Best carrier for 3-1/2 year old? Sling? help...

[flynnmnstr]

Believe my I understand having a child with walking issues. My older DS 5 is autistic and has low tone so he tires extremely easily, plus he was a big child. I think he was 36lbs at 2 years old. Luckily for us he loved his stroller, still does and at 53lbs he is pushing the limits of our Maclaren.

Ok here's my two cents-- Not sure when you are planning your trip but most slings and carriers have a max weight capacity so you are pushing it being that your 3.5 year old is already 35lbs. Definitely check that before ordering the ring sling. Also remember Disney is not taking a walk around the neighborhood. There was many a day that we had walked 8-10miles. And don't forget the time spent standing in line. I don't know if I could do that with a 35lb child in a sling.

(OK now no flames please) My younger DS 2 is the same as your son and though we do not use one at home for everyday outings to the aquarium or boardwalk, we do use the toddler leashes at Disney World. When he (or we) tires out then we "make him" sit in the stroller (Disney lollipops are really good bribes), but if that doesn't work we put him in and buckle him up (a 5 pt harness works great in this situation). If he screams he screams. Do I like using the leash? NO Do I like getting the stares that I inevitable get at least once a day? NO But my priority is keeping my son safe. Could I hold his hand instead? Of course and do a lot of the times in addition to the leash, but I am a taller woman and holding his hand 10 hours a day doesn't work for my back or his arm. Remember I also have a DS 5 whom has HFA that I need to keep my eye on also. My priority is keeping my sons safe. Disney can be a very busy place and he has a tendency to take off. I can deal with the stares and whispers because I know my son is safe.

You could rent stroller that way one of you is pushing the stroller and the other is walking with your 3.5 year old. At Disney even your 9 year old may want to take a break. I can't imagine him choosing to keep walking when he could take a rest and sit for a while.

We also have "rules" for WDW for our boys (although our 2 year old doesn't get all of them) that we go over all before the trip and every morning before we leave for the parks. Do you think if you tell DS the rules (aka you must sit in your stroller or we are going to have to leave the park) would it work for him? Even if one of you had to leave with him and the other stay with your daughter. It might get the point across to him.

Oh yeah we alway bring a little toy with us too. Last year we brought those little magna doodles. It was great for them in the stroller as well as waiting on line and in restaurants.

Good luck.

 

[MommyBoo!]

thanks for the tips, I'll check out the forum as well. I prefer walking with him but there's times especially with our snowy weather, that strollers aren't really suitable.

If you are ordering something by size, be sure to allow for your coat and his. I would probably order a bigger size than suggested because of the heavy coats, unless it had a lot of room for adjusting.

 

[pashari]

Even though you should take a stroller, a carrier is also essential IMHO. Using a carrier while standing in line, on rides, etc. makes life so much easier.

hugs -

lisa

 

[WantToGoNow]

My daughter is not yet 3.5 (not until June) but I couldn't imagine carrying her all day -- it would kill my back. Forget the fact that she would refuse to be carried all day. If she doesn't want a stroller, maybe try a harness. I would imagine though that she will get tired enough that she will welcome a stroller.

 

[Ariel8676]

I think a ring sling or pouch would be really hard on your neck and shoulder. I think something with a two shoulder carry would be better,,mei tei, Ergo, Beco...My youngest is 15 months and about 26 pounds and i can only last about 15 minutes before it starts to get real uncomfortable with her in a hip carry with a pouch.
With a Mei Tei(we Love our Babyhawk), Ergo or Beco(I love, love it!) i think the weight limit is around 40-45 pounds...you can put him on your back and it would be much better for the both of you..IMO
I have put my 4 yo dd (and my 5 yo dd..when she is being silly) on my back in my babyhawk or Beco when she gets really tired of walking around..much easier than carrying...
Feel free to PM me...

 

[bellarella]

Slings, even adjusted properly, were painful for me at that point. I would go with a Beco or an Ergo. At that age, I'd do both as a back carrier.

 

[toesmom]

I do think the weight will be hard on my shoulder/back if I carry in a sling for more than 10 minutes, but any of the other carriers require more work to tie on and I tried the back carry with my ergo carrier about 1 year ago and sold it soon after since he didn't like being on the back at all.

He probably will come to his own in the next few months so maybe the sitting in the stroller thing might become easier. Funny how boys are SO much behind girls (at least in my experience) at the same age. My dd at 3 was like a 5 yo in some ways, but my ds at 3 is like my dd at 2. That's why it's hard to reason with him.

Anyhow, thanks for all the tips. In the end, I prefer him to walk and just want something as a back-up in case I"m far from home and he's too tired to walk. I might just buy a cheapo umbrella stroller and see how that works.

 

[TJA]

Ergo carriers. I have twin 3 year olds and don't go to WDW without my Ergos. The weight limit is high, in the 40's I believe, and you can put your toddler on your back just like a piggie back ride except the toddler is strapped in and safe. Or you can wear the Ergo on your hip. It's a great aid for standing in lines when the kids get tired -- DH can't carry both and I need a little bit of aid when I hold her for an extended period of time. Good luck!

Oops, I see we posted around the same time and the Ergo didn't work for you. Sorry I couldn't help! We take our heavy-duty double jogger from home and our girls love being in the jogger. My suggestion is to bring a comfortable stroller and it will be very enticing to your toddler. We put little toys and their drinks in the side pockets and they really love getting in the stroller.

 

[snugglepeas]

I have a sutemi pack carrier it can be used front, back or as a hip carrier, and it's rated to 60lbs plus it's very easy on the shoulders and back.

 

[J&ADisneyMom]

My dd is 3.5 and weighs about 30lbs. I use both a maya sling and a traditional "hiking" style carrier for her when I need something. I prefer the maya sling. It's compact, and I can easily carry her piggy back style when she starts getting tired of walking. I always keep it in my car "just in case". My dh likes the bigger carrier (I think it's made by evenflo). It is heavier with a metal frame. It's perfect for hiking, long walks etc.

I'm sure the bb the pp recommended will be a good source of info as I'm sure there are some great carriers out there for a bigger child.

Shell

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

I'm not looking for critical remarks, I'm looking for advice from someone who understands what it is to have a 3-1/2 year old who won't sit in a stroller.

Carriers are wonderful, just trying to find out which is best suited for a child over 3. But thanks for the tip, I already own a volo.

I'm not trying to be critical...just honest.... I have honestly never seen a kid that age in a carrier....and I DO know what its like to have a three year old who doesn't want to sit in a stroller- she walks.... and if she runs away, she is disciplined. Geesh.

 

[toesmom]

I'm not sure that your situation is quite the same, sorry, but thank you for giving me something to think about.

 

[tadamom]

I was glad to see this thread b/c I have been considering a carrier for my 2 1/2 year old for when we go to Disney. She will sit in the stroller but I know there are times when she is going to want to be held (especially while standing in line). I have been considering a ring sling but haven't seen one anywhere to "try" out. I don't want to order one and then have to deal with returning it if it doesn't fit or isn't what I want. Too bad someone hasn't started a "sling exchange" while at Disney!!

 

[toesmom]

check your local listings for second hand sling for sale, either craigslist.org or kijiji.com or ebay.com or local baby stores that sell second hand items.

you could place wanted ad in craigslist and guaranteed you'll get responses and you can test one out. good luck

 

[tadamom]

I hadn't thought about searching craigslist -- off to do that now! Thanks!!

 

[jenseib]

I can't imagine carrying around a child that size either. We just got back with our 2YODD and she was a walker most of the time. The stroller was handy for storing our stuff and she did sit in it here and there. I WISH we had a leash thing though. Not that she ran away, but she was a slow walker at times and people would walk in between us, and the leash would just keep us closer. I saw SEVERAL kids on leashes, and several different kinds.
I just think you are going to break your back. I was walking 3 miles a day before we left on the treadmill and still I was super sore from walking each night.

 

[bellarella]

I can't imagine carrying around a child that size either. We just got back with our 2YODD and she was a walker most of the time. The stroller was handy for storing our stuff and she did sit in it here and there. I WISH we had a leash thing though. Not that she ran away, but she was a slow walker at times and people would walk in between us, and the leash would just keep us closer. I saw SEVERAL kids on leashes, and several different kinds.
I just think you are going to break your back. I was walking 3 miles a day before we left on the treadmill and still I was super sore from walking each night.

You just haven't been exposed to "good" carriers.

Seriously, there are lots of carriers that aren't sold in normal baby stores that are actually designed for older children and don't hurt your back. I can carry my 6 year old in a wrap on my back for quite sometime before I even feel it. My 25 lb DS is in a Beco on a regular basis and I have no problems with it and I actually do have back issues.

If all you've been exposed to are Baby Bjorns or the slings and Hip Hammocks sold at baby stores, I totally understand the skepticism. Those things *killed* my back and shoulders once my kids hit 4 mos. But there are things out there that does make carrying a toddler not only possible but comfortable.

 

[Ariel8676]

You just haven't been exposed to "good" carriers.

Seriously, there are lots of carriers that aren't sold in normal baby stores that are actually designed for older children and don't hurt your back. I can carry my 6 year old in a wrap on my back for quite sometime before I even feel it. My 25 lb DS is in a Beco on a regular basis and I have no problems with it and I actually do have back issues.

If all you've been exposed to are Baby Bjorns or the slings and Hip Hammocks sold at baby stores, I totally understand the skepticism. Those things *killed* my back and shoulders once my kids hit 4 mos. But there are things out there that does make carrying a toddler not only possible but comfortable.

Exactly....i wish people would realize that there are so many BETTER carriers out there than what is sold in the mainstream baby stores.. so much moe comfortable for the Mom ( or Dad) and much better for baby!
I also understand the skepticism from some of the other posters, but there was no need for criticism or for anyone to laugh at her..
Anyway i hope the OP finds what she is looking for and thebabywearer.com is the BEST site..you will find a TON of info.

 

[jenseib]

You just haven't been exposed to "good" carriers.

Seriously, there are lots of carriers that aren't sold in normal baby stores that are actually designed for older children and don't hurt your back. I can carry my 6 year old in a wrap on my back for quite sometime before I even feel it. My 25 lb DS is in a Beco on a regular basis and I have no problems with it and I actually do have back issues.

If all you've been exposed to are Baby Bjorns or the slings and Hip Hammocks sold at baby stores, I totally understand the skepticism. Those things *killed* my back and shoulders once my kids hit 4 mos. But there are things out there that does make carrying a toddler not only possible but comfortable.

I've actually never been exposed to ANY carriers or slings. I have a very bad back, neck and shoulders and get pains just from my purse. So I have never had any interest in them. But that being said, I just can't imagine carrying a 3 1/2 year old around all day. Or even for a few minutes. I would die from pain. My sisters DD is 3 and 35 lbs. I can't imagine her staying still in a sling either. I can't see how it would not weigh you down or hurt. But like I said I have never tried any either.

 

[Ariel8676]

Its funny i have a bad back and neck (car accident when i was 19) i have herniated discs and all...but the right carrier doesn't even bother me.
The ones i have you can wear the child on your back...like giving a piggy back ride, or you can wear in the front (facing in..better for baby)if the child is sleepy. Of course i wouldn't wear my 4 yo on my front..lol, but my 26 pound 15 month dd i do. I actually just went food shopping and i had her in my Mei Tei and she slept the whole time...