I need carrier suggestions!

[mesa]

In June, and again in July, I'm going to be flying alone with my 3 kids from MN to GA. My boys are 9 and 6, and my daughter will be 13/14 months old. The prospect is enough to make grown men cry...thankfully, I'm not a man

Security, however, is scaring me just a teensy bit...I hate feeling like I'm holding everybody up behind me, and when I'm getting shoes off of the boys, emptying my pockets, putting various bags on the belt, etc etc etc, naturally, that is exactly what usually ends up happening, and that's when my husband is here to help.

But like I said, I'm flying alone, so I need a carrier that is easy to put on (my back) easy and quick to get baby into, and maybe even can be worn through the metal detector. I have a babyhawk, and I find it notoriously difficult to get my daughter into on my back, not to mention time consuming to put on. When she was tiny it was no big deal, I simply wore her through security (with merely a few raised eyebrows from TSA lackeys) but she's too big for that now. Well, I guess I *could* do it, I just don't relish the idea of checking in, lugging car seats (I love my Britax, but NOT when I'm flying ) and bags, keeping track of two crazy boys and boarding passes...you get the general idea.

I was thinking maybe an Ergo...and not because I wanted one anyway (well, maybe a little)...but I think it looks easier to finagle. Or should I just get a frame backpack? I could stand her up on the floor while sorting out shoes and stuff, then take her out, put the backpack on the belt, and be on my way...

Spam me....what would be easiest for me?

[MommaShark]

I used my Ergo to Holland and back with layovers - it was great!!! My Kelty would have been HORRIBLE!!!! Too bulky and yes you can stand it up - but you'd have to be right there in case it got bumped......you'd be knocking into everything and it's a pain to carry when empty......it doesn't fold down like the Ergo. Ergo is made in China if that matters (I didn't know that). I had a stroller too - it was a waste. He was 11 months at the time. I didn't take him out of the carrier for security.

[MittensKittens]

Are you hoping for more babies in the future? If not, I'd want something affordable at this stage. Personally, I'd opt for a MT or podaegi if you are hoping to get through security in it (no metal), or a framed backpack if you don't want to try. I find the ergo a bit too "strappy" for quick on and offs.

[To-Fu]

The last time I flew with my then-14mo, we used a buckle Mei Tai. I wish I could tell you the brand, but it has no tags and I got it at an MDC swap! It's just like a Mei Tai, though, but with buckles. The shoulder straps are meant to cross over, which I find creates better support than my Beco at times.

And although I generally prefer my Beco for back carries--and I think it's a more ethical buy than the Ergo since the Ergo is MIC--the buckle Mei Tai was much more compact and easier to stuff in a diaper bag when needed.

I don't think I'd want to have a frame backpack carrier while going through the metal detectors, eek!

[mesa]

Why do I have such a hard time getting her on my back by myself? Maybe I'm doing something wrong

Oh, it also needs to be easy easy easy to put on in the confined space inside the airplane...you know, when we get off? I just remembered the aggravation of that. Sigh...this trip is going to give me gray hairs.

Yes, a buckle MT would probably be easiest...I don't want to be tying knots.

I've never owned a frame backpack before, lol...but what you say makes sense. We'll probably have one more babe at some point, so I could reuse it. I didn't know that Ergos were made in China. Is that new? Are the Becos pretty similar?

[Drummer's Wife]

I'd get an Ergo or Beco. I love both for back carries. The ergo is definitely quicker for me to put on and take off, but others find the Beco better because of the internal harness.

With the Ergo I just put it around my waist, toss my toddler on my back, and pull up the arm straps like a back pack. He is used to back carries, though, so he knows the drill and holds on. I think it just takes practice to do it on your own.

With the Beco, you can have your LO climb into it first and then put in on your back. To me it's more complicated with the extra steps, but knowing he is safe in the carrier before flinging it on your back may be helpful.

I liked a pouch sling to carry DS on my hip for getting through security and on and off the planes. Just cause it's super quick to use and folds up really small. But I used the Beco for long walks through the actual airport since it's much more supportive.

[Quirky]

The Ergo is made under fair labor conditions in China and India, just FYI. Not that that debate has to be had here, but there are no guarantees that Made in the USA means no sweatshop labor.

Anyway.

There are no guarantees that even without metal pieces/parts that you'll be able to get through the metal detector without taking baby out and putting the carrier through the scanner. I've heard many different experiences and the only universal is that it's really up to the discretion of the security personnel. You might get through one place without having to take her off but another one might not be so flexible.

So I think it's wise to travel with nothing in your pockets, with shoes that slip on and off or velcro off for the kids, and with as little stuff as possible (ha! like that's possible with kids!). Or at least all the stuff contained in bags/backpacks so that no one has anything in their pockets.

If you're taking a stroller, I've found that it makes a great luggage cart -- put the Britax in the stroller, pile the carry-ons on top, wear the baby on the back, and gate-check the stroller.

As to baby carriers, my vote would either be for an Ergo, or even faster, for a Scootababy. The Scootababy is super-duper fast to use and doesn't have the learning curve of doing back carries by yourself. OTOH, if you get it in time and practice before you go, doing back carries by yourself esp. with a 1+ year old is very doable.

[tinyblackdot]

I would go with a Angle Pack LX. Its really nice for older children, or a Olives and Applesauce (there is a coop going on) or a Dream Carrier.

The APLX you can get from a store right now, the other 2 are WAHMs and you would have to find one on FSOT, or wait for a custom slot.

I have all 3 and i just LOVE them all, but the APLX seems to be the most versitle for the $$$.

Or if you want cheap, you could always use a pouch and just swing her around to your back.

[charleysmama23]

Had to post. I just flew with my dd, 9 months, and we used the Ergo. I did both front and back carry and it was WONDERFUL. I never had to take her off at security, didn't even get a raised eyebrow at LAX or Orlando (or in Detroit where I've flown with her before in the Ergo). It was great and I found that even at her floppy age of 9 months getting her on to my back wasn't too bad.
I am flying with her again in July when she'll be 12 months and I'll be alone and 20wks pregnant...ugh...but am praying my Ergo still works!