I would like to be able to carry Alanna on my back. She won't walk in the snow and it's just too much work to push a stroller or pull a sled through the snow while preggo. My belly is starting to get in the way of carrying her on the front, so I'm wondering what your experience is with something that I can wear a toddler on my back? A mei tai maybe? I have a ring sling and can use that, but it's pretty awkward to get her in a really comfortable position. And I have a Moby style wrap, but I'm told because of the stretchy fabric, it's not the best choice for a back carry.

Hubby has said okay to finding something that is better since taking Alanna to pick up the big kids from school is really getting to be a pain (figuratively and literally! lol). Our budget is limited though, so I'm hoping I won't have to spend a fortune. TIA!

I use an Ergo to carry G on my back all the time and it is awesome (they also have an extender thing you can get in case the regular waist does not leave enough room for baby). BUT I got mine as a gift like 6 years ago and I think the price has gone up a bit since then. I think there are places you can swap or get one secondhand for less, like ebay. How much does Alanna weigh? The ergo carries toddlers up to 40lbs I think.

She's still little... haven't weighed her in a bit but I'm sure she is still in the 20lb range. I'll kijiji ergo and see what the going rate for used around here is (if there are any listed!)

ETA: I just had a quick look on kijiji... there is one listing (2 weeks old) for $40. I'm guessing that's a decent price? It says it was used for one kid and they liked the bjorn better, so I'm guessing it didn't get heavy use? It is a weird print though... maybe that's why it's still listed 2 weeks later? lol I need somewhere to *try* one first though. I would hate to buy one and realize I don't like it. Especially since I'm now really used to the ring sling and wrap, I'm not sure how I'd feel about going back to straps and buckles, kwim?

I am a beco fan over the ergo simply because the ergo is more bulky which makes my reach around my front hard. That being said, the ergo and beco feel very much the same. I wore my beco all the way into my last trimester with Katie in my belly and Sarah on my back. It was wonderful and I had no issues. the waist belt (btw the beco has a larger belt so no extender needed) goes below your baby bump so I never felt any discomfort. I found my beco in a used baby store for $80. $40 for a used ergo sounds like a good deal! used, the ergo's around here go for around $40-60 and the beco's go for $80-100
btw my siggy pic has my dh with our beco on. you can see how sleek it is and not as bulky as an ergo.

I saw someone using a Boba. She was carrying her 43lb son. It has feet "stirrups" to help them support their legs. Sounds like it is comfortable.

I really like a woven wrap while pregnant. You can wrap so there is nothing around your waist. I always liked that especially when feeling yucky. :)

I think I'm going to try a woven wrap first, simply because I just found out someone local has one and will teach me with hers. Then I'll make a decision. Thanks for your input!

If you consider a Beco, I've got one, barely used, I'd sell cheaply (when we used carriers, we preferred our Bjorne).

I loved my BabyHawk. [lovesign]

Sounds like you made a decision with trying a woven wrap. :) A friend of mine has one and she can do some awesome stuff with it. She had her one year in it and they were oth quite happy (granted, her baby girl is a peanut!). But it made me very interested in trying one. Not to mention it was gorgeous. :) A lot prettier than a buckled one, in my opinion.

That being said, I have an ERGO. They retail here fro $100ish. I do think they are worth it though. I can easily carry Grace in it. She's 33 lbs. She loves it too. Snapping the buckles in the back, when doing a front carry, is a paaaaain though. But for me, that's a small inconvenience for a comfy carry that's generally quick and easy to get situated. Plus, my DH is more than willing to wear it as well. :)