Best Toddler carrier for WDW

[jjhardy]

I will have a 2 year when we go to WDW in September. She is small for her age. She is currently 21 lbs and is 18 months currently (she was a preemie so she started out behind the 8 ball) I am looking for the best carrier for when she wants mommy and others in the family to hold her and doesn't want down. Also for standing in line when we can't have the stroller.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Liltx]

My first dd was like yours, actually a bit lighter since she wasn't even 20lbs at 18 months. Anyway when she was 15 months we went to disney and used the one step ahead hip carrier (probably 16 pounds at that point?). We actually used it at home when I would shop and didn't want to deal with a stroller. The thing is that we hardly used is at disney. I think because she was in the stroller so much that when she was out the last thing she wanted was to be held. It would have been a waste of money if I had only bought it for that.

With the other people it sounds like you guys will be fine carrying her when she wants. But at 2 she will be heavier but hopefully more likely to stand.

We hardly held our 2 year old this last summer and she was only 2 months past her birthday (about like your dd). Which was a good thing since she is the opposite of her petite older sister.

Monica

 

[Mom2m&k]

The Hip Hammock is the best thing ever!!! It saved our lives...okay at least mine when we were there!

 

[bumbershoot]

Mei tai or Ergo.

 

[stacy6552]

We took our Bjorn with us when our sone was 22 mos. I think, like shoes, you need to find the most comfrotable one for you. Do not bring a backpack, because your child will not able able to stay in it on rides or in shows. A front carrier is great for that reason. Positioning is important as they get bigger, so get one that is easily adjusted between yourself and anyone else who might be wearing your tot.

 

[peemagg]

We used a hip carrier for our twins in WDW. It was not only great when you couldn't use the stroller, but we found it was much easier on the buses too. It was a nice feeling knowing that if the bus stopped suddenly or was just crowded they were safely hooked to us. With them in the carrier, it left our hands free for whatever else we need to carry. Ours was a Snugli hip carrier that carried up to 35 lbs. Was really glad we brought it.

 

[nrod]

My son will be nearly 3 when we go - but he's on the small size. Right now he's barely 25lbs. He is a momma's boy and really likes to be held (although thankfully he's finally asserting a little independence). I was thinking of the hip hammock since it has the 35 lb weight limit. Those with the hip hammock, what do you think? I haven't used a carrier with him since he was around a year (and that was the Bjorn). Will he really be too heavy and will it be uncomfortable for me? Has anyone ever used it with an older toddler? I just fear that with the big crowds he'll be nervous and looking for mom to hold him.

Thanks!

 

[encinc]

Another vote for a Mei Tai or an Ergo. I love my Ergo. Use it all the time with my 3 year old walking to and from school with my 5 year old.

 

[Minniemouse07]

I generally use a mei tai at home w/ our now 2yo, but I borrowed a Beco for our WDW trip in December (ds turned 2yo during the trip and was just over 30lbs).

I really preferred the Beco for our trip because of the buckles. I think the mei tai would have been a bit more difficult to use (but not impossible) w/ the straps that tie.

I would check out thebabywearer.com for more input, they are experts on child carriers!

 

[jjhardy]

What about pouches? I would think a pouch would be easier to put her in and out than a carrier with buckles

 

[Nikel]

Another vote for a mei tai or Ergo. My dd is 3 and 28 lbs (not a preemie, just small ), and that's what we use for when she doesn't want to walk.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I haven't tried either one of these yet, but I have been doing a lot of research on which carrier to get for DD (currently 16 lbs) and I have narrowed it down to either a Beco Butterfly or the Ergo. I have a ring sling that I use with her and I love it, but slings can be difficult for people who are not used to them, so I wouldn't recommend it if you are planning on more than one person using it. Also, my sling is sized for me, which is why I want another carrier that DH can also use.

 

[juliana_sd]

The hip hammock is a good idea but the strap killed my neck and the waist strap wasn't comfortable. Wish I'd known about mei tai's and ergos before he got too heavy

 

[tanyaandallie]

At 18 mos and 20+ lbs, I'd highly recommend a soft structured carrier like a beco (www.becobabycarrier.com), ergo, patapump, etc. They are the ultimate in comfort when it comes to carrying a child. A pouch would be super convenient and you could hip carry, but the pouch is a one shoulder carrier and if you are going to have your little on in there for any length of time, it won't be as comfy. That said, if you are uncomfortable with the thought of a back carry, you might consider a mei tai. I love them for a front carry.

When my ds was 20 mos (and also close to the 20 lb mark) we went to Disney and I took my beco. He spend close to 75% of his time in it. I LOVE the beco. It is so comfy, so supportive and beautiful!!! My ds loves to ride on my back! He's almost 3 and still spent some time in the beco when we went this past Jan.

 

[strmtroopr96]

My vote is for the Ergo too!! I have a 21-pound, 21 month old DD and we use ours every day almost! We love it for front or back carries.

Last September, we used it at WDW and it was great for on the busses or when it was just me and her and I needed to fold the stroller and carry the backpack while also carrying her.

We got a good deal on ours by calling Ergo directly and asking about any "seconds" for sale. They had a few at the time ranging from restitched seams to returns to simply not being the right shade of color! LOL That is the one we chose. To them, the color didn't come out just right but to me it looks the same as the others. But hey, I'll take the discount!!