Ergo or Mei Tai??

DD is 12 months old and and just over 8kg. I used a hugabub a bit while she was younger. My main purpose for possibly getting another one is to take away with us in a few weeks time as i plan on doing lots of walking along the beach.

As she is not a tiny bub anymore i find the hugabub a bit hit and miss in getting her sitting right and with the right tension. So i was thinking i may have use for another style now. As she is that little bit bigger i still want to have the support so it does not hurt to carry her. So i was looking at the ergo but it's a lot to spend when i'm not sure how much use i will actually get out of is at these days the pram is quite suitable in most other situations.

I have seen the Mei Tai (brandnew) on ebay for $34 plus postage and the ergos (secondhand) are starting at the $50+ park. How do the Mei Tai's rate? Would i be safe getting one to these?

Thank ladies :)

I never found the mei tei comfortable. I like how the ergo waist band sits on the hips and carries the majority of the weight of the child. I would go Ergo.

I found the ergo great for short periods of time, but my shoulders would start to ache. The advantage of a mei tei is that they are a more flexible in how you do them up. For example, in a back carry you can either cross the straps at your front or wear them backpack style.

If you're buying on ebay, beware of fakes, especially with ergos. Babes In Arms have info on what to look out for and also list authorised retailers.

I love my ergo. Tried quite a few carriers and it was the most comfortable for me.

Thanks ladies.

Gosh it's so hard to know which to choose when there's fors and againsts for both.

Do you know anyone who lives close to you with an ergo or mei tei that you can borrow and try out? If you don't know anyone close by, I'm happy to send you over my ergo for a trial - just need it back when this bub comes along!

I found when they got a bit heavier a SSC was better. I tried an ergo but my kids are long and I didn't find them deep enough. The mei teis that are that cheap may not be safe (there's no safety standard) unless they come from a reputable place.

If you get desperate EJ, I have a Babyhawk Oh-Snap SSC that I'm more than happy to post you to borrow.

I have a couple of older nursing mothers assoc mei teis you are welcome to. They are pretty basic, I don't know if the mei tei have changed alot over time.

Girls thanks so much for the offer of the loans. This was my original thought and i have asked in my BB group but so far no success i so started looking to see if i could find any secondhand maybe. I'm just not sure if it's worth me buying one or not :dunno: Those close by only have baby bjorns... if they still have them at all? I haven't checked.

Kim what do you mean by SSC?? $34 does sound too good to be true doesn't it?? I was a little sceptical which is why i thought i'd ask.

Maybe i could borrow one? You can be assured that i will look after it and i will pay for registered post. We go away the last two weeks of Jan so i will return it early feb.

I have no real preference apart from knowing it will be able to carry DD comfortably who is approx 8.1kg. She may sleep in it but i imagine that most of the time i use it she'll be awake and wanting to look around.

SSC = soft structured carrier. like the ergo, for eg.
mai teis are pretty similar, really, but they tie up, rather than having buckles.

Mai Teis are all pretty similar, really, but can vary from very plain and basic (and cheap) to quite expensive - often due to the materials used, rather than design differences, though there are differences in the length/width of straps (whether padded or not, or 'wrap style') and the size and width/shape of the square that holds the baby in.

I liked my ergo at first - very comfy on the front. But not on the back. Cant' adjust the shoulder straps enough and the waist strap digs in. So would prefer an MT. i have tried a half-buckle, with a different sort of waist strap/buckle and wrap-style shoulder straps (that tied) which was waaaaay more comfortable to use.

anyway, looks like you've found something to use....

I love my ergo have used it heaps with both kids for front and back carry. From around 4 months until 2 years! Very easy to use and supportive and I find comfortable.

My ergo has been the best buy...I can carry my 4yr old on my back, if I have to. My 2yrold has used it since birth.

for long walks it is great.

I also have an aba mei tai...it was only $40 brand new (before members discount)...it is good too...can wear front or back...takes a few practises, but once you get the nack, is fine.

Any of the carriers on mothers direct are good for your back add for baby too.avoid crotch danglers.

Yay for walks on the beach.

You've been so helpful ladies thanks so much.

I think i might go to the local shop that sells carriers and test out the ergo. If that feels comfy LuluHB maybe i could take you up on your offer of a loan?

Kim thanks for the offer also, i'll see how the ergo fees first up and take it from there :)

Catherine i had a look at Mothers Direct, i see the $40 mei tai so i know that's there if i need it. Thanks :)

Thanks again for all the help :)

ergo all the way. I'm in Newport if that's convenient to you for a trial?

No worries just let me know :D

Thank you all so much for your offers of help. I love being able to get advice from those that really know :)