baby carrier/backpack

[jembelina]

Hi guys,

We are looking at investing in a baby carrier and I need some advice and recommendations. We were given a Snugli when i was pregnant but DF and I never really felt comfy using it and DS wasn't overly impressed either. We like the idea of the ones you can get with a metal frame, so you can sit them down to put them in/feed/etc.I'm pretty certain bub would love it now he is bigger and sitting up. here are a few things i can think of that we want from it...
-comfy for dad and mum to wear
-bub to be able to fall asleep in it
-easy to adjust & put bub into
-lightweight
-storage pockets of some sort
-preferably able to be used till toddler
We are not the bush walking kinda familt soit will be used more for outings where there will be alot of people or bub might want a better view (eg. the zoo). Just thought - if you take bub out is it still comfy to wear or do you have to carry it??

If anyone can help or think of anything else we can look out for, any input would be great!!

[RuthK]

We bought ours in Ireland and just tried everything on offer til we found one my hubby felt comfortable wearing. We made sure it had a hood so our son would be protected from the sun. Ours also converted to a stroller. It was priceless when we went on our honeymoon (baby included) in New York.

[LucyE]

We don't have one but I've seen my SIL's (I think it's a Kathmandu one???).

comfy for dad and mum to wear
She finds it fiddly to change the straps between her and her DH because she's quite petite and he's tall and muscular. He finds it comfy to wear but she gets tired from it quite easily.

bub to be able to fall asleep in it
Both my nephew and niece fell asleep in it easily but I personally don't like it because you can't help support their necks in anyway.

easy to adjust & put bub into
Again, both is fiddly. Having to get the right straps and click into place etc is a pain especially if you have an uncooperative overtired little one.

lightweight
most are aluminium frames so should be fairly lightweight.

storage pockets of some sort
yes

preferably able to be used till toddler
it is possible but my nephew doesn't like it anymore because he would rather be running around. It's a hassle to get them in and out quickly so they just don't use it with him anymore.

We are not the bush walking kinda familt soit will be used more for outings where there will be alot of people
I'd then suggest a Baby Trekker (http://www.cleverpants.com.au/shop/item.asp?itemid=9) because it's easy to use, you can have bub face you or face out and you can use it on your back too. It also folds up to the size of a football so you can leave it in the car. The outer fabric is cotton and it is machine washable so is fantastic if you have a dribbly or spewy baby. I used mine all the time for grocery shopping and being against my chest, DS would fall asleep in no time. My DH (who is larger than me) finds it very comfy to use too. It's not difficult to put on and adjust on my own. It also has a handy pocket for my wallet and keys too.

Something else to consider with the backpack style ones is, are either of you tall? Because they seem to elevate bub higher (which is good at the zoo) it may be a pain for shops and stuff. They are quite bulky too so you'll have to leave plenty of room for a 'turning circle'. I personally saved the money that would have been spent on one of these and got a Baby Trekker and a separate HandySitt (www.danishbydesign.com.au) for eating out. I've found we've got much more use and better value by doing it this way.

[jamb]

I recently asked same question and went and did my own research- we looked at heaps and found the only one which has sides that go up that allows bub to fall asleep is the phil and teds.

We bought the escape model (deluxe) and it comes with a detachable neck support as well. Bub falls asleep, very comfortable for me and dad with an adjustable back length, a very cosy rain hood that also stops wind, heaps of storage pockets and good hip support.

There is a cheaper model called the metro and it looked pretty good too. www.philandteds.com

Me and bub are both happy with it! Good luck!