[Pinky101]

Hi,

DD is currently 20 months, but we are planning a trip when she is around 2 years 9 months during which I would like to use a backpack carrier (probably as well as a stroller).

I like the idea of the Ergo (Performance model probably), and I think I would use it a bit from now until the trip, but how old/heavy would she be when I have to stop using it/it becomes uncomfortable? Do many people still use it for 3 year olds?

We are currently in discussions about having a second baby, but I wouldn't want to buy on that basis as I'm not certain it will happen. I'm just wondering how much use I'm likely to get out of it past 2 years 9 months. She is currently 50th percentile for height and weight, so I would expect she would be no more that 14 kg at 2 years 9 months.

Thanks for any advice

[cassi8]

According to the website its 20kgs but tested to 41kgs. Thanks for reminding me to look it up, we are going to the US in Sept and I have been meaning to cheak to see if my nearly 4yo would fit. Going to try it when I get home, he is only 15.5 kgs

[Laam]

My DS will be 3 in a few weeks, he is just over the 97th percentile fr height and weighs about 15kgs. I do put him in the ergo still however i cant carry him for long periods, propbably an hour max. I do admit to being terribly unfit and I think he wouldn't fit if I was much shorter then I am (178cms) just as his legs hang so low. so you may be kay but I would be inclinded to reseach other slings too.

does a friend or family member have one you can borrow to try?

[Shanski]

I have a manduca (very similar) and I have carried a nearly 4 year old. She is 110cm and weighs 20kg. I don't carry her for long, usually about 30-40mins at a time.

I use mine mostly for my miss 19months who is about 83cm and weighs 13kg. She will often fall asleep for about 40min while in the back carry position.

My main advice would be to buy it early and start practicing using it. Getting her used to being carried in it will make your trip a lot easier.

[CallMeProtart]

I'd still put DD 3.5yo in it, but I think she's only about 14kg still.
I'm not strong, so I wouldn't walk around in it for hours, but DH probably would if we were bushwalking or something, and I still carry it everywhere that there will be a lot of walking, for those unforseen "mummy I'm TIIIIIIRED" moments where the only alternative otherwise is to physically carry them with my arms, which is way worse!

[solongsuckers]

We still use ours for 16kg 3.5 yr old. I can carry her in it even with a bad back.

[pium]

DS is 3 years 2 months and about 13 kg and I put him in it regularly. He likes it and seems to find it comfortable as he's fallen asleep on my back on a few occasions.

I like it but I'd probably try on of those Katmandu style toddler backpacks if I were doing any real hiking instead of ambling along a country road for an hour. Bonus of the ergo is that is soft and can be bundled up in a bag as a just in case option if DS needs a rest.

[Kwyjibo]

I know people who still use an Ergo with their toddler (2+) so you should be fine.

But you may want to check out a few carriers that are slightly bigger and aimed for toddlers/preschoolers.

Such as:

Patapum Toddler Carrier
Wompat carrier, comes in 4 sizes.
Kinderpack
Olives & Applesauce - Custom 18inch available

And there is always the Boba 2G. I have one and the back is quite high. Still plenty of room to grow with my 15 month old.

[solongsuckers]

The Olives and applesauce are great. I have a bamberoo and I love that one., so supportive and good for bigger kids.

[bluedragon]

I have a Manduca, DS is still young (14 months and 11kgs) but is quite tall for his age and one of the reasons I got a Manduca over and ergo is because is can be unzipped to make it taller. This way I'm hoping it will last him longer. Might be worth considering a Manduca too depending on the size of your DD, they are the same price as the normal ergo.