Getting Around

Practicalities Getting Organised Getting Around Types of Baby Transport 

How you carry your baby or toddler will depend on you and the destination.

Buggies

These are rarely welcome in aircraft cabins and not terribly useful in places with cobbled streets, minimal pavements, or steep hills. In cities, just like at home, buggies are difficult to use in crowded places.

If you can't live without one, make sure you check out both your destination and where it can be stowed the journey.

If you do go for a buggy and you don't already have a suitable model, say for dealing with uneven terrain, you might like to hire one - maybe a three wheeler. However, bear in mind that threee-wheelers are often less manoeuvrable and tend to be heavy to provide stability.

A double-wheeled, umbrella folding model weighing around 5kg is probably the best option.

Slings

If your child is small enough, a sling is much more manoeuvrable than a buggy. For those unused to the process it can be awkward getting the baby in and out, so get used to it beforehand.
A small survey for Harden's London Baby Book found the best sling for babies up to six months (nine or older if the parent is very fit or uses the sling regularly) was the Wilkinet. Others makes, though easier to use initially, were not as comfortable after 20 minutes or more.

For an older child capable of sitting on a hip, a sling such as the Huggababy can be useful for shorter distances such as getting off a plane or popping into shops, though less comfortable for longer walks. If you will only need one for short periods and want something light, the Active Birth Centre sells a string version.

In addition to avoiding the problem of buggies when flying, a sling leaves the carrying parent with free hands for holding other items.

Backpacks

Fathers, particularly of older babies and toddlers, often prefer a backpack; those from outdoor adventure shops are generally better designed for the comfort of both parent and child.

Children may take a little while to get used to a backpack but they will probably enjoy the better view they have at adult height which also keeps them out of the way of unwanted attention. [See Adapting to the local culture].

Some parents worry about the safety of a child when it can't be seen because it is behind behind your head. We have not heard of any problems with this in practice. though Kelty Kids recommends using one of it backpack's many loops to attach a mirror if the carrying parent is alone and wants to be sure that everything is OK.

Like slings, backpacks are a hands-free option for the carrying parent.

Children are usually too heavy for backpacks once they are a quarter of your weight. Even if you are used to carrying a heavy pack, all the wriggling means a child requires much more effort.

If you are going to invest in a backpack, like a baby sling, it is important to get one which is well designed and comfortable. Don't buy mail order unless you can return it. [Suppliers].