Best baby carrier for small parent?

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?

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.

Although the pocket is kind of defunct, when the kid is on your back as you cant reach it

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.

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.

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!

I just bought a moby myself and was wondering if you bothered to give it a wash before using?

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.

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
Breeze baby
because we live in north queensland and it looks nice and cool...

NatsCats wrote: Ah darn should have checked this out before we brought the elite cruiser...still I think it might be okay for DH to use.....

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.