hiking with a toddler - ergo or carrier with internal frame?

[AvrilH]

As in the title, can anyone advise what kind of carrier would be best for long walks and hillwalking. Nothing too hardcore, I just don't want to feel restricted.

So far I've had best results from a wrap sling, but would like to have something more structured.

oooh, was wondering the same. thinking about starting out again in Spring with 2yo ds.

I was all set to buy a framed carrier until I borrowed a friend's little life backpack, it seemed great at first, but on longer walks it bruised my hips and was not comfortable.

I also tried on a macpac in cotswolds, but the weight put me off. I have enough to carry with DD, myself and our stuff

We used the Bushbaby elite. Not sure whether the brand matters much - ours was comfy for us, and dd seemed to like it - but our max range was 2 hours, which always needed to include a decent lunch break, otherwise dd would object vociferously. Also we stopped using it at about 2.6 yrs - dd is on the big side and she was just too heavy to carry comfortably. Up to that point both dh and I had taken turns with the carrier.

thanks playftse

DD was very happy on all our previous long walks - she slept a lot and loved her vantage point. But she is now a lot more mobile and vociferous, so I guess whatever I choose has to suit her best, as her tolerance is probably much less than mine or DH's

The big disadvantage with the Ergo is my sweaty DH - I'm guessing that would not be comfortable for the baby

The good frame carriers seem quite heavy for me to manage uphill - I'm very slight and in no way strong. I've not tried the bushbaby elite yet

Whatever we get has to be okay for us going out seperately or taking turns

I'd vote for the ergo, we have an ergo and a framed backpack. The framed backpack is a Deuter and got great reviews but the weight it adds just makes it really heavy with our DD in. I'm 5' and my DH is 6' and changing the straps is much easier on the ergo. And I've noticed that my DD adapts to the movement much more easily when she is in contact with us in the ergo.

Gha, I am convinced to get the ergo, or maybe patapum

DH thinks we should go looking at more framed backpacks first...

How old is your toddler? I think a patapum is better than an ergo for toddlers, because it's designed for them rather than from newborn up. It's half the price as well [gein] - A good deal at treehuggermums.co.uk at the moment, I have just ordered one and cost about £42 with postage.

However the framed carriers are useful when camping as you can use them as a highchair. (about the only advantage I can think of - sling fan here!)

Do you have any friends who have a framed carrier you could borrow to try out? And a local slingmeet group might have someone with an ergo.

I have one similar to this. It's very comfortable for both me and DS3, who is now 2.9.

I have just had a thought - if DH gets quite sweaty, could you get one of those pampers bed mats and put it between him and her in the carrier? In the winter he would be wearing it over a coat anyway, remember.

Watching with interest. I find the Baby bjorn quite uncomfortable since DD1 (now 5mo) was about 2mo.

Need something to nip/walk to shops yet suitable for (small) hillwalks with DH.

Might need 2 products or one that would cover both.

Sorry to hijack your thread.

HerMomminess - would def recommend an Ergo. I loved my stretchy wrap but at 5 months it will have very limited life.

I'd go for a toddler sized meitai rather than an ergo/patapum. You can tie them to spread the weight much better over you, and they are easy to put on over a coat - the ergo drove me nuts pulling up my sleeves when I had one.

I am still carrying my large 3.6 year old DS, and my ToddlerHawk or Dream Carrier half buckle (waist is buckle, straps are meitai) work beautifully, and v easy to carry when he isn't in it.

I bought DH a Bushbaby Elite - it hardly got used as we had to get the adjustment on the back and straps just right for each of us, otherwise it put the weight in the wrong place, and v bulky when DS wasn't in it

Hermomminess - I'd recommend a BabyHawk meitai - you can do front or back carries, and it will last ages

I would definitely not go for a framed carrier - most of them don't allow your child to be seated comfortably.
Ergo/patapum/toddler SSC or toddler mei tai would all be far superior.

I can carry my 4year old in my ergo no problem. Comfier in the Calyx tho...

Thanks all for the advice - much appreciated.

However, my DH has overruled me on the grounds of sweat causing discomfort to DD, and has bought a Vaude Jolly light. The big advantage to me of this, is that I can get DD in and out by myself, which I seem to struggle to do in the non-framed carriers.

My DD is only 12 months. I suspect that in a few months we will be investing in a toddler patapum or mei tai as well.

HerMomminess - hijack away!