NCDR Toddler wearing

freezorburn

Well all the baby wearing threads of the last few weeks inspired me to do a bit of research. DS keeps asking to be worn but the Ergo can barely contain him anymore. He's still a featherweight but the Ergo only comes up to his armpits so I've been concerned that he might not be getting the support he needs.

I found our local sling library and they had a few toddler carriers to try out. I've rented a Kibi, which has width and height adjustment. Can't wait to try it out tonight when we take the dog out!

I also learned a new-to-me way to get DS into back carry position that feels a lot safer. Will post more when I'm not on mobile.

CopperT0p

FWIW I have a Manduca, and I can carry either kid in it still.  DS1 is 3years old, 40lb and 38" tall and he is just at the weight limit, but I can still back carry him comfortably.  He usually falls asleep in it within 10 minutes. 

I can also front carry DS2 in it with the built in newborn seat.  I love that it is so versatile and comfortable.  DH likes to wear both kids in it too which is an added bonus. 

ElleBeeDub

I tried a toddler Tula today, and it was amazing! I'm also borrowing a little frog wrap, but the more I play with it, the more I think I prefer SSCs

freezorburn

I was hoping to see a Tula but the library didn't have one. I wish I had known about resources like this or the BWI groups that people have mentioned, way back when DS was a NB/infant. It would have been nice to try before buying! And to get some in-person advice on how to adjust the various carriers. I got a Moby wrap on sale and it just didn't work for us -- I'm too short-waisted and could never seem to find a good position in it for DS. Would love to try out a ring sling next time around!

nanabanana06

I love my BWI group. We do so many things. I love my toddler Tula. It's the most comfortable for me. However, SSCs are like jeans. They will all fit people differently.

freezorburn

Now that DS and the dog are both fast asleep ... I love this carrier! I don't know if they are selling them in the states but the Kibi should be on anyone's list to try out if you are looking for a SSC. 

I love how adjustable it is: The width of the bottom of the fabric panel is adjustable for the child's leg length, as is the height, so you can customize the amount of support that your baby or toddler needs depending on what they might need. The shoulder straps adjust at both the top and bottom, which is something I wish the Ergo had, since I am so petite that I always seem to have a bit of extra shoulder strap -- they would totally fall off if not for the chest strap.

My favorite bit -- There's some quick release elastic straps at the waist band, so you can roll up the fabric panel and clip it, when your child is not in the carrier. Then you can either wear it fanny pack style or let out the waist strap and wear it across the shoulder.

Oh, and the new-to-me getting in back carry technique (forgive me if this is common knowledge): Most of the instructions I've seen for back carry start on one hip, with the opposite shoulder strap on and then you feed one leg and somehow the baby slides into place. I keep losing my shoulder strap when I do this, and DS's sweater always ends up bunched halfway up his back. For this technique, Start as if you are going to do front carry -- check that child is properly centered in fabric panel. Instead of putting on shoulder straps, hold both from above with left hand, in front of child's chin. Shift child to right hip, still holding both straps with left hand. Put right arm up to right elbow through right shoulder strap, continue to shift child around until right shoulder strap is on. Right arm can now grab left shoulder strap, the left hand can release the straps and find its way through the left shoulder strap. Tighten all straps. I like this technique because DS is centered and sitting properly and his clothes don't get all bunched up in the process. And he is supported the whole time because I'm holding the straps up the whole time. My clothes, on the other hand, get twisted around quite a bit. I'm going to need to figure out what clothes work best under the carrier.

ElleBeeDub

That SSC sounds awesome! I'm glad you like it so much I've always done the start in front method for getting G on my back, but I'm starting to do the superman, which basically means I strap on the waist strap, lift G over my shoulder, get him situated, and the pull on the arm straps.

freezorburn

@ElleBeeDub I am seriously impressed.

ElleBeeDub

Yeah... The girls in our baby wearing group we're trying to convince me to do that with a wrap. I told them my kid was heavy, and he didn't need a concussion

freezorburn

I tried it in the park just now, over a soft-ish (wet) lawn. DS still ended up with his sweater bunched up and the top of the fabric was below his armpits. Which I know is still okay, but he uses that as leverage to push himself up and out of the carrier and then I don't feel so safe. We stopped at a bench a little while later to switch to front carry.

huntjul

So my newb will show here, but so far the only way I've gotten DD into a back carry is either with DH's help or by sitting her on a chair in the carrier, scootching my back up to her, and buckling everything up.