It’s that time of year again – the air’s getting chillier, the days are getting shorter, and kids are going back to school. This picture is from the day my son Jack (who now calls himself Otto – don’t ask!) started first grade. It feels like just yesterday.
So what do baby carriers have to do with starting school? Our school-aged children typically don’t need to be in baby carriers, but if you have younger children, you’ll be looking for a carrier that’s just right for making the trip from the car to your older child’s classroom (and some lucky mamas will be walking the whole trip!).
When this picture was taken, Maddy and I were right at the tail end of our babywearing days. Maddy was four and, at 38 lbs, getting pretty heavy! Some of the last babywearing we did was in the mornings on our way into Jack’s classroom. Maddy loved catching a last few minutes of snuggling with Mommy while we walked Jack in and I loved being able to walk at a six year old’s pace rather than a four year old’s pace. Here we are using a Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Fleece Pouch (sadly no longer available) but ring slings like the Sakura Bloom and Maya Wrap carriers are our current pick for the morning drop-off – they are super easy to get in and out of, making a ring sling perfect for our quick 20 minute trip. Another brilliant choice: the Scootababy hip carrier.
If you’ve got a longer walk, consider the Ergo Baby Carrier, either of the Beco carriers, the Pikkolo or a mei tai. These are relatively easy on/off as well, but they provide two-shouldered, comfortable support for as long a walk as you need! If you have a newborn, stretchy wraps like the Moby Wrap and the Wrapsody Stretch are easy to tie on at home, then pop baby in when you get out of the car.