what's the best baby "backpack" or carrier to use??

aidensmomm

I have an 8 month old, and I'm 5 months pregnant with my second child; I'm having a hard time carrying my baby now, especially up and down 3 flights of stairs, and it's breaking my heart...which carrier would be the best for me in my condition? I don't want to have to rely on other people to keep carrying MY child.

Answer
If any of your friends have carriers I would definitely ask them if you can try them out for the day. I bought a 3 way carrier for my son (ie front facing you, front facing out or on ur back) but found it was difficult to put on (clips AND velcro) got quite hot and hurt my back. I had the opportunity to try my sis-in-laws Ergo carrier recently and it was great! So comfortable & barely felt like I was carrying him (9kgs worth of 10 month old!) Am definitely buying an Ergo for the next bub (or maybe even this one yet!) They also have a hiking-type backpack - the kind with a frame - for their 15 month old & he loves it & my brother says it's awesome.

How would I sanitize a used baby backpack carrier?

Sergeant_w

I am picking up a used backpack carrier tomorrow. Its the nylon material kind on a metal frame. I want to clean and sanitize it before I put my baby in it. Any suggestions on the best way to clean it?

Answer
Clorox wipes first...over anything you can. After it dries completely, go over it with a baby-safe cleaner, like baby wipes.

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Flying with United Airlines with 7 month old. What do I pack?

baby backpack frame carrier image

Monica

We leave in two and a half days and I don't know how to pack for this. It's a long flight. She is going to be traveling in my lap so does she get her own carry on?

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children, since each was 4 months old between Europe and California. I also fly United a lot.

Their website is vague on this. The short answer is "no". Unofficially, I will say that they usually give parents a break.

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1032,00.html

What I do is bring a large backpack as a carry-on instead of a diaper bag. This keeps my hands free. Then I put on a tiny purse around my neck to carry the valuables like money, passports and my cell phone. This is usually exempt as a carry-on. Other purse items I put in the backpack.

You could bring a backpack and a diaper bag in a pinch and see if they say anything. Don't point it out (the supervisor might be standing next to them and they were going to give you a break) but honestly, rarely do they really bug parents flying alone with babies if your carry-ons are still reasonable.

You need at least one change of clothes and make sure you have enough diapers. If I had a dime for every parent who ran out on my flights, I would be a very rich woman! Estimate about a third more than she uses in that time frame. You go through more when traveling. Wrap the diapers in packs of about 8-10 in plastic bags and bind them with rubber bands to create space in your backpack. Do the same with the extra clothes.This is not a problem in security.

If you have not started solids, definitely put this off until you get to your destination or return. I started two of mine at 7 1/2 months because of trips to the U.S. and both are great eaters and never had weight issues. Babies don't really need food this young.

If you can't, just bring one or two foods that she has been give for AT LEAST a week each. You may want to bring a bowl or small cup to dish the food into. Never put away an unfinished jar which the dirty spoon has been dipped, especially when you wont have access to a fridge.

I actually found that an apron-style bib was better because it protected and kept the baby cleaner. Disposable bibs are kind of bulky. Also bring disposable spoons.

I recommend the bottles with disposable liners. Since you're leaving soon, if you have these, premeasure the powder ahead of time and roll them up. Place a bunch in a zip lock and then you only have to add water while you're flying. This is much more convenient than those fiddly compartmentalized containers or the individual packs you have to dump in the bottle.

Be sure your baby is used to a room-temperature bottle before leaving. It can be warmed on the airplane but how will you do that if your baby is hungry at check-in, security or during boarding? Since warming the bottle has no health-advantage to the baby, skip this unnecessary and burdensome task.

Be sure to have a good quality baby carrier. This is the absolute secret to easy flying with a baby. She's outgrown fiddly uncomfortable front packs like the Bjorn but a good wrap or sling works nicely. Some parents like Beccos, Ergos and other front/back carriers starting at this age.

Will you need your car seat at your destination? Be sure NOT to check it in as luggage. They are too easily lost and/or broken en route. The best plan is to be nice at check in and ask if it's possible to have an empty place beside you if the flight isn't full. Take your car seat to the gate, even if unlikely to get one. That way, perhaps a place will open up last minute and if unsuccessful, your seat will be "gate-checked" which is safer than luggage checking it.

Having the seat on board is not only safest for your baby but will make your flight much more comfortable, especially since you're alone. No, the baby doesn't have to suck on something for take-off and landing. This is an urban myth. Just make sure her ears are healthy and infection free and she'll be fine!

For more in-depth 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's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

Have a good flight!

what's the best baby "backpack" or carrier to use??

aidensmomm

I have an 8 month old, and I'm 5 months pregnant with my second child; I'm having a hard time carrying my baby now, especially up and down 3 flights of stairs, and it's breaking my heart...which carrier would be the best for me in my condition? I don't want to have to rely on other people to keep carrying MY child.

Answer
If any of your friends have carriers I would definitely ask them if you can try them out for the day. I bought a 3 way carrier for my son (ie front facing you, front facing out or on ur back) but found it was difficult to put on (clips AND velcro) got quite hot and hurt my back. I had the opportunity to try my sis-in-laws Ergo carrier recently and it was great! So comfortable & barely felt like I was carrying him (9kgs worth of 10 month old!) Am definitely buying an Ergo for the next bub (or maybe even this one yet!) They also have a hiking-type backpack - the kind with a frame - for their 15 month old & he loves it & my brother says it's awesome.

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What is a good baby sling that is comfortable and causes minimal back pain?

baby backpack frame carrier image

Chiro

I am looking for a good quality and hopefully cute baby sling for a baby shower gift. I really don't want to spend more than $100.

Answer
Personally, I like the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder (OTSBH). It comes in a lot of fabrics and several sizes (based on the size of the adult, not the baby--it can be worn as long as the baby is carried). But mostly, I like it because it is so good for my back.

I have always had back problems, but when I bought my first OTSBH, I had been carrying my child in an aluminum frame backpack. My back and neck were so sore that I could turn my head from side to side more than a tiny bit. I bought the OTSBH in desperation. Wearing my child (then 1 1/2) in it for many hours a day actually *healed* my sore back!! Two days later, I had full movement back (other times when I've had the same problem it took months and repeated therapeutic massage).

A sling is better than other kinds of baby carriers because they are more flexible. A baby can lie down in front of you in at least 2 different positions, and it supports her/his back perfectly. When they're a little older, they can sit in front of you, facing outwards with you supporting the back and head. And a toddler can sit on your hip or back.

I'm sure most brands of slings are similar; the important thing is that a sling is worn with the fabric spread out along the entire back and baby's weight is also supported on the hip and opposite shoulder. So it supports the back and spreads the weight evenly on the parent's upper body. But the OTSBH is also better (in my opinion) because it has padding (along both long sides and on the parent's shoulder), and is adjustable. Some slings are sewn closed and cannot be adjusted; this means you need a different one for each parent, and it makes it harder to get it on and off. And the padding makes it more comfortable on the wearer's shoulder, and makes me feel more sure that the baby can't fall out the side (although I'm sure the unpadded ones are safe--it just *feels* safer). Unpadded slings have the advantage of taking less room to pack up, but I'll keep the comfort and skip the ease of packing.

They retail for about $45 and are widely available on baby stores on the Web. I think all slings are in the same price range.

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 much do framed baby backpacks support?

baby backpack frame carrier image

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

Any opinions about baby backpacks and stroller systems?

army_siste

I don't have a baby yet but I might in the future. My question is about baby backpacks and strollers. Snuggli is one backpack I have seen. How useful are they? I saw one that said it could be used in the front for a small baby and on the back for a larger one up to 27 pounds. Are they comfortable and easy to get on and off? My concern was would my back start hurting after awhile? I have also seen some that have a metal frame that goes on the back? It looks kind of like the old hiking backpacks. Has anyone used that type? Is the soft Snuggli type better than the metal frame type?
On to strollers. I see alot of the stroller systems that come with the carseat carriers. Does anyone have an opinion whether they think the type that holds a carseat is better than just a regular stroller? I can see the benefits of both types. I would be a busy mom who be going on lots of walks and would also need to have one that would fold up nicely for the trunk of the car.Any other must haves for a baby?

Answer
Baby backpacks: I liked them okay. My husband loved ours. He would carry our daughter around all the time. They get in the way if you're trying to do something (and you really can't bend over) but they're nice for walking around and shopping if you don't want a stroller.
Stroller: Get one with a car seat carrier. They are so nice. You have to have a car seat anyway so why not get one that can snap onto your stroller. Its good for an infant because you know their head is protected in the carseat and you can see them at all times because you put the carseat on facing you in the stroller. Also, when your child is too big for the car seat, you can just use the stroller as a regular stroller. We have a 17 month old and have both kinds. Both fit into our trunk nicely. Our Jeep stroller (which is for older kids kind of a more expensive umbrella stroller) is great for going to the store. Her other stroller is nice if he needs a nap because she can lay down in it. Other things to have are a bouncy seat, a swing (our daughter absolutely loved hers), and for hen s/he can walk a stationary set so s/he can stand and play at the same time. We also liked our jumparoo but some people say they're bad for kids' legs. There are many good things for a baby, but it's all about what's good for you and your baby.

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How would I sanitize a used baby backpack carrier?

baby backpack frame carrier image

Sergeant_w

I am picking up a used backpack carrier tomorrow. Its the nylon material kind on a metal frame. I want to clean and sanitize it before I put my baby in it. Any suggestions on the best way to clean it?

Answer
Clorox wipes first...over anything you can. After it dries completely, go over it with a baby-safe cleaner, like baby wipes.

Where can I find a child carrier like this?

Its Okay E

Im trying to find a site where they sell the baby carrier backpacks, they are cloth and usually tan there is no metal frame of anything. Does anyone know where to find one?

Answer
DO NOT GET THE SNUGLI, bjorn, or others like this. They are bad for babies spine and hips, and soon hurt mom's back. Good ones that distribute weight correctly are the Ergo, the Baby Hawk, the Beco and similar brands. You pay much more, but you can comfortably carry a 25 pound 2 year old in these carriers. The good carriers have baby sitting on their bums, the snugli dangles baby from the crotch.
http://www.attachedtobaby.com/Buckle-Carriers-C5.aspx
I have used the Ergo for a 25 pound 2 year old, and I loved my ring sling from this site. I'm now using a Baby Hawk Oh Snap for the 2 yr old, I'm in a baby wearing network in town and we all share slings and carriers.

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What do I get my mom, dad, and 22 year old sister for christmas?

baby backpack frame carrier image

ThatsMyNam

both my parents are both over 40 and my sister is 22, what should i get them all for christmas?
my sister is a teacher, my dad is a comedian, and my mom works at miami university. [if that helps?]
thanks! :D
my dad loves baseball (especially the pittsburgh pirates) my mom loves, well, anything lol and yea my sister's a teacher (:

Answer
Christmas gift Ideas for Mom :
Mixed Bouquets
Pajama Sets
Biographies & Memoirs
Camcorders
DVD Players
Handheld Computers & PDAs
Women's Fragrances
Desktop Computers
Blankets & Throws
Cook's Tools & Gadgets
Toasters
Tableware
Kitchen Storage & Organization
Photo Frames
Home & Landscape Design Software
Gardening Tools
Gold Jewelry
Gemstone Jewelry
Journey Jewelry
Photo Printers
Women's Interest Magazines
Dramas on DVD
Performing Arts on DVD
Foot Massagers
Carry-On Luggage
Wall Clocks
Decorative Bowls
Picnic Baskets
Stand Mixers
Activewear
Carafes & Pitchers
Salt & Pepper Shakers
Casseroles
Mysteries & Thrillers
Books on Cooking, Food, & Wine
Bath Oils

Christmas gift Ideas for Dad :
Classic Vocalists CD Box Sets
Universal Remote Controllers
Action & Adventure Box Sets
Jump Starters, Battery Chargers & Portable Power
Magazines on Golf
Biographies
High-Def TVs
Books on History
Golf Accessories
Speaker Systems
Magazines on How-to & Home Improvement
Handheld Organizers & PDAs
Multi-tools
Magazines on Business & Investment
Flashlights
Magazines on News & Politics
Snowblowers
Digital Cameras
Sports Magazines
Hand Exercisers
Books on Hunting & Fishing
Lights & Lanterns for Camping
Audio Books on Sports & Outdoors
Documentaries
Power Inverters
Baby Backpacks & Carriers
Box Set DVDs on Military & War
Power Tool Combo Packs

Hope this help.

what to buy for my baby?

natalia m

This is my first child and i have 4 months to go. and i dont know what to buy and where to start please help me.

Answer
Two absolute NECESSITIES, from my experience with my six babies:

*Start with a NEW carseat-- don't accept a used one unless you can be 100% sure of its past; that it's never been in an accident of any sort (even fender benders), never been dropped, etc. Also, carseats expire after about 5-6 years (read each seat's manual to check), after which time the harness may not be reliable, especially after years of drool/spitup/juice spills/etc. weakening the fibers. The plastics in the frame can also break down, have structural weaknesses not visible to the eye, etc. If the seat has been stored in a shed or garage, with large variations in heat and cold, dryness and dampness, it could be even more unreliable. So please, if there's any way you can afford it, buy a NEW carseat, and check the manufacture date on the box and seat itself for a recent one, so you don't waste money on a carseat that's been sitting on the shelf already for 2 years. For more info, go to http://www.car-seat.org . This a great website for car safety info and suggestions on buying the right carseat for your needs. :)

*a good, comfortable baby carrier, such as a sling-style carrier, mei-tai, or wrap-style:

http://www.carryingaway.com.au/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

(A website with lots of info on different style carriers, it can help you figure out which one fits your needs best.) Wearning your baby during the early months is a great way to meet baby's needs for closeness & frequent nursing, while enhancing bonding and allowing mom the freedom to accomplish more than just baby care. :) A good carrier, IMO, is THE essestial piece of baby equipment, because you are going to spend an unbelievable amount of time over the next two years with a baby in your arms! ;)

After that, the necessities are pretty simple:

*diapers, either cloth or disposable, or both if you want to give both a try; wipes, either commercial ones, or plain soft cloths you can wet with plain water and/or a homemade gentle cleansing solution (search online for "homemade wipes solution" if interested)

*a foam pad or mesh "bouncy chair-like" seat for tub baths (infant baths are pretty much useless IME)

*clothes appropriate for the season; snap-crotch tees (onesie style), light socks, sweater, lightweight pants outfits, shorts or dresses, sun hat, diaper/swimsuit if you plan on swimming/water play, caps for indoors in A/C, etc. You don't need nearly as much as the books say-- maybe 5-6 onesies, 6-8 daytime outfits, 4-6 pj's, etc. Do buy lots of socks though because they seem to disappear easily.... ??

*burp cloths, which can be as simple as you like (plain white diapers) or as fancy, but anything absorbent will do.

*lightweight blanket to cover the carseat and offer shade from the sun, while in the car, or walking through parking lots, etc.

*about 4-6 receiving blankets for swaddling during the newborn stage

*baby nail clippers-- they are much safer & gentler on soft baby nails than adult clippers

*bulb syringe (nose sucker)-- the hospital will probably give you the one they use on your baby in the hospital, so don't go buy one until you're sure you need it.

*a sturdy bag to use as a diaper bag, whether it's specialized for babies and diapers, or simply a great bag that will hold up to a lot of abuse and wear & tear. My all-time favorite was a cheap $10 black leather backpack I picked up at Walgreen's on sale. It had a huge main compartment for diapers, wipes, & change of clothes, and several smaller pockets & pouches for the other baby care items I always kept on-hand.

Almost everything else can wait until after baby arrives, and you settle in and see what you really need, what you'll actually use, and then cross of the list all of those extra non-essentials that the rest of the world seems to be unable to live or raise a baby without, such as a crib, bassinett, playpen, swing, bouncy/vibrating/musical seat, stroller....

Our crib became obsolete when we decided early on that the baby would sleep in bed with us. A bassinett was useful occasionally to have someplace moveable to put the baby for naps, and could move it room to room, but I can't say whether we used it enough to make it worth the $$. Same with swings, playpens, baby seats, etc. They came in handy sometimes, especially with the babies who seemed to be more fussy than others (you can't hold them 24/7 after all), but they definitely were NOT something I would worry about spending money on *before* baby arrives. Once baby is here, you can get to know him/her, see what their personality is like, how high the baby's needs are for holding & comfort, etc. Then you can decide which of these accessories you really need. Maybe even borrow one from someone else to try out first before wasting $$ on something the baby doesn't even like.

I'm pretty much a minimalist; I don't believe in a lot of the bells & whistles that are on the market for babies these days, although some of them have their place and can come in handy. I would rather give my babies human contact & interaction, to stimulate them myself rather than have mobiles and blinky-light noisemakers do it instead.

Please also consider breastfeeding; not only will it save you tons of $$ on bottle paraphernalia, not to mention the formula itself, but I'm sure you already know that it is the healthiest thing for both you & baby as well. :) If you are interested, you should know that the best way to ensure that breastfeeding goes well is to educate yourself as much as possible before the birth, and to get a support system in place ahead of time so you can feel comfortable calling someone for help/support once your baby arrives. It's a lot easier to call someone you've met & have gotten to know to ask your nursing questions, than to decide to pick up the phone and call a complete stranger once things have *really* gotten bad. La Leche League meetings offer a wonderful opportunity for both-- information/education *plus* a support system. You can locate a LLL group/leader near you by either calling 1-800-LA LECHE, or checking their website here:

http://www.llli.org/webindex.html

Congratulations and best of luck! I hope this has been helpful to you!

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