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Outdoorsy mommas - toddler carrier ?
I have a soft carrier that I use for around the house and shopping, but I'm looking for something with more support/structure for when we go on hikes. Anyone have any suggestions? My LO is 1. TIA!!
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Re: Outdoorsy mommas - toddler carrier ?
All of the framed "hiking" backpacks for kids are crotch danglers. I just can't bring myself to leave my daughter in one of those for an hour or two. I've hiked with a SSC (I have a Pikkolo, but I think an Ergo or Beco might be better for an older toddler, closer to 2 years old, but the Pikkolo works fine).
I prefer hiking carrying her in a back carry with a wrap. Sounds odd, I know, but a modified ruck can be done (on me) with a 4 (maybe a 3, but I don't have one to try) so there isn't much dragging wrap in the dirt and is pretty easy to put on and off.
It doesn't give you much storage space, so I usually have a small backpack I put on my front if she's on my back. But she's not there 100% of the time - she walks too. These days, like this morning, if we do two or three miles, she walks at least half of it, if not more.
I like this one - and so does my 3.5 yo daughter. We've been using it since she was 2 and her legs can either dangle "free" or she can rest them on the frame. I like the frame packs because they give you more support for your back over long hikes. This pack has plenty of room for extra gear and she can even reach her sippy cup in a pocket next to her. I also like that it has a 5 point harness inside for her like a carseat - so when you're doing steep acents/decents and lean over there's no risk of them slipping out! Good luck...
https://www.backcountry.com/deuter-kid-comfort-ii?CMP_SKU=DTR0134&MER=0406&CMP_ID=SH_FRO001&mv_pc=r126&003=7162907&010=DTR0134-TIT-ONESIZ&mr:trackingCode=00006950-1635-E011-9ACB-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
I like this one! And I like that she can rest her legs on something. But back support for me is a huge factor - as she's getting heavier I feel like my lillie baby just isn't cutting it!
This is true!
If you're looking for something that is going to be like a backpacking pack, forget it. The kiddo is facing forward, and not squished against you, and you just can't distribute the weight the same way; your center of gravity is definitely way back there. You might find something you like, but I was never quite satisfied.
What length wrap do you have?
If it's long enough I'd recommend doing a Double Hammock instead of a Rucksack Carry. I loooove rucks, but they're more for quick ups and downs, I wouldn't want to wear DD for more than an hour at a time in one. Double Hammock takes longer but it's quite a bit more supportive.
NCBelle's Double Hammock Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMW_GUkMdZw
And her ruck video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc2F2oyDqns
If your wrap isn't long enough to double hammock you could try a reinforced ruck:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brnTQ_Estbk&feature=related
Thanks for the links!
I have a moby so I'm not sure the exact length. Do you have any wrap recommendations?
Like MandJS said, stretchy wraps aren't safe to be used for back carries. They're also only good until baby's around 15 lbs, and are very warm.
You can DIY as mentioned, buy used (the FSOT forums on www.thebabywearer.com is the way to go) or new.
There's a great intro to babywearing on the Becoming Mamas blog here: https://www.becomingmamas.com/babywearing/wraps/ (can you guys tell I totally have an e-crush on NCBelle? lol)
I'd go with a size 5 if you're average sized, and that should allow an easy DH. Something grippy like an Ellaroo Zara won't sag as much as a wrap with a smoother weave.