Great Alternative to the Stroller!

As parents we spend a great deal of time transporting our little ones. Our son is the type of child who absolutely refused to stay in a stroller for more than a short time. So, last year when we were planning a trip to Washington D.C., we decided to opt for a backpack. We did lots of research and discovered that while a bit expensive the Tough Traveler Kid Carrier got high marks for comfort and durability. We purchased it from their web site along with the sun/rain hood which we recommend if you purchase this item.

We have found that the rave reviews were justified. The backpack easily adjusts for use by either my husband or me. Although my husband uses it more often than I do. It is well cushioned and the harness is sturdy. We joke that we could stand on our heads and our son would not fall out. We used the backpack on our DC trip and our then 5 month old was happy to ride in it. It allowed him to see everything that was going on from a higher vantage point. Our now 16 month old still loves it. He spent hours in it at Disney and stayed drier than the rest of us when the FL rains came. We also use it often around the house and yard when doing chores such as mowing the lawn. He is either content to watch what is going on or even nap in it. He sometimes even asks to get in it. This has been an awesome backpack!! One big advantage is that it can go tons of places a stroller cannot.

The downside of the backpack as opposed to a stroller is that it does get heavy after some time. While the backpack distributes the weight well, it is still extra weight and after several hours you feel it. Although on the positive side I guess it is good exercise.

I am adding few important product specifications. It is made for use by adults between 5 foot and 6 foot tall. My husband and I are both in this range so I can't speak to how it might work for someone taller or shorter. It can be used for children up to 50 pounds. The backpack itself is sturdy, but lightweight weighing less than 5 pounds. The frame is aluminum and it is covered in a nylon with lots of cushioning on straps. The nylon is easily wiped clean. The specs said that part of the cover can be removed for washing. We have not needed to do this yet. It has a mesh back to help the wearer stay cool. It also has a handy large underseat pocket which is great for essential supplies such a diapers, sunscreen, sippy cups, you name it. There is also a mesh pocket on back. There are several loops that can be used to attach things. We bought a few velcro straps and added a mirror and even put a few toys sometimes that the baby can play with. The loading stand that makes it easy to put the baby in and sit it on a table or something a little higher and put it on. This stand is a wonderful feature. Finally and most importantly the set has high sides and back for the child seat which support the child very well even little ones. My son was sitting up well when we started using it but not for long periods of time and he did well for extended periods in the pack. Oh, as I mentioned the rain/sun hood is a must. It must be purchased separately for $31.50. It easily attached to the back of the pack. When up, it provides a canopy over the child to shield them from the sun. There is a fold down clear plastic piece that can be tied in front to provide additional protection from the rain. If you do not want to use it simply fold it over the back of the pack. This does mean that you have to lift it to reach the underseat pocket or mesh pocket. Hope this additional info is helpful! The web site address for this item is: http://www.toughtraveler.com/cat3.html We decided to purchase this less than a week before our trip and they had it to us in time! We were very pleased!