Hip Hammock for 2 year old?

[ninahbear]

Has anyone ever used a hip hammock for a 2 year old? I am 18 weeks pregnant and will be taking my DS who just turned 2 to WDW next week with my sister. When we were there in September he kept climbing out of his stroller and then I would have to carry him. Would he be too big for it the hip hammock?

 

[rentingspace]

Hi, I have 2 children. Let me tell you about the best purchase I made. It was a kelty kids convertible stroller packpack. Very Light weight. This stroller/backpack stopped everyone when they saw it. It easily goes on your back with the child in it or you can pop out the wheels and handle. The strap goes over your childs shoulders to keep them in. Very comfortable this sit upright and see actually more things than if they were in a regular stroller. Here is a web site www.shop.com under the home page put in kelty kids stroller that will bring you to it. If you have any questions on it, please feel free to reply. Trust me you will love this purchase.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

If you are 18 weeks pregnant, there is NO WAY I would chance carrying my 2 year old around all day in a hip hammock! Heck, even if I weren't 18 weeks pregnant, I wouldn't do it! I would DEFINITELY bring a stroller, and strap the 2 year old in if you are afraid he will climb out. Plus, it is nice to have place for him to sleep during the day because he WILL get tired!

 

[northriver]

I would be concerned about hurting your back with a 2 yr old unbalanced on one hip - the pregnancy hormones make your joints loose in preparation for childbirth - maybe 18 weeks is too early for that but something to ask your doctor about. I am always very careful about lifting and carrying durring pregnancy.

DD is 19 months now but has always been a climber. We have a stroller with a 5 point harness and we use the straps always, no exceptions, so she can't get "loose" as she says, over and over again. I have never had a baby leash - but I am considering buying one for WDW.

 

[bellarella]

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch!!!

Hip Hammocks are ergonomic nightmares. They put all the pressure on a narrow strap which they then pad to try to make you not notice how uncomfortable they are.

It is possible to carry a 2 year old without pain. I would recommend an Ergo or Beco carrier. They are super comfy. I carry my 25 lb DS in my Beco all the time and he feels virtually weightless. Being pregnant, you would want to use either of these in the back pack carry position, which your DS will probably prefer anyway. You can get these at www.ecobabies.com or www.ergobabycarrier.com

If you wanted, you could also get a *good* sling -- but at age 2, I find even a properly adjusted sling still puts too much pressure on my shoulder after about 20 minutes. To find good slings check out www.thebabywearer.com. Some brands I would look into are Zolowear, Maya Wrap, Sleeping Baby Productions. Pouches can be nice too, but being pregnant, I think you will want a ring sling that you can continuously adjust.

I would plan on using a stroller too, but there are so many places at Disney where you can't use a stroller that having a good carrier will save your back (since you would be holding your child anyway).

 

[Oceana]

I would get an ergo baby carrier. I wore my 2 year old when i was 8 months pregnant in my ergo... just placed the belt below my baby belly... kinda angled it like a belly support strap

 

[ninahbear]

I was still planning on taking the stroller but was wondering what to do when he climbs out. His stroller has the 5 point harness but he knows how to open it. Does anyone have suggestions on how to prevent him from doing that?

 

[Hannathy]

Tell him NO. Maybe I am a mean Mom but my kids knew when I said no it meant it and they stayed. The 2 yr old at Disney could either walk right with me (holding onto stroller , my hand, or right next to me with out holding) or sit in stroller. He usually only stayed in the stroller on long walks like at EPCOT. They knew if they didn't listen we would leave and then his older sister would have killed him!

 

[Tinker_]

I have a Mamasmilk Sling that I LOVE for carrying my DS in, but like others have said- I would be cautious about carrying your DS all day in one because you are preggo. HOWEVER-- it folds up super small, and can easily fit in a purse if he just needs a little holding time. When it is worn correctly, and fits properly, it is PERFECTION!! The other thing I like about it is it is versatile, and can be used in a back carry, side carry, or front carry. Plus it is adjustable, so if someone is with you, you can take turns!!

 

[NotUrsula]

If you mean that he is opening the buckles, try a velcro luggage handle pad wrapped around the buckles. (You can get them in travel stores/sections) You might need to cut a couple of slits in it to get it to fit around the buckle properly, but a child that age should find it very difficult to get a good enough fingertip grip to open the velcro.

And, of course, you can also use the carseat argument -- "We are not moving until you are buckled in!"

If all else fails, put a walking harness on him and buckle a strap around the back of the stroller seat, passing through the back of the harness. He won't have leeway to lean forward, but there is no way he gets out of THAT without help.

A harness is a good idea, anyway, allowing you to keep him near in ride lines without having to carry him. Have him practice wearing it at home first.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi, I have 2 children. Let me tell you about the best purchase I made. It was a kelty kids convertible stroller packpack. Very Light weight. This stroller/backpack stopped everyone when they saw it. It easily goes on your back with the child in it or you can pop out the wheels and handle. The strap goes over your childs shoulders to keep them in. Very comfortable this sit upright and see actually more things than if they were in a regular stroller. Here is a web site www.shop.com under the home page put in kelty kids stroller that will bring you to it. If you have any questions on it, please feel free to reply. Trust me you will love this purchase.

We had one too when DD was 9 month old to about 2 years old. We loved it and it worked great for WDW (but ours was instep.) We used it with our 2nd too, but saddly DH backed over it with the van.

Anyway for WDW it was great. However for a 2 year old it might be a little small (at least for us.)

I have a hip hammock too, but I couldn't have used it pregnant.

I know have this infantino hip carrier that really is a belt with a shelf on it. The baby can sit on this (not your hip). The baby or older child is not held on you, so they can get of and out as easily had if you are just holding them in your arms. You do have to hold them though, or they will fall off. I use it to carry my 2 year old when I am walking my 5 year old to school. My 2 year old holds on for dear life though. We took it to WDW and it was helpful. I don't think I could fit it around my waist pregnant though.