.jpg)
Sure, there are advantages to the ubiquitous Baby Bjorn – like the fact that they are so common you can pick up one used for a bargain and save more money for travel (as I once did), and it can be nice wearing your baby facing out when touring the world, particularly when you pause to take family photos along the way.
Most parents, however, find that the Baby Bjorn “tops out” when the child reaches around 15 lbs., becoming too much of a strain on the back and shoulders to wear for very long periods at a time, which is a necessity for most families setting out an adventure, be it in the city or in the backwoods. There is also the downside that it has no pockets or places to stash pacifiers, an extra diaper, or hotel key, let alone the jacket you suspect you’ll need three to four hours after leaving your hotel.
Other models and brands have tried to one-up the basic Bjorn (even other models by Baby Bjorn), but still fall short of meeting the demands that really matter when families set out to travel. These three fit the bill for most families, with the added advantage of easily adjusting to fit Mom or Dad as needed.
Here are my top three picks for child carriers for travel with babies and toddlers. These are not listed in any particular order, as each carrier/backpack fits a different niche and travel needs.
Ergo Multi-Position Child Carrier
Use the Ergo to wear your child on your front, back, or side from babyhood through toddlerhood. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt, combined with a chest strap, give the support you would want where you would want it carrying a 20 lb. or 25 lb. pack on a hike, in spite of having no internal frame. The "kid compartment" is snug against the parent, which makes it possible to even breastfeed on the go. The straps accommodate two parents of very different sizes, and the extra pockets and hidden sun hood / snoozing head holder come in very handy, too. Getting your child onto your back requires a little practice and is definitely easier as your child gets bigger and can stand on a chair while you load her, but it is doable with a baby as the instruction video will show you. The Ergo folds up small enough to travel in most diaper bags, underneath the stroller, or in the side pocket of your suitcase. The TSA now frequently allows parents to wear babies in Ergo carriers as they walk through the metal detector at airports, as long as the pockets are emptied and they do not beep during passage—another definite plus for travel. Supports children up to 40 lbs. Find it online at: Amazon.com Baby Earth TipToeTurtle.com
Deuter KangaKid Backpack CarrierLoaded with your most precious cargo, the KangaKid looks like a child carrier with great storage for day trips and flights (as shown above in lead image). But zipped shut with the canopy folded away (sold separately) you can't distinguish the KangaKid from any regular daypack. That alone makes it a nice option for times when you may prefer to keep your child in her stroller or let her stretch her legs, but want the back-up option of wearing her when needed. The KangaKid may also help you get kid + carry-on in one through the airport (check your stroller or leave it at home). The built-in diaper compartment on the back and double bottle pockets also help you stay organized on the go. Supports children up to 33 lbs. Find it online at: Amazon.com TipToeTurtle.com One Step Ahead REI.com
Sherpani Rumba Superlight BackpackIt weighs less than 5 lbs! The Rumba Superlight gives you great support for carrying kids up to 55 lbs., plus storage for diapers, snacks, and jackets; two water bottle holders, and removable sun/rain canopy. Since the storage space is kept below the carrier, rather than sticking out behind it like some other models, this trim carrier is not just more comfortable to wear when loaded, but easier to use in crowded urban settings like when boarding trains, subways, buses, and metros. Yet its generously padded lumbar support, load stabilizers, rugged frame, and washable/waterproof fabrics make it just as suitable to wear on the trail. Includes canopy, child stirrups, and kickstand. Fully adjustable to fit parents of different sizes. Supports children up to 55 lbs. Find it online at: Amazon.com TipToeTurtle.com eBags.com REI.com
Click here for more information on each of these carriers, and find other baby travel gear recommendations in Great Products and Gear. You’ll also find more buying advice for baby travel gear in the “What to bring” section of Travels with Baby.
Comments
da uma olhada no terceiro...
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!