advice on choosing baby backpack

[Cathbell]

Hi,

Really sorry as I'm sure this has been asked many times, but completely lost in all the choices and nowehereI can jjst go and look and them all!

We have an ergo but my husband would like to use a backpack for going out walking as he thinks J will see more and he (my husband) will find it more comfortable.

We intend it for hill walking but probably not more than 10 miles absolute max, something that can fold up to be taken easily onpublic transport as we don't drive. We are both tall, my husband 6'5 so something good for height, and ideally not stupendously expensive. Also my child is quite big, at only 7 months he is 20 lb so something well designed for weight distribution.

Does anyone have an intimate knowledge of backpacks and could make a suggestion???

Thanks, very grateful for tips!

Just got a Patapum Toddler Carrier though the baby version may be more appropriate for you. They are soft, lightweight, canvassy and rather lovely. They can be used as front and back carriers. Others swear by the Ergo but they are more expensive and their business practices are said to be not the most pleasant.

For more backpacky type sling, I like the look of the Bushbaby Elite but they are VERY expensive and I can't have many months of slinging my baby left.

Try looking on sites like Big Mama slings, Little Possums and Natural Connection for ideas.

We've got MeiTai, a Podegai and a Bushbaby Elite. I bought the Bushbaby for DH to use as he's 6'3" and its the only rucksac style carrier with an adjustable back height. Very expensive. And what gets used all the time ? The Toddlerhawk MT - I bought one with XL straps for DH to use, and he loves it. The Bushbaby gets used when someone is on their own and wants to carry loads of stuff around as well as DS, but the MTs fold up to pocket size and are much more convenient.

The podegai is good for when you want them to see more as you can do a high back carry, but DS sees loads in whichever carry.

DS is nearly 2 and big, and both of us are happy to carry him for hours in all the carriers.

We've got this one from Mothercare. (I think their site may be playing up though)

Used it all day yesterday DP had 14 mo in it and we have no problems with it. DP often takes DS out in on his own as he prefers it to the buggy.

Lots of space inside the carrier for storage - we got a picnic, coats and spare nappies in it easy.

Personally, I prefer the buggy as I can hang things off it!

cmotdibbler - love the look of the Toddlerhawk but thought I wouldn't get on with the stringy tie thingies - too much like baby origami and I'm not very good with knots.

Oo love ours. Its roomy and easily adjustable. It can turn in to a baby seat if you pop into a coffee shop for a drink and you can wheel it along like a shopping trolley. WE have had many admiring glances and comments

Its in the back of DHs car though and I can't remember the brand. Jeep perhaps??

Will post again later

Its really easy though - tie round waist (any knot will do), and then put baby on back, flip fabric up and ties over, wrap around and tie again. Takes seconds, and actually easier than an Ergo - I did have one, but DS grew out of it. The other advantage over the clip ones is that you don't have to adjust it when changing between people or coat on/off as it just does it as you put it on.

As you're in London, you'd be easily able to get to a Slingmeet, where you could try on some slings to see whether it was really a problem.

Thanks - but I'm now 100% committed to my Patapum - DS2 is already almost two and I mainly need it when DS1 (four) falls asleep when I'm out and about and I have to get two sleeping boys home with a single buggy - it is great - I can carry DS1 in it if I really have to!

Sorry Cathbell - didn't see you already had an Ergo - imagine that would work quite well for your DH? Bushbaby Elite, then? They seem to go for close to full price second hand on Ebay!

we've just bought a Vaude Jolly Light and it wasn't cheap but is v comfy - the back is adjustable for me or DH, has anti-sweat mesh panel and DD lurves it.
It free-stands so you can use it temporarily to pen dd in a cafe etc but the 'leg' folds away so it's smaller on your back

the only thing it didn't have that one of the more expensive ones in the shop had was a furry cushion with ears for dd to grab

Thanks to all who replied, I appreciate the help! I think weill buy the bushbaby as its my birthday so we can afford it as a present (such rock and roll birthdays these days!) Its mainly so he can see out better (he gets frustrated in our ergo) and for my DH to carry him more comfortable.

Thanks again,

Cathx