Baby carrier (back) for 9-12 month old

[uwila]

My nanny has just requested that we purchase a baby carrier so she can carry our now 8 month old on her back while our almost 3 year old sleeps inhis pram whilst they are out... Personally, I don't think she really wants to carry such a carrier around with her on public transport. But,I said I'd consider it.

So, has anyone done this? A 9-12 month old on your back whilst you push an older one in a pram? Has it worked out? For the carrier, do you need one with a metal phrame, or is there a soft construction variety for this age group?

If she is doing this long term I'd recommend a framed one with a waist and chest strap. Some can also free stand which would help if she needed to set it down and attend to other child. Howeevr the better ones are not cheap (there sued ot be a MN review page fo them ). Not sure of the practicalities of using both back pack and pram together when she's out alone though. Surely it won't be long before the older one doesn't need to nap when out anyway.

I would suggest an ergo, soft carrier, then she could use it for either child,(I carried my 4 yr old niece and pushed my 2 yr old in the summer) it takes a bit of practice to get on quickly but once you've got the hang of it its easier to carry on public transport or tuck under the pram just in case she needs it.

I looked at the ergo, but it looks like it doesn't provide back support, which my lazy 8 month old definitely requires (he doesn't sit up unaided yet). I know, lazy boy!

We have a Kelty Kids one. We don't use it that much, but it is good to have around. (I've used it to carry DS2 around in, while I make tea, when he's having a clingy moment.)

As LIZS says, the framed ones with waist and chest strap are probably best for this.

We've got two. An oldish Karrimor one with a metal frame and a new, expensive Bushbaby one.

I find them both pretty good. The Bushbaby one has loads of support (soft construction) and is designed for having the baby on your back for hours at a time. The baby can sleep in it and it has a rain cover (although my ds hates having the rain cover on) Downsides are price (about £130 - ouch) and that it is a bit over-designed.

The Karrimor one is very simple but probably not really suitable yet for a baby who isn't sitting unaided as there is not that much support and he might bounce around a lot. Also you can't wear it comfortably for as long as the Bushbaby one.

Only one baby so far so haven't tried pushing a pram as well, but have had heavy shopping at the same time and been fine.

Also ds is a fairly heavy baby and I have used the backpack instead of a sling when he's been grumpy. You can get on and empty the dishwasher/unload washing and stuff with the baby on your back. (Not that I want to start another what should your nanny do around the house thread.)

Would definitely consider an ergo or a Mei Tai over a framed back pack (cheaper, lighter, comfier, more supportive). Try these places:

\link{http://www.kozycarrier.homestead.com/Kozyinfo.html/kozy carrier}

cwtshi carriers

ergo

Also, these places let you hire slings very cheaply, so you can try them out before buying:

SaSa Slings

\link{Big Mama Slings}

hth

Try that again

Big Mama Slings

Kozy Carrier

I would still consider the ergo, your nanny could even carry your 8 month old on her front, and it provides a very natural position for little ones, I have used mine since ds2 was 5 months old. I bought a bushbaby back pack as well and have hardly used it, as the ergo is so comfortable, probably not relevant to you, but if the weather is bad ds can tuck himself into my back and shelter much more than in the bushbaby with its high tech raincover.