hip panda

[AbbieF]

I'm new to this board, but have been looking at different kinds of carriers since dd is 8 mo and over 20lbs. She always loved her bjorn, but now with her grabbing things and being long as well (29-30 inches) and I'm only 5' 2" its not working. I found this product made by a husband and wife called "Hip Panda" and wondered if anyone had some info or experience with it?
http://groups.msn.com/HipPanda/_whatsnew.msnw

Abbie
Mom to Maddie 4/17/04

[TereasaT]

I've never heard of the Hip Panda before. It looks really cute, but I'm not so sure about the shoulder strap. It looks somewhat thin which might be uncomfortable after awhile. If you are interested in a hip carrier, take a look at meihipcarrier.com. I've never seen or tried this carrier, but I have read some good reviews about the product. The strap is made so it is spread and cups your entire shoulder. Keep this in mind in your search for a hip carrier.

Tereasa

[new_mommy25]

I think that it looks like it would be uncomfortable over time. It looked as though the strap is digging into her neck. If you like the Bjorn style I think your best bet would be a Sutemi, Ergo or ABC. If you go with a Sutemi or ABC you can wear them on your hip. An Ergo can only be used for front and back carry.

Here are some links to get you started.
http://store.peppermint.com/sutemi-pack.html
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
http://www.kozycarrier.com/

[AbbieF]

Thanks, I'm going to ask her about the strap. If you check out their description it says that the strap is specifically designed to distribute the weight better over the shoulder and not to dig into your neck.
The other carriers look great, but I'm not comfortable with her on my back and I definitely want a hip carrier. Even as an infant she would not use the bjorn facing in, I don't know whether it had to do with the BF or not, We couldn't use it til she could face out and she has loved it. However she's now half my size and with the grabbing, its becoming treacherous having her in front of me since I can't see over her head.

Abbie
Mom to Maddie 4/17/04

[Momof3Labs]

It's just like all of the other hip carriers (Hip Hammock, Walking Rock Farm Hip Carrier, etc.) that dig horribly into your neck. Folks with long torsos (like tall daddies) seem not to complain much, but those of us shorter folk (I'm 5'4") who have tried these types of carriers hate them. I much prefer to use a sling like the Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Fleece Pouch or Mom & Me Pea in a Pod or even a Zolowear sling for a hip carry. The MeiHip carrier looks really interesting, and now the mention of it is tempting me again...

[Jan Andrea]

It's a cute design, though I would echo what everyone else has said about the probability of the strap digging into your shoulder and neck. The thing that grosses me out is this statement in the FAQ about the belt pouch: "Removable storage pack it about 3.5"H x 5"L x 1"W, and will fit most cell phones, small wallet, pack of cigarettes and lighter (if you smoke)" Um, yuck? Smoking with your baby right there on your hip? That's pretty unconscionable. Bad enough to be pushing the baby in a stroller while you smoke, but to have them *right there* next to your mouth while you smoke is awful. Why would they even think to suggest such a thing?

[new_mommy25]

Well anything is worth a try. If you do get it please post your review here :)

And here is the MeiTei link that everyone is talking about.
http://www.meihipcarrier.com/

Hope that helps,

[tarahsolazy]

More temptation, Lori, I just got a MeiHip. If you like pouches for hip carrying, you'll love the Mei hip. Mine is a black stretch twill with a gray Burberry-esque plaid on the back. The shoulder strap cups your shoulder like a ring sling, but I think I have more arm mobility with the MeiHip because there isn't as much material on the other side of the rings, KWIM? The rings are sewn to a tapered tab off the body of the carrier. Its easy to thread and adjust, too. I think the stretch twill factor might be just the icing on the cake that makes it perfect.

[Momof3Labs]

Thanks, Tarah... Off to look at these again...