Do I need a sling/carrier for an 11mo or will a stroller suffice?

[ensyed]

Will we have to carry our 11mo in line or can I take a stroller? If we have to carry her which sling/backpack carrier do u recommend? She will be about 21-22 lbs.

Thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

Strollers are not allowed in lines.

 

[clori]

If you want a dedicated hip carrier rather than a full sling (more versatile but bigger) I highly recommend the mei hip carrier. It easily carries my 17 month old. She is about 18 pounds. My 5 year old tried it out for a few seconds (way too tall) but it did easily support her weight which is around 37lbs. I have never used a backpack carrier so I can't help with that.

 

[tjmw2727]

You will have to carry baby through lines and in some of the shows and pavilions that don't allow strollers. None of the queues and IIRC the Land at Epcot allow strollers, there could be more.

When my dd's were young I used a regular snugli and liked that alot but since my youngest is now 9 I know there are many other alternatvies. My sil has a sling, maybe Mara? but I am not sure. I would suggest going to a baby specialty store and trying out a few with baby to see what fits you and baby the most comfortably.

FIW I HIGHLY recommend some type of carrier/sling for a baby/toddler.

TJ

 

[ch261]

My favorite carrier was the bjorn, but by 20 lbs, my son was too heavy for me to carry him comfortably in it. Then I had an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder that we also loved. I would definitely recommend a sling. Maya wraps are supposed to be good too. The best thing is to get it early and practice with it. That way you can whip it on and off easily when you need it.

 

[1princessX2princes]

We have gone the past two years. Two years ago my youngest was 10 months and this year 21 months. Both times we brought a backpak for him. We had the nice sturdy kind(could hike with it), with a pocket for extras. The backpak was great when he was 10 months old because we could ride most of the rides in MK with him in the backpak (like winnie, dumbo, snow white,...etc.) and when it was nap time he just crashed in their. The backpak was still nice this time although he wanted to be running around a lot more.

Have Fun

 

[WDWorBUST]

One Step Ahead also has a nice hip carrier that is pretty easy to use. I used it with my dd at 13 months in the world and again at 23 months - although not as much. It can be a life saver though.

 

[jorodopo]

I absolutely LOVE the backpack that I have. They carry it at right start.

http://www.rightstart.com/global/store/product~item~621.html#Body_lnkHeaderLongDescription

It is really sturdy but the support is all internal so there aren't the outside pipes like the camping ones. When DD2 isn't using it the child carrier zips in and it is a regular back pack. We fit everything we needed into it for a day at the parks with 3 kids. I've used it ever since she could hold her head up and still do at 27mths.

I'm was a big sling user also but now that she is getting bigger I find that she will sleep better in the back pack because Mommy just isn't tall enough for her to lay down for a nap in the sling.

Have a great trip.

 

[ensyed]

Wow!! Thanks. Lots of choices. I have the hip hammock but I know it will be difficult to carry her in it for long periods. I am small myself (5 2") so maybe a backpack will be better. I have heard of Kelty but will check out the ones recommended here.

 

[stacy6552]

There are tons of places you cannot take your stroller. Bring a sling or front carrier. A backpack will be too much of a hassle, because you will have to take it off on rides, where as the baby can ride rides on front.

 

[AngieWin]

For 22 lbs, I would definitely do a sling. I bought a Nojo at a consignment store and it worked great for DS1 up to 28 lbs and me 6 months pregnant. I now have a sling similar to a Maya Wrap that is better for smaller moms or smaller infants. It can be adjusted tighter.

 

[RangerPooh]

When our daughter was smaller she was toted around in her Snugglie front pack. For our next trip she will be a year old and we're planning to put her in her Kelty backpack. We take it everywhere! Kelty has a bunch of styles to fit your budget or needs. They can be found online and through REI.

 

[JanMary]

We have gone the past two years. Two years ago my youngest was 10 months and this year 21 months. Both times we brought a backpak for him. We had the nice sturdy kind(could hike with it), with a pocket for extras. The backpak was great when he was 10 months old because we could ride most of the rides in MK with him in the backpak (like winnie, dumbo, snow white,...etc.) and when it was nap time he just crashed in their. The backpak was still nice this time although he wanted to be running around a lot more.

Have Fun

Sorry if I am being a bit slow - how do you manage with the back pack on the rides? Can't quite visualise it.

We have a lightweight framed back pack which can be free standing. Not sure whether to take it or not. Definitely bringing our own stroller but I imagine backpack would be great for attractions that involve a lot of queuing or standing. Do you think it would fit in a locker? Any advice welcome - this is our first trip with the kids - funny how you never notice how people manage until you have kids of your own!

Thanks

 

[toesmom]

They are the best. Check online for reviews, visit www.myfavoritebabycarrier.com or www.ergobabycarrier.com for details... expensive but worth it!!

 

[WAHMto5]

I purchased a hip carrier from http://www.walkingrockfarm.com a month ago and LOVE it!! I plan on bringing it for my 13 month old also when we go in a few weeks. It can be used on the hip, front or back carrier, very nice!
They don't allow strollers in line and so it is great for lines and just times where she gets tierd of sitting in the stroller.

 

[solferino]

for versatilities sake I'd use a sling= unpadded like a maya wrap. I like slings better because you can use them as a hip/side carrier or with some practice, a back carrier. I miss the sling days.

 

[emh1129]

I LOVE slings!
They are so much easier than using a stroller.. you can just slide through crowds My dd sleeps in hers all the time (she just turned 1 and is 21 lbs)and she just loves it (it's also easy to nurse in!).

I have an adjustable fleece pouch from kangaroo korner that I think is just fantastic. It's really easy to put on and it's very comfortable. I used it with my son up until he was about 2.5, and only stopped because I was pretty pregnant at that point.

Hope you find a carrier that you like!

 

[stacy6552]

We highly reccommend that baby Bjorn. We used it at WDW when our son was 11mos old and again when he was 20 mos old. He could ride forwards or backwards (if sleeping) and it was perfect for keeping him in on rides and in shows. Thumbs up all around.