What carrier to try next?

MagsMayMommy

I'm getting a little bit carried away with the carriers (at least DH thinks so), but I haven't found "the one" for my DD at this time.  She's a high-needs kind of girl and really likes to be held/carried ALL the time.  She also seems to prefer to be carried facing forward (although she sometimes seems okay with facing me if we're out of the house or she's alseep).  We have a Baby K'tan which has served us very well, but I'd like something with a little more support for using for longer stretches around the house.  I've more recently purchased a FreeHand Mei Tai, an Action Baby Carrier, and a Ergo (we don't have the infant insert though), but she doesn't like froggy style any more (unless she's asleep) and she's not quite big enough to be comfortable with her legs out (she's about 11 lbs).  I've tried putting a blanket in the bottom to boost her up a bit, but she still doesn't like it for very long and seems uncomfortable.  What carrier would you recommend for this middle size where baby is past froggy position but seemingly not ready for (or comfortable with) legs out?  I'd like something that is easy to get her in and out of when she's asleep too, but maybe that's a bit too much to ask for in one carrier.

KateLouise

Maybe a woven wrap? Although I'm not sure that would solve the legs in or out issue.

MouseInLux

I'd go for the Beco Gemini, you can FF with that and she doesn't need to be froggy legged at all, you also don't need an infant insert.

LouiseB2001

MouseInLux:

I'd go for the Beco Gemini, you can FF with that and she doesn't need to be froggy legged at all, you also don't need an infant insert.

I was just about to suggest the same. This was the age where DD started really liking being carried and we used the Gemini with great success. That said, your LO is an age where carrying has on and off days and they often simply don't like being in the same position whatsoever, for very long time. Take a deep breath (and buy the Gemini :-) and in a few weeks it will hopefully be better. 

ncbelle

The Freehand should work well - you can use a ribbon to cinch the bottom smaller and roll the bottom so it will be short enough for her to be legs out (there's a recent post on my blog with a video of this - in my siggy).  And as Fred said, you can also do a high back carry in a MT (also have a video of that on my blog).  A high back carry gives the same view as FF without the issues of discomfort on your part (as she gets heavier, that's a harder position to be comfortable with) and non-ergonomic seating on her part.

There are some buckles like the Pikkolo which cinch to allow a small baby legs out but I don't think I'd just getting one since you already have two buckles that have similar body sizes.  Try the Freehand ;-) 

Todd&Laura

I think frogmama.com has some of the carriers that pp mentioned in her clearance section. She just added more today. It's worth a look.

MagsMayMommy

Thank you everyone for the recommendations!  I'm going to try working with the Freehand some more, and I'm waiting to receive a Beco Gemini in the mail!