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

---

IQ, Intelligence, and Brain Development- Another Breastfeeding Benefit

Modern parents want to do everything they can to help... Read More

Teach Your Baby To Read English

If your child's first language is not English, he or... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower

Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four... Read More

Four Problems and Solutions on Feeding Your Newborn

Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More

Tantrums - Breaking the Cycle

Tantrums don't suddenly appear. They are learned. Controlling or eliminating... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Hostess Gifts

Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More

For Mother and Baby ? What Do You Give? A Gift Basket of Course!

The choice for a baby or an infant gift can... Read More

How to Buy Infants? Best Educational Toys?

Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More

Should Your Baby Sleep In Your Bed?

Should baby sleep in her own cot or... Read More

Babies Bring Love, Joy, and Opinions

The old saying "babies aren't born with instruction manuals" has... Read More

Safely Feeding Babies - 10 Important Tips

Babies usually triple their birth weight the first year. That's... Read More

Baby Car Seat Glossary Guide

To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your... Read More

Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your... Read More

What to Do if the Baby Shower Guests Dont Know Each Other

A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Pisces Baby

Your Pisces Baby..February 19 - March 20Your baby will have... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Gate

Once your baby is out of their crib and playpen,... Read More

Childrens Gift Ideas: Babies, Toddlers, and Beyond

When your time comes to shower a new mom or... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (1)

When is it that I should start teaching my baby?... Read More

Baby Jaundice

Around 20% of newborn babies suffer from jaundice. The condition... Read More

When to Have a Baby Shower

When to have a baby shower is a personal choice.... Read More

Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby... Read More

Scheduling Your Baby Naming Ceremony - the Right Time Makes All the Difference

If you're at the stage of wanting to organise a... Read More

Baby Showers To Remember

Every mother wants an enchanting baby shower for her new... Read More

Choosing a Personalized Baby Gift

Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

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

The Colic Baby

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

Basic Guide To Choosing Toys For Babies

A baby's only activities until the age of two months... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Wording

Your baby shower invitation wording can be either generic or... Read More

Keeping Baby Safe: Your Most Important Role As A Parent

Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety EquipmentOnce your... Read More

20 Popular Quotations About Babies

1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More

The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby

Your Libra Baby..September 23 - October 22Libras can be really... Read More