Hikers, Backpackers, campers - what baby carrier?

Rosalie B. wrote:
snip
I think generally the key to traveling/touring with children is to
take it easy within their capabilities.

My youngest daughter (dd#3) visited her older sister and had a couple
of days in London when her kids were 6 years old (her ds) and 26
months.(her dd)

We left on time Fri the 13th. The weather made the first part of the flight
a bit bumpy causing ds to refuse food. DD was unperturbed and ate
whatever she wanted. They both slept a few hours in the beginning and a few
at the end.

They went to Stonehenge first and then went to my dd#1's house,
where..

We all had lessons in how to use the toilets and the electric
shower. We all went to bed early feeling weird and tired.

They went to dd#1's oldest child's first communion the next day and
then for a picnic at Bowood House and to play on the playground.

I think we went to eat at the Indian restaurant down the street
.. that evening. ds liked the chicken when he finally tried it.
DD was too tired to eat either that or she'd had her fill already
and deemed dinner unnecessary. She kept trying to play with
the electrical outlets just above my seat.

Monday 16th.. we went to Warwick Castle.

Tuesday we were on our own to take the bus to Gloucester. - we managed
the bus without too much problem.

Wed. .. we head into Wales to St Fagan's Family life park...
..
My sister, dh and I took turns carrying dd who's plan was not to have her
feet touch the Welsh soil.

This child is tiny and not very heavy, but having some kind of carrier
would have prevented this.

.. We had fish and chips for dinner. Kids tried the fish, but preferred the chicken nuggets.

Thursday we were going to go to Bourton on the Water in the afternoon. We
decided that in the morning while we were waiting we'd go to the local playground.
..DD claimed possession of the playground and protested anytime another
child showed up to play. We went back to the house ... I managed
to discover a secret way of unlocking the door and consequently when
my sister arrived she could not get in...

We went to a pub called the Air Balloon that evening.
DH had sausage and mash which dd took a particular liking too.
She so enjoys eating off of other peoples plates that we don't
order an entree for her anymore.

Friday my sister drove us to the bus station and we said goodbye heading off to
London. After checking into the hotel we walked several blocks to Harrods'
and shopped a bit. Then we caught the Big bus and rode around Kensington.
When we hopped off one bus and onto another we soon discovered it was going
back to Harrods' and hopped off. We walked to Buckingham palace where we saw
a mini changing of the guards. We found a playground nearby and let the kids
play. We then started walking back toward the hotel looking for a place to
eat on the way. Debbie recommended Bella Pasta and we happened upon it and
ate there. We walked back to the hotel after dinner quite tired and all went
to bed.

Sat. we got up early and went to the supermarket down the street and bought
muffins and juice for breakfast and water for the day(8 muffins juice and
water for under 5 pounds). We took our food and walked to Hyde park to sit
and eat. DD and DS enjoyed feeding the pigeons. I found them quite
amusing myself. We then headed towards Diana's playground only to find it
didn't open till 10 so we headed for the nearest Big Bus stop in Marble
Arch. We go on the red line bus with the live commentary which is very
entertaining and rode around to the London Transport museum. We did the
museum which the kids really enjoyed and ate lunch at a sandwich shop while
we waited for the bus again. Took the bus around to the Tower of London
where we got off the find the Thames river cruise. Rode the boat back up to
Westminster Pier and then walked to the Abbey. Got back on the bus for the
last time as our 24 hours was coming to a close and rode to Trafalgar
square. We did some shopping, popped into the national art museum and DH
and DD ate an ice cream cone in the square. Then we took the tube back
to Hyde park and walked to Diana's playground for the kids to play awhile.
DD spent her time talking to some other little girl that couldn't talk
back as she had a pacifier in her mouth that looked permanent, and DS
went off to play on the pirate ship. We finally dragged them away and rode
the tube as close to the hotel as possible. Deciding it was too late to go
out again we ate at the hotel. After dinner DH went back to the market and
got breakfast for the morning and I gave the kids a bath and put them to
bed.

Early Sunday morning we took a taxi to the rail station and got the Gatwick
express to the airport. We waited for the flight and soon it was apparent
that something was delaying our flight. DH went to check with information
and found out that our plane had been struck by lightning coming in that
morning and that a back up plane was being prepared, but it wouldn't leave
until 2 1/2 hours later than the scheduled flight. So we shopped in that
airport and ate some lunch. The plane was full as it was on the way out. I
was sitting on the aisle with DD next to me and DH was across the
aisle with DS. A middle eastern woman was sitting next to DD by the
window. DD was behaving herself fairly well and slept a good bit at the
beginning of the trip. At meal time the woman next to us ordered coffee and
somehow decided that coffee was her name and referred to her as
Coffee the rest of the trip! DD who is at the stage of asking what
everyone is doing all the time kept saying, " What's Coffee doing? and
Coffee's sleeping." Thankfully I don't think the woman realized any of this.
She did comment on how much DD talked probably wishing she'd be quiet
I'm sure. DS felt much better on this flight and ate his meal.

On Jan 29, 9:25 pm, "
wrote:
We have the Kelty Base Camp, which I *believe* was discontinued (we
got a great deal on it at REI). It's got the kickstand, and although
it doesn't have the nifty clicking back-height-changing thingamabob,
it's still adjustable and both DH (6 feet) and I (5 feet on a good day
with very high heels) can wear it. It doesn't have the canopy, but
you can buy that extra.

My friends used their Ergo for their then-18-month when we went car
camping with them last summer -- we went on short day hikes (a few
miles at most), and their kid got plopped on their back and promptly
fell asleep. If you're just doing car-camping and are not going on
miles and miles of hikes, I think the Ergo (or Kozy, for that matter,
although it doesn't have the head thingy that the Ergo has) would be
fine, and like someone else said, it's so much more packable. But for
longer hikes, I like the frame backpacks better. Are you limited to
REI packs with your gift cert, or can you use it for any pack they
carry? Like I said, we got our Kelty at REI.

It's an REI gift card, so we have to buy something there, but any
brand. WE can actually buy a tent, since we need a bigger one, and get
a carrier elsewhere.

I'm a former backpacker, but I think with small kids we'll limit it to
car camping or not more than a mile from the car camping. I love
backpacking, but don't relish lugging gear and children...

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
Rosalie B. wrote:
snip
I think generally the key to traveling/touring with children is to
take it easy within their capabilities.

My youngest daughter (dd#3) visited her older sister and had a couple
of days in London when her kids were 6 years old (her ds) and 26
months.(her dd)

We left on time Fri the 13th. The weather made the first part of the
flight
a bit bumpy causing ds to refuse food. DD was unperturbed and ate
whatever she wanted. They both slept a few hours in the beginning and a
few
at the end.

They went to Stonehenge first and then went to my dd#1's house,
where..

We all had lessons in how to use the toilets and the electric
shower. We all went to bed early feeling weird and tired.

They went to dd#1's oldest child's first communion the next day and
then for a picnic at Bowood House and to play on the playground.

I think we went to eat at the Indian restaurant down the street
.. that evening. ds liked the chicken when he finally tried it.
DD was too tired to eat either that or she'd had her fill already
and deemed dinner unnecessary. She kept trying to play with
the electrical outlets just above my seat.

Monday 16th.. we went to Warwick Castle.

Tuesday we were on our own to take the bus to Gloucester. - we managed
the bus without too much problem.

Wed. .. we head into Wales to St Fagan's Family life park...
.
My sister, dh and I took turns carrying dd who's plan was not to have her
feet touch the Welsh soil.

This child is tiny and not very heavy, but having some kind of carrier
would have prevented this.

.. We had fish and chips for dinner. Kids tried the fish, but preferred
the chicken nuggets.

Thursday we were going to go to Bourton on the Water in the afternoon. We
decided that in the morning while we were waiting we'd go to the local
playground.
..DD claimed possession of the playground and protested anytime another
child showed up to play. We went back to the house ... I managed
to discover a secret way of unlocking the door and consequently when
my sister arrived she could not get in...

Are you recommending these as trips from London? I'd regard them as Midland
mostly. Yes, you could go from London, I'm sure there would be coach trips,
but you'd be looking at hours drive each way, which I don't think would be
ideal with small ones.

We went to a pub called the Air Balloon that evening.
DH had sausage and mash which dd took a particular liking too.
She so enjoys eating off of other peoples plates that we don't
order an entree for her anymore.

I know the "Air Balloon". Eaten there several times. #1's had the bangers
and mash... (I think I'll give her that tonight actually!) Just outside
Cheltenham isn't it?
We pass it between the IL and here. There're some tables in cubby holes
which if you can get are pretty private which is nice.

Friday my sister drove us to the bus station and we said goodbye heading
off to
London. After checking into the hotel we walked several blocks to Harrods'
and shopped a bit. Then we caught the Big bus and rode around Kensington.
When we hopped off one bus and onto another we soon discovered it was
going
back to Harrods' and hopped off. We walked to Buckingham palace where we
saw
a mini changing of the guards. We found a playground nearby and let the
kids
play. We then started walking back toward the hotel looking for a place to
eat on the way. Debbie recommended Bella Pasta and we happened upon it and
ate there. We walked back to the hotel after dinner quite tired and all
went
to bed.

Sat. we got up early and went to the supermarket down the street and
bought
muffins and juice for breakfast and water for the day(8 muffins juice and
water for under 5 pounds). We took our food and walked to Hyde park to sit
and eat. DD and DS enjoyed feeding the pigeons. I found them quite
amusing myself. We then headed towards Diana's playground only to find it
didn't open till 10 so we headed for the nearest Big Bus stop in Marble
Arch. We go on the red line bus with the live commentary which is very
entertaining and rode around to the London Transport museum. We did the
museum which the kids really enjoyed and ate lunch at a sandwich shop
while
we waited for the bus again. Took the bus around to the Tower of London
where we got off the find the Thames river cruise. Rode the boat back up
to
Westminster Pier and then walked to the Abbey. Got back on the bus for the
last time as our 24 hours was coming to a close and rode to Trafalgar
square. We did some shopping, popped into the national art museum and DH
and DD ate an ice cream cone in the square. Then we took the tube back
to Hyde park and walked to Diana's playground for the kids to play awhile.
DD spent her time talking to some other little girl that couldn't talk
back as she had a pacifier in her mouth that looked permanent, and DS
went off to play on the pirate ship. We finally dragged them away and rode
the tube as close to the hotel as possible. Deciding it was too late to go
out again we ate at the hotel. After dinner DH went back to the market and
got breakfast for the morning and I gave the kids a bath and put them to
bed.

That would be more what I'd call "out in London". Natural History Museum can
be good with little ones, particularly if they're into dinosaurs. We took
ours when they were 3yo and about 2 months. #1 loved it, #2 spent her time
feeding next to the dinosaurs but I don't think she was bothered.
I think you're not allowed to feed the pigeons any more.
Hamley's (toy shop) is worth taking children too.
Legoland Windsor (near the palace) is a good day trip if you've got a lot of
money to spend. (about £25 each, under 3s free) You can get public transport
there quite easily. If you use the train then they do an offer where you get
the train, bus and entrance ticket in one which saves a little. There's a
lot for even quite tinies to go on (#2 loved the carosole from about 4
months)
If you want to go to Diana's fountain then check before you go. It seems to
shut fairly frequently due to workings, weather (I think it was too hot one
year) people slipping over (or maybe the only time we hear about it is when
it's shut)
Generally London is better for the older ones, if more expensive. There are
plenty of places to go, but many of them aren't ideal with little ones. I'd
say we have a lot more option of places #1 would enjoy (age 6) than #2 (age
3) in London. Further out it's not as much of a problem.
Debbie

Rosalie B. wrote:
Rosalie B. wrote:


Wed. .. we head into Wales to St Fagan's Family life park...
.
My sister, dh and I took turns carrying dd who's plan was not to have her
feet touch the Welsh soil.

This child is tiny and not very heavy, but having some kind of carrier
would have prevented this.

Huh? Why would they specifically not want the child's feet to "touch
Welsh soil"???

Karen, who comes from a long line of Jones'

"dkhedmo" wrote in message
ink.net...
Rosalie B. wrote:
Rosalie B. wrote:


Wed. .. we head into Wales to St Fagan's Family life park...
.
My sister, dh and I took turns carrying dd who's plan was not to have
her
feet touch the Welsh soil.

This child is tiny and not very heavy, but having some kind of carrier
would have prevented this.

Huh? Why would they specifically not want the child's feet to "touch
Welsh soil"???

I read it as the child didn't want to walk.

Welches wrote:
[snip]
Are you recommending these as trips from London? I'd regard them as Midland
mostly. Yes, you could go from London, I'm sure there would be coach trips,
but you'd be looking at hours drive each way, which I don't think would be
ideal with small ones.
[snip]

Yes, I'd agree with Debbie on this. If you are based in London, the
kids will have done so much travelling to get to these places no-one
will enjoy it.

Another possibility, for a daytrip out of London, is to go to Brighton.
There are direct trains from Victoria Station, and the journey is
probably about an hour. But you get to see the sea, and a lovely
British beach, complete with pebbles.

--
Penny Gaines
UK mum to three

Penny Gaines wrote:

Welches wrote:
[snip]
Are you recommending these as trips from London? I'd regard them as Midland
mostly. Yes, you could go from London, I'm sure there would be coach trips,
but you'd be looking at hours drive each way, which I don't think would be
ideal with small ones.
[snip]

Yes, I'd agree with Debbie on this. If you are based in London, the
kids will have done so much travelling to get to these places no-one
will enjoy it.

Another possibility, for a daytrip out of London, is to go to Brighton.
There are direct trains from Victoria Station, and the journey is
probably about an hour. But you get to see the sea, and a lovely
British beach, complete with pebbles.

No I wasn't recommending them as daytrips from London. DD#1 (whom she
was visiting) lived in Cheltenham. I was just giving that as an
example of what kind of schedule you might have when traveling with
children.

The London part was the last weekend where she said that my DD#1 put
them on the bus for London.
..

"toypup" wrote:


"dkhedmo" wrote in message
link.net...
Rosalie B. wrote:
Rosalie B. wrote:


Wed. .. we head into Wales to St Fagan's Family life park...
.
My sister, dh and I took turns carrying dd who's plan was not to have
her
feet touch the Welsh soil.

This child is tiny and not very heavy, but having some kind of carrier
would have prevented this.

Huh? Why would they specifically not want the child's feet to "touch
Welsh soil"???

I read it as the child didn't want to walk.

Yes that was it - meant to be a wry joke although it was originally
written as not to touch English soil which wouldn't have been accurate
as they were in Wales.

The child was only 26 months at the time and too young to have any
particular animus against the Welsh (or feelings for them either).

http://p.vtourist.com/2910018-Beth_a...Stonehenge.jpg
http://p.vtourist.com/2760062-Me_and...ham_Palace.jpg
http://p.vtourist.com/2873082-Eating...eam-London.jpg
http://p.vtourist.com/2910017-Travel...int_Fagans.jpg
http://p.vtourist.com/2910015-Things...int_Fagans.jpg
http://p.vtourist.com/2910014-Things...int_Fagans.jpg

On Jan 27, 10:18 am, "cjra" wrote:

If you camp/backpack, which type of carrier do you prefer?

We had one of the big backpack carriers and hardly ever used it.
Neither of us liked it at all. It's bulky, heavy, hot, and it puts
the kid way up high, thereby messing up your center of gravity. And
despite putting the baby in it on the ground, it's still hard to get
into the darned thing, at least for me.

I MUCH, MUCH preferred this:

http://www.kozycarrier.homestead.com/

You can carry the child on your front, side, and back. It's got all
the right straps, so that the weight is transferred to your hips
instead of shoulders. It's good for young babies, and even older
toddlers. We still occasionally used it when my daughter was 3.5 years
old. It can be used for even older kids than that. And, when not in
use, it can fit in your diaper bag. And your center of gravity
doesn't really change. I felt WAY more stable in it. And it adds
maybe 1 pound over the weight of the child.

I really wish I'd found it earlier - I'd have worn my baby more. I
never got the hang of slings, and the bjorn was hard on my back. This
is not. And we did plenty of hikes with our daughter using this,
when she was 2 - 3.5 years old. Honestly, I'd consider taking it now,
as my daughter (now 5) still gets tired on longer hikes.

Cathy Weeks

On Jan 29, 12:32 am, wrote:
On Sun, 28 Jan 2007 23:11:59 GMT, in misc.kids Rosalie B.

wrote:
Although I didn't hike much with a baby, I did hike a lot with the
kids when they were pre-school. I've just found a letter from my mom
about hiking in Yosemite and the Pinnacles in California. She said
that for every step they took, the children (who would then have been
about 2.5 and 5) took three - running up ahead and then coming back.
At one point they got together and pushed my dad along. They did the
Vernal Falls trail, although the younger one did have to be carried a
little bit.

I just took my tot for a 10.7 mile hike today. I pushed her in her jogging
stroller. On well groomed trails and on logging roads a jogging stroller is
the way to go! Last week I pushed her 9 miles. Her stroller has 16 inch
pneumatic tires.

Yes, besides our Kozy Carrier (asian-style carrier) we used our jog
stroller ALL THE TIME. She did lots and lots of hikes in that.

Cathy Weeks