Deciding Whether to Invest in Carrier for My Son Who Has Outgrown His Baby Bjorn

I think it is mixed, and it depends on the individual child. Mine walked at 13 months, and she really liked to walk on her own. At the same time, if we had a long walk to the park or something, she might get tired and need to be in the stroller or sling. It keeps them safe in crowded places so you don't have to worry about them running off. The sling is handy for use at festivals, the grocery store, getting them to nap, etc... My child is petite, so we got a lot of use out of the sling well past age 2. I think it would be worth the investment, and you can always sell it on Craig's List when you're done.

at 11 months he should be pulling himself up and trying towalk.if he isnt see a dr.give him encouragement to try at home.

I love, love, love my Mei Tai! I honestly can't say enough good things about it. I only ever used the back carry once my kids were past about 9-10 months old, but we still used it quite a bit. I bought mine from a work-at-home mom when my middle child was about 8 months old, and it has gotten so much use.

I carried my middle daughter in it several times per week until she was 18 months or so, and after that, I carried her from time to time until she was 3. I carried my oldest in it occasionally up until age 3 1/2 as well. It was perfect for trips to the zoo or long walks where they wanted to walk some and be carried some.

My son is now 18 months old, and he rode in the Mei Tai at least an hour a day as a newborn up until about 6 months old and then still a few hours a week until a year. He'd ride on my back at the mall, grocery store, on walks, etc. It was great b/c he could just put his head down and go to sleep whenever he was tired. He was an early walker, though (10 months), and hasn't wanted to ride in the sling lately b/c he wants to be like his sisters. I still think we'll use it on zoo and amusement park trips this summer, though.

Anyway, I think a Mei Tai is still a great investment for you, especially since your son isn't walking yet. And if you have any more kids, you'll be able to use it again.

Oh, and if you or anyone in your family can sew, it's not really that hard to make a pouch sling or a Mei Tai. Just google some instructions, and it can be cheaper than buying one. Just a thought...

I just bought a sling (which I was so opposed to until I had my youngest who has to constantly be with me). It works great for hip-carrying and there are tons of other positions as well. The website is http://www.slinglings.com/

I like the Ergo baby carrier, it's a good one. However, I haven't figured out how to put the baby in the back position without assistance, so that's something to consider. For me, though, it's really nice to have a carrier, even though my baby is 14 months and walking well, there are times when a carrier is best and she doesn't like the stroller much. Good luck!

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

I also have a mei tei and I love it! You can carry the child on your hip, back, front, etc. If you go on uTube and enter mei tei you can watch videos on how to put the child in different positions. At 11 months you would probably want the hip and back. He will probably like to be independent but he will also get tired if it's a long day and want to be carried. Go to uTube and watch the videos, they're great! Good Luck!

I have a sling for my girls. I was able to carry them in several positions from newborn through toddler. I carried my middle daughter in it until she was 3. I currently use it for my last who is now 2. Yes, she likes to walk and is independent, but when she's sleepy or not feeling the greatest, it makes for an easier trip to wherever. Its so easy I can put her in by myself and even get her onto my back by myself. They've all loved it.

I love my ergo, I have used everywhere from hiking at hocking hills to just around the grocery store. 11mo is when we started using it. Our daughter is now 19mo and still rides well in it.

The mei tei is exactly what I converted to at exactly the same age. It was perfect. I could put him in front or carry him on my back. I was actually even able to do it by myself when he and I did a road trip cross country, which I was never able to do with my moby wrap.

I LOVE my Ergo. You can wear it in front or back and it doesn't put pressure on the crotch and hips like a Baby Bjorn does. I think it's good up to 60 pounds or something crazy like that (in case you want to carry around your 5 year old! lol).
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

A mei tei is great but I don't know how much longer you'll be able to use it. Once he gets bigger, it will be easier for both of you if he sits on your hip vs being in a carrier. I think my son started to sit on my hip w/14 months. We actually used a Peanut Shell Sling and we both love it. He sits on my hip, it's comfi for him and I'm pretty much hands-free. I would say, go to a BabiesRUs store and try out a sling with son. It takes some getting used to but it would be worth it. You can use the sling up until he is 3 years old. My son is 2 and we still use it from time to time especially when we are at the zoo or walking outside and he gets tired and wants to be close to me.