Best baby carrier for small parent?
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Category: Product Reviews
Forum Name: Product Reviews
Forum Description: Cot or bassinette? Which pram is best for you? How about nappies? Check out our Product Reviews board to find out what other Mums and Dads think and share your thoughts!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29649
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Topic: Best baby carrier for small parent?
Posted By: Delli
Subject: Best baby carrier for small parent?
Date Posted: 31 October 2009 at 3:15pm
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Was just wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a baby carrier for a smaller parent?
I bought an Elite Cruiser on impulse when Jude was 5 weeks old as I just wanted a baby carrier right then and there (this was after a horrible day in town with the buggy and battling lifts and crowds of people). Very annoyed with myself as it just doesn't fit at all around the waist (It hardly even fits DP properly and he isn't small! ). It's very unlike me to not do my research before buying something - and it definitely did not pay off this time as we paid $80 for it! Can't even sell it on TradeMe as it looks like everyone made the same mistake as me and is trying to flog their Elite off - and nobody wants them! Lol. So I've done some more research, looked on the slingbabies website and quite liked the look of the Manduca SSC but then saw a comment somewhere that they don't fit size 8 waists very well. Had looked at the Ergo and Patapum as well. Quite like the look of all three (I like the plain look rather than prints or flowery ones). I'd also been eyeing up a Moby wrap for a while but didn't know whether to get just a plain Moby or a Moby D and also they aren't recommended for back carrying which I would like to do later on. I don't want to make the mistake of buying an expensive baby carrier and not being able to use it again - so do you guys have any thoughts on the matter? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 31 October 2009 at 3:26pm
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Maybe look at something like a Kozy as it uses a tie instead of a clip like on a manduca or ergo.
Its basically the same thing, but has no hardware fastenings, so it would fit a smaller frame better than something with a buckle. A moby wouldnt really be sturdy enough to back carry, but you could get a woven wrap which is the same thing but a sturdier material, that way you could use it for a longer period of time. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year  http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: Nutella
Date Posted: 31 October 2009 at 9:43pm
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Hmm I was gonna buy an elite cruiser! Wonder why so many people are selling them?
I also looking at ones that can carry baby as a sling style when first born but not many of those around. ------------- 
 Oct 11
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Posted By: SBM
Date Posted: 01 November 2009 at 12:43pm
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I tried a Manduca a few weeks ago and it fit me well around the waist, though I'm more of a 8/10, and I can't recall if I could have made it any tighter. Have you actually tried one on?
Have you considered a Mei Tai also? They're much cheaper and are tied instead of buckled. I  my Moby, wouldn't be without it, but I do now want something that I can back carry in easily. My options are the same as yours, and I'm slightly leaning towards the Ergo but only because it has a handy front pocket to put keys/wallet/phone etc. in. I did really like the Manduca when we tried it though, and it does have a front pocket, it's just flat against baby so you can't put too much in there iykwim.
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 01 November 2009 at 2:37pm
Although the pocket is kind of defunct, when the kid is on your back as you cant reach it  ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: first
Date Posted: 01 November 2009 at 3:29pm
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When I went to the parent and child show and asked about putting my son on my back with the moby wrap they seemed to think there were no issues with it as long as you tidy it tight. I love my Moby. Can't recommend anything else. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 02 November 2009 at 4:19pm
I thought I recognised you, first  Sorry I was running off on my break when you were there! In terms of back carrying with a normal Moby I would say it is all in the way you tie, you need to have it REALLY tight, but when I've back carried JJ in mine recently he did start slipping down after a while so I wouldn't do it for an extended period of time or without someone there as a spotter. I'm getting a Moby D which has a woven panel for a bit more support and is better for back carrying. (I already have two Moby wraps so am selling my black one!)
Like I said in the other thread when I want to back carry I go for the Manduca because it's that much simpler to get it on and off. I would say however that while I adore my Manduca it's more of a luxury item for when bubs is a bit bigger whereas a Moby (or similar) is indispensable for babies of any age/size. I'm a size 8 and yeah, the Manduca is as tight as it can possibly go. NatsCats, so many people sell Elite Cruiser's because they're cheap and the people don't know any better
The other option especially for when baby is smaller or short trips is a pouch sling, as long as you get one correctly sized. Check out Unido in particular (both here and in Aussie), they're gorgy and properly sized to fit. Stacey, if you do decide on a Moby, PM me and I'll PM you back the code so you can get one for the P&C show price ($10 off) or I think she might have them for that price on TradeMe at the mo.------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: Kirstine
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 10:42am
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the baby bjorn front packs I think would be good for smaller people - they are quite expensive though! We were going to get one when baby city had 20% off them but found it wasn't suitable as there was no way it was going to work on husband as he is 6 5" ,so they suit shorter people. we got a phil & teds pepe, as it could fit him - and i'm sure that I can use it too (not that i could try it on!) ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 06 November 2009 at 6:42pm
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I can't believe I missed this thread! LOL
Baby Bjorns, Elite Cruisers, Kapoochi's and the like are sometimes referred to as "crotch danglers" as that is where all of baby's weight is centered - not a good thing for a soft and developing spine. I made the same "mistake" with my first baby, and now can't sell my Elite for love nor money! My absolute favorite at the moment is the Kozy (mei tai), of which I actually have two - one for around the house and one that stays in the car for when we are out and about. That said I am a bit partial to a good woven wrap and am lucky enough to have in my posession a Storchenwiege in Ulli colorway... soooo pretty! I had a Moby but decided to onsell it as I much prefer the firmness of a woven wrap, especially for back carries. Moby is good for when bubs is teeny tiny though, and you don't have to re-tie it every single time you take baby in and out. I have an Ergo from when we went overseas last year that DD1 backpacked in, and I'll probably use that this time around as well when DD2 is bigger. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 06 November 2009 at 6:42pm
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D'oh! Forgot to add that I'd probably suggest a Kozy or woven wrap for their adaptability to any size parent ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 08 November 2009 at 10:47pm
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Thanks for all the replies! Decided to get a Moby, which arrived last week. Have already used it heaps and love it! So much more comfortable than the Elite (for both of us!). And DP even used it today for a walk on the beach. He was surprised (as was I when I first got it) at how easy it and uncomplicated was to put on. I wish I had just bought one of them to start off with as I had seen them mentioned on here a lot, but had been a bit intimidated at the thought of having to tie it up and was worried I would do it wrong. But I can tie the Moby faster than I can put the Elite on!
Will think later on about a back carrier for bubs - seeing as the Moby is so comfy, I am liking the look of something like a Kozy! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 08 November 2009 at 11:14pm
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Yay Stacey I am SOO glad to hear you have yourself a proper carrier, another one converted to the baby wearing addiction, our work here is done muahahaha
HippyMama I didn't know you have a Storch! *drool* I was at a baby shower recently and the (first time) mama-to-be got given a gorgeous Didymos woven wrap and she was all "what's this?" and I was sitting there with my mouth open going "I want! I want!" I must go visit her and the new bub and see if she's tried it yet -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: Kirstine
Date Posted: 09 November 2009 at 7:39am
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I just bought a moby myself and was wondering if you bothered to give it a wash before using? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 09 November 2009 at 9:14am
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Huh, I never considered it, excellent question! I suppose you prewash everything else so it does make sense... it's not like it's tricky to wash so won't do any harm I guess -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 09 November 2009 at 1:18pm
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Huh - I didn't think of that either.... Nope I didn't wash it before using it. I probably should have though as when Jude is awake when he is in it - he likes to turn his head to look out the side and sucks on the fabric. Lol. Oops. I washed all his clothes and sheets etc before using but never thought of it with the Moby! Was too keen to try it out straight away I guess. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Kirstine
Date Posted: 09 November 2009 at 4:50pm
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i don't think its that critical - nothing was mentioned on the label or booklet that I could see! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Nutella
Date Posted: 11 November 2009 at 1:06pm
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Ah darn should have checked this out before we brought the elite cruiser...still I think it might be okay for DH to use..I hope anyway haha.
I am keen on this one http://www.breezebaby.com.au - Breeze baby because we live in north queensland and it looks nice and cool... -------------
Oct 11
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 11 November 2009 at 1:47pm
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That Breeze Baby one looks great I've been considering getting a http://www.scarecrowfarm.co.nz/contents/en-uk/d105.html - TaylorMade ring sling for the beach which is very similar. -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 11 November 2009 at 1:50pm
Please dont put your precious bubba in one .. its not good for their little spines and all their weight "carried" by their crotch .. which must be extremely uncomfy for them.  ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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NatsCats wrote:Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 12 November 2009 at 11:05am
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I agree with lilfatty - if you still have the receipts for your Elite please return it and spend the extra dollars on something that is more suitable for your wee babe. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: skp
Date Posted: 12 November 2009 at 1:50pm
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Another baby carrying thread!, beware, lilfatty, hippymama and weegee have given me a serious carrier addiction ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 12 November 2009 at 2:56pm
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muahahaha that's what we like to hear!
(I think of it this way: for the money some people spend on strollers you can buy an awful lot of great carriers/slings/wraps!) ETA: not that they're mutually exclusive, I've just found we never have any need for a stroller -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 12 November 2009 at 3:25pm
Or you could end up like me .. with two prams and copious amounts of carriers  ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: chonny
Date Posted: 17 November 2009 at 9:32pm
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ok so help please...... i am looking for somethign that dh will wear. have been thinking about a backpack. if the elite is a croch carrier, then how does the phil & teds one fit in there? would be REALLY keen on advice for something DH can wear too that he is comfy in & can go bush walking in without killing his shoulders... Help please??? -------------   
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 17 November 2009 at 10:10pm
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Do you mean the pepe or a structured carrier (the metro or escape)? I haven't seen the pepe in person so hard to tell if it's a crotch dangler or not, I suspect it is though unfortunately. Would be happy to be proven wrong if anybody knows. In the structured carriers the kiddies are sitting rather than having their weight all through their spine, but their knees are still lower than their bums so they're not as comfy as a soft structured carrier can be. HTH. -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: chonny
Date Posted: 18 November 2009 at 8:53am
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it's the metro or escape i had looked at weegee -------------
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 18 November 2009 at 10:25am
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From what I can recall the Pepe is a crotch dangler. Have given my input in your other thread here chonny ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: myonlineself
Date Posted: 24 February 2010 at 4:30pm
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oh dear - I have just found another addiction! This baby wearing thing is gonna be even more expensive than my nappy addiction - oh dear... might have to throw away the credit card asap! I have a Moby and totally love it, but its SO hot, and wouldn't mind something a bit quicker to pop baby in and out of if just popping out of the car! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: chonny
Date Posted: 24 February 2010 at 5:09pm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my ERGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -------------
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