XP from 0-6: Questions for Baby Wearers

Mogwai

I'm debating getting a new carrier.  Again.  I'm  not a constant baby wearer, but I much prefer to wear him than carry the carseat or carry him freely when I go shopping, or whatever. 

I'm also freaking OVEN even in the best of times, and it's only gotten worse since pregnancy, nevermind having a baby up against me.  I don't like to exacerbate it with non-breathable fabric. 

 

I currently have a Bjorn Air.  I like it because I don't get too hot in it, but for more than about 15 minutes, it hurts my back.

I also have a sleepy wrap.  I like the ergonomic feel, but it's freaking hot as hell, and a little complicated to tie up for quick trips.

 

So, I looked at the Ergo & the Mei Tei. 

For both - Are they hot to wear?  Can you/do you wear your child forward facing comfortably?  Is it easy to wear it on your back?

For the Ergo - Does it compress small for storage when you're not using it?  (REALLY worried about this one being hot)

For the Mei Tei, is it easy to get on by yourself & quickly?

TIA!

iris427

I love my Ergo.  I'm small and it lets me carry my heavy baby for a long time before my back starts to hurt (way longer than 15 minutes).  But I can't say whether you'll be hot in it or not.

fall-love

I just moved up from a Bjorn to an Ergo because my son was too heavy to carry for very long before my shoulders hurt.  I absolutely love the Ergo... but it's made from the same heavy-ish canvas material as the regular Bjorns, so you might get hot... not sure.  ALSO... you can't wear baby facing out in an Ergo... but you can wear them in front, on your hip, or on your back... it folds up pretty small, and it's super comfy for both me and my son.

tifvolley

Ditto, I love my Ergo.  I haven't used it in hot weather, but I do notice it is cooler than my Moby wrap.  I can't imagine it being too hot because all you really have around you are the straps.  I bought it for our trip to Florida at the end of the month, so I can give you an update on how cool it really is.

Also, they have an Ergo sport on their website that is supposed to be cooler.  That may be something to look into. 

gypsybe

I have a Babyhawk Mei Tei that I love. Once you get the hang of it, it's super easy to get on, but it is definitely warm. However, I'm very short, so the wide ties take up a good portion of my back (I still wear DS on front, but you can put them on your back too).  I think that if you had a longer torso, it might be a little more breatheable on the tie side, but the baby holding side still might be a little warm.

Good luck!

eowynmn

Love the ergo.  its cool because the only thing touching you really is your baby.