Travelling to Italy with 15 mos old sans stroller

Hi all,
I have a bad back and will be traveling to Italy for about a week in June. I don't plan to bring a stroller (I know, the horror!) but I used to live in Italy and happen to know that my cheapo strollers simply won't hold up on the roads (or lack of roads) where we're staying. I will be doing some of this travel by myself. Dh wants to bring a framed backpack with us (not a great one -- a gift -- a Snugli). I don't find it comfortable. I honestly don't know what will be comfortable, espcially when we're out all day in the heat. I'm thinking that I should work on using my EllaRoo more and bring that, my Kozy, and an Ergo (haven't purchased the Ergo yet). I figure that the EllaRoo and Kozy won't take up a lot of space even if they don't work out well. Any thoughts from fellow travelers and babywearers re: my plan?
Thanks,
Sarah
Mama to Zoe

Certainly don't take the Snugli if you don't find it comfy! I am not a wrap user (wish I were), but I have heard they are great for all-day wearing.

Do you have something you can slip on and off really easily, for when you go through security at the airport or other quick things? Maybe you are quick with your MT--I have to put mine on before I leave the house and everything has to stay put until I get back unless DH is with me!

We're going to Israel without a stroller for 2 weeks in May--dd will be 11 months--and my current plan is to take a solarveil ring sling, one of my cotton stretch Hotslings, and our Kelty framed backpack that dh and I can share, assuming it fits in a suitcase. (If it doesn't, we'll take the MT, which we also can share, but I don't think it will be as cool to have dd smushed up against us instead of riding at a comfortable distance!)

[npace19147]

We haven't traveled with DD yet but are taking a trip to London at the end of the month. Right now depending on weather I'm going to bring my Hotsling pouch for quick in/out at the airport, a MT and a wrap (not sure which one or which length yet). And maybe the Ergo if DH wants to carry DD at all.

We are also going to bring a stroller to help carry the carseat and luggage in the airport. I don't plan on using it much, if at all, when we're there.

We've travelled many times, always without a stroller. In the airport I've used the Hotsling, the Ergo, and the mamababies. The mamababies were a pain because I had to take them off at security. The Ergo is my favorite for travel - it's the best balance between least fuss and most comfortable. The Ellaroo would be fun and comfortable once you get there, but honestly, if you get the Ergo to work for you I would just take that. I'm all about streamlined travel! (This coming from a woman who has packed at least 3 carriers in a suitcase, so I know where you're coming from...)

I only mention the Ergo because you mention buying one. If you love your Kozy, though, I'm sure that would be just fine.

Thanks, Mamas. Sorry it took me so long to get back here.

I've ordered an Ergo. It's got a 90-day return guarantee so I'll wear Zoe all over the place in it (in our hot Texas weather) to get some idea of how it will work. In the meantime, I've been trying to use the Kozy more -- I like it but Zoe isn't loving it lately. I can't get the hang of the EllaRoo by myself right now, but DH's schedule will be much better in about a month or so and he can help. I have a Medium size (I'm short but chubby and wanted the flexibility of a larger one). I keep looking at the cool hotslings b/c lord knows I need more carriers! I know for a fact that two shoulders works better than one with my back but this forum always gets me so tempted... I'm nervous about the whole thing but am trying to focus on the more positive aspects. I mean, if it all goes to heck, we could just spend our savings and buy a stroller in Italy, after all. It might make some strollermamas jealous...

So the gameplan: wear them all as much as possible before the trip and keep coming back here. Looking forward to trying an Ergo even with my nursing large ladies.

Again, thanks!
Sarah

Hi Sarah!!

I am a newbie to the babywearing game, having only used my Hotsling (which we love, btw!!)

But when you mentioned that two shoulders are better than one, I thought of The Sling Set, www.theslingset.com, it appears to be in production at this time, but I like the looks of it from the website, it is a set of pouches, and it looks like you could wear both pouches, one on each shoulder to help distribute the weight, or wear one pouch with the support, etc. The fabric is described to be light and stretchy, perhaps like a wrap?

Kristin from Hotslings is helping design it, so we know it will be great!

Just a thought!! Have a wonderful time on your trip!!

Sheri
Momma to Nathaniel 9_15-04

Almost 7 months breastfeeding!!

Wow, that looks awesome. With my recent Ergo purchase, I'm not sure that I can afford another carrier (or justify it since the baby will be walking in a matter of months). But wow, I really wish this had been available when the baby was little. I've never gotten good with my EllaRoo and the HugABub doesn't get a lot of use now (it often stretches out and the baby wants to face out or sideways or be on the back). I'm going to tell all my pregnant friends about this.
Thanks for the link,
Sarah