How do you get baby in carrier in cold/bad weather?

[lovemyfamily6]

I have a Kozy Carrier and am just getting to a point of being okay at getting my babe on my back. It's been really cold here the last week and I've been out with him several times.

My first problem is since we've gotten rain and snow, it's hard to keep the straps off the ground, so they get wet while I try to get him in there.

Second, I don't wear a coat inside somewhere, so I either have to not wear a coat (what I've been doing, but it's getting much too cold to keep that up) or not put him in the carrier until we're inside. That defeats part of the purpose of the carrier- carrying the baby hands free so I can hold my other kids hands.

Is there something I should do differently? Any tips? Is there a carrier better suited to getting on quickly (that's also good for big babies and can at least do a front and back carry)? Thanks!

[jenP]

I have a Kozy. It's been my favorite carrier since I got it! Hope my experience can help you. As for the coat, I looked into the ~$200 "mama baby" coat, then went to the Goodwill and got a very large man's wool overcoat for $9. It is big enough to go over me and the baby. I have only done this when using the front carry, but I expect it would work for the back carry, too.
As for keeping the straps dry, you could tie the carrier around your waist before you leave home. Then when you put baby in, you only have to worry about the shoulder straps. I often leave the Kozy around my waist when the baby isn't in it, if he's going to be getting back in it. I just double up the carrier part and wrap the shoulder straps around my waist and tie them to hold it all on. Looks like an obi, I think. So if you have it on your waist already, then when you get out of the car and put the baby on your back, just try to bunch up the shoulder straps in your hand as you bring them around, so they don't get wet. Then toss on your big coat and get the other kids out of the car and you're on your way!
Another possible solution, but probably not as feasible, is get a van. then you can get him in the sling and both of you bundled up before you have to go out into the cold. Just kneel and do the whole sling thing as though standing.
Hop that helps!

Jen

[e.naomisandoval]

Gosh I wouldn't mess with tying in the cold. Buckles and straps are it.

In my early 20s, I used to go whitewater canoeing every weekend, most of the year. I was broke so I used ropes to tie the stuff on the roof racks. I was dating a teacher, also pretty broke. We used to take forever to load and unload. Freezing fingers and all those knots. Ropes in the mud. Over the years, we noticed everyone done in a fraction of the time. They were all buying locking straps with buckles. We thought they were too expensive. Finally, finally, we made the committment and we never looked back! It took glorious seconds to get the boats loaded up and ready to go. Technology is wonderful!

[lovemyfamily6]

Originally Posted by EllenSandoval

Gosh I wouldn't mess with tying in the cold. Buckles and straps are it.

In my early 20s, I used to go whitewater canoeing every weekend, most of the year. I was broke so I used ropes to tie the stuff on the roof racks. I was dating a teacher, also pretty broke. We used to take forever to load and unload. Freezing fingers and all those knots. Ropes in the mud. Over the years, we noticed everyone done in a fraction of the time. They were all buying locking straps with buckles. We thought they were too expensive. Finally, finally, we made the committment and we never looked back! It took glorious seconds to get the boats loaded up and ready to go. Technology is wonderful!

Hmm...so it sounds like you're suggesting that I tell dh I need to spend more money on another carrier. An Ergo maybe? I wish I could try one without obligation of the cost. I looked at our Target and they don't have them. I thought I heard they were selling them now.

[crayon]

I use a SSC- unless I get DD in a mei tai before I leave the house- for a walk or something- but then again- I always grab my SSC- so no straps to hang on the ground. There is another thread about winter wear- and I had suggested a Peekaru Although I have not had one- just drool over one! I have heard good things about it. I do know that there are also some longer coat style covers.

I put my coat on and then DD in the carrier with her coat and gear on. She is 2.5 and would tell me if she was having any coldness or issues.

I think for the winter and a quick non dragging carry you need a buckle carrier! IMO

[jenP]

Originally Posted by lovemyfamily6

Hmm...so it sounds like you're suggesting that I tell dh I need to spend more money on another carrier. An Ergo maybe? I wish I could try one without obligation of the cost. I looked at our Target and they don't have them. I thought I heard they were selling them now.

I hated my Ergo. No offense to those selling them, but the Kozy is so much more comfortable, flexible, and yes, easier to get on and off. Tying knots is really not so difficult, people! And the straps only might touch the ground for a second when you toss them over your shoulder prior to tying it in a knot.

Jen

[crayon]

There are a lot of SSC out there other than Ergo- however, I do know that many love their ergos. I think each carrier is a very personal thing.

Now that I use my SSC- for every day stuff I would not use anything else- esp. with quick on quick offs and the ability to have something that does not drag on the ground at all.

[e.naomisandoval]

Originally Posted by jenP

Tying knots is really not so difficult, people!

Oh but the thought of taking gloves off in frigid weather to tie a knot! And fumbling with half frozen fingers.

Well perhaps you needed coaching with your Ergo! SSCs are great for a huge variety of body types. And there are more out there than just the SSC. Perhaps try the AMC II!

[jenP]

Originally Posted by EllenSandoval

Oh but the thought of taking gloves off in frigid weather to tie a knot! And fumbling with half frozen fingers.

Please. The op was talking about driving somewhere, getting out of her car, putting the baby in the carrier, then walking a short bit to a store, where she would then be warm, perhaps TOO warm if she had her coat on UNDER the carrier.
And, WHAT??? you have to take off gloves to untie a canvas carrier??? News to me!

Originally Posted by EllenSandoval

Well perhaps you needed coaching with your Ergo! SSCs are great for a huge variety of body types. And there are more out there than just the SSC. Perhaps try the AMC II!

Please don't insult my intelligence. I did not need coaching with my Ergo. For heaven's sake, I got it from a friend who swore by hers! It just was not versatile or adjustable enough for my needs, and you can't crisscross the straps.
Not every carrier is for everybody. The OP stated which carrier she was using and asked for tips. I use, and love, the same carrier and gave her some tips that I think would be very useful. Some other folks jumped on to say that in fact the whole problem is that she is using such an old fashioned carrier without the modern conveniences of the carriers they are selling. And that in fact, I need to try a new, modern carrier too, since if I had just used it right the last time I would have thrown away my old one that requires fumbling with knots with frozen fingers!
Fumbling, indeed. Snort.

Jen

[flapjack]

Clothespegs. Fold the straps down a metre at each end and then peg them together (individually)to shorten the length. I haven't had a good prod at a Kozy, but it works for my wilkinet

For a coat, I use an oversized man's fleece over a forward-facing babe on the front.

[Twinklefae]

I agree, get a large men's coat to fit over your babe. I also tie the waist straps on in the car, and then as I stand up leave them on the seat of the car (If you have other children, perhaps they could hold them for you?)while I get DS out of the car, and make sure I grab them right away after I throw them over my shoulder.

I'm a clumsy girl, if I can keep my straps dry, you can too!

[pixiepunk]

if you're wearing baby on your front, you can dangle the shoulder straps into the car until you get baby in place, then pull them over your shoulder. if baby is going on your back, i've always found it helpful to tuck the ends of the shoulder straps in my pockets (or waist band) to keep them out of wet/muddy stuff on the ground. though honestly this is why all my MT's have dark colored straps - they don't look dirty as easily!

SSC's can be a good option too, as baby gets older especially. though i didn't find them to be great for front carries, they are awesome for back carries. i don't actually think it takes any less time to put one on than a MT, but i do find them more supportive with a heavier kid, and there are definitely not dangling straps to worry about.

as for outerwear, yeah, a larger coat than you usually wear that you can toss on over the carrier and then take off again once in the store is a good option. i have a poncho for this reason - super easy to pop on and off, and it's a babywearing poncho, so it has a slit for the baby's head. that way if i am going to be wearing it for a while, baby can see out and is kept warm underneath it (which means we can both dress more lightly underneath so we don't get overheated inside).

and sometimes, once my babies were big enough to ride in a shopping cart and enjoy it, i'd just use a ring sling to get them in and out of the store. not as comfy if you're planning on wearing them the whole time you're shopping, but if you're mostly just wearing them in and out, and possibly if they get fussy for a few minutes while inside, it works just fine. and in a pinch i've worn older toddlers in a ring sling, on my back, and while i wouldn't want to do it every time i went to the store, it was fine in an emergency. and those can go on over your coat and are quick and no dangly bits scraping the dirty ground unless you have one with a ginormous tail.

[Quindin]

Talking about winter carriers, my Connecta just arrived today!

It has sherpa inside for the cold weather + I don't have to deal with the looooong Meitai straps or tails of a wrap when it is wet and yucky on the parking lot.

LOVE IT and it is comfy too!! It will work wonderfully in the British winter when my baby is born

I am pretty sure they have buckle-ties (hybrids of Meitais and soft structured carriers) in the US, but I just can't remember the name of the brands... I personally did not like soft structured carriers like the Ergo, but this buckle-tie is wonderful!

[lovemyfamily6]

The poncho is a good idea too. I'll have to look in to other carriers for a back carry or see if I can do better with my Kozy. I do like the Kozy, but can't get my babe on my back well enough. It's okay for a bit, but them my right shoulder starts to get numb. I'm sure it's operator error. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I think I have him tight enough, but it seems like he settles and then I have slack to take up. I'll have to keep trying because I'd prefer to make this one work.

[crayon]

Originally Posted by Quindin

I am pretty sure they have buckle-ties (hybrids of Meitais and soft structured carriers) in the US, but I just can't remember the name of the brands...

I know Olives and Applesauce makes a buckle tie- hips buckle shoulders tie.
$125-$135 http://olivesandapplesauce.com/policies

But that still has straps that can get wet.

[midwestmeg]

Well, if you want to learn waaaay too much about the wide world of baby carriers, head over to TheBabyWearer.com

You can see lots of photos and get some other ideas.

I would also recommend a buckle carrier for the winter. Although I like ring slings also. Sometimes I use the stroller to go from the car to the building, and then put him into a carrier.

I run into the same problem that you do...

I've been putting ds into the ring sling, over my coat with his coat on. My goal is to use my Connecta instead, but it really doesn't matter, since as soon as we're in the library or wherever we have to go through the whole coat-off process. Argh!

Florida starts to look better every day....

[flapjack]

Quindin, you are a naughty enabler I think that may turn out to be my winter carrier for NEXT winter...

[jenP]

Originally Posted by lovemyfamily6

The poncho is a good idea too. I'll have to look in to other carriers for a back carry or see if I can do better with my Kozy. I do like the Kozy, but can't get my babe on my back well enough. It's okay for a bit, but them my right shoulder starts to get numb. I'm sure it's operator error. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I think I have him tight enough, but it seems like he settles and then I have slack to take up. I'll have to keep trying because I'd prefer to make this one work.

If your shoulder is getting numb, perhaps you have the straps in the "rucksack" position? Trying them criss-crossed in front may solve that.
If he's slipping down, are you tying the knot under his bum? It can help, when you are putting him in, to lean way forward and scootch him up your back while tying the under-bum knot. I also find it helps to tie the bottom strap around my waist, NOT my hips. Keeps the kid higher on the back and closer to my body.
HTH.
Seriously, though, you are doing great getting him onto your back solo. I couldn't do that with any carrier, until the kid is old enough to climb on himself.
Jen

[Quindin]

Hmmm, I don't know
I think some carriers simply don't work for everyone.
The Kozy always got my shoulders numb and painful.. and I tried it on in every possible way.

I think it is just about how my body is built. While MANY people adore their Kozys, they just did not work for me I had 4 over a 2 year period - I really tried!!)

[jenP]

Originally Posted by Quindin

Hmmm, I don't know
I think some carriers simply don't work for everyone.
The Kozy always got my shoulders numb and painful.. and I tried it on in every possible way.

I think it is just about how my body is built. While MANY people adore their Kozys, they just did not work for me I had 4 over a 2 year period - I really tried!!)

So true! Some carriers are just not for you. Even if they do employ the "latest technology." There is no carrier that is going to work for every body. I've had 10 different styles myself!!! And the perfect one for baby one was no good for baby two.

Even so, it can't hurt to try another strap configuration, if she hasn't already. Like you said, you tried your carrier every possible way before giving up on it.

Jen