NCDR: Please rec a SSC

abby8279

We are looking for a SSC for our toddler.  She is only 15 mo and 22 lbs now, but we want one that will last for a few more years.  If it can hold our newborn to, that is a perk but not necessary since we have other carriers.  Things that we definitely want are a nice big panel to hold her comfortably and a sleeping hood so her head doesn't bounce all over when she falls asleep.  We also want one that is not excessively bulky since we will wear it around the house and don't want to feel like we are strapping on a huge carrier.  Please tell me what you rec and why.  We don't want to spend a large amount of money (over $125) but we can be flexible it it's the "perfect" carrier. 

nanabanana06

I love my toddler Tula. It fits me great and I love it. Toddler Kinderpack can be an option, but it's HUGE! Cade can barely ride in it now at 30lbs and 31". There are tons of options out there though. SSC's are like jeans. They all fit everyone differently. I love my Tula. It's been my best fitting SSC. I've tried on Ergo's, Kinderpacks, ABC, Onya, and Manduca carries and none fit me as well as my Tula. If you can find a BWI group near you it's a wonderful investment!

abby8279

I have been to baby wearing classes and advanced baby wearing classes, but not a group.  Or maybe they are the same thing??  Anyway, I have never paid much attention to the SSCs b/c I didn't think I would ever want one because they seemed so bulky in comparison to our mei tai that we love.  But now that our baby is bigger I can see the benefits of having one.  I guess we will have to go back to our "crunchy" stores and try a few on.  But I know both stores only have the Ergo, Beco, and Boba for SSCs.  None of the ones you have mentioned.  I wish I could see a Tula in person.  I am tempted to buy one just based on reputation. 

nanabanana06

Yeah, I'd look into a babywearing group near you that has a lending library. That way you might be able to try one on. Thats how I chose which one to buy. None of the other brands you mentioned are toddler size or has a toddler size option. They can still fit toddlers though, just not as well supported in a toddler carrier.

I love my Tula though. I'm saving my pennies up for a wrap conversion Tula.

Aurora_Borealis

I *just* ordered a toddler size Action Baby Carrier. I debated forever between that and the toddler Tula. I ultimately decided on the ABC since it seems like it is less bulky than the Tula. From what I could tell by their websites, both toddler carriers have roughly the same size panel.

I can let you know more when it arrives.

The reason I ordered it is because it was getting awkward to wear DD in the Ergo and there are still enough times where I need the option to wear her comfortably. She's still well within the weight limit of the Ergo, but her legs dangle weirdly and the panel only comes up like halfway up her back. So she squirms around more and when she leans back it feels like she's going to fall out. Plus the extra squirming and narrow panel make it very easy for her to get lopsided.

ETA: DD is 31 lbs and 35" at 25 months, but the Ergo started to get uncomfortable around 18 months.

nanabanana06

My Tula was lighter than our Performnce Ergo, but with more comfy padding in the straps. The performance Ergo has zero padding in the straps.

abby8279

Nana_Osaki06 I see the Tula says about 18 mo (and/or about 25 pounds).  My LO is only 15 mo and 22 lbs.  IYO would she fit?

nanabanana06

It might not fit perfectly until she gains a few more pounds, but it could fit. I know I got mine when Cade was about 10 months and just shy of 25lbs. He grew into it well by a year.

abby8279

OK now I am lovin the features and looks of the Onya.  Too many choices!!

haileyq

Another vote for a Tula. As others have said, everyone is different, but we struggled with a lot of different carriers and the Tula (standard, my son is 27# at 1 year) is the only one that worked comfortably for us. If it helps, Abby's Lane has a 30 day trial period on all their carriers, including Tulas, so you could try them out that way.

nanabanana06

Really, look to see if there is a BWI anywhere near you. It will save you loads of money to try them on before buying. I tried an Onya and hated the fit. Other members in our group went banana sammich for it. It's all about fit.

abby8279

The nearest one for me is 2 hr drive.  And their next meeting is on a Thurs.  Ugh!!  

nanabanana06

That sucks. I would hate for you to buy one and hate it. Though, depending on the brand you might be able to sell or trade it for a different carrier on the swap. I'm thinking of doing that for a new Tula print.

abby8279

I wish the Toddler Hawk had a hood because we love our Baby Hawk mei tai soo much.  Maybe I will try the Tula through Abby's Lane.  That way I can send it back if it doesn't work out.

nanabanana06

I love my Tula. It's so comfy.

abby8279

Ok Nana_Osaki06 not to keep bothering you...but I have been looking obsessively all day at carriers online.  And since I will not be able to go to a BWI group and get my hands on these I have to make a decision completely based on recs and online info.  The two I think I have narrowed it down to are the Tula (toddler) and Kinderpack (standard size).  I know you like Tula.  They seem similar.  Are there any big differences or benefits to one over the other?  I do like the mesh on the Kinderpack since my DH will wear it often and he is a sweaty beast. Is one more popular than the other?  I need help!!

ETA: I think I am leaning towards Tula now.  Do they ever have any sales?

nanabanana06

I don't know about sales for Tula. However, I've had both kinds of SSC's mentioned. I liked the KP at first. It was comfy, but for me it had one big flaw. Which was the giant buckle in the straps. You had to adjust it just right to have it not dig into your pits. Many people do love them though.