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.

What is a good baby carrier / backpack to buy?

PF32

Ideally I would like something that will last a year of growth, not just a couple months.

Answer
REI Kids Only Piggyback

I'm normally a cheapskate (not a REI snob), but this pack is worth the extra money and then some.

I've carried my children from infancy through at least 3 to 4 years old in this thing.

I just had a "bonus baby" a couple months ago (my oldest started college last month). Thankfully, I kept the old Piggyback.

Despite the abuse from several previous children, the pack still in great shape and it will get used another 3-4 years (if my poor old body can stand it!).

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What do you think of the child harness?

CSS

We might be going to disneyland this weekend, and my son is 20 months old.. he likes walking around all the time.. but he's the type of kid that will dart off.. and run away from you.. I'm afraid that being in the stroller for more than a few hours at a time will just be too much for him..

We were considering buying him one of those backpacks with a harness...

I remember I used to think they looked horrible.. and that it looked like a dog leash.. but now that I have a baby and I know what he's like i think thats what would be safe for him..

do you think they're horrible? i almost feel like I'd look like a bad parent.. what do you think?
do they sell them in disneyland? so that i wont purchase it unless i need to?

Answer
My friend just got back from Disney last week. Her 2 1/2 year old is very active, will not sit in a carriage, and like your son, will dart off. She said the first few days were hell, running after him everywhere. She caved and bought the harness. She said it was the best investment she ever made. She always felt the same way you do about it, but now she saw the purpose and is grateful she got it. Also, her son loved it as well!

Who cares what others think. Do what is best for you and your son. Have a good trip!

Edit: My friend did by hers in Disney. But like someone mentioned below, it would be a lot cheaper if you bought one in Wal-Mart. Just save your receipt in case you don't use it.

Kids on leashes: Would you leash your kid?

Double the

Mummy of 1: I'm not going to use the word 'harness' just because it's a nicer term to use.

Answer
Hm, for all those who do not agree with 'leashing' your child, have obviously never seen a toddler terror runaway.

My 16 month old has to have a leash on at all times when out of the house ( his is a backpack one with a monkey, and if he runs off I can quickly grab hold of the leash part. ) because he runs off constantly. When we ask him to hold our hand, he throws a tantrum, stamps his feet and holds his breath, he wants his own space. He makes life hell if he is in his stroller or in his trolley, and carrying him ends up with just being bitten.

The leashing actually makes life easier, and stops all the stares of why our kid is screaming in the store. Instead, we get glances of "oh isn't he cute".


EDIT - Thanks to those who supported what I have said!
To those who still disagree with leashes - they are cute, and do not look like dog leashes. The one I have looks like a cute little backpack, that my son loves. I only use the leash when absolutely necessary, like busy shopping centers, where he is acting up majorly. Then, and only then, will I pull out the lead part, or put him in his stroller and deal with the absolute screams.


EDIT - Tabby Anne - Okay, why don't you reserve your judgement for when you actually HAVE kids. Especially one 16 month old who screams bloody murder when in his stroller, and refuses to hold hands to the point of biting. He also HATES being carried in the shopping center. With a backpack harness on, he stays close and doesn't run off at all.
I also have a 12 week old baby, so sometimes I will take my eye of my 16 month old for just a second. That second could cost his life.. I will not risk that.
You make think I am lazy, but I think you are just being a plain b*itch calling us all lazy for wanting the absolute saftey for our kids.
I live in a busy area, that has busy shops. Many, many little kids, and little kids playgrounds. Imagine losing your kid in that because he pulled away momentarily.

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