Backpacking With Children: My Own Adventures

When I had my firstborn I thought I new everything there was to know about raising children. I had read all the books, interviewed all my friends, come from a family full of 'wise' people? you get my meaning. I soon discovered however that I didn't know a single thing about raising an infant. Of course, with number two, all that has changed. While I am still learning, there are some things I can definitely say I have mastered. One is the fine art of baby backpacking.

Selecting The Right Carrier: Trial and Error I literally went through four different infant carriers with my first baby. I never did find the right one until I moved on to a baby backpack. My first daughter was simply very independent, and didn't enjoy being carried until she could see everything I could while riding on my back. I tried the snugli sling, the BabyBjorn, a natural sling and finally threw my hands up. Everyone had their own opinion about which works best. She likes almost any type of backpack however, go figure.

My second however cherished every moment we had together. I quickly learned that the BabyBjorn infant carrier was my baby's best friend in those early days. My children are also only 14 months apart, so I didn't have a choice but carry number two around while chasing after number one. I soon learned however just how important safety is with an infant carrier. On more than one occasion I almost dropped my darling on her little head when I bent over to wipe some spilled stain off the floor. Little did I realize just how important it is to buckle those little ones in!

My youngest daughter also had terrible colic. I spent many nights walking around the block with her in the BabyBjorn. It was the only thing that helped calm her down enough to stop sobbing hysterically. I also lost weight a lot quicker carrying her everywhere I went!

Walking With Backpacks I often go on walks with the two girls. In fact, we usually cover a good 3 miles or more a day. Now that my first daughter is walking and running, she can't stand riding in a stroller in any more. For this reason we are in the market for a new backpack, one to suit my very large husband. While number two still enjoys riding around (front ways now) in her Baby Bjorn, she is growing fast and will also soon grow out of her favorite infant carrier. So I guess I am actually in the market for more than one backpack.

We definitely won't be shopping for a top of the line camping model extraordinary. In fact, when it comes to camping I am a bit of a lightweight, and definitely concerned some big bear will come eat my precious child. For that my husband will have to convince me great lengths until I am willing to go sleep on an air mattress in the middle of no where and get eaten alive by mosquitoes. If one the other hand, we were actually near some water or a beach? well I might adjust my attitude slightly.

After much deliberation we plan to go for Evenflo's backpack. A less expensive yet durable model, it will serve our walking needs for now. While both my husband and I actually do enjoy some hiking (albeit not as much as I used to) I don't think we plan to take the girls just yet. Who am I kidding? I'd still rather go to the beach. But, I do have to say, having the convenience of a carrier or sling does make grocery shopping a much more pleasant experience.

I learned after one or two trips trying to put both kids in the grocery cart how easy it is for a toddler to hurl herself over the edge of a shopping cart, or better yet grab everything imaginable off the shelves and hurl them to the floor. That problem will no doubt resolve itself just as soon as I buy our latest backpack. Trust me, it's much easier carrying them than trying to haul a double stroller through the isles of a crowded grocery store. I've borrowed a backpack or two in my time when I found myself lacking. I simply can't say enough for their convenience or efficiency. Whether you have one kid or many, I highly recommend carrying them wherever you need to be, whenever you need to be there!

Ant Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as Baby Carriers, Baby Slings and Baby Car Seats

---

Baby Girl Shower Invitations

Baby girl shower invitations basic theme is the welcoming of... Read More

Intersting Baby Facts - Strange But True!

* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are... Read More

Baby Crib Advice and Tips

Congratulations! You have just learned that you are having a... Read More

3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name

1) BRAINSTORMIt is a good idea to pick a baby... Read More

Freezing Homemade Baby Food

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food,... Read More

What Foods Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Women in our culture are sometimes advised to avoid spicy... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More

Baby Yoga and Me

Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long,... Read More

The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer

Your Cancer Baby..June 21 - July 22A Cancer child can... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Leo Baby

Your Leo Baby..July 23 - August 22Leo children are sunny,... Read More

Triumphing Over Tantrums

Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of... Read More

Introducing Your New Baby to Your Pet

Having a child is a life altering event for you... Read More

Your Newborn Baby?s First Few Days at Home ? What You Should Expect

The first few days home from the hospital are important... Read More

Babies Suffering For Colic

About one quarter of babies will suffer from colic from... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful... Read More

Raising Baby On The Cheap

Have you ever read those reports on the cost of... Read More

Baby Clothes for Your Baby Shower Gift

Baby clothes are one of the most popular types of... Read More

Baby Bedding Wants Vs. Bedding Baby Needs

If you walk into any baby store or online baby... Read More

Educational Toys That Stimulate Chidrens Mind

When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull,... Read More

How to Pick the Best Name for Your Baby

Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Babies: How to Get Your Children Excited About the New Arrival

The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough... Read More

Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More

The Five Best Baby Shower Gifts

Ask first time parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they would... Read More

Baby?s First Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones

Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question:... Read More

Potty Training Boys - How To Potty Train Boys - Do You Teach Them to Sit or Stand?

I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More

The Top 10 Fun Things for Parents and Toddlers to Play With

1. Give your child a spray bottle of water and... Read More

Infant Circumcision

If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More

How To Talk To Your Baby ? And Understand What She?s Saying Back

It is incredible, but within a years time your baby... Read More

Every Baby Shower Needs Great Baby Shower Games!

Games for a baby shower help the baby shower hostess... Read More

Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby?s Teething Process

The teething process can be a difficult period for both... Read More

Should I Call The Doctor If My Baby Has A Fever

Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever.... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More