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

[toesmom]

My intention is to carry occasionally... not for a full day. I would die if I carried him all day, I'm aware of that. And I don't bother taking the little guy into the parks all day, usually he stays with dh at the resort/pool while I take dd into parks.

Even the most comfortable carriers (probably the trekker) gets uncomfortable after 2-3 hours of carrying heavier child.

I was only searching for a carrier to use for short-term basis when I have to keep him confined and he won't sit in stroller (ie. airport waiting line, waiting lines at rides, DTD stores so he doesn't destroy things and dd still gets to make potato head characters or my little pony etc etc)

There are wonderful carriers out there, but the mainstream stores don't sell them. Most are purchased on-line and come through discussion boards such as this one. We've actually decided to try the ergo carrier again. It has weight limit of 60 lbs so can be used longer if needed and it has a really neat piggy back type carry available which I think will suit my needs.

And resale value is very high here in Canada as you can't buy them anywhere. So it costs me about $15 CDN to use it for 1 year and then resell it. Worth it to me and my back. Thanks for the ideas

 

[toesmom]

It's an excellent carrier for younger babies and heavier toddlers.

We've done the back carry and front carry position. Very comfortable. I would recommend for anyone who's kids won't sit in strollers all the time but you still need to keep them close.

 

[Schmeck]

of course he can walk. We walk everywhere and then when it's time to go home (in freezing snow-covered canadian winterland) he gets tired and can't walk back. Wants me to carry him. Hurts my back after 10 minutes.

Can't take stroller because it's too bulky with ice/snow and he heads to the roadway with cars if I'm not right beside him. We also walk down to ravine and nature area, so umbrella stroller doesn't work.

Don't want to take the volo in the snow. So a carrier is the best option for now. HOpe that explanation helps.

If it hurts your back to carry him, will it make that much of a difference if he's in a sling? How about a harness/leash for him while he's active, and then plop him in a stroller when he doesn't want to walk. That way, it'll save your back. You do a lot of walking around WDW, and I can't imagine carrying an extra weight like that!

 

[Ariel8676]

If it hurts your back to carry him, will it make that much of a difference if he's in a sling? How about a harness/leash for him while he's active, and then plop him in a stroller when he doesn't want to walk. That way, it'll save your back. You do a lot of walking around WDW, and I can't imagine carrying an extra weight like that!

A *GOOD* carrier distributes the weight evenly so it is comfortable.

 

[toesmom]

I do have the safety harness and while I think it's useful in a crowded place like a mall or theme park, it's not really needed on sidewalk in our area. That said, I did just buy the ergo carrier and he fits just fine in it. The weight is very well distributed with this carrier and apparently it can support up to 60 lbs if ever needed.

I like that he walks more than he sits in a stroller, so this is a better solution. As for disney world, well I'll take the carrier, stroller and harness. It's great to have a good carrier in places like the airport, DTD stores or watching shows.

I used my baby trekker in January all the time and had no issues with back trouble as the design is ideal. However, the weight limit is only 40 lbs, and that's why I looked for something to last longer. This is one of the websites for the ergo carrier www.myfavoritebabycarrier.com she sells them for $92 with shipping and a 90 day money back guarantee.

 

[MommyPoppins]

I would go with a ring sling. The rings are made to hold a lot of weight. Sometimes my 3(almost 4 year old) likes to be held in it, just to be close to Mommy. He is very small for his age though. Only 3 inches difference in height between him and my 2 year old.

What about a leash? Carrying in a sling will get very tiring with a child that age if it's for a long time. But I understand the stroller! My 2 year old won't sit in the stroller if he's with just me, if my DH is there he is a perfect angel though.

 

[Schmeck]

When my girls were little (and that was 13 yrs ago) we just had the backpack monstrosity and the little baby-sized slings for options, except for one style of larger carrier that seemed worse for backs than anything else! I'm glad that they've come up with a better designed carrier!

Hope you have a great trip!