baby backpack carrier amazon image
Sam's mom
Looking at a hiking-style framed backpack for when we go to Disneyworld in March. Have seen a few on Amazon (we live in Dubai), however, don't know how much 'give' the waist belt etc. has and neither of us are on the small side! H wears a XXXL tee, so is concerned that it will not fit. Any advice from those with experience in this area (unfortunately diet is not an option as there isn't long enough!).
Answer
I'm very plus sized. I have a sling...an "over the shoulder baby holder" to be exact. Very comfortable. You can order them online. To be more comfortable you should get the custom made size. I just got the Long one instead of the custom size and my sling could actually be bigger to fit me better but it still works and isn't uncomfortable (I wear a XXXL). there are tons of other brands out there too. I like slings so much better than carriers or backpacks (had both). You can sit the baby up, you can lay the baby down, The baby can face forward (just cross their legs indian style inside the sling), the baby can face your chest (let the legs dangle out), you can hold the baby on your hip, you can put the baby on your back...all with the same sling...and it can be used on toddlers too.
But, to be honest, you'd be much more comfortable using a rental stroller at the park than a carrier. I just looked it up...stroller rentals at Disney World are $10 a day for single passenger and $18 per day for double passenger strollers. You get a discount if you need to rent a stroller for more than one day. The rentals I have seen at parks are usually roomy and have a place to hold water bottles in the back for parents. You'd probably have to place the diaper bag in the stroller. The ones I saw at Six Flags looked different than traditional strollers....they were oval in shape, wide, low to the ground, with sides and a top and had bottle/cup holders in the back under the push handle. Not sure what Disney's strollers look like. Have fun.
I'm very plus sized. I have a sling...an "over the shoulder baby holder" to be exact. Very comfortable. You can order them online. To be more comfortable you should get the custom made size. I just got the Long one instead of the custom size and my sling could actually be bigger to fit me better but it still works and isn't uncomfortable (I wear a XXXL). there are tons of other brands out there too. I like slings so much better than carriers or backpacks (had both). You can sit the baby up, you can lay the baby down, The baby can face forward (just cross their legs indian style inside the sling), the baby can face your chest (let the legs dangle out), you can hold the baby on your hip, you can put the baby on your back...all with the same sling...and it can be used on toddlers too.
But, to be honest, you'd be much more comfortable using a rental stroller at the park than a carrier. I just looked it up...stroller rentals at Disney World are $10 a day for single passenger and $18 per day for double passenger strollers. You get a discount if you need to rent a stroller for more than one day. The rentals I have seen at parks are usually roomy and have a place to hold water bottles in the back for parents. You'd probably have to place the diaper bag in the stroller. The ones I saw at Six Flags looked different than traditional strollers....they were oval in shape, wide, low to the ground, with sides and a top and had bottle/cup holders in the back under the push handle. Not sure what Disney's strollers look like. Have fun.
Flying alone with a toddler?
Maudie
I'm flying across country in about a month with my soon-to-be 20 month old. ANY tips would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
It's been done before, but it is a high wire act!
Flying with a child is actually a three-step process. Think of it this way:
1: Getting from the car, to check-in for your flight
2: Getting through security
3: Getting through the flight
If you struggle with the first two, your nerves are shot by the time you board the flight. Should they go smoothly, you'll have some of your best left for the plane ride.
So here goes:
Phase 1:
Pack light. Very light. Buy diapers and other disposables (extra snacks, etc.) when you arrive at your destination.
Plan to check most of your luggage, including any liquids. Keep out one complete change of clothes for you & your kid - maybe two kid shirts if he's a messy eater - and what you'll ned for the duration.
Do a test run for how you'll get all that gear to the airport. If you can take a cab/get a ride, that's great. Otherwise, you'll need to get your stroller, baby, carry-on and wheelie suitcase from the parking lot to the terminal. I've paid more to park in short-term in order to avoid having to also board a parking shuttle solo. (Often people are helpful and lovely, but I've also had drivers almost pull away while I'm half unloaded.)
Odds are you can push your stroller with one hand while pulling the wheelie bag - just make sure your carryon has somewhere to go, too.
Just in case, carry a copy of your child's birth certificate or passport. I've only been asked for it to prove my child was under 24 months and could be a lap baby, but it helps to have some documentation for your child just in case. (He's now three, so it's not an issue, but I carry it anyway.)
I've used a backpack carrier instead of a stroller a few times - once my son puked down my back! In general, it works well, but it can be tough to find enough space to load/unload your child safely when you're traveling by yourself.
Try to avoid having to take your carseat. Unless your child can't comfortably sit upright, the airline doesn't require it. And you can always rent one with a rental car. If that's not an option, check it through as luggage. You can buy a car seat carrier bag for about $25 on Amazon or at most baby stores. It's cumbersome, but it does have backpack straps.
Phase 2:
If you have to wear winter coats into the airport, take a second and stash them before you go through security. Make sure you're not wearing any clothing you'll have to remove for screening. (Other than shoes, of course.)
I suggest you put your carry-on on the belt first, followed by your shoes & your kids shoes, and your stroller last. The stroller can kind of block other people from edging up against you, and your kid from making a get-away. But other than that, keep your child in the stroller until you're pretty close to the screening.
If your kid carries a favorite toy, explain in advance that his toy has to go "on a ride" and let him put it in the bin himself.
NOTE: Flying with a laptop means in-air entertainment; it also means an extra step during check-in. I've been known to do it if I think I'll also use the laptop for other reasons on my trip, but I won't do it just to distract my child. If you do bring your laptop, buy headphones, not ear buds. My kid won't tolerate them. Among my next purchases, now that my kid is older, is going to be a video-equipped iPod and carrying case for long flights ... but, as I said, he's three. At two, videos didn't hold his attention long enough to justify the expense.
Phase 3:
The easy part.
I like to get to my gate early, bust out the toys and crayons and watch the planes take off. Some parents prefer to walk around the concourse until closer to boarding time, maybe eat lunch before boarding. I've done that, too, but find that I get irritated by having all our luggage in tow. (And airport stores are filled with I-want-that-items.) But that really depends on your preference.
You'll probably get to pre-board. Again, some parents don't because they like their kids to romp. I like to get settled.
For the flight itself, I'd suggest you bring a refillable sippy cup, some of his favorite but non-sugary snacks, one special treat as a bribe, and a few toys - preferably his most favorites, mixed in with ones he's never seen before. (For my kiddo, that usually meant his wooden train with one new train car.) Coloring books with storylines are great, because then you can read or color or both.
Pace yourself. You don't necessarily have to entertain your child the entire flight - odds are good that some of the experience will give him plenty to take in - the clouds, for example. (This is why I like to eat on the plane, too - it takes some of the heat off me while he munches.) But I do keep up a running commentary about what's happening. "Now we're going to taxi down the runway and the plane is going to go up in the sky. Who are we going to see in California? Grandma! And her doggie!"
The Airmall catalog always has pictures of (pampered) animals (selling pricey gadgets). Plan on a quick browse through to check out the cats and dogs and birds.
If you get really desperate, I've turned the airsick bags provided in every pocket into hand puppets.
As for apologizing? My son has never had a total meltdown on any of his flights, but honestly? I probably wouldn't. If my son was in distress, I'd focus on HIM. (The exception I'd make would be anybody who was sitting next to my child. And then I'd keep it to an "I'm very sorry we've made the flight uncomfortable for you.")
My sense is that most people who are upset about kids' behavior on flights aren't parents and tend to have absurd ideas about how kids shouldn't be allowed on planes or that they should be drugged and shoved in the luggage compartments.
Should your 20 m.o. not take to the friendly skies, know that for everyone shooting daggers, there are plenty of parents and grandparents and aunts on the flight feeling nothing but sympathy for you.
My first solo flight with my son was when he was 8 weeks old. I'd worn him in a Baby Bjorn carrier. At security, I was flummoxed when I realized I had to take my (sleeping, of course) baby out and remove the carrier entirely to go through. The traveler behind me - a distinguished looking man in an immaculate suit - said, "let me help you, dear" and had me out of that Bjorn in ten seconds flat. He even held my son while I took the carrier off.
Whenever our flight isn't going well, I remember that for every mean-spirited soul, there's another passenger missing the children who aren't traveling with him this trip.
You'll be among more friends than you know.
It's been done before, but it is a high wire act!
Flying with a child is actually a three-step process. Think of it this way:
1: Getting from the car, to check-in for your flight
2: Getting through security
3: Getting through the flight
If you struggle with the first two, your nerves are shot by the time you board the flight. Should they go smoothly, you'll have some of your best left for the plane ride.
So here goes:
Phase 1:
Pack light. Very light. Buy diapers and other disposables (extra snacks, etc.) when you arrive at your destination.
Plan to check most of your luggage, including any liquids. Keep out one complete change of clothes for you & your kid - maybe two kid shirts if he's a messy eater - and what you'll ned for the duration.
Do a test run for how you'll get all that gear to the airport. If you can take a cab/get a ride, that's great. Otherwise, you'll need to get your stroller, baby, carry-on and wheelie suitcase from the parking lot to the terminal. I've paid more to park in short-term in order to avoid having to also board a parking shuttle solo. (Often people are helpful and lovely, but I've also had drivers almost pull away while I'm half unloaded.)
Odds are you can push your stroller with one hand while pulling the wheelie bag - just make sure your carryon has somewhere to go, too.
Just in case, carry a copy of your child's birth certificate or passport. I've only been asked for it to prove my child was under 24 months and could be a lap baby, but it helps to have some documentation for your child just in case. (He's now three, so it's not an issue, but I carry it anyway.)
I've used a backpack carrier instead of a stroller a few times - once my son puked down my back! In general, it works well, but it can be tough to find enough space to load/unload your child safely when you're traveling by yourself.
Try to avoid having to take your carseat. Unless your child can't comfortably sit upright, the airline doesn't require it. And you can always rent one with a rental car. If that's not an option, check it through as luggage. You can buy a car seat carrier bag for about $25 on Amazon or at most baby stores. It's cumbersome, but it does have backpack straps.
Phase 2:
If you have to wear winter coats into the airport, take a second and stash them before you go through security. Make sure you're not wearing any clothing you'll have to remove for screening. (Other than shoes, of course.)
I suggest you put your carry-on on the belt first, followed by your shoes & your kids shoes, and your stroller last. The stroller can kind of block other people from edging up against you, and your kid from making a get-away. But other than that, keep your child in the stroller until you're pretty close to the screening.
If your kid carries a favorite toy, explain in advance that his toy has to go "on a ride" and let him put it in the bin himself.
NOTE: Flying with a laptop means in-air entertainment; it also means an extra step during check-in. I've been known to do it if I think I'll also use the laptop for other reasons on my trip, but I won't do it just to distract my child. If you do bring your laptop, buy headphones, not ear buds. My kid won't tolerate them. Among my next purchases, now that my kid is older, is going to be a video-equipped iPod and carrying case for long flights ... but, as I said, he's three. At two, videos didn't hold his attention long enough to justify the expense.
Phase 3:
The easy part.
I like to get to my gate early, bust out the toys and crayons and watch the planes take off. Some parents prefer to walk around the concourse until closer to boarding time, maybe eat lunch before boarding. I've done that, too, but find that I get irritated by having all our luggage in tow. (And airport stores are filled with I-want-that-items.) But that really depends on your preference.
You'll probably get to pre-board. Again, some parents don't because they like their kids to romp. I like to get settled.
For the flight itself, I'd suggest you bring a refillable sippy cup, some of his favorite but non-sugary snacks, one special treat as a bribe, and a few toys - preferably his most favorites, mixed in with ones he's never seen before. (For my kiddo, that usually meant his wooden train with one new train car.) Coloring books with storylines are great, because then you can read or color or both.
Pace yourself. You don't necessarily have to entertain your child the entire flight - odds are good that some of the experience will give him plenty to take in - the clouds, for example. (This is why I like to eat on the plane, too - it takes some of the heat off me while he munches.) But I do keep up a running commentary about what's happening. "Now we're going to taxi down the runway and the plane is going to go up in the sky. Who are we going to see in California? Grandma! And her doggie!"
The Airmall catalog always has pictures of (pampered) animals (selling pricey gadgets). Plan on a quick browse through to check out the cats and dogs and birds.
If you get really desperate, I've turned the airsick bags provided in every pocket into hand puppets.
As for apologizing? My son has never had a total meltdown on any of his flights, but honestly? I probably wouldn't. If my son was in distress, I'd focus on HIM. (The exception I'd make would be anybody who was sitting next to my child. And then I'd keep it to an "I'm very sorry we've made the flight uncomfortable for you.")
My sense is that most people who are upset about kids' behavior on flights aren't parents and tend to have absurd ideas about how kids shouldn't be allowed on planes or that they should be drugged and shoved in the luggage compartments.
Should your 20 m.o. not take to the friendly skies, know that for everyone shooting daggers, there are plenty of parents and grandparents and aunts on the flight feeling nothing but sympathy for you.
My first solo flight with my son was when he was 8 weeks old. I'd worn him in a Baby Bjorn carrier. At security, I was flummoxed when I realized I had to take my (sleeping, of course) baby out and remove the carrier entirely to go through. The traveler behind me - a distinguished looking man in an immaculate suit - said, "let me help you, dear" and had me out of that Bjorn in ten seconds flat. He even held my son while I took the carrier off.
Whenever our flight isn't going well, I remember that for every mean-spirited soul, there's another passenger missing the children who aren't traveling with him this trip.
You'll be among more friends than you know.
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Title Post: Best Baby/Infant carrier for pluz size parent?
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Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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