What carrier would be best with a 30ish lb toddler?

[L&AMOM]

Im looking after a large 18m toddler full time now and plan on walking to both kids schools as much as I can. Ive been using a stroller for lil guy last year and today... but would like to carry him especially when the weather starts to act up.

Id like to carry him on my back - but hes also a big boy. Ive got a cloth reg mei tei (no padding etc) and have used it on him a few months back in the front carry - (bad idea) and havent used it on him since. Im also a little unsure about carrying him on my back since I didnt do it much with my guys.

Suggestions on types? Thanks!

[angela]

my 2 .5 yr old is about 28 lbs and i wear him in my MT on my back! its great that he can hold on while i am tying!
i added some padding to the shoulder straps and waist that helps alot!

[mamabear]

Back carries are more comfy with older guys. A mei tai is probably best at that age IMO. A wrap might be comfier, but I doubt at his age he will sit still while you learn to back wrap.

[L&AMOM]

Then I should probably look at a padded carrier then? My MT is just cloth. I had a Beco - but it didnt work for my then 3.5 yr old. (he was too big for it - tall kid )

[Mommymanda]

Ya a nice padded MT should do the trick (Natural mother mei tai maybe). A wrap would definatley be difficult...my DS is going on a wrap strike on me, hates waiting while I tie and he's been wrapped from birth.

[MplusCequalsMx3c:]

I can carry my 3 year old approx 40 lbs on my back in my ToddlerHawk MT. I bought it on TBW FSOT.

[lumpmamma]

My 30lb 2 year old loves riding in her ergo. And it is comfy for me too.

When she is sad, tired or needs snuggles I carry her on my front but otherwise we back carry.

[Bird]

My DD is 2 years old and 31 lbs. I carry her on my back in an ergo. It's super comfy and she loves it!

[jenelen]

I used my padded bamberoo mei tai when I carried my big guy. It was super comfy! I can't wait until DD is big enough for it.

[a_bun_in_the_oven]

I have a baby trekker... super old. You're more then welcome to borrow it. It was quite comfortable with Natalie before I got pregnant (back carry). It's crazy padded.

[lhastie]

You might find that the improvement on your back rather than front is enough to make it okay in the MT.

I use soft structured carriers on my back with 37 lb 3 1/2 year old sometimes I really like the Two Mommas Designs buckle tai (and a better price than most soft structured carriers) and also have a 4th generation Beco. She eventually tires me out, but so much easier than carrying her in my arms