Babywearing: Carriers For Older Babies

Although you can certainly use any of the previously featured carriers with an older baby, there are a few that are designed only for this purpose. If you close your eyes and picture carrying your older baby around the house, how are you holding her? Chances are you've got her on your hip, right? Wouldn't it be convenient to carry her that way, but have your arms free? That's the idea behind the last two carriers this week.

Scootababy

The Scootababy is a structured carrier designed for a hip carry only. Your child must have very good head control before using this carrier! I've not had a chance to use the Scootababy with an actual child yet, as my daughter isn't old enough and my son is too big. It's a little awkward to get on the first few times, but you get used to it pretty quickly. It seems comfortable, and I really think we'll get a lot of use out of it once Savannah is older.

Scootababy Stats:
Potential carrying positions: Hip only
Weight limit: starting at about 4-6 months, or whenever baby has very good head control. Upper limit of 37 pounds.
Adjustable?: Yes. The Scootababy should fit both parents, and can be used on either the right and left side.

The Scootababy is available online and retails for $119. Product was provided in conjunction with a previous review opportunity.

Kemby Sidekick

The Kemby Sidekick is a one-of-a-kind baby carrier hybrid. It combines a baby bag and a baby carrier in one unique and useful product. You wear the bag, and when your child wants to be carried you access the hidden carrier panel, make a few zips and adjustments, and off you go! Baby sits in a hip carry, with their bottom on top of the Kemby Sidekick. The bag itself is a fully functional baby bag, including a changing pad, insulated pouch, wipes case, and plenty of pockets.

To use the Kemby Sidekick, your child must have very good head control. I've seen the Kemby Sidekick in action and although very unique, I'm not sure how practical it is for full-time babywearing. Turning the bag into a carrier is easy enough, but it does take both hands and a few minutes. If you don't babywear very often it'd be a great investment. It would definitely be useful when your child is at the stage where she wants to walk everywhere but tires easily. The Kemby Sidekick would allow you to keep the stroller at home, and wear her when she tires of walking.

Kemby Sidekick Stats:
Potential carrying positions: Hip only
Weight range: from good head control to 35 pounds
Adjustable?: Slightly. You can adjust the shoulder strap, but that's it. And it's doubtful that dad would want to use this carrier.

The Kemby Sidekick can be purchased online and retails for $165.