Best baby carrier in the parks

[brockash]

We'll be heading to WDW in late Sept. and will have our 2 month old with us. I'm trying to figure out what the different options for a baby carrier/pouch thing are. I am not a fan of baby-wearing, but know that it's necessary at times. We'll have a stroller and will use that most of the time, but we'll obviously need a baby carrier for rides and possibly restaurants etc.

I'm looking for a baby carrier that is easy to get on and off and that will hopefully be comfortable for the baby. I really don't want to do a wrap (looks hard/time consuming and honestly, I really just don't like that it basically covers your entire upper body (shoulders down). My concern about a regular baby carrier with the leg holes is that most just seem pretty wide between the legs, especially for such a young baby, but I really like how easy they are to put on and off.

We went when my dd was 4 months and used a regular carrier like that and it worked fine, but this one will be 2 months younger and it just looks like it'd be uncomfortable for the baby.

Since we're going in Sept., we also want to make sure it's nothing that is too hot. I'm really not too concerned about my comfort, as I don't plan on wearing it for long periods of time and I'd much rather have a happier baby and have a little discomfort of my own.

Anyone have any experience or recommendations? Thanks!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Before our first Disney trip with ds I went to a carrier specialty store in the neighborhood and tried on just about every single carrier they sold (every major brand plus). I ended up with the Boba and have recommended it ever since.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I also love the Baby Hawke mei tai but not for Disney, too much trouble with the ties.

 

[star72232]

The wide legs are actually ergonomically correct. You want them in a seated position, not with their legs hanging down.

For a 2 month old, an Ergo Sport, Manduca or Beco Gemini would be perfect. If you have a local BW group or store that would let you try stuff on, even better, since all SSC (soft structured carriers) fit everyone differently. At that age I love ring slings, but if you aren't sure about it, an SSC is easier. You can buy used (try www.thebabywearer.com or a local BW group). Most good carriers hold their value, so even if you only use it for a short time you won't lose a lot of money. Another option is a rental. www.heavenlyhold.com has 2 week rentals for $10/carrier.

I love mei tais, but if you are looking for something that is really quick, an SSC is probably better.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I run my local BW group, so I know a fair amount about a bunch of different carriers.

 

[lorenni]

We have an Ergo that we started using when our son was an infant and still use occasionally now at two and a half. (Wearing him through airport security is better than chasing him through security when we travel just the two of us!)

Very comfortable but might run warm.

 

[angelmom27]

A ring sling would be best for an infant that young. Their bodies are not yet mature enough to use a soft structured carrier like ergo. We used a ring sling and wrap for our trip in march. My DD was 3 months at the time. I preferred the wrap for extra support when she was napping or on the bus. I used the ring sling for rides. I found the ring sling was best for TSM ride.

 

[irky416]

When they're that little, you can have them "froggied" in the carrier so they're legs aren't hanging out. We left my DD legs in until she was about 2.5-3 months, but she is very big.

And as a PP said, the wide legs is best for their development.

Depending on how big the baby is, if you use a soft-structured carrier (Ergo, Beco, etc), you will likely need an infant insert.

 

[RachaelA]

Ring sling.

With an Ergo, you need the insert until they are bigger and its really hot. Many other carriers aren't recommended until 15 lbs and the infant should have good neck control which most 2 month olds don't have.

 

[angelmom27]

Another problem with the insert and doing froggie is you cant see babys legs and their circulation could be blocked. You want to have their legs out at all times so you can keep an eye on circulation.

 

[Mommyto1andtwins]

I used a Boba with my last baby when he was a month old. The boba's waist band flips up and snaps in place. The baby then sits froggy style in it. I was very happy with it and grab the Boba more often then the stroller even now that he is two.

 

[star72232]

The reason I suggested the Ergo Sport and the Beco Gemini is that they both have narrow bases, that most average sized babies will be able to use without an insert at 2 months. They aren't really good carriers for use into the toddler years, but since OP mentioned not loving BWing, I'm assuming she won't be carrying that long. The Original or Performance Ergo or the Beco Soleil are larger and less ideal for younger babies.

The Manduca has a built in insert, so works well for younger babies. It also has a zippable panel so that it can be shortened for a young baby and lengthen for a larger child. It's a highly-coveted SSC in my area. At a higher price point, the infant Kinderpack would also work. They can sometimes be found with KoolKnit, which can make them much cooler than other SSC.

While a wrap or ring sling is ideal for a 2 month old, OP didn't seem comfortable with those options. There are SSC that will work with younger babies.

 

[RachaelA]

The reason I suggested the Ergo Sport and the Beco Gemini is that they both have narrow bases, that most average sized babies will be able to use without an insert at 2 months. They aren't really good carriers for use into the toddler years, but since OP mentioned not loving BWing, I'm assuming she won't be carrying that long. The Original or Performance Ergo or the Beco Soleil are larger and less ideal for younger babies.

The Manduca has a built in insert, so works well for younger babies. It also has a zippable panel so that it can be shortened for a young baby and lengthen for a larger child. It's a highly-coveted SSC in my area. At a higher price point, the infant Kinderpack would also work. They can sometimes be found with KoolKnit, which can make them much cooler than other SSC.

While a wrap or ring sling is ideal for a 2 month old, OP didn't seem comfortable with those options. There are SSC that will work with younger babies.

The Ergo Sport does not have a narrower seat. I own one. I've also owned the Gemini. The Gemini seat when snapped to the smallest setting is much smaller than the Sport. Neither one of my children fit legs out in the Ergo Sport at 2 months old and both are 80th percentile for height.

 

[brockash]

We'll be heading to WDW in late Sept. and will have our 2 month old with us. I'm trying to figure out what the different options for a baby carrier/pouch thing are. I am not a fan of baby-wearing, but know that it's necessary at times. We'll have a stroller and will use that most of the time, but we'll obviously need a baby carrier for rides and possibly restaurants etc.

I'm looking for a baby carrier that is easy to get on and off and that will hopefully be comfortable for the baby. I really don't want to do a wrap (looks hard/time consuming and honestly, I really just don't like that it basically covers your entire upper body (shoulders down). My concern about a regular baby carrier with the leg holes is that most just seem pretty wide between the legs, especially for such a young baby, but I really like how easy they are to put on and off.

We went when my dd was 4 months and used a regular carrier like that and it worked fine, but this one will be 2 months younger and it just looks like it'd be uncomfortable for the baby.

Since we're going in Sept., we also want to make sure it's nothing that is too hot. I'm really not too concerned about my comfort, as I don't plan on wearing it for long periods of time and I'd much rather have a happier baby and have a little discomfort of my own.

Anyone have any experience or recommendations? Thanks!

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and recommendations. ..off to go look at those specifically. Thanks again!

 

[star72232]

The Ergo Sport does not have a narrower seat. I own one. I've also owned the Gemini. The Gemini seat when snapped to the smallest setting is much smaller than the Sport. Neither one of my children fit legs out in the Ergo Sport at 2 months old and both are 80th percentile for height.

I have all 3 of the Ergos (that is, the BW group I run has all 3, and I keep the group library at my house). I measured them all for my BW group a few months ago. The Sport is narrower than the Original by over an inch and 2 inches narrower than the Performance. It's also shorter than either of them.

I had my DS in the Sport at 2 months and he was able to straddle it easily. It's also quite soft, so it's pretty easy to cinch the fabric in a bit. That's one of the main reasons I highly suggest that anyone try on SSC in particular before getting one though - you need to make sure that it fits well for both baby and adult. Mei tais, ring slings and wraps fit most people, but SSC are different for everyone.

 

[lorenni]

Ring sling. With an Ergo, you need the insert until they are bigger and its really hot. Many other carriers aren't recommended until 15 lbs and the infant should have good neck control which most 2 month olds don't have.

Either OPs baby is 2 months old now (so 6-7 months when they plan to travel) or is not yet born!

I think 6 months is probably fine for an ergo without the insert.

 

[triana00]

Kinderpack, hands down. Cool for baby, ergonomically correct for baby without inserts and ridiculously comfortable. Plus, their resale value is VERY high

You will spend hours each day in lines without strollers. You need something awesome.

 

[brockash]

Either OPs baby is 2 months old now (so 6-7 months when they plan to travel) or is not yet born!

I think 6 months is probably fine for an ergo without the insert.

Not born yet...will be 2 months when we go.

 

[lorenni]

Ah! Good luck with your last few months!

Ergo with infant insert will absolutely be too hot for September in FL. You may need to wait and see how big/stable he or she is closer to you trip.

 

[smi727]

Baby #2 is due in August. We don't have a trip to Disney planned yet but I'm considering getting a carrier for trips to the zoo, mall, etc as I also have a 2.5 year old. I didn't baby wear at all with my 1st. Since I have budgetary constraints, I'm considering either the Infantino Sync Comfort Carrier or the Infantino Mei Tai. Opinions?

 

[star72232]

Baby #2 is due in August. We don't have a trip to Disney planned yet but I'm considering getting a carrier for trips to the zoo, mall, etc as I also have a 2.5 year old. I didn't baby wear at all with my 1st. Since I have budgetary constraints, I'm considering either the Infantino Sync Comfort Carrier or the Infantino Mei Tai. Opinions?

The Mei tai will probably last longer (any stretchy wrap starts to stretch out a lot once you hit around 15lb, although they can be used longer than that, you will need to tighten a lot more frequently and it won't be as comfortable). You can also use it for back carries from about 5 months and up, which you can't do with the Sync. The Infantino mei tai has quite short straps though - unless you are tiny you might find them too short for real comfort. A BabyHawk (I always suggest extra-long straps unless everyone using it is under 5'2" and under a size 8) will be another affordable option (especially if you buy used).