I'm Sorry.. ANOTHER carrier/sling/pouch opinion post.

[JMS]

Ok.. I've wanted another carrier for DD for some time now (all I have is a BB, and it hurts my back), so I've been reading through the archieves for info. There are almost too many posts :).. there is so much info on these boards and there is a lot to consider.

DD is 4 months old (today!!) and weighed in at 16lbs, 10ozs at her ped appt this morning. She loves to be held.. and I love to hold her but I need to get stuff done as well. I think I'll mainly carry her on my hip (she's pretty steady and by the time I order a carrier and receive it I think she'll be fine on the hip), and possibly forward facing (she likes to see everything). I'd like to be hands free and for it to be obviously comfy for us both. It seems that an adjustable option is the way to go. I really don't care for lots of hanging material (so I think that means no ring); I'd like the carrier to be fashionable and not too crunchy (I don't mean to offend anyone, it's just not my look). BTW, I am 5'6 with a medium build.

My prelim research leads me to the following:
WRF Hip Baby (for appearances dispite some disfavorable reviews)

Hip Hugger (again I like the look and the function, but not the best reviews)

Hot Sling

KKACP or KKAFP (the flannel sounds better all around but too hot in the summer)

T-so much-IA!

[icunurse]

My DS weighes about the same as your DD and you and I are the same height (I'm average build). I just switched from a Baby Bjorn (too uncomfortable) to an ABC (specifically - a Freehand Mei Tai). I am pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is and not too hard to use. DS seems to like it so far. You can use it on the hip, as well as in front, front-facing, or back carry. I, too, think I will carry DS on my hip a lot, but I like options. I was looking into a Hip Hugger, but it looks like if a baby gets tired and starts to slump, there isn't anything to support him/her....you'll just end up carrying the baby anyway.
Traci
~Connor's Mom~

[megulis]

Why not consider the Maya adjustable pouch?

[Momof3Labs]

I'd go with an adjustable pouch of some sort (btw, the KKAFP is fleece, not flannel) over the hip carriers - much more versatile, and much more comfortable. I'll take comfort over appearance any day!

We seem to be the same size and build. We also have the same opinion on how we want a carrier to look.

I think a hotsling might be a good choice for the summer. It is inexpensive and easy to use. I really like mine.

Once the weather cools even a bit, I'd definitely go for the KKAFP. It is my favoite for comfort for both me and Autumn. I like it so much that I have 3 of them.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE pouch slings! Still waiting to hear more on the KKACP because I might end up getting one.

ETA: For a longer carry and/or when your baby wants to be forward facing, I can recommend a Hug A Bub. It is super comfy and i don't think it is particularly "crunchy" looking. I got mine in all black and it looks rather sleek.

I think the hotsling is a great summer pouch, and you'll do really well with it for the hip carry. (I think *every* collection should have a good pouch!)

I also second the recommendation for an Asian-style like the Kozy Carrier, Freehand, Equanimity Baby Mei Tai, Baby Back Tie, etc. Much more versatile than any of the hip seat options you're considering, not especially crunchy looking, and great for back carries which you'll likely want to make use of in a few months.

Another option would be something like the Baby Trekker, which you can use for front facing out and back carries, and it's much, much more comfortable than the BB styles because of the waist support.

HTH!