16 month old now HATES baby carrier

[Rosebud1302]

Hi all,

We have a dog and DS (16 months) is very used to going in the carrier almost every day to walk the dog. He has always loved it. Recently however he absolutely hates it. Cries full on tears on and off throughout the walk and it is making the dog walk quite a stressful experience. We have to walk the dog, there is no option here (nor do I want to stop going out with him).

We do have a buggy that can sort of tolerate off road to some degree but a lot of the walks we do are woodland or country parks with very uneven ground and it just isn't suitable to take a buggy (plus it's really hard work pushing it). He is a confident walker indoors but won't walk for more than a few steps outside then wants to be picked up. There is no way we can carry him for a whole dog walk!

Has anyone else experienced this? Did they ever go back to liking the carrier again, any tips that worked? He is currently on my front facing outwards. We tried him briefly on my partner's back but he looked so uncomfortable, all squashed up to his back. But maybe we did it wrong?! We have an Ergobaby 360 Omni.

Any advice greatly appreciated as we would love to enjoy walking with him again!

I would try a backpack carrier. If you have a sling library near you they might have one you could hire.

I agree. Try a back pack carrier. I never really liked it but DP used it and DD loved it! She gets such a good view from up there.

I have the Boba 4g which I still use for those times when I want a decent walk at adult speed! Really recommend it. My DD is 4.5. She’s never grumbled in it (used since birth) and I swear the foot rests with it make a huge difference to comfort. Used piggyback style most of the time unless she’s poorly or unsettled (airports and public transport) and then it’s a front carry. It’s light to carry and fasten round your waist for when LO is walking as quick as anything to load up. Makes dog walking and “grown up walks” possible and pleasant! Hope you find a decent solution.