Guest Author - Hellie T.

Walking with a young baby is best done with a baby sling.

To continue walking once your baby can support its own head and only then it is best to change to a back pack carrier. Using a baby carrier frees you to walk wherever you used to walk before baby arrived.
They distribute baby’s weight better, lessen the strain on your back and make it easier for you to walk comfortably, as your baby gets heavier.

When choosing a baby carrier

• Look for one that is simple to adjust and comfortable to wear – when trying it on make sure you put some weight in it (a handbag, 2 bags of flour, books etc) so you can feel what it would be like with baby in it.

• Lookout for baby carriers that have pockets for all those little essentials - like wipes, nappies, bottles etc that you might need when walking with baby.

• Sounds obvious but do make sure the fabric is easy to clean.

• The best baby carriers have padded backs and can be adjusted to suit your height.

• This is important - remember that baby carriers should be adjustable to suit both mum and dad.

• They also come with frames that allow them to be freestanding. This can be very useful if you are walking alone as it lets you settle baby and strap him/her in safely before putting on the carrier.

• You can buy specially made sun umbrellas that fit onto baby carriers with which you can make sure your baby is protected and not sitting with the sun in his/her eyes as you walk.

Carriers can be used for several years. Therefore as your baby gets older and heavier it is important that your carrier remains comfortable and easy to wear because then you will be happier walking with it on a regular basis.

Walking at weekends with friends and family is a good way to enjoy your walking and grandparents love to see (and sometimes carry) their grandchild in a carrier. It is a good time to start a walking tradition in your family to ensure children grow up enjoying and looking forward to walks.

Remember to wrap your baby up warm as he/she will be sitting still and you will be striding out and therefore keeping yourself warm. Don’t forget some sunscreen and a hat for baby as well as yourself.

You can buy secondhand carriers advertised in your local paper or from friends whose babies have outgrown them. Baby carriers can also be found on eBay. If possible do try one on before you buy.

Enjoy your walking!