Baby carriers for people with reduced mobility

[Squiff70]

Hi,

We have a toddler who is two. Due to extreme prematurity and developmental delay, she is just learning to walk and some of the time still needs her pushchair.

I'm 6 months pregnant and our baby is due in August. We definitely don't want a double pram, for several reasons (space being one of them) but also because if I need to take both children out whilst DP is at work, I wouldn't be able to manage a double buggy on our local buses (I don't drive but DP does).

So, the plan is to keep the existing pram and get a baby carrier for the little one. Slight problem - I have limited mobility from a long spell in ICU and a very prolonged hospital admission and as a result, have a condition which means that not only are my muscles weak, I have VERY restricted mobility in my arms, neck and shoulders.

I'm looking at baby carriers and would need one suitable from birth (so head support needed). The problem is, most of the ones which we feel would be most suitable fasten behind the adult's neck or between their shoulder blades. There's absolutely no way I'd be able to do this without assistance.

Do you know of any, or can you recommend any brands or models which might meet these requirements, please?

No specific budget. I'd be willing to pay a bit more for the right carrier - preferably one we can use for several months until our toddler is able to walk longer distances/more confidently.

Thank you.

PS I've included a pic of a typical Nuna carrier which fastens between the shoulder blades. This is what we need to avoid.

With the ergo 360s you can choose to fasten the straps criss crossed over your back instead. I think you’d need to test one out to know whether or not you could do this alone.

This video show you how it works.

Have you looked at the Baby Bjorn Mini? You slip the carrier on like a jacket and then all the fastenings are on the front.

I would use a stretchy wrap (Moby is a well known brand) as that can be put on in the morning (with help if necessary) and just pop the baby in and out all day.

But I think what would really help is to go to your local sling library (Google location and sling Luba ray, plus some do inline consultations and postal loans), explain your needs, and try a few of the options they suggest.

Basically, I think anything structured won’t work with your needs, but there are a lot of other options that will.

Thank you so much for your replies! I'll follow all of these suggestions up including looking to see if we have a local sling library.