Charlotte in a ring sling in Larnaca, Cyprus in 2010
As dirty hippies attachment parenters, we are big believers in baby wearing. Throughout our travels, we’ve found that having a baby carrier (or two) on hand has been a big help.
At the airport, wearing your baby in a carrier leaves your hands free to take care of passports and boarding passes, and lets baby be a part of all the action and thus less likely to act out. And, it leaves the stroller free to haul carry-on luggage.
On the airplane, security regulations currently prohibit baby wearing during take-off and landing (which is just silly- how could baby be safer than strapped securely to a parent?) but during the flight a baby carrier can be a good place for baby to nap, and an easy way to take baby for aisle-walks. When we’ve had a late arrival time, rather than waking Charlotte up and having to deal with a cranky kiddo during customs and baggage, I’ve popped her in the carrier where she’s gone back to sleep, and then had free hands and a calm baby for arrival procedures.
When out and about, having a carrier is also tremendously helpful, as it provides a comfortable alternative to a stroller. In places where strollers are inconvenient or impractical, a baby carrier provides a comfortable seat for baby.
There are numerous styles and types of baby carriers, all with their own pro’s and con’s. For us, the two that have been the most useful are:
- Maya Ring Sling: lightweight and easy to get on and off, but not ideal for long periods of walking
- Ergo carrier: super comfortable and supportive, but bulky and hot in warm climates
Whatever type of baby carrier you use, I would highly recommend not leaving home without it!
Do you use a baby carrier when travelling? What’s your favourite kind?
I couldn’t agree with you more! Especially in so many places where the roads are so rough, that having a stroller is more of a nuissance than help. We have a Manduca, which has been incredible.
Fellow dirty hippie here and I couldn’t agree more. We’ve used a zillion different kinds and my favorite is the Lillebaby. I like that you can carry them facing forward or backwards and can also use it as a side carrier or back carrier (I think). I got mine in 2009 so I can’t say what they have done in the past few years but I have used it with two kids in many phases and I just love it. Great back support. It’s not quite as hot as the Ergo.
We also use our stroller for carry-on help!