Recommended Products

 

The following are a few things I've tried and loved. I'm open to other considerations and recommendations!

 

There are all sorts of carriers: good and bad! I started off with a tramping style backpack carrier but found it very heavy and cumbersome but that's just me and i've met others who love them. The carriers below are the ones I personally use at the moment. If you are interested in trying a carrier like those below and finding out what else is avaliable then I would recommend contacting Babywearers Manawatu which has a library of carriers that you can try for a small charge.

Babywearers website: babywearers.weebly.com or Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/babywearersmanawatu/

 

 

 

Snuggle Bug Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The carrier I use mostly for tramping is an Ergo Performance. 

I like this carrier because it's reasonably comfortable even over long distances but particularly as it has a good waterproof hood and a pocket to put things in. It also has handy loops so when i've got it on my back I can clip a backpack on to my front (a macpac backpack which comes with clips on it). 

Belly Beyond - NZ Ergobaby Stockists

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other carrier I use, generally for shorter walks is a Mei Tai. You can buy these but this one I made and it wasn't too difficult. This I find much more comfortable for front carries.

Mei Tai Pattern and Instructions

 

 

There's probably nothing quite as important if you're venturing into the bush as good quality waterproof raingear. 

 

 

Suzes Kinder Deluxe Babywearing Coat

 

The Suzes Kinder Raincoats solve the problem of what to do if it's 

raining. 

They do a cheaper poncho version but the deluxe coat seems to have it all. It 

can be used for back, front or side carries. It has inbuilt hoods front and back but also extra heavy duty hoods for you and baby that can clip on. It also has a removable polar fleece inner which can also be removed and used as a separate baby wearing polar fleece. I get many crazy looks wearing this coat but the picture of the front carry is during a tropical cyclone where we were standing out in the elements and it kept us both warm and dry. They're expensive but well worth it! It is complicated though, it's the only coat i've ever had to look up on you tube to figure out how to use it...

Adventure Kids - NZ Suzes Kinder Stockists

 

 

When Mr Explorer decides he doesn't want to be carried but it's raining he needs his own raincoat. I really, really struggled to find something that's actually rainproof not just shower proof. Most stockists seem to think children shouldn't go out in the rain till they're at least four. This nicely modeled outfit is from Mum2Mum, they do raincoats from age 1 and up and they're actually waterproof. You can also get waterproof overalls or trousers. These are the trousers, I find them easier mainly in terms of nappy changes in the bush than overalls. The bright red is also easily visible, they also do a variety of other colors.

 

Mum2Mum Site