Attached to Baby

Can anyone suggest a good carrier for a small toddler (25lbs)? I tried a hand-me-down sling when he was an infant but he hated it and I haven't tried it again. It was from a thrift store so I don't know if I should trust it to carry him on my hip. I am having problems with my arm so I really need some support to carry him around the house and on trips. I'd like it to last awhile too so he can grow into it more. I live in a hot area of the country so it needs to be breathable too.

There are really a lot of great carriers out there for toddlers!

For heavier kids I prefer ring slings for quick up and downs and wraps or a structured carrier for periods where the child will be carried longer. I like the Ergo for a structured carrier. I also like the Patapum, but slightly prefer the Ergo to the Patapum (because I have an easier time getting the Ergo on by myself). Wraps are awesome, but can have a higher learning curve and can be a on the warm side. We used to live in Florida and I can tell you from experience any carrier is hot because of the body heat issues, extra fabric, etc...Solarveil and solarweave are available in some carriers (ring slings and mei tais), and they are wonderful and very breatheable fabrics for when it it REALLY hot, but I probably wouldn't use a solarveil or solarweave carrier as my main carrier because I would worry about pressure points with long carries and I would worry about how it would hold up with very, very frequent wear. My suggestion for a good long term carrier for a toddler would be an Ergo or a Wrap.

 Maybe some other mamas can chime in with suggestions

I use ringslings for quick up and downs, https://www.attachedtobaby.com/photos/topview/images/20922/thumb.aspx

a shortwrap for a rucksack on back:https://www.attachedtobaby.com/photos/topview/images/20971/thumb.aspx

 A mei tai might be a good investment as well (maya tie):https://www.attachedtobaby.com/photos/topview/images/20949/425x319.aspx

 

I like ringslings for quick up and downs:https://www.attachedtobaby.com/photos/topview/images/20922/319x425.aspx

 A short wrap in a ruck sack or rebozo carry (is versitile and does both:https://www.attachedtobaby.com/photos/topview/images/20922/319x425.aspxhttps://www.attachedtobaby.com/photos/topview/images/20661/thumb.aspx

 A mei tai is also a great carrier (maya tie)https://www.attachedtobaby.com/photos/topview/images/20949/425x319.aspx:

I agree with the PP.  I have a 25 lbs toddler and we use the Ergo for longer carries (and the ring sling + mei tais for short momma/baby time).  I also am learning to wrap and am *amazed* at how much more comfy the wrap is to the Ergo.  If you have the patience and the interest, I say try a wrap :)