Baby carrier for Glastonbury festival

[lou4791]

Hi Ladies,
we're very lucky to be going off to the Glastonbury festival in June with our 11 month old. We already have a Maya ring and a Mai Tai sling, but I feel that we may well need to invest in something else for the festival. The sling or carrier will be in use for a good part of each day, for several days, covering many miles, in all weathers. I'll also need to be able to carry supplies for each day around with me too. Any ideas how to manage this best? Any advice gratefully received.
Lou x

[omnishambles]

Its a handcart or a good old wheelbarrow.

Make sure you get there early enough to camp in the family camping as well - the one thats stewarded.

Oh and practice weeing with baby in the sling iyswim.

[MatesNeedPals]

something like this?

[omnishambles]

Isaw some of these at CP last week - They're nice but will still be mudbound if it gets bad I think.

[MatesNeedPals]

Maybe, but would solve carrying DC & Stuff

Maybe a frame back carrier that you could clip a backpack to on the front?

[DebiNewberry]

We used an ergo at a very muddy Bestival. I went with dh, one carried stuff, the other baby. Are you going with a partner, friend? Can you share the load?

[omnishambles]

DebiNewberry - you can come in

[sorry this is compulsive every time I see your name]

You dont tend to be out all day anyway - its easy to pop back to the tent a few times - especially if you're in the family camping by the kids field. For that I would just have a small day pack - I've managed one of those and a wrap sling before...

[DebiNewberry]

I'd definitely let you in - will you fly me through the air, though?

(hurrah, hurrah, am so happy somebody got it)

[omnishambles]

We should do a Glasto thread nearer the time - does this usually happen?

Debi - sadly I think I've commented before with a different nickname - just havent seen you around for ages and so felt compelled to do it again.

[lou4791]

Thanks for everyones' replies, and so quick too.

Omnishambles- After really struggling for a space in the family field last, time we're doing it in a caravan (yes I know it's cheating) this time to ease a little of the stress of space finding, lugging about and setting up with a baby. This is great in lots of ways, but it does mean that nipping back to base throughout the day is a longer trip, as caravans are outside the perimeter fence.
I will definately need to practice the weeing thing...or make sure my partner is close by each time I need to go.

Matesneedpals- I've seen a couple of those at previous festivals. Definitely a possibility.

DebiNewberry- I've heard those ergos are good. How did you cope with rain though? Did you generally manage ok with a baby at a muddy festival?

Food for thought. Thanks.
Lou x

[Lionstar]

Another option may be a framed carrier like the Macpac Possum or Vamoose. These are sturdier, you can put them down with the baby still sat in them, they have extra packets (or even zip on daypacks) and usually sun/rain hoods. However they are heavy, we have the Vamoose and even DP can't carry it for more than an hour with a 1 year old in without getting shoulder strain.

So if you are thinking about carrying around all day, go for a Ergo or Connecta. Carry a seperate backpack with supplies, including a sun hat and umbrella to keep the baby protected. Another advantage of the soft-structured carriers is that you can front and back carry as appropriate.

[DebiNewberry]

Sorry, would like to be the bearer of good news but I found it to be absolutely AWFUL in the rain. Difficult to sit down, obviously and then if in a tent, the music seemed so loud I worried for their ears, so that wasn't really an option. We have been to lots of festivals with dc and had a great time - if the sun shines. If continuous rain again and completely trashed site we would honestly consider going home pretty quickly.

[sasamaxx]

Personally, I would go for an SSC as a wrap and mei tai straps are going to trail on the ground when putting on/taking off. SSCs avoid this problem.

As for keeping dry, have you seen Suse's poncho, or if you can afford it, Suse's Kindercoat?

The poncho isn't expensive and will keep both of you dry in the rain

[sasamaxx]

Actually - having looked it up it is quite pricey here

You might be able to pick up a used one on the babywearer though...

[EmmaMe]

never went to Glastonbury (but went to Cambridge Folk festival): I wouldn't use a buggy of course, and not a framed back carrier (they are heavy!), I've used a stretchy wraparound, Kari Me in my case. I wore it myself for few hours a day and walked miles with it. When my daughter was 14 months we also traveled 3 weeks in China with it. Very good investment. If rain is expected I recommend to get a large waterproof jacket for yourself, large enough to cover the baby in the front (not his face obviously!!)
Enjoy!

[omgidbi]

If you go for the Ergo Baby Carrier you can get a rain cover and also a Ergo backpack that can fit onto the carrier, as well as being used on its own - could be very useful.

I'd definitely avoid a wrap or MT, as they are bound to get trailed in the mud!

Have fun!