Carrier?

I've been researching about carriers (a ton!).
Here's some information to save time if your are looking for a carrier.

A carrier that is a variation of Mai Tei seems to be popular. Ergo is also popular and I see a lot of people using it but I think it also has to do with the availability of it. The other carriers - Beco Butterfly 2 and Pikkolo are harder to find. Bjorn is also popular but it is for babies up to 25 lbs. The other three carriers are for babies up to 40-45 lbs. Both Bjorn and Ergo can be found on Craigslist and Ebay at a good price.

It's best to try on the carriers first to see which one works best for your body. [See Baby & Family Boutique at the Evergreen Hospital]http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/womens/familycenter/boutique.htm]

Then.....find it online much cheaper. Beco, Ergo, and Pikkolo is $100+ (with tax). You can save a lot by shopping online.

Compare Beco Butterfly 2, Pikkolo, Patapum, Ergo, and Bjorn.
http://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html

Beco Butterfly 2 - $139
Similar to Pikkolo
:)There are many more cute prints.
Easier to put baby on your back.
:( Cannot face baby forward.
Make sure you buy the new "2" version. The older one had a recall due to faulty buckles.
How to use it:
http://www.becobabycarrier.com/docs/instruction.pdf

Mckinley Kidz has good deal on organic carriers:
Regular - $139 vs $118
Organic - $159 vs $118
http://www.mckinleykidz.com/catalog.php?sale=yes

Sign up your email and save 5%. $119
http://www.babysnazz.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=43&zenid=c97a4342158a98ff0a7c9fe3de023e24

Pikkolo - $129
:) Can face baby forward. Once the baby is 25lbs you need to have the baby on your back anyways so it may not be a big deal that you cannot face the baby forward.
Cheaper than Beco.
Memory foam shoulder pads.
Adjustable infant sitting area.
:( The prints are not as cute.
How to use it:
http://www.theportablebaby.com/pikkolo.html
Pikkolo $109
http://www.mamakanga.com/babycarriers_18/buckle-carriers.htm

Pikkolo $99 Flame
http://www.mamakanga.com/babycarrier_105/pikkolo-Baby-Carrier-Spa.htm

Pikkolo $99 Square
http://store.metrominis.net/catalog.php?item=9

Ergo - $105
:) Cheaper - find it on Ebay (around $80).
:( The design is not as cute.
When the baby is on your side or your back, the upper body is not supported very well. Have you ever seen someone with a bigger child on their side or back? I saw it once and the baby was wobbling side to side.

Cheapest I've found - $150 for a 4 item set in Hawaiian Summertime print
http://www.shatilagifts.com/catalog/339-ergobaby---4-item-set---hawaiian-summertime-handsfree-system-ERGObaby---Hawaiian-Summertime-HandsFree-System