Looking for a baby carrier

[amberskyfire]

I made my mei tai and I LOVE it, but I didn't realize how large it would need to be when I made it. It's great for my 10 month old, but I can see that it's going to be too small for her pretty soon. I'd love to make another one, but I hand-sewed this one (can't afford a machine) and it took forever and there's no way I have time to do that again

Comments

[bugorama]

I've seen used sewing machines for sale as low as $20-100. how would that cost compare to a new carrier? it sounds like you have an awesome design. why mess with something that works?????

[pipu]

This was going to be my suggestion as well. For thrifty mamas, a $100 investment in a decent used sewing machine pays for itself MANY times over.

[amberskyfire]

It's just not possible to get one - even a used one - that cheap where I live. Any used machines are going to be rusted pretty bad. That's all I ever find for sale around here because we live on an island surrounded by ocean and salty ocean air.

I'd have one shipped, but the shipping would be more than the machine is worth.

[mellybrelly]

Is the salt really that bad, because I grew up on an Island too, and lived 10 minutes walk from the ocean, and nothing rusted.

[hippydippymama]

Well, you can probably get away with everything except #4. I had a friend make one for me in linen, and it worked beautifully in the summer. It fits everything except the upper straps are rather long, but not obnoxiously so. I'll show her this post if you want. I provided the fabric (probably too expensive to ship from Hawaii) and she sewed it for me.

[barnhengemama]

I love our Ergo, however I have a large frame and a big kid. I love the weight distribution on my hips.

Have you looked into any of the buckle-tai's? Some have the waist padding if you liked that. You can cross the straps across the back for wearing her on the front, and I imagine if you want to cross them on the front, you can (always looks awkward to me), or rucksack style back carries. Dream Carriers seems to have a good reputation, but I think she's going out of business. You can check the LJ comm babywearer_sale.

Also, what aspect of your mei tai is small? I thought the body of ours would be too small, but since my 25 lb 14 month old is fitting just fine. Since he has more upper body strength, he doesn't need the support in length. However, he doesn't sleep in the thing, either.

[amberskyfire]

Thanks! The part that is too small is the part behind her back. It used to come up under her armpits, but now it's about at mid-back. If she gets any taller, she won't be able to lean back in it anymore.

[the_questess]

It's hard to find used mei tais (I'm sure for a reason! *g*)
I have one and it took me forever, and it actually has at least one flaw (the shoulder strap bits are so short that they barely have any left to tie once I get them wrapped all around me... and I'm really thin! MY husband can't even tie it the "proper" way).

Do you have any friends with a machine? I remember you said you weren't religious so you don't have any networks through a church or something....

Is there any place you can rent some machine time? Like a quilting shop?

[amberskyfire]

Unfortunately none of those are an option for me. Thanks for the ideas, though!

[glimmeringhope]

A mesh chunei from thekoreanbaby.blogspot.com ! They are great in the heat AND humidity. (Or, ya know, you buy my XL blue foral one for $45...I lost weight and now I need a smaller size, lol) Seriously, though...VERY supportive, and since a toddler doesn't need the back support you can remove it and the entire carrier is pretty much mesh allowing optimum airflow. I used mine the entire summer walking a mile back and forth to my mom's house (hence needing a smaller size). And I have a super low heat tolerance. Jen at TKB is awesome to work with as well. She answered all my questions and was super sweet.

[lapsedmodernist]

wow your carrier sounds awesome!

[glimmeringhope]

I adore my chuneis! I was considering an ergo for dh, and will probably get one for him...but for me the chunei is a lot more comfortable. I have a bad shoulder AND a bad hip, so I get sore with a lot of carriers. But chuneis are torso carriers. Not a lot of extra, bulky padding, and terrific weight distribution!

[amberskyfire]

I don't think it would fit me. I weigh 105 lbs. Thanks, though :)