I still carry my 2 yr old around in my Hotsling and I want to continue to carry her for when we go out and about. The problem is that she is close to 28 lbs and even using the piggy back position the sling is putting too much strain on my shoulders and neck. I am thinking that if I got something that would evenly space her weight I could keep on carrying her. I looked into the Ergo carrier and yikes can't afford it even though it looks awesome. Are there any other carriers that my other baby wearing moms have used/are using? I am looking into the Parents of Invention Ultimate Baby Wrap now but don't want to just settle on the first thing I see.

ERGO. All the way. It was well worth the money. We bought it when Hannah was around 19-20 months and the sling was getting uncomfortable.

The Ergo is comfortable, non-straining on the back, and she couldn't wiggle out of it like she could the sling. You might be able to find a used one for cheaper, maybe on Craigslist or something?

I use a Hip Hammock with mine- even now I use it probably once a week or more, and they are 32 pounds.

Ergo all the way. I so love mine. HOWEVER, you can make your own soft structured carrier, which is what the ergo is. Do you sew at all?

Another good option is a woven wrap. It offers the same or even better support than an ergo. Oo, or a Mei Tai is a good one too. Easy to make, comfy, easy to use. If you want pattern links or something, I'm sure I could dig some up!

I've not used an Ergo, but have heard nothing but raves about it.
However, I do know that price tag is a great big *ouch*. So, less pricey options: Mei Tai ... you can even make your own to further cut the cost. Or a wrap..again, save some cash by making your own.
Either one of those will also go over both shoulders and provide ample support for wearing a toddler. Both are also versatile, able to be worn on front or back.

have you checked out www.thebabywearer.com (http://www.thebabywearer.com)? they have a for sale area and have lots of info about every carrier out there. My dh loves the Eurgo, but for those shorties out there like me (under 5 foot) it tends to not fit well. I love wraps the best but there is a learning curve to them. Also if you are going to make one, make sure you get quality fabric otherwise you could find it uncomfortable and painful for a toddler. The wisdom I have heard is not to DIY (do it yourself) for a bigger baby because it will waste money. there are some really nice wraps out there Diddy's and Storchs are really wonderful but they can be even more expencive then an Eurgo. deffinatly research it well so you don't waste your money, and I believe when it comes to wearing your babe, it is worth the money for the comfort.

Thanks ladies. Not sure I can make my own. I own a sewing machine but alas have never gotten around to learning how to use it so not comfortable with trying to make one. Will check out the babywearer.com though.

I did check into one yesterday called the Kozy. It looked really awesome and the owner tried it out on herself so she knows it is capable of holding up to 115 lbs. Pretty sure that I will stop baby wearing long before E reaches that weight.:-D

Kind of thinking though that I should probably wait a bit and keep using the sling that way I can save up a little dough and get a really good quality one. It does go up to 35 lbs so still good just not always comfy. Thanks so much. If you think of any more brands to look at please let me know.

Ok my *babywearing obsessed hat on*:mrgreen:

Good cheapish quality toddler Mei Tais are:
Toddlerhawk- http://www.babyhawk.com/ they'll run you about $75-100 new but you can find cheaper second hand ones on TBW
Beanslings- http://www.beanslingsandseats.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=180 they'll run you about $100 new but again you can get cheaper if it's second hand (still good quality)
Bamberoo's (which are my favorite)- http://hyenacart.com/Bamberoo/index.php?c=9 they cost $120-140 brand new but you can get good bargains on TBW FSOT

You mentioned Kozy's, I've never tried one but they get a good review. Don't know how well they would work with a heavy toddler, but I think I've seen people using them with older kids

I use Mei Tai's with my children (3yr old and 16 months old both about 30lbs). Their weight is evenly spread and they both feel weightless in my carriers.


If I think of anymore I will add some later. And do check out TBW bcuz you can find good deals on there just now. Any questions please ask. I love all things babywearing:mrgreen: