hiking follow-up--younger baby

brachysira · June 2013

Hi all,

I was excited to read your discussion on hiking carriers. My baby is 5 months, and we want to hike with her on day hikes all summer. Ideally this would last us a while. Also, I want to be able to put her on my back as soon as that's safe. What do you suggest?

Thanks!

kcisthebombdotcom · June 2013

I prefer the ergo. We also have a Kelty kids backpack carrier and dh prefers that. We usually take both and switch off. Both were comfy at that age and we still wear my almost 2.5 year old on hikes. My dh even wears ds in the Kelty still though I can't say I'd wear him in the ergo even though he's technically thin enough because he's so long.

RioG1978 · June 2013

at 5 months I was still loving my mei-tei on the front.

at about 10 months I started loving my frame pack on the back, as she was no longer happy on the front.

cpmich · June 2013

Definitely a SSC. Tula, Kinderpack, or if you want a high back carry a Kanga Sport.

cpmich · June 2013

And if you go with an ergo, get the performance with the snap on small diaper bag.

The ergo performance is less hot than other ergos and better for hiking. It is not as nice or comfortable as a Tula, Kinderpack, or Kanga when your child gets in the 20 or 25 pound range. It is a great work horse when kids are smallerbut realize you will be getting another carrier when they grow out of it... Way way before you hit the weight limit.

cpmich · June 2013

Sorry to keep posting, but another thought.

If budget is a concern, I would get the ergo performance now with the pricey cargo bag and wait to get a more expensive carrier like a Tula, Kinderpack, or Kanga until you know how often you will use it and what features you like and need. The performance, while expensive compared to other ergos, really is worth the premium and when your child is small, you may not need the support of the more expensive Tula, Kinderpack, Kanga...

Really the best thing you can do is go to a local babywearing meeting to try them on. Also stalk thebabywearer.com fsot boards. Great deals on there sometimes on barely used carriers.

ncbelle · June 2013

Is she sitting yet? 5 months is right on the cusp of being able to back carry in a SSC; because they sit lower on the back, babies should be sitting before using them. A mei tai or woven wrap will allow you a high back carry so she can see over your shoulder. I do not like most frame packs, especially for a younger baby. In addition to the carriers mentioned, I would add the Action Baby Carrier which is also lighter weight and less expensive. It also has a padded waist so you can wear it a bit higher. The Kanga can also be worn higher.

brachysira · June 2013

This is much to think about. She's not sitting, but it's not far off. She's 14 lbs and was a preemie, so I still use the moby for now, but that is not going to work too much longer. I am doing weekly hikes with a mom's group, but those are only an hour, so I will use whatever I get at least weekly on hikes, but won't need something for super long hikes very often. Lots of used options on my local craigslist, so perhaps I will just try a couple.

Want a personalized experience?

hiking follow-up--younger baby

Re: hiking follow-up--younger baby

Choose Another Board

Search Boards