Carrier for 11 month old - useful?

[kisaacs]

We're going to WDW with our 11 month old in March. We're bringing a stroller that reclines fully with a good sunshade, so I think we're good there.

I'm wondering when in the process of getting in line for a ride do you have to give up the stroller? I'm wondering if it's worth it to borrow an Ergo style carrier for DD to use either when we take her out of the stroller or if she'd just like to be up and looking around. We used the Baby Bjorn for her until she was 6 months or so, but she's way to big for it now. The Ergo looks pretty comfy, and can be used as a backpack style, with the baby's weight on your hips.

Would you bring a carrier in addition to the stroller?

Kristen

 

[disneybridetobe]

Yes! Borrow/Buy an Ergo, or a sling. I loved my sling (pouch style, i.e. hotsling, peanut shell) for my 14mo DD. It was great! Folded up like a tshirt, it was so easy to bring everywhere. Big thumbs up!

 

[moxiecola]

We're going to WDW with our 11 month old in March. We're bringing a stroller that reclines fully with a good sunshade, so I think we're good there.

I'm wondering when in the process of getting in line for a ride do you have to give up the stroller? I'm wondering if it's worth it to borrow an Ergo style carrier for DD to use either when we take her out of the stroller or if she'd just like to be up and looking around. We used the Baby Bjorn for her until she was 6 months or so, but she's way to big for it now. The Ergo looks pretty comfy, and can be used as a backpack style, with the baby's weight on your hips.

Would you bring a carrier in addition to the stroller?

Kristen

None of my kids ever really cared for the carrier (front), they all did however ride in the backpack style. They just can't really sleep in it so make sure you do bring your stroller for back up. One of my boys was 11 months on our last Disney trip. We used the Mac the entire time w/o the backpack. It's just too much of a pain to put it on and off all day. If the baby was coming out of the stroller it was to go on a ride anyway so there really wasn't a need for the it.

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh gosh yes! Worth it.

We only took day trips to Disneyland when DS was still being worn, but the mei tai for when he was 1.5 and the Ergo at 2.5 were brilliant. Lines are lines, and arms get tired, and we, personally, didn't like to have to wrangle the dude while waiting in those inevitable lines. So the mei tai and ergo were invaluable.

If you borrow or buy one, get it in time so that you are both experts!!!! WDW is NOT the time to start using it. Not for you or the child.

 

[Gabe's Mom]

I vote yes. Our 15 month old DS spent a lot of time in the stroller, but a lot of time in a sling and also the mai tai. Both are soft and easly to fold or roll up so take up little room. I was glad to have the option, and when it came to busses, having him in the sling was a physical reminder ot him that he could not get down.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

I say yes it may even come in handy when you are on the buses.

 

[CLR4321]

A carrier would be even better than a stroller for when she is awake. Most kids would much rather be carried around and be able to see things up high rather than down in a stroller, especially at Disney! You can use the stroller for if she needs a nap or if you need a break from the carrier, you could even leave the stroller parked somewhere while you aren't needing it, and go back for it later when you do.

 

[kisaacs]

Thanks, everyone. I've got a friend that has an Ergo that he says we can borrow for the trip. I'll try to get it a little early.

I'm hesitant to buy one because they're expensive and I'm not much of a baby wearer in general. Just when it happens to fit the situation. I've looked at the slings, but I don't like how they're not square on the adult's body. Seems hard to wear. Also, this has to be something I can convince my husband to wear. I'll be 4 months pregnant and probably not wanting a strap around my waist

Thanks for all the input. Glad to see you have had good experiences with the carriers!

Kristen

 

[Belle72]

I brought my Ergo last year for DS18m- other moms were willing to pay me for it in the Dumbo line ! Strollers are great for ..well...strolling, but in the lines the ergo was necessary. Kept him close on the rides too. And he fell asleep against me while big sister was getting photos with the characters. Strollers aren't allowed in many of the Epcot pavillions and as I said in lines for rides so a carrier is very helpful!

 

[bumbershoot]

I've looked at the slings, but I don't like how they're not square on the adult's body. Seems hard to wear.

For an 11 month old an actual sling won't really be appropriate. So no need to fret about those anymore.

Although you might think about it for your new one...a nice cozy hotsling (a more known name....but I ended up MUCH preferring the mammasmilk slings I got!!!) to keep baby all warm and cozy up next to you...when they are little you don't mind the cross-body at all, it's fine.

Though they do have an infant insert for the Ergo (sort of positions the baby as though baby is in a sling), so if you fall in love with the Ergo, who knows what might happen?