opinions on slings etc

If I was you I'd got to a sling meet. I think there is one on in Wellington, try a few out and see how you go from there.

Eta

Wellington Baby Wearing meetup Friday 7 May @ 10am,in the Petone Library Meeting Room.

Edited by misscheeky

Definetly not too late!

DD is 13mths and about 11.5kgs. We use a Beco (soft-structured carrier like an Ergo) which both DH and I use, mainly back-carries now as I don't find the front-carry as comfortable since she's gotten so big.

We have recently got a Storchenweige wrap which I using! I back-carry her every afternoon to get her off to sleep and now use this more often for out and about. It's super comfy.

Definetly go along to the Welly meet-up. You'll be able to try lots of different carriers and see what you and your wee girl like.

I didn't get my first proper carrier for DD1 until she was 20 months old (she is now almost 4yo), which was an Ergo, and it worked wonderfully well for us on an overseas trip for a month - it was definitely easier to take places than a buggy!

However since then I have sold my Ergo in favour of a Manduca, as it works better for me and DD2 - and also has a couple of extra options that the Ergo didn't have (extendable panel, more comfortable sleeping hood, etc).

I would definitely recommend seeing if you can find one to try on first (of a couple different brands), you could also look out for the Beco or the Patapum Toddler.

I think SSC's (Soft Structured Carrier) are very very popular at the moment for ease of use, but there are also lots of other options too - have a look at the Slingbabies website for a rundown on what's what: Slingbabies!

Some styles can look intimidating, but like Mamma2N I'm also a woven wrap fan - they are nice and sturdy, and oh so pretty! Mei Tai's are also a good option, and all of the aforementioned carriers can be worn front or back.