Backpack carriers

[JoanneNC]

DH is wanting to take our Child Backpack Carrier for our then 18mth old to use at times around parks. We are driving so we will also have our good stoller and the umbrella one but I admit the umbrella one, while light and easy to fold - my DS is less contained, unable to recline and lets face it- less storage space.

DH really wants to bring the backpack as he prefers to carry DS this way then navigate a stroller. Granted this would be used for 1/2 day park excursions to afford resting times, but are they even allowed in the parks? What other issues can you forsee (newbie as a parent going to WDW)

Any feedback is greatly appreciated

Also - I "assume" that strollers are welcome and accomodated at restaurants both within resorts and parks?

Thanks in advance

 

[Minniemouse07]

We used a Beco baby carrier for our 2yo (he turned 2 while we were there) last month and it worked out really well. I for one wouldn't want to haul a frame carrier around the parks. The Beco rolled up fairly small and fit under our stroller really well!

I would do the nicer stroller and a soft carrier for when the little guy wants to be carried and/or sleep while not in the stroller. Oh, another item that was SUPER helpful for us was a monkey backpack for ds that had a leash for a tail. Ds got to have a ton more freedom and we had the peace of mind that he wouldn't bolt at the first opportunity! There are a lot of times when you cannot have the stroller and the monkey backpack came in handy. It comes as a dog backpack as well. I picked ours up at Walmart for $9.99.

 

[Ariel8676]

I would suggest a soft structured carrier rather than a framed backback..that way you can fold it up and put it away and i would think it would be more comfortable for the child and the person carrying...lol
A Beco or and Ergo would work great for an 18 month old.

 

[ChristmasEveTwins]

I agree with pp. A frame backpack would be cumbersome to carry around the parks. An Ergo or Beco is much more comfy, imo.

 

[tzolkin]

we usually use a backpack for our kids, but we have decided not to use it for our disney trip.

our two toddlers are both about 40lbs and we can no longer carry them comfortably in the backpack for longer than an hour or so. i can't see bringing a carrier to the parks if we're not going to use it the entire time. of course the one we have is really big and i also think it would be a pain when trying to get onto some of the attractions/rides. when our kids were smaller we would carry them all day in a softer (front) carrier though.

i am currently in the process of buying two lightweight strollers. my kids are both too big for a cheap umbrella stroller (those only hold 35lbs) and i think a big stoller would be annoying if we decide to use the busses. i have seen some nice lightweight strollers online by chicco, combi, and maclaren that will hold bigger children. many have a basket underneath and recline. some also have a front tray if you feel he needs to be more "contained". these strollers are more expensive, but it's cheaper for me than renting a double for the length of our stay so i'll be saving.

 

[chrisw127]

We used an Ergo carrier, which folds up to almost nothing and is very convenient. I also had a Sherpani Lightweight for a while which is a great carrier. It probably weighs all of 5 pounds and has a frame. I have twins and when they were tiny babies I would put one in there so I could get things done around the house and basically forget they were in there (okay, I was a bit sleep deprived). You can get them at REI for about $165.

We brought our double stroller in the park, which is a MacLaren. If the babies had been older, I would have just rented a stroller there. The parks are very stroller friendly (despite what you might read in some guides). I didn't have a problem going anywhere.

 

[chrisw127]

i am currently in the process of buying two lightweight strollers. my kids are both too big for a cheap umbrella stroller (those only hold 35lbs) and i think a big stoller would be annoying if we decide to use the busses. i have seen some nice lightweight strollers online by chicco, combi, and maclaren that will hold bigger children. many have a basket underneath and recline. some also have a front tray if you feel he needs to be more "contained". these strollers are more expensive, but it's cheaper for me than renting a double for the length of our stay so i'll be saving.

I bought a single stroller from MacLaren for my son five years ago. I now use it for my twins (when I just have one of them). You can't beat MacLaren strollers. They are really sturdy and so lightweight. I figure that my son's stroller has cost me about $20 per year and it's still going.

I swear, MacLaren should pay me I've sold so many moms on them.

 

[LilGMom]

We used something similiar to this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2539526 and loved it! Used it when our oldest was 8 months old until he was too big for it and then used it for our youngest until he was too big for it. I liked having the kickstand because for Playhouse Disney he just stayed in the carrier, at CS meals we could prop him up on the table or a chair and not have to hunt for and clean a highchair. We got really good at wearing him through the line ques and getting him out right before we got on the ride as the line moved. The only time we ever used our stroller during the backpack times was at night to walk around the resort.

 

[JoanneNC]

This is almost identical to what we have DH has no problems lugging the weight - I was thinking this higher point of view would be great for the parades, etc ahh maybe we will bring it and try

Thanks

 

[LilGMom]

This is almost identical to what we have DH has no problems lugging the weight - I was thinking this higher point of view would be great for the parades, etc ahh maybe we will bring it and try

Thanks

Our sons loved the backpack!!! They were high enough to be able to see characters, parades and everything other than the knees and backsides of people. After a few rides you'll have it down to a fine science with wearing the baby until close to the end and getting the baby out without holding up the line. Good luck!

 

[bridgetgabbie]

We have the Kelty backpack and my husband loves bringing it to WDW. We have used it on 3 different trips and will use it again on our trip starting tomorrow. I agree with the PP, it is nice to have a built in high chair and my daughters both fall asleep fine in it. We will also have a stroller for my older DD and may carry my ergo some days. Both daughters are able to go in the frame pack, I wouldn't dare try putting my almost 3 year old in my ergo for very long at all.

Robin