Slings/carriers for toddler and baby

[tummytime]

I have a DD 2.9 and DS 5.5mo. If I take both DCs out on my own, I generally take DS in a carrier (either Kari me or baby bjorn) so I basically only have to catch and worry about DD and not a pushchair too.

DD is very good about walking but as she gets tired and/or hungry she cries that she needs a hug (i.e being carried on my hip). This has led to the slightly difficult situation of carrying DS in a sling, DD on hip and a tray with (cold) drinks and sandwiches etc and the changing bag. I've tried telling DD she needs to walk but I don't think its very fair on her. I would have carried her before DS was born and she is still little. It also causes massive epic tantrums.

She won't go on shoulders and that won't help much anyway because I find it tricky to get her up there with DS on my chest.

Are there any slings/ carriers etc which would make this more feasible? Anybody else dealt with this and how?

I have a DD 3.3 and DS 3.5 months.

If we're going a distance that DD (or I) might get tired, I put the baby in the pushchair and take the sling with me. Then if DD can't walk as far as we need to (I don't drive, so we walk most places) I put her in the pushchair and carry DS in the sling.

Or say, in the park, I would just leave the pushchair in the playground where I can see it and carry DS in the sling while DD plays.

I can't imagine carrying both of them to be honest. I'd be exhausted.

My Beco carries from newborn up to 45lb, front and back carries, but not hip, and not both at the same time. I do love it and would recommend although apparently the exchange rate makes them v pricey right now.

My first two were close in age, but I never did without the pushchair as a fallback, like Laugs says.

well you could have ds on youir front in th kari me and dd on your back in a mei tai?
i do know a few people who have carried both children at once, usually twins, but sometimes children of different ages. you can do it but it is fairly hard work.

otherwise i would invest in a really cheapy pushchair just for the odd occasion when dd gets tired

Thanks. I think the pushchair option is probably going to have to be used. I have a P & T as I walk a lot but hate taking it on the bus so think probably the solution will be to get a sling which will take both of them and a cheapy collapsible pushchair to take whichever one isn't in the sling.

It is quite difficult as part of the issue is jealousy - DS now gets to be carried and it is tricky to carry DD as well. She is generally very good about having a little brother but we will probably just need to ride out the tantrums while she gets used to the buggy.

Yes, the jealousy issue is hard. DD loves to be carried even more now that DS has come along, but I can't physically do it. You have to look after yourself too! Even with DD in the pushchair, DS in the sling and bags of shopping on the handles I feel like a pack horse - with no pushchair you wouldn't have anywhere to put your bags, nevermind the weight of two children.

I have a Silver Cross Pop, which is suitable from birth and collapses easily with one hand (the brakes are a bit rubbish though)

dd 2.7, ds 8wks

I have gritted my teeth and accepted the fact I can't sling ds if I'm alone with both dcs as, like your dd, mine always 'wants a cuddle too'.

I either take the big pram and a buggyboard or, more successfully, a secondhand twin techno. Techno is easy to push with just ds in while dd walks, and she is happy to 'sit and look after ds' when tired. Not great on buses but doable.

if you get a buggy with a bit of a recline then you can use it for either of them. so sometimes dd can be carried while ds goes in the buggy, and vice versa.

am sure something like the maclaren triumph or mamas and papas trek would do you

Thanks all very much. little pusahchair plus sling does seem like the most sensible option especially as DS is nearly big enough to go in a normal pushchair.

I think the main thing is me feeling a bit guilty for not automatically picking DD up and carrying her as I did before DS was born - it all takes a bit more sorting out now!

I had a didymos wrap and spent an awful lot of time in the first few months after dd was born with her in the wrap and ds carried kicking and screaming under my arm .

yes exactly ttl

He was just so totally uncooperative in the months after dd was born. I am so glad that stage is behind me...

I know that feeling ttl... I guess at least if I can bung DS into the buggy and carry DD, I might actually be able to get things done or walk to the end of the road - stuff like that!

Glad it isn't just me.