So, about Snugglis and Bjorns and whatnot....

[conuly]

Yeah. They generally can't carry heavy/older babies, and a lot of people say they're pretty uncomfortable after a while. And there's concerns that having the legs dangling like that is a really uncomfortable/bad thing for little crotches and spines.

But you like mainstream carriers, and don't want to look weird, and don't like tying things, and, and, and....

Full disclaimer? I don't know one thing, personally, about structured carriers. Seriously. But I read a lot :)

Here's a quick list of alternatives:

Weego. Apparently, the creator of the Snuggli was really upset with changes made to the design after she sold the rights to it. This is what she's done based off of the original design she made. It's even got a twin version. I occasionally hear really good things about the original Snuggli, so, there you go.

Ergo. This is extraordinarily popular. That doesn't necessarily mean much, but I certainly know people who use it with toddlers.

Beco Carrier. Another highly-reviewed product, but slightly less mainstream (aka "prettier") than the other ones.

There's others, lots more, I'm sure. It's not an area I know all that much about, really - and I certainly can't say this is better than that. But if that's what you prefer, there's options besides what you probably already know about if you don't know anything yet :)

Comments

[ebonypearl.livejournal.com]

I used the original Snuggli with my children. Both were preemie (under 2 pounds) and needed lots of contact time. Of all the baby carriers I've seen and used sinced, that original Snuggli was by far the most comfortable and best one: sturdy, easy to put on and take off, had foot rests for the baby's feet, head supports for the preemie and newborn, adjustable to different sizes and carrying needs, capable of carrying children up to 4 years old (well, mine, anyway) and best of all - stain-proof. It had easy to reach pockets for baby needs, and little loops for hanging baby toys like rattles and teethers, and a removeable nursing panel that allowed you to discretely nurse while shopping, housecleaning, walking in the park, or doing practically anything you would typically do while wearing the Snuggli.

Of course, it's been 25 years since I bought one and used it....

And I was one of the mean parents who dressed my toddler children in harnesses and leashes so they could run around without getting lost.

[conuly]

I am of the firm belief that leashes are one of God's great gifts to mankind.

[ebonypearl.livejournal.com]

I used the original Snuggli with my children. Both were preemie (under 2 pounds) and needed lots of contact time. Of all the baby carriers I've seen and used sinced, that original Snuggli was by far the most comfortable and best one: sturdy, easy to put on and take off, had foot rests for the baby's feet, head supports for the preemie and newborn, adjustable to different sizes and carrying needs, capable of carrying children up to 4 years old (well, mine, anyway) and best of all - stain-proof. It had easy to reach pockets for baby needs, and little loops for hanging baby toys like rattles and teethers, and a removeable nursing panel that allowed you to discretely nurse while shopping, housecleaning, walking in the park, or doing practically anything you would typically do while wearing the Snuggli.

Of course, it's been 25 years since I bought one and used it....

And I was one of the mean parents who dressed my toddler children in harnesses and leashes so they could run around without getting lost.

[conuly]

I am of the firm belief that leashes are one of God's great gifts to mankind.