Front carriers for a 1 year old??

[kpm76]

Can anyone recommend a front carrier that would be suitable for a 1 year old? She's small...just about 20lbs. We had the Jeep carrier when she was a newborn but I think she's too big for that now. I like the convenience of them though when we visit place that are not exactly stroller friendly....any suggestions??? Thanks!

 

[ERMama]

ergo, beco, pikkolo. all can do front or back carries. our dd is 10m and im going to try her with more back carries soon as its easier for me.

any mei tais would work also. freehand, babyhawk to name just 2.

i keep my beco and a pouch carrier (hotslings) in my car. for short trips the pouch works great for a hip carry.

 

[nonzerosum]

I really liked the Baby Bjorn at that age and a sling when younger.

 

[Minniemouse07]

I love my mei tai (a doublesided babyhawk) but borrowed a Beco for our WDW trip in December and that was great too!

Ds turned 2yo while we were there and I used it in a front carry for him about 5 or 6 times over our 9 day vacation.

At 2yo, ds will only tolerate being carried when he wants to sleep... but both dh and I carried him (30lbs at the time) for up to 3hrs at a time w/ no problems, and dh tends towards back issues!

Check out the babywearer site for lots of great imput and options!

 

[kpm76]

Thanks for the quick responses! I am going to check these out....

 

[dmked]

I have the Playtex Hip Hammock and I love it! Much easier than a front carrier, I use it for my 6 month old but my 2 yo still fits in it just fine!

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

I really loved my Ergo carrier. It was so comfortable front and back. I could wear it for hours and hours. My daughter just loved it! Also, it can be resold for almost as much as you bought it for! Just sold mine on craigslist.com for $20 less than I bought it for (it was 3 years old). It holds its value and you can stick it in the wash too. Such a great carrier! You will love it.

 

[katied]

I have the Playtex hip hammock too. It works great. Carried DS all over Paris and London in it, as well as WDW. The good thing about it too is since it's pretty plain, DH will use it to carry DS also.

We started using it when he was about 6 mo, and it works well at 13 mo too.

 

[TexasTodds]

When my daughter was right at a year old I took her to the Bluebell plant for a tour, with my other two kids. They didn't allow strollers on the tour (too many stairs) so I brought my Baby Bjorn carrier, and I was miserable! It was the worst hour of my life. At least we did end up with free ice cream! She was only about 21 or 22 lbs, but that is dead weight being carried on your shoulders. I would certainly look at the others listed in previous replies to see if they might work.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

I have a 1 yr old 21 lbs son. I use a Pikkolo by Cat bird baby. I can carry him in the front facing in. It has a hood that can support his head while he is sleeping. He loves being carried on the hip. It can also carry him on my back but I haven't done that yet. It is soo much easier than the baby bjorn. This one is also buckles vs the ties. I find it much easier to use. I got it a few months ago. I was going to get an ergo or beco. I went to the store and tried them both on and the fit wasnt' right. I am a bigger mom and those 2 brands have shoulder straps. Picture wearing a backpack on your front. The straps didn't feel secure. I tried the Pikkolo and absolutely loved it. It is pricey but for the comfort you just can't beat it. Plus I haven't seen anyone else wearing one. I get alot of comments on the uniqueness of the carrier. I would definitely try on what ever brand you go with to make sure it is comfortable.

We are taking ours with us on our Aug trip. It is ds 1st trip. We are so looking forward to it!!

hope this helps

 

[two-foxes]

Another vote for the Ergo. DS is right around 23 lbs and I usually wear him on my hip and just started on my back. He loves it and I love it....the best of many carriers I have.

 

[bumbershoot]

I wanted to mention that if the OP is used to the more Bjorn style carriers, where people usually have the baby facing outwards, the Ergo style carriers can't do that. With an Ergo, etc, you wear the baby facing YOU. Which in many peoples' opinions (including mine) is far better for everyone involved (your center of gravity and spinal health, baby's pelvis, baby's well-being in terms of being able to control their level of stimulation instead of just facing the universe every moment), but if it's not what you're wanting, you should know!

Our day trip to Disneyland when DS was about 17 months old was mainly spent with him in a front carry, facing me, in a mesh-bodied mei tai. It would have been 100% perfect but my mei tai's shoulder straps weren't padded, and it really dug into my shoulders. But my spine was terrific, and he had a great time. The kid perfected his ability to interact with people behind me, where I couldn't see them, and I got the feeling they were far sillier with him out of my sight than they would have been if I were able to see them!

 

[Ariel8676]

I would defintiely look into some of the carriers suggested..my favorites, Babyhawk, Beco, also The Kanga X made by Bloo Kangaroo is awesome and one of the most comfortable carriers (front/back) that i have tried yet..if you can get your hands on one . http://hyenacart.com/blookangaroo/index.php?c=21
Also a good ring sling might be a good option..i love http://sleepingbaby.net/ Jan is awesome to work with and the shoulder is SOO comfy.
I woudl also suggest looking at http://thebabywearer.com/ get some other ideas and you can find some really good deals ( on all the carriers that have been listed) on their FSOT (for sale or trade) forum.
I really would not recommend a Bjorn type carrier..not only would it be uncomfortable for you, it would be uncomfortable for your child as well.
Good luck!!!

 

[amarberry]

My DS (8 months and 23+ pounds) and I love our Ergo! I vacuum my entire house with him in it! I prefer the back carry because I find it more comfortable and I can get things done around the house (like making dinner, folding laundry, etc.). He's very comfortable napping in both the back carry and front carry position. Just a couple of weeks ago, I wore him for about 3 hours (he was asleep for about 2 hours) while at my DD's preschool picnic.

I would stay away from the Bjorn (even though I loved the front carry option with DD) because it is not very comfortable (in comparison to the Ergo) and the weight limit is 25 pounds. The Ergo goes up to 40 pounds. Others have mentioned the Beco and Babyhawk which are similar, but IMHO are much more fashionable. They were beautiful, but I preferred the simplicity of the Ergo myself.

 

[stacy6552]

2 thumbs way up for the baby Bjorn. We used it at WDW when our son was 11 mos and 22 mos old.

 

[mrs.explorer1977]

I took a pouch sling on our first trip when DS was 6.5 mo and then a ring sling on our trip last month.

I loved the ring sling the best!! He fell asleep in it a bunch of times, and it was still really comfy for me. I put it on and wore him on the Safari and he fell asleep! We got off the ride and walked around AK with him sleeping until it was time for our ADR.