Any baby wearers out there?

kleedotcom

My son is just over 20lbs and a wiggly little worm.
The ring sling I love is no longer as happy for both of us. We are looking for alternatives. Anyone care to share what the they use? The only thing I am not really interested in trying are the metal-framed backpacks.

**We also do have a stroller for him. I am specifically looking for baby wearing options.

Thanks!
Stuck: I know what the options are (I do NOT mean that in a snotty way) I am looking for mommies who have actually used them and can provide personal experience info. Thank you thought :)
UBER: I actually sent you a private message asking you about this yesterday because I was sure you were a baby wearer. Feel free to delete.

Answer
HI! I have used several different carriers - Over the Shoulder Baby Holder (baby 1 and 2), unpadded Maya Wrap (baby 2), Kissasling (baby 2 and 3), padded maya wrap (baby 3 and 4), Moby Wrap (baby 1 and 4), Kozi Carrier -Mei Tai style (baby 2, 3, and 4), and Ergo (baby 4).
Once my kids got to be over 20 pounds, I prefer the padded Maya Wrap and the Ergo. I love my Ergo. It was a great investment. It is so much more comfortable than my Kozi and the baby always falls asleep. I recommend the Ergo for long periods of baby wearing and the Lightly Padded Maya Wrap for quick trips to the store, etc.
Good luck!

what did you/do you plan to buy for second baby?

kc

My husband and I have an 18 month old right now, and are currently entertaining the idea of having a baby #2 in the near future, although we aren't 100% sure when due to our sons special needs that we want to first make sure we have addressed fully. Anyways, we were shopping off my friends registry for her shower, and we were wondering what all we would need if we were to have another child soon. We already know we need the crib, highchair, extra carseat, etc...but was there anything from your first baby that you wished you had but didn't?
We know we want one of those cradle swings that go both ways, as our first one didn't have one, and we'd want a double stroller. We have nearly all the basics, a plain play gym, bouncer, jumperoo...we went fairly minimal though.
We have our own ideas on what we'd change or get, but just for fun looking for ideas from others on what they did, plan to do differently.

I never had a glider, although I thought maybe I wish I would have, did you guys use yours or did it sit empty?
Are side by side strollers or the tandem ones easier? Side by side seem so wide, but front to back look hard to maneuver:) Having the older one walk isn't an option for us, as he he never developed the walking reflux. (dr.s say he WILL walk, but probably not til about 3-5 yrs old... but instead of just knowing how, he will have to be taught, like teaching someone to relearn kind of)

We have a 3 BR house, 2 BR upstairs, 1 Down. Do we go downstairs and have each baby with their own room (s/he'd be in our room the first 4 months probably) or have them share a room when baby slept through the night? I feel weird being on a different level!

Answer
I'm expecting baby 2 at the beginning of July. Baby 1 will be 15 months old. Here is what I am asking for:
- more cloth diapers (not for everyone, but I CD with BumGenius diapers)
- an Ergo baby carrier (I have another one- Kelty Kids-, but really want an Ergo. Think I can do two carriers - one back and one front- if I had one) (http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ )
- a hiking backpack carrier for Baby 1 - probably from MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop)
- a second crib (convertible) and dresser
- extra caddy attachments for my stroller
- some sort of sled that I can pull both babies in next winter

I'm also going to find out the sex with this baby. Baby 1 is a girl, so if baby 2 is a boy I may need a few clothes (though not many).

As for your question about strollers, I have the Phil and Ted's Sport stroller (http://philandteds.com/products/push/sport ) with the extra seat attachment (tandem). LOVE this stroller (it is so easy to maneuver), and I have heard nothing but good things about the second seat. I've attached the second seat to try it out and it seems just as easy as with only one seat attached.

One of my favorite things from Baby 1 was my diaper bag. I had a normal diaper bag at first, but hated it. Then I bought the Skip Hop Backpack diaper bag (http://www.skiphop.com/product/21010.html ) ...I can't imagine using another. It clips to your stroller if you don't want to carry it, which I think will be convenient with 2 babes.

Another thing I had for baby 1 and LOVE is my Pea Pod (http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5 ). It's great for when you're outdoors (eg park, beach). I might get a second one for baby 2, or put them both in the same pod.

For sleep, if both babies sleep fairly well through the night I don't see why they can't share a room. That's my plan...if I have to turn my office into a bedroom, so be it, but I really don't want to! : )

As for the glider, I didn't have one, but I've considered getting one. I found that I sat with baby 1 in a comfy chair near the window a lot, but didn't need to rock. Might be nice to have one, especially the ones with the foot rest/ottoman.

Everyone has different needs/likes though. (You can probably tell we spend a lot of time outdoors, so we need things for that.) You probably have the best idea of what you want and need based on your experience with your first child!

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At which age did you start to carry baby on your back?

baby backpack ergo image

LGM

My little daughter is three months, two weeks old. She can hold up her head pretty well, but can't sit yet, of course. I have an ergo-baby carrier and a sling. However, both seemed to be laid out to carry a baby her age in front, rather than on the back. At which age would it be safe for baby to be carried on my back?

Answer
I used a sling with my son, using different positions at different ages, according to what was comfortable at the time. I eventually bought a different backpack carrier when he really seemed to outgrow the sling. In our case, he was about a year old when I finally started using the backpack regularly. He was small for his age though, so that made front carrying possible for longer than most!

It depends on your carrier, but some front carriers and most back carriers recommend the baby be around 6 months old for the sake of spinal development. Slings tend to be better for young babies because they hold the babies in more natural positions. Young babies prefer to be curled up with their entire body supported, rather than stretched out or in a position with their legs dangling. Back carriers are generally better for older babies who are stable sitting on their own.

How much do framed baby backpacks support?

rainwriter

I'm looking at getting a metal framed hiking type back pack. What is the upper weight/age limit to these? Here's the one I'm looking at getting. http://eastidaho.craigslist.org/bab/796313648.html Are these too big for toddlers?

Answer
they only go to 25 pds. Why don't you look at the ERGO carrier, those metal frames are horrible for you back! The ergo is great and comfy I use it all the time

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How did you handle a toddler and baby on your own during a long international flight?

baby backpack ergo image

L L

How did you handle having to fly on your own with them and luggage? If you had to connect to another flight, what did you do while you waited?

Answer
I've been flying with my three children for 10 years, since each was 4 months old. They are close in age, just over two years apart and we fly between Europe and California about twice a year, plus other flights.

Don't count on getting help from the airlines. As a Flight Attendant, I often tried to get help for parents, especially on their own, with multiple children and the request was always refused. It can't hurt to ask because I hear some airlines are better about this than others (including both of my employers). Also, for your departure city, find out if you can bring someone with you on a "gate pass". This means that one adult will be allowed to accompany you to the gate, including going through security. I have never been able to do this but again, asking can't hurt!

Absolutely, without a doubt, you need a *good* baby carrier. By definition, this should go to age 2 or 3. Fiddly front packs like the Bjorn wont cut it. I made sure the carrier could be used for both my younger two children. I used a ring sling but a wrap, pouch or front/back carrier like an Ergo or Becco can be used if your younger one can hold his head up.

I only took one stroller and one car seat. I always had a seat for each child. I would have gone crazy if I had had a child on my lap for so long. Also, as an ex-Flight Attendant, I knew this was safer. Air travel itself is safe so that's why babies are allowed in laps but for a few flights, I was pregnant so there wasn't really much of a lap anyway!

Bring more diapers than you think you'll need, about 1/3 more than your children usually use. Put in a plastic bag (about 10 in a bunch) and bind with rubber bands. This saves space in your carry-on.

Don't bring a purse. Take a tiny bag with essentials that goes around your neck (so you can throw it on while folding, opening the stroller, etc. Then instead of a diaper bag, take a backpack (or a diaper bag designed like back pack). You can actually take two if you can't get everything in one, a diaper bag that goes on the stroller and the back pack. I have a largish one. If placed on the floor, it goes up to my knee but doesn't have wheels. I sometimes had to take two, like when I flew with three in diapers once.

To check-in, I everything, including the carry-on's, stroller, car seat and luggage on the cart and pushed it with the older one(s) walking and the youngest in the baby carrier. Try to get some help at your departure airport, even if that person wont be issued a gate-pass. Once I "get rid" of the bags by checking them, then I'm okay. Remember to NOT check in any car seats as luggage. Gate-checking is better if you can't use your seat(s) on board. I also would arrange at least one or two car seats at my destination.

Arriving, I did the same. The baby went in the baby carrier and the older one either walked or sat in the stroller. Once we were at baggage claim, I would make the children wait well away from the bags to avoid injury. Often, my children would find some playmates at this point. If your older one especially finds a friend, ask the parents to keep an eye on him/them for you while you get your bags.

Don't be in a huge hurry and don't wait up front. Stay with your children and when you see a bag, then go up to the belt. Often, someone would help me. Sometimes I could see the bags coming out and then I'd know if I had to run up and get one.

Yes, you can be more liberal about accepting help inside the "secure" area of the airport. Once you're out of customs, this is a public area so be more on guard. After security at your departure point is when it starts. The only people you will meet are other passengers and employees and quite frankly, they couldn't go far with your kids anyway, even if they had evil intentions!

I actually found that we never really sat around between flights. By the time I got off the plane, got through immigration and sometimes customs, found my connecting gate, etc. even a 3 hour layover dissapated. They always want to stop and look at something, have to have a diaper change, etc. There are some children's play areas at some airports and we have done that but often they're too far away to be of much use. If you are a member of a frequent flyer club, you probably can bring your children to the lounge to wait but some are very quiet and child un-friendly.

Sometimes it just works better to find a restaurant and sit and rest. Look up your connection city's airport on the net and find out if there are any children's play areas, where they are and any restaurants, like McDonald's, which might have one too.

For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It goes more into detail on packing and transporting car seats. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

Good luck! I survived and so will you!!

Are there any baby carriers that can be worn either front or backpack?

Sunny

My hubby and I are expecting our first baby and we wanted a baby carrier that can be worn in the front or the back. When I read about Baby Bjorns, it says "front or rear facing" but I'm thinking that means the baby can face inward or outward... are there any that can be worn in the front or back?

Answer
Wraps are the most versatile - you can carry baby on your front, back, or hip, and in different positions. If you'd prefer a structured carrier, the Ergo can go front or back.

There's a good selection and info. here - http://peppermint.com/index.html

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What age can a baby be carried in a backpack carrier?

baby backpack ergo image

mica.dance

I am looking to purchase an Ergo Baby Carrier, it can be worn on the front, hip and as a backpack. My baby is 5 months old and i was wondering if she'd be able to be in it as a backpack.

Answer
Until the baby san sit up on its own its best to carry on the front or hip

What is the best baby carrier to use with back support?

mommy2J

I have a maya wrap but I'm looking for something else, more comfortable for both the baby and I. I have a backpack Infantino and she loves it but it puts too much strain on my back. Any suggestions?

Answer
it depends on how old your baby is?
if she's under 6 months and under 20 lbs, Baby Bjorn is the best one. there are two different ones available, the original one and the active one. i had the original one and it was great. the active one is if you're going to use it a lot.

if she's older than 6 months there is the ergo baby carrier. it can also be used for babies under 6 months. i had it but it wasn't good on my back, but i have an injury so that was probably the problem. it is supposedly the best one on the market though. i did like how the baby sat in it. my baby seemed very comfortable.

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At which age did you start to carry baby on your back?

baby backpack ergo image

LGM

My little daughter is three months, two weeks old. She can hold up her head pretty well, but can't sit yet, of course. I have an ergo-baby carrier and a sling. However, both seemed to be laid out to carry a baby her age in front, rather than on the back. At which age would it be safe for baby to be carried on my back?

Answer
I used a sling with my son, using different positions at different ages, according to what was comfortable at the time. I eventually bought a different backpack carrier when he really seemed to outgrow the sling. In our case, he was about a year old when I finally started using the backpack regularly. He was small for his age though, so that made front carrying possible for longer than most!

It depends on your carrier, but some front carriers and most back carriers recommend the baby be around 6 months old for the sake of spinal development. Slings tend to be better for young babies because they hold the babies in more natural positions. Young babies prefer to be curled up with their entire body supported, rather than stretched out or in a position with their legs dangling. Back carriers are generally better for older babies who are stable sitting on their own.

How did you handle a toddler and baby on your own during a long international flight?

L L

How did you handle having to fly on your own with them and luggage? If you had to connect to another flight, what did you do while you waited?

Answer
I've been flying with my three children for 10 years, since each was 4 months old. They are close in age, just over two years apart and we fly between Europe and California about twice a year, plus other flights.

Don't count on getting help from the airlines. As a Flight Attendant, I often tried to get help for parents, especially on their own, with multiple children and the request was always refused. It can't hurt to ask because I hear some airlines are better about this than others (including both of my employers). Also, for your departure city, find out if you can bring someone with you on a "gate pass". This means that one adult will be allowed to accompany you to the gate, including going through security. I have never been able to do this but again, asking can't hurt!

Absolutely, without a doubt, you need a *good* baby carrier. By definition, this should go to age 2 or 3. Fiddly front packs like the Bjorn wont cut it. I made sure the carrier could be used for both my younger two children. I used a ring sling but a wrap, pouch or front/back carrier like an Ergo or Becco can be used if your younger one can hold his head up.

I only took one stroller and one car seat. I always had a seat for each child. I would have gone crazy if I had had a child on my lap for so long. Also, as an ex-Flight Attendant, I knew this was safer. Air travel itself is safe so that's why babies are allowed in laps but for a few flights, I was pregnant so there wasn't really much of a lap anyway!

Bring more diapers than you think you'll need, about 1/3 more than your children usually use. Put in a plastic bag (about 10 in a bunch) and bind with rubber bands. This saves space in your carry-on.

Don't bring a purse. Take a tiny bag with essentials that goes around your neck (so you can throw it on while folding, opening the stroller, etc. Then instead of a diaper bag, take a backpack (or a diaper bag designed like back pack). You can actually take two if you can't get everything in one, a diaper bag that goes on the stroller and the back pack. I have a largish one. If placed on the floor, it goes up to my knee but doesn't have wheels. I sometimes had to take two, like when I flew with three in diapers once.

To check-in, I everything, including the carry-on's, stroller, car seat and luggage on the cart and pushed it with the older one(s) walking and the youngest in the baby carrier. Try to get some help at your departure airport, even if that person wont be issued a gate-pass. Once I "get rid" of the bags by checking them, then I'm okay. Remember to NOT check in any car seats as luggage. Gate-checking is better if you can't use your seat(s) on board. I also would arrange at least one or two car seats at my destination.

Arriving, I did the same. The baby went in the baby carrier and the older one either walked or sat in the stroller. Once we were at baggage claim, I would make the children wait well away from the bags to avoid injury. Often, my children would find some playmates at this point. If your older one especially finds a friend, ask the parents to keep an eye on him/them for you while you get your bags.

Don't be in a huge hurry and don't wait up front. Stay with your children and when you see a bag, then go up to the belt. Often, someone would help me. Sometimes I could see the bags coming out and then I'd know if I had to run up and get one.

Yes, you can be more liberal about accepting help inside the "secure" area of the airport. Once you're out of customs, this is a public area so be more on guard. After security at your departure point is when it starts. The only people you will meet are other passengers and employees and quite frankly, they couldn't go far with your kids anyway, even if they had evil intentions!

I actually found that we never really sat around between flights. By the time I got off the plane, got through immigration and sometimes customs, found my connecting gate, etc. even a 3 hour layover dissapated. They always want to stop and look at something, have to have a diaper change, etc. There are some children's play areas at some airports and we have done that but often they're too far away to be of much use. If you are a member of a frequent flyer club, you probably can bring your children to the lounge to wait but some are very quiet and child un-friendly.

Sometimes it just works better to find a restaurant and sit and rest. Look up your connection city's airport on the net and find out if there are any children's play areas, where they are and any restaurants, like McDonald's, which might have one too.

For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It goes more into detail on packing and transporting car seats. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

Good luck! I survived and so will you!!

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