hip carrier/sling with minimal shouldre strain?

[1ceng1]

I'm looking for a sling/hip carrier for my 14 pound 4 month old. I have upper back and shoulder problems and was wondering if one exists that minimizes the strain on your shoulders and distributes the weight evenly on your back.

Thanks!

[Canna]

If you have back and shoulder problems, I think something that distributes the weight to both shoulders would be the most comfortable. Something like a Mei Tai, a soft carrier like the Ergo or Patapum, or a wrap.

A wrap could be worn on the hip but also wrapped around the waist to support some of the weight, like this:
http://www.peppermint.com/hipcrosscarry.htm
Or you could distribute the weight more evenly over your shoulders and back like this:
http://www.peppermint.com/crosscarry.htm

The new Ergo has front, back, and hip carrying options.

Even with no back and shoulder problems, I found that once my DD hit about 18 lbs, hip carries tended to be comfortable only for shorter periods of time. For long walks, trips to the mall, etc. I needed carriers that distributed the weight more evenly.

[SewSarahSew]

Ditto.

You want something symetrical, it is much easier on your body. Once my kiddos got above 20 lbs, I really couldn't use our pouch or ring sling anymore, or at least for any period time over 20 minutes or so. I much prefered a mei tai or wrap. A wrap is really comfy, but takes longer to put on and longer to learn to use. Check out mei tais. Here's a short list:

http://www.kozycarrier.com
Angelpack at www.attachedtot.com
www.kolamobaby.com
www.sachicarriers.com
Sera Tai at www.angelbabyslings.com
http://www.babyhawk.com/
Mei Happy Ride at http://www.togetherbaby.com/catalog.php?category=130
http://www.freehandbaby.com

www.thebabywearer.com has a wonderful source too, including reviews of these carriers and vendors.