral pattern on the front, it's a limited edition one.

Then I'm getting this sling from Lea for short trips like preschool pick up / dropoff.

Also thinking of making a MeiTei with some spare linen I have!

ETA: Had to google BabyHawk too & now you're in big trouble!! They are so cool, the best designs I've seen. And consdering we have here, The Hawk (Aaron), Mrs Hawk (me), Little Hawk (Zander) & Baby Hawk it would be fitting...... OH OH OH pink green oriental butterflies with an olive strap!!! That's it I've got to turn the computer off now LOL!

[monnie]

I've got a HAB...and after taking a little while to get used to it, just love it.

We took Felix down the dog beach last week and I wore the sling...it was so lovely!

Initially, in the first few weeks, he didn't like the HAB much...mainly because he's not one to like having his head tucked away. But as he has got older, he loves it.

Today I did my mopping with him in it!

Regarding the material becoming too stretchy as they get older, we haven't had that problem...but he's only 6 months.

The other good thing about a HAB is they have a great resell value!

Good luck in your choice!

[Nelle]

*nelle innocently wanders over to the babyhawk website...*

Nah, it's safe, I've already got a custom BHB Mei Tai that does the job, but gee had I seen some of those BabyHawk fabrics beforehand, I might not have gone looking so hard for my custom, that's for sure.
I'm sure I'll be back to tell you what I love.

[suse]

Ooh ooh, can I join in too?

I would so love a Beco - I was checking them out only the other day and was disappointed to find that they are like hen's teeth here, but maybe there is hope, hmmm? The pikkolos are pretty yummo too but the Beco looks like it would be comfier.

I've currently got a baby bjorn which I'll probably sell, and a baby rock comfy carry sling which is great for short carries and is very convenient, but I want a SSC because the waist support should be better for my totally shot back and shoulders without going for a wrap (I'm way too unco!!). I could see myself getting addicted to carrying - we've only used the pram a handful of times since E was born.

[Jennifer13]

I've got a HAB...and after taking a little while to get used to it, just love it.
...

Regarding the material becoming too stretchy as they get older, we haven't had that problem...but he's only 6 months.

I used the HAB for my DD up until she was about 18 mths old (not all the time, but when we went shopping, etc) and it's never stretched out. She loved it, even up until then.

[Nelle]

That's grouse to hear the HAB's are nice and supportive for older bubs - maybe I heard that from someone who wanted to babywear an even older bub, or from someone with a heavier bub.

Hey Lime, do you know why Charlie didn't like the Babyrock carrier? I know River hated pouches/slings as a bub - perhaps because I wasn't confident, but I think moreso because he just preferred to be carried upright - even holding him in my arms cradle style he would fidget til I held him against my chest. But he loved carriers where he could be held upright - perhaps if you look at how Charlie usually likes to be carried will give you some clues as to what style of carrier to be looking for?
As for being too big for one - you have plenty of time!