Can anyone recommend a really good baby back carrier?

[Lochie]

Baby nearly 12 months and loves sitting on daddy's shoulders (with me precariously watching him to check he doesn't fall off!). Would love to get back carrier but just had a look online and prices range hugely from ?50 to ?180 (Littlelife Voyager) - do you really get what you pay for? Any recommendations appreciated :-)

[crystal7]

We inherited a Vaude one. Have to admit my OH usually wears it. He says it's very comfortable and carried E (18 months) all over the Lake District with it last month- she loves being in it and gets very excited when she sees it. Not sure how much it cost but not all of them have straps which would be a problem for us as E is something of an escape artist! Also has space to carry stuff which is handy. We started using it at about 13 months but E is small.

[bumpy]

We bought a Vaude, hubby saw it discounted when going past an outdoor shop http://www.penroseoutdoors.co.uk/acatalog/Vaude_Jolly_Comfort.html

Little one has just turned 8 months and we started using it a month or so ago when he could sit up unaided. Loves being in it. Hubby was in marines and used to carrying rucksacks and says Vaude is very comfortable.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to pop round and try your little one in it.

[Lochie]

Thanks guys - 2 votes for Vaude, that's really useful to know. Thanks Bumpy am away for a few days at mo but when I am back I may get in touch for a test run! Useful as well you sent a link not from a baby website but outdoors website - didn't think of trying to find one that way...

[linzkg]

Little life and Ergo are fab too!

[hanstands]

An Ergo all the way...really lightweight too, can be used from 4months to 3 or 4 years old--really great weight distribution...

[hpsaucey]

Personllay I think you get what you pay for. I splashed out for the Macpac Vamoose - usually ?200, although come up on EBay a lot and we got ours on sale. It's been blo**y brilliant. Have carried my 3-year old in it even, with no problem. You need to slow down a bit but the set up and adjustable strapping makes it really comfortable and we could walk for miles. Also a mirror to see behind - actually really useful and a zip on bag for the front of the carrier. Adjustable seating for kid.

Had a friend who bought a chaper one - around ?70 and she couldn't carry her toddler far in it. Guess it depends how far you want to walk with it on and where you're walking.

You could have demo'd mine but I've just given it to my sis. I would say try before you buy - it's probably a personal thing. Also, I'd say its a personla thing for babies as well - my older one loved it, younger one not so keen..

Hope you find the right one.

H

[missd]

We got a MacPac Possum which is brilliant. We love it. Can carry our boy for ages in it (he's now 16 months) but some friends borrowed it recently for their 3.5 year old and found it really comfortable. Would highly recommend

[The Nappy Lady]

I think it depends when you plan to walk etc. I love my Ergo and find it very easy to carry when not using etc. but short of buying a special waterproof mac with a 2nd hole for baby's head I couldn't use it if walking on a mountain with risk of serious rain etc.

Our 'proper' hiking back carrier is like a ruck sack, so much heavier and more cumbersome to have with you when not in use, but comes with a sunshade that clips on, and a rain cover and the like, and is also very comfortable - I did a massive 4 hour plus walk wearing it with my then 2 year old up in Derbyshire and it was fine, though I was tired by the time we stopped! Have to say though that in the end we mostly hike in mild weather as when it is very hot, or very cold I spend my time fretting about whether they are OK just sitting up there - better as they get older and can actually talk to you, but when little....well, I'm probably just way too soft ;-)

Can't recall the make, though I did post before, when Bumpy was asking about them as I recall, and posted a picture of me wearing it. Hubby got it off a hiking website rather than a baby website.

[bumpy]

Molly - yours was a Vaude - excellent recommendation. :-))

[The Nappy Lady]

Aha - thank you Bumpy, I'm not where it is so couldn't check myself. Very glad you're pleased with yours :))