Best baby carrier for infant?

[Samantha Norton]

We're leaving for Disney in three weeks and I just realized the carrier I used for my firs babe won't work this time. I carried my oldest through Disneyworld in my boba wrap but in February when it was cold! Now it'll be super hot and I'll have a 3 month old who would be way to sweaty in the wrap! Any suggestions?

Looking for a carrier that's comfortable and easy on the back but also breathable for baby.

Also any tips on keeping an infant cool and covered in the sun down there is appreciated. Haven't decided on bringing or renting a stroller. Would need a double for baby and my 3 year old so not sure where to rent from

Thanks!!

 

[Meeko5]

I'd go with a soft structured one like an ergo. The sport is supposed to be cooler to wear too. And a light muslin swaddling blanket to drape over for shade without being too hot. We used them over the stroller for naps

Also highly recommend the city mini Double stroller. So comfy, huge sun shades, pushes like a dream, lots of storage. We rented from kingdom strollers twice now and highly recommend

 

[Mrs Geek]

We have an Ergo that we used with our first, but I'm not sure the age when they can ride in it without the infant insert (6 months, maybe? It has to do with neck control, etc) and I would personally not recommend using the infant insert in the summer as the little one can get pretty hot in there. For an older baby I definitely agree that a soft structured carrier is best, but for a smaller one, a wrap (or wrap-like carrier) in a breathable fabric is a great idea.

We haven't yet purchased it but have decided on the Baby K'tan in the "sport" fabric- can't remember exactly what they call it but it's a breathable fabric that has been touted as being great for summertime. Our little guy will also be 3 months on our trip, which is in November, but hey, it's Florida, it's hot all the time...

 

[ADS2508]

For the really little I loved the K'tan active. The material is light, it's easy to use, and not a ton of extra fabric. I carried little man comfortably until about 15 lbs.

After that I preferred the lilliebaby airflow to the Ergo, but that is a personal preference.

 

[Samantha Norton]

I'd go with a soft structured one like an ergo. The sport is supposed to be cooler to wear too. And a light muslin swaddling blanket to drape over for shade without being too hot. We used them over the stroller for naps

Also highly recommend the city mini Double stroller. So comfy, huge sun shades, pushes like a dream, lots of storage. We rented from kingdom strollers twice now and highly recommend

Thanks!! Do you, by any chance, know if they offer adapters for car seats? I'm bringing my sons Graco car seat and I don't think it could just click right into a different brand.

 

[Samantha Norton]

We have an Ergo that we used with our first, but I'm not sure the age when they can ride in it without the infant insert (6 months, maybe? It has to do with neck control, etc) and I would personally not recommend using the infant insert in the summer as the little one can get pretty hot in there. For an older baby I definitely agree that a soft structured carrier is best, but for a smaller one, a wrap (or wrap-like carrier) in a breathable fabric is a great idea.

We haven't yet purchased it but have decided on the Baby K'tan in the "sport" fabric- can't remember exactly what they call it but it's a breathable fabric that has been touted as being great for summertime. Our little guy will also be 3 months on our trip, which is in November, but hey, it's Florida, it's hot all the time...

Thanks!! I'll look up the K'tan and check out the Ergo requirements on size. I've heard good things about both.

 

[Samantha Norton]

For the really little I loved the K'tan active. The material is light, it's easy to use, and not a ton of extra fabric. I carried little man comfortably until about 15 lbs.

After that I preferred the lilliebaby airflow to the Ergo, but that is a personal preference.

Thanks!! I'll look into those! My sons close to 16 lbs and we don't leave for another three weeks. He's only 3 months by then though and I don't think he'll have full neck support on his own in such a short time. PP^ mentioned 6 months for the Ergo. Do you know if the Lillebaby is the same?

 

[PlainJane]

Thanks!! I'll look into those! My sons close to 16 lbs and we don't leave for another three weeks. He's only 3 months by then though and I don't think he'll have full neck support on his own in such a short time. PP^ mentioned 6 months for the Ergo. Do you know if the Lillebaby is the same?

Lillebaby can be used from newborn stage, unlike the Ergo where you have to buy an insert that is reportedly VERY hot. Lillebaby comes in an "airflow" version and an "all seasons" version that are worth considering.

We used a K'tan when our son was a newborn. Pretty easy to use, as far as wraps go. We used the regular one, but we had a fall baby.

We have a Boba 4G, which does not come in an "air" version for newborns (minimum weight is 15lbs for the lightweight "air" version). I decided against the Ergo because I just could not get over spending extra money on an insert, especially one that was bulky and hot. Our Boba came with one that is basically a cushion under the baby's seat, so they are boosted up to a safe height. It's not a great option for Disney in the summer though. I think Lillebaby or the active K'tan are probably your best options.

 

[ADS2508]

As plainjane said the airflow can be used from 7 to 45 lbs. The carrier has an adjustable seat that can allow the baby's legs to sit more comfortably and eliminates the need for an insert. I used it with little man starting at about 2 weeks. I would switch between the K'tan and airflow depending upon activity and how much I would be lifting my three year old daughter. He was a very clingy baby and was often in there for several hours a day, and it never bothered my back in either carrier. If you are looking to make a long term investment I would look at the airflow. He is now a 12 month old 33 inches and 28 lbs and I have no trouble wearing him for an hour when I need to ( Though he would rather be running). I like that as he aged he could face me, forward face, side sit, and go on my back. If something for the trip I would try the K'tan in store and see what you think. There are several ways to tie it for bigger babies, but because I had the lilliebaby I didn't try them for long.

 

[Lvsdisney]

I don't know what kind of stroller you have at home, but if are willing to spend a little extra $$ than renting, I would buy the snap n go sit and stand version. It'll let your 3 yo either sit up front with baby carrier in the back, or have the baby up front with 3 yo standing. It's really nice because it folds up pretty small, so easy for on/off buses (if that's how you're getting to the park) plus a narrower foot print than a regular double and you'd know the carrier would snap in safely.

 

[hskaggs11]

I was wondering the same thing. I have a Tula now, that I use with the newborn insert since my 4month old is still only 13lbs. Tula instructions state the minimum weight w/o the insert is 15lbs. He gets so hot in it now with the insert, I know he won't last even 15 minutes in it at the parks. I'm hoping he will be at 15lbs when we leave in 60 days so I can ditch the insert, but I'm still worried that even without the insert, the Tula might be too hot. My version is black with a dark print.

 

[CourtneyL]

Tula has a new carrier called the Free To Grow, and it's awesome. It adjusts down to fit newborns. I've been using it with my 2 month old for a few weeks now and love it. They are also starting to release Free To Grow carriers with a mesh panel. I was lucky enough to score one yesterday and plan to use it on my trip next week.
Also, I wouldn't bother bringing the car seat into the parks. It'll be very warm and the car seats don't have great sun coverage.