The first thing I needed to get outside with my baby was a good carrier. There are numerous models and brands available these days. I was fortunate to receive a couple of loaners and a couple of hand-me-downs. I used the Moby Wrap, Ergo, Baby Bjorn, and a Sherpani backpack. I liked each of these carriers for different reasons; however, not all of these were good for getting out in the woods.
The Moby Wrap – I love the idea and the multiple ways this wrap can be used. Unfortunately, the wrap I was generously loaned was black and after wrapping three layers of black fabric around me with an infant pressed against my chest, I did not enjoy going out to hike in the summer heat. Of course it was 100 degrees where I live and the combination just didn’t work for me. I did find this wrap useful at home and at the store, but I used the other carriers more often.
Ergo – My son is nearly two years old now and we still use the Ergo, or “hugs” as he calls it. I found this carrier most useful around the house and at the store. It didn’t work as well as I hoped for outdoor hiking with an infant. My son’s legs were folded up under him and he could only handle about 30 minutes like that. There is an infant insert you can purchase separately, but I did not get it since I had other carriers. I do like that you can have the child on the front or back, but the view is rather limited in either hold.
Baby Bjorn – There are a lot of brands and models of this type of carrier. We were given the “Air” model that is made of light weight breathable mesh. This became our favorite carrier during the first 6 months. It was comfortable in hot weather and we wrapped a blanket around it in cold weather. My husband also liked it because it was easy to get on and adjust between us. After my son could hold his head up (check manufacturer recommendations) he loved facing forward and investigating the world. This carrier worked well until he weighed more than 20 pounds, then it started to get uncomfortable.
Sherpani Backpack – I purchased this for a friend who later handed it back down. This became our favorite carrier after my son could sit up on his own (check manufacturer recommendations). He loves the high view and we loved the wider range of activities we could take him out on (downhill skiing not recommended). I know friends that have continued using these as their kids learned to hike on their own, well into 4 years old. The factors that I looked for when picking this pack were low pack weight, a storage area for snacks and diapers, a camelback sleeve, and a sun shade/rain cover for my son. I bought mine online at Backcountry.com’s outlet store now Departmentofgoods.com. The REI outlet also often carries last year’s models at lower prices. I have seen some really gadgety models these days, it all depends on what works best for you.
Any of my parent friends have recommendations from their experience?
