What carrier would you recomend for a 2 year old?

[jess_g]

I need something for my wild 2 year old (27 pounds, 36 inches tall) to use while I take his older brother to kindergarten and pick him up. The school has lots of stairs so a stroller will not work. I am thinking of a backpack carrier but am open to other suggestions. I will only be using it for about 15 minutes at a time so it does not need to be the most comfortable carrier. It does need to be something easy for me to put on and off by myself. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jessica.

[Momof3Labs]

I was able to carry DS quite comfortably in a Mei Tai at that size. We used a www.kozycarrier.com but there are others out there. I found it quite easy to use in a front carry (DS was too big for me to do a back carry at that point), but YMMV.

[JacksMommy]

I second a mei tei. At his age, it will be easy for you to get him on and off by yourself. Freehand mei teis are popular and don't have the waitlist that Kozy does. Or you could try and Ergo or a Sutemi - they are more structured and some people like that better.

A frame backpack is another option but they are big and cumbersome - I'm not sure you'd really want that much carrier for such a short time.

Laurel
WOHM to Jack, 6/4/02
Baby Madeline 12/14/04

[TereasaT]

I would suggest a mei tai. Here are a few links:

http://www.kozycarrier.com
http://www.attachedtot.com
http://freehandbaby.com/index.php
http://ellaroo.com/mei-tai.php
http://www.sachicarriers.com

A structured carrier would work well, too like the toddler Patapum or the Ergo. I like that these carriers can hang down from my waist without the straps touching the ground if your son is in and out a lot.

http://store.attachedtobaby.com/detail.aspx?id=97
http://ergobabycarrier.com

Tereasa

[carryingandstrollingabout]

As child gets bigger and heavier, I recommend the Sutemi. It is the heartiest soft carrier for heavy chiild, IMHO.

[Mum2MyMunchkins]

Hi Jessica,

Read my next post, it has a picture of the carrier I am suggesting.

Best Regards,
Nina - Mommy2Twins

[Mum2MyMunchkins]

Hi Jessica,

I suggest the HipPanda Hip Carrier. It is easy to get on and off and very comfortable. I use in on my 16 mth old twins, but I have a friend who uses it with her 2 1/2 year old. They come in beautiful fabrics and Shana (the mom who makes them) is the best. I love my HipPanda, it's the best carrier I have. I have the Ellaroo Mei Tai carrier, the Didymos wrap and the Ellaroo wrap also, but the HipPanda is my favorite. They cost between $40 and 80, depending on the fabric you want. I chose the black toile so my husband wouldn't complain about wearing it. He really loves it too and the kiddos are so comfortable, my daughter really loves being in it. Well enough of my raving, go check it out at www.hippanda.com, hope you like it as much as we do! Good luck in your quest.

Best Regards,
Nina - Mommy2Twins

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29133.jpg

[sophiecat]

Oooh, I think an onbuhimo would be perfect. Freehand makes a really cool one. An onbuhimo is like a streamlined version of a Mei Tai. It has rings for really quick on/offs and still really really supportive.

www.freehandbaby.com They also have 10% off if you type in 'freedom' I don't work for them, just like their stuff.

FYI, check out www.thebabywearer.com for info on slings. Product reviews can be helpful, and so can forum/chat on "choosing a carrier"
Best to you,

[carryingandstrollingabout]

The Sutemi can be worn front, side, back. But if you only want side, that hip panda looks pretty cool!