How To Make Your Baby Bath Time A Happy One

How To Make Your Baby Bath Time A Happy One

Baby bath time is a lot of fun. You must be careful though, to keep them safe while trying to get them clean. When you’re a new parent, the first bath that you give your baby can be a little tricky; but don’t worry; you’ll become a pro in no time! It would be interesting to note that baby bath time is not only about keeping your baby clean. Science, these days, reveals that multisensory experiences are very critical to helping shape your baby’s growing brain. Bath time can prove to be an excellent time that provides opportunities for touch, sight, smell and sound for you to nurture baby’s development. A mother’s gentle and loving touch during the baby's bath and some cuddle time afterward supports the baby’s healthy and happy development. In fact, research also shows that the mother’s (or father’s) touch promotes social-emotional development and even enhances the baby’s motor skills.

How often should you bathe a baby?

If you said "everyday" to the above question, unfortunately you’re wrong! You don't have to bathe your newborn every day. In fact, doing this can just make your baby's skin dry! If you're good at cleaning your baby's face, neck and diaper area, then that would already do. However, you have to try your best to choose a time when you're not in a hurry so you won't be interrupted when cleaning your baby. Most parents bathe their babies in the morning because it is the time when the babies are in good mood. If you are considering bathing your baby after feeding, you have to wait a little bit.

How to bathe a newborn?

Scrub-a-dub-dub for the babies in the tub! For bathing a newborn, use a baby bath sponge with a warm, damp washcloth in the first week and a few days more. Wash their face and hands frequently and thoroughly clean the genital area after each diaper change.

You could gradually move to a tub bath after the stump of umbilical cord dries up and falls off, and the area heals. One of the easiest ways is to use the kitchen sink or even a small baby bath tub that’s filled with warm water.​

Babies find the warm water soothing and if this is the case with your baby too, let them linger for a few minutes in the water. Some cry through the whole bath — this is when you'll want to get them in and out. Five minutes is good enough to get the baby clean before the water starts to cool down.​

When you are bathing your newborn, you could find it a little scary in the first few times and handling a wet and wiggling soapy little creature takes some practice and confidence. Just stay calm and maintain a good grip.​

What's the right temperature for baby's bath?

The water should be comfortably warm and not hot before you put your baby in. Never put your baby in the bath when the water is still running. The water temperature can change quickly. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. Some thermometers can also be a fun bath toy such as a mat. An ideal temperature would be 98-100 F (or 37-38 C), which is around the body temperature. An easy way to check is to use the elbow rather than your hand to gauge temperature. The water should feel neither hot nor cold.

When can your baby have a bubble bath?

Bubbles definitely make excellent bath time a very fun one for your baby, but you have to avoid it until your baby turns 3. By that time, your baby can tell you if he feels something bad especially when the eyes got irritated. If you’re wondering why this is so, it’s because of the bubbles -- those soaps that are not mild could some infections especially if not thoroughly rinsed off. Plus, the bubbles will also prolong your baby's bath time because of too much enjoyment and this could lead to drying out of baby’s sensitive skin. The average bath time for the baby should be no longer than 10 minutes.

However, if you still want your baby to experience a bubble bath, make sure to use a very mild soap which is specially formulated for infants, as this may not cause any irritation on baby's skin. Don't let your baby soak and stay too much on the tub. Rinse them thoroughly from head to toe with clean water.

Please remember that part of keeping your baby’s bath time fun is making sure your baby is safe. NEVER EVER leave a baby alone in the bath. Not even for a tiny second. So make sure you have all the things you will need for the bath beforehand and let the phone ring over to voicemail.​

What are some other benefits of bath time for babies?

So you thought bath time was just to have a clean baby? Apart from the learning factors that we just pointed out, some other benefits include:

• Got a fussy baby? Relax; nothing’s more comforting and calming than a bath for a baby. Give infant massage a try after your baby's bath. Most infants would love it but if you notice that your baby fusses, don’t worry — just try cuddling instead
• Puts them to sleep! If you make bath time a routine before your baby’s bedtime, the warm water works like magic which can put your baby in the great mood to sleep
• It boosts the baby-parent bond. The time spent together, feeling your gentle touch and hearing your voice lets your little one know how much they’re loved

With all the how- to’s we’ve discussed, what if you went wrong with cleaning? It would be best to know how you could go wrong to avoid it! Even though you have taken a class for caring a newborn at a hospital, cleaning and caring for the baby's delicate skin is far way different when it’s your very own baby who's in the bath! Below are a few common mistakes that you might be taking:

• You’re bathing your baby so soon. 
• You’re bathing your baby often.
• You’re using so many products. 
• You’re not keeping the temperature optimum. 

Baby Bath Time Products

Bath Seat for Baby

When your little one is old enough to sit up on their own (that’s usually between 6 and 8 months), they’re too big for a baby bathtub. One option would be to graduate them to a bath seat or baby bath ring. They help keep slippery babies in an upright position, which comes in so handy when your baby is just learning to balance on their bottom and can topple easily. But these aren’t necessary and most parents will manage without them.

Bath Toys for Babies

A little splish and a little splash! Babies, they love playing in the water, well at least most do. You’ll laugh a lot and get relaxed with your little one. Bath can definitely turn any baby's  fussy mood to a happy mood! Throw in a few good bath toys into the water and make your baby enjoy. But how would you choose the best bath toys for your baby's age and stage? An infant as young as 3 months old will love some bonding moments with you as they watch bubbles pop, the water pours. A toddler, on the other hand, will be more interested on control and coordination.

Best bath toys for toddlers

• One of the best toys for toddlers would probably be the one that makes learning fun - letters and numbers that can stick to the bathroom walls! This makes it easy to practice ABC's and number recognition while having fun in the tub
• Another fun toy is the Alex Toys Spin and Wash RubaDub Bath Toy - spin the wheel and that body part is washed. It can also give a sense of control to the toddler, thus eliminating bath fights
• Yay for indoor basketball! Munchkin Bath Dunkers Toy Set is great for hand-eye coordination
• Perfect for the little doodlers and wall writers- ALEX Toys Rub a Dub Draw in the Tub

Baby Soap

When it comes to cleaning and bathing your baby, there's a wide range of options to choose, be it baby shampoos, soaps, or even body washes. If it’s a soapless cleanser, or an organic wash, or a 2-in-1 product you're looking for, there's something out there for every baby. You’ll need soaps that are not harsh and don’t strip your baby's skin of moisture, and will keep baby's skin soft and supple (like Weleda Calendula Soap). You could also try out Aveeno Babywash and Shampoo that’s made up of natural oats extract; it’s soap-free and won't irritate baby's eyes. If your baby has a case of eczema, it’s Mustela Stelatopia Milky Bath Oil to the rescue! It is fragrance and paraben-free product and is specifically formulated to reduce skin flare-ups.

Conclusion

The time you spend with your little one is precious. Baby bath time is a wonderful time to bond with your precious baby. It is so much more than getting cleaned. It’s a wonderful chance to play, learn, grow and bond with your baby.

Originally posted 2016-06-25 10:13:28.

The post How To Make Your Baby Bath Time A Happy One appeared first on ParentsNeed.

You Are Now Pregnant- Now What? Pregnancy Plan

So you just found out you are pregnant. Congratulations! You are probably feeling a mix of emotions all at once-shocked, happy, excited, scared and a little  nervous. Let the news sink in for a minute. Take a deep breath…Let it out. Woo-sah! Now, you will probably want to get on the phone and call your family and friends (after your significant other, if they don’t already know) and share the good news. Once that is done and out the way, here comes the fun part, not really, but it is definitely necessary….A Pregnancy Plan!

Your Pregnancy Plan-9 months and counting down…

This is a list of things you need to do to prepare for your baby and questions you need to ask yourself. Please keep in mind that they aren’t in any particular order nor is this list exhaustive:

1.       Do I have a place to bring the baby?

 You need to make sure that you have a stable home to bring the baby home to. When I say stable, I am referring to a place where you can stay for a long period of time, not a place where you have to move each week or every month, etc.

2.       Do I have income or a job to support the baby?Do I have financial support from the father and others?

You need to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE now for the baby care items you will need. Make a budget that includes everything you will need for the baby, things you will need for yourself, medical expenses you will incur to have this baby, etc. Go online, go to the store and price the items that you will need to get an idea of how much you will need to save overall. Try to pick up one item every chance you get if you don’t have the money all at once. Don’t wait till the last minute. You will thank me later. Just a note, if you and your child’s father are not together and he is not supporting his child, then make sure to file for child support once your child is born. Children are expensive and will need things regardless if you have the money or not, so plan ahead. Stockpile what you can now of the baby care items you will need the most. Also, if you are going to take maternity leave and your job doesn’t offer any kind of paid time off, make sure that you save up 4-8 weeks’ worth of expenses. You don’t want to have to worry about how you will pay the bills when you are recovering from child birth.

3.       Do I have a support network?

I can’t stress enough how important a support network is now and after you have your baby.  You need to surround yourself with positive people who will be there to support you when you need them. A support network could include; significant others, friends, grandparents, in-laws, siblings, extended family, co-workers or even your neighbors. The transition from being single to having a child can be rough. It’s not about you or your needs primarily anymore. Your baby’s needs come first.  So you will definitely need support-people to talk to when you are having a rough time, when your baby won’t sleep, when your baby is still crying after you have tried everything, or when you just need advice and someone to talk to. You don’t have to go through this alone. Also, there are so many mom support groups around the area or even online.  Check out my resources page for helpful information.

4.       Do I have everything I need for the baby?

 I would suggest having a baby shower (if you can) first before going out and purchasing things. This way it will cut down on the costs of what you have to buy. Baby showers are also helpful because most first time moms don’t really know what they need, so other moms will get baby care items that they found helpful or that they needed themselves for their babies. Also, don’t believe that you need to buy out the whole store. This is the hype the marketing companies want you to believe-that your baby needs everything. Not true! Babies grow so fast that you end up not even using most of the items. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to prepare for your baby. I would suggest checking out FreeCycle, Craigslist, Unique Thrift Store, and Totswap for some or most of the baby care items you need if you don’t mind gently used items. I can tell you from personal experience that I bought my son a lot of brand new items that he never wore or used. I have no problems with second hand items now. You can save so much money going that route especially if you are a young mother and funds are tight. Also, watch for coupons to get diapers or other baby care items on sale.

5.       Do I have a pediatrician picked out for my baby?

You need to start looking around now for pediatricians. I would start by getting referrals from your family and friends on who they use. That is what I did since I was a young mother having my first child.   

6.       Do I have a doctor for my care during and after pregnancy?

Get maternity care A.S.A.P. to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. You want to make sure you are taking your vitamins and making healthy choices when it comes to your diet. You want to be in a stress-free environment.  You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of the baby growing inside of you. Babies take a lot out of your body and affect your teeth, bones, skin, etc. So it is important to take it easy during this time. Just remember that everything you do or don’t do affects your unborn child.

7.       Where do I want to deliver?

You need to figure out what hospital you want to deliver at. Most times when you choose a doctor they will let you know what hospital they deliver at. Make sure you contact the hospital to fill out the admission paperwork. Do this ahead of time so you don’t have to fill out paperwork while you are in labor. It is just one less hassle. Also, contact the hospital you choose to deliver at to get a tour of the labor and delivery floor. Make sure to keep a list of questions so you don’t forget to ask.

8.       Do I have a birthing plan?

Do you want a natural birth or do you want to be given medicine for the labor pains? Do you want to have a home birth or deliver at the hospital? Do you want a Doula or birthing coach?

9.       Do I have my hospital bag packed?

I would have this packed a couple of weeks or a month or so in advance of your delivery date because you never know when you might go into labor and need it. Make sure to have your outfit to come home in, toiletries, undergarments, blanket for baby, outfit to bring baby home in. Also, make sure the baby’s car seat is installed in the car beforehand. That is one less headache later when it is time to come home.

10.   How long will I be out on maternity leave?Will I even want to go back to work after having my baby?

You have to figure out how much time you want to take off from work to be home with your baby. You need time to recover from the birth of your baby and also to bond. Check with your job to see if they have a child birth policy that gives you paid time off. Some companies give 4-8 weeks of paid leave.  Some women decide to become stay-at-home moms after having their babies. It all depends on your finances and situation if you can do that.

11.   Do I have childcare set up for when I go back to work?

I would first take to family and friends on who provides their childcare. Check out my resources page for helpful resources. Good childcare is not cheap. You will want to set up visits to go tour potential childcare facilities to choose the best one for you and your child. Make sure to write down a list of questions you want to ask. Take someone with you for support if you need to. It is helpful to have someone there to bounce ideas off of. This is a major decision on who will help your child grow.

12.   Have I read any books on having a baby or what to expect during my pregnancy?

I know that when I was a first time mom that I didn’t have a clue. I remember asking my mom how I would know that I was going into labor. She told me that I would just know. I would suggest reading anything you can get your hands on at the library on pregnancy and childbirth. A great resource is What to Expect When You Are Expecting. Your body goes through so many changes and it is helpful to have some kind of idea what to expect. You want to know that you are not weird and you are not the only one going through this. I would also suggest talking to other moms and asking about their experiences.

13.   What kind of parent am I going to be? Will I be laid back or strict?

You need to know that there is not a right or wrong way to raise your child. You will have so many people trying to give you advice on what you should do when raising your child. But at the end of the day how your raise your child is up to you. The important thing is to balance being laid back with discipline. Start out on the right foot with your child because it is hard to change bad habits once you have started them. Kids need structure and actually crave it. I have always said I wished kids came with instruction manuals because they sure know how to test and manipulate you. If kids see a weak point in your armor, you best believe they will aim in on it and attack! Lol.  

14.   Do I have names picked out?

This one is pretty straight forward. Nowadays, they have so many baby books and online resources to help with picking out a name for your baby. They will also have you fill out paperwork at the hospital to apply for your child’s birth certificate, so it helps to have a name picked out and ready to go.

15.   Do I want to breastfeed or bottle feed my baby?

This is a really personal decision. I personally breast fed my children for a few months for the health benefits. Breastfeeding your child helps build your child’s immune system. It is also helpful in bonding with your baby. There are so many formulas on the market for your baby if you choose not to breastfeed. Make sure to check out WIC, if you qualify, for help with buying formula.

Remember, a little planning goes a long way. It will be one less thing to stress about when your baby arrives. Now, relax and enjoy your pregnancy. Nine months go by pretty quickly, and before you know it, you will be welcoming your new baby into the world. So what’s the harm in having a pregnancy plan?

Did you have a pregnancy plan? Was it helpful? Do you have any helpful tips for other young moms? I would love to hear from you! Please leave me a comment.

 

The post You Are Now Pregnant- Now What? Pregnancy Plan appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend | 2017 Reviews

Unlike women, men are much easier to find gifts for because they are less picky and less demanding. Regardless, it is important that we still pay close attention to what that special person wants to make sure that our gifts actually get used. The best way to find the perfect gifts for boyfriend is to pay close attention to him and to listen to what he really wants.

Do you know what his hobbies and interests are? Aside from these factors, you will also have to consider the occasion, how long you have been together and the budget that you have to get boyfriend gifts. You need to stay practical as it is useless to spend hundreds of dollars on an item that he will never get to use.

Quick Navigation

Quick Comparison Table

DeluxeComfort Girlfriend Pillow with Arm

Susama Yoga Foot Compression Sleeves

Makimy 3-Piece BBQ Tool Set

Catered Cravings Care Package Gift Basket

H&R Handcrafted Wooden Beer Carrier

Conclusion

Even though you have known your boyfriend for a long time, you will eventually run out of boyfriend gift ideas as you have probably exhausted all possible ideas for him. It is best to give a personalized and customized gift to the love of your life but giving out a generic gift is not that bad either.

If you are still clueless on what to give him, you might want to check out our list of the best gift ideas for your boyfriend. We have listed all the right gifts for men who love sports, barbecue, beer, snacks and…well…hugging you. Hopefully this carefully curated list will make things a lot easier for you. Happy shopping!

Quick Comparison Table

DeluxeComfort Girlfriend Pillow with Arm	Susama Yoga Foot Compression Sleeves	Makimy 3-Piece BBQ Tool Set	Catered Cravings Care Package Gift Basket	H&R Handcrafted Wooden Beer Carrier
$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$

DeluxeComfort Girlfriend Pillow with Arm

If you and your boyfriend are still not living together but love cuddling with each other whenever the opportunity permits, this is perhaps the best Christmas gifts for him. Keep him warm with this girlfriend pillow with arm so you can stay “cuddled” all throughout the night even if you are miles apart.

Your boyfriend (and his friends) will definitely have a great laugh at this cute and hilarious novelty gift that comes with body, arm and breasts of a woman. Don’t worry, it will not be a waste of money as it is made of very soft material. Yes, it will feel like a woman – they can even use the bosom part to rest their head upon for comfort. The soft arm part also goes around the neck providing even more comfort and support and will make them feel as if you are just around. The breasts come with an X right across which feels weird and unnatural but it certainly does not affect how it functions.

Giving out this hilarious gift is definitely one of the cute things to do for your boyfriend but you can also give it out to other people regardless of the occasion. Both men and women will love receiving this pillow (and yes, even young kids will love them) – give them for Christmas, Secret Santa occasions, birthdays, retirements, housewarming parties, anniversaries, Valentines and even if there is no special celebration.

This body pillow makes the perfect wife or girlfriend as it does not nag or complain. It also just stays silent and even listens to you while you share your innermost thoughts and problems. You might think twice about giving this out to your boyfriend as you would want one for yourself – get the matching boyfriend pillow, too!

We definitely love this pillow as it is hilarious and perfectly functions as intended and even more. There is no doubt about it, it deserves to be placed at the top spot in our list.

Details of the DeluxeComfort Girlfriend Pillow with Arm
Weight	14.4 ounces
Dimensions	11 x 16 x 4 inches

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Susama Yoga Foot Compression Sleeves

One of the best boyfriend gifts to give the special man in your life is this pair of foot compression sleeves. Whether he is an athletic person or not does not matter because they will surely love the support that this product provides on their feet.

This pair of foot sleeves is great for everyday use and helps reduce pain from plantar fasciitis. Whether you are on your feet all day at work or are leading an active life, this pair will provide a great deal of help. You can use them during hiking and climbing trips as it provides all the necessary ankle brace and split and tendon support to help avoid accidents and injuries.

This pair of socks is also just the right thickness so that it can be worn with shoes. It is made from nylon, latex and spandex materials to provide a great range of motion and optimum performance. It also provides heel support so it is suitable for walking, jogging, running, playing sports and other athletic activities. Although this is great for everyday wear to help reduce pain and also prevent edema, it is important to note that this should not be worn overnight.

While this product provides a lot of comfort, we do not recommend using it for extended periods as it might feel a little too tight as the elastic at the end of the sock tends to leave an mark (from being too tight) and also hurts the foot. This product comes in just one size but it tends to run small especially on wide feet. There have also been complaints from other customers that they run large – so finding the right size feet for the socks can be a little tricky.

Overall this is definitely one of the best gifts for your boyfriend to give on special occasions. It provides some amount of comfort albeit not something that should be used for extended periods. We place this one at the second spot in our list.

Details of the Susama Yoga Foot Compression Sleeves
Weight	2.1 ounces
Size	One size
Dimensions	9.4 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches

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Makimy 3-Piece BBQ Tool Set

Another awesome birthday gift ideas for boyfriend would be this 3-piece barbecue tool set which will help make barbecue parties at home, with his friends, a bit more exciting.

Let’s admit it, although women rarely permit their men to go on a night out with their male buddies, they also know that moments like this are very important in the same way that women also crave and long for the company of their girl friends. There is probably no better way to give what everyone wants than by inviting male buddies for a barbecue party over at home. And, as a gracious host, your boyfriend will definitely want to be in charge of the grill and meat so let him have it and give this awesome tool set.

If you are looking for the best presents for boyfriends (romantic or otherwise) then you should definitely consider getting this one. It uses heavy duty superior tongs, professional grade barbecue fork and spatulas that have serrated edges. Want your man to feel even more masculine while they stay in charge of the barbecue meat? This will help them easily tenderize and cut meat – no need to worry about it bending or breaking because it is made from extra thick stainless steel. Without a doubt, this will become one of his favorite grill accessories perfect for barbecue parties.

With the help of this tool set, your man will never get himself burnt as this high quality grilling set comes in just the right length. Don’t worry – they will still be at a close enough range to ensure that the meat they are grilling is cooked to perfection. And, once the meat is done, all they have to do is pick it up and transfer it using the same tools – and they will never drop another piece of meat ever again because it comes with an ergonomic design to prevent that from happening.

The perfect tools that do their function quite well – this deserves to be placed at the middle position.

Details of the Makimy 3-Piece BBQ Tool Set
Weight	2.3 pounds
Dimensions	19.7 x 5.6 x 5.5 inches

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Catered Cravings Care Package Gift Basket

Most gift baskets are designed to meet women’s needs but this one is a little bit different. In fact, we love it so much that we also want them for ourselves and not just to give out to our husbands, boyfriends, dads, brothers or male friends.

What do we love most about this care package gift basket? It is the fact that it comes with 52 assorted sweet and salty snacks all neatly packaged in a reusable bin so you can just refill it once the supply runs out. These gift baskets are the best gifts for men as they make a great companion during boys’ nights out or during a viewing party of their favorite baseball, soccer or basketball game. No matter what the occasion, you can nibble on these delicious snacks – and the women will probably want to get their share, too.

This isn’t the healthiest snacks in the planet but it doesn’t hurt to munch on these once in a while. Although this care package is design for students and those in the military, it really is great for just about anyone who just wants to have a big box of munchies close by. We love that these snacks come in a strong and sturdy Tupperware container that also has a lid to ensure that the items inside stay in perfect condition even while it is being shipped and handled by different people. Individually, these snacks can cost a fortune to buy so having everything in one little package already means a lot of savings. Plus you can just use the bin over and over, whether to house more snacks or for other purposes – it is all up to you.

Except for the fact that these really are not healthy snacks to begin with, we have no other complaints about this product. As such, we will have to place it in the fourth spot in our list.

Details of the Catered Cravings Care Package Gift Basket
Weight	3.2 pounds
Includes	52 assorted sweet and salty snacks in a reusable snack bin

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H&R Handcrafted Wooden Beer Carrier

We probably do not know of any man who does not love his beer so if you want to know what to get your boyfriend, we highly suggest giving him this handcrafted wooden beer carrier that also comes with a built-in bottle opener. This classic and tough looking beer carrier will definitely make him a head turner when he walks around bringing this – and it can fit up to six of his favorite 12oz beer bottles, enough to last him throughout the day or for a quick catch up with his friends.

Another reason why this makes one of the best birthday gifts for him is that it comes in an early American finish that gives it a rustic, antique and rugged look. Yes, it even comes with wood imperfections to help complete the look. Don’t worry about the imperfections because they certainly do not affect the quality or the integrity of the beer carrier – it is just there for aesthetic purposes.

If your boyfriend is a fan of brewing and crafting his own beer, he will probably love using this product as it is the coolest, easiest and best way to transport his bottles of homebrews. Even if it simply sits on the kitchen countertop, it still looks good especially in a man cave or a bachelor’s pad unit.

Perhaps the biggest concern we have for this product is that it isn’t the best quality that we could have hoped at the price that we are paying for. For one, the nail holes are not real and the wood slats are just glued together. We also think that the bottle opener is not attached at the best angle and it tends to create a beer spray which can be very messy when you open a lot of bottles.​

Overall, we love the product but it still comes with a few flaws here and there. At its price point, we do not think it is worth the price so we will have to place this one at the bottom of our list.

Details of the Catered Cravings Care Package Gift Basket
Weight	4 pounds
Dimensions	11.5 x 6.2 x 12 inches
Capacity	Six 12oz bottles

Check Price On Amazon

Conclusion

Whatever your boyfriend’s hobbies and interests may be, there is always a great gift idea to give him no matter what the occasion. You just have to be a little creative and imaginative in terms of what you should give him – or you can just listen to him closely to see what he wants or needs.

Whether your boyfriend loves to cook, drink beer, do sports, hug you or munch on some snacks while watching their favorite movie or TV show, we have the perfect boyfriend gift in our list. Have a great time shopping and we hope the man in your life loves our ideas, too.​

Originally posted 2016-10-01 14:53:32.

The post Top 5 Best Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend | 2017 Reviews appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Baby Backpack Carrier | 2017 Reviews

Bringing kids outdoors can be a very challenging task for families. Sure, walking around with a small baby in your arms means sharing more snuggles but doing it even within just an hour can already burn your biceps. The struggle even becomes harder as you decide to take on steep trails and rough terrains.

The solution? Use a baby backpack carrier.

When the trails no longer allow for a stroller, when you would rather want to keep your hands free or when you would rather save your spine and back from injuries, using the best baby carrier is a worthwhile investment to make.

Quick Navigation

Quick Comparison Table

Osprey Packs Poco AG Child Carrier

Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier

Thule Sapling Elite Child Carrier

Kelty Transit 3.0 Child Carrier

Phil&Teds Escape Baby Carrier

A backpack baby carrier comes in two forms: a framed and an unframed one.

A framed backpack does a much better job at distributing weight all throughout the body and also offers storage options and a few bells and whistles although they are usually bulkier and more expensive. On the other hand, unframed ones are lighter and cheaper but your kid sits at a much lower level which means that the weight could easily pull you down. They often do not have a lot of options for storage and cover but that’s what you get for opting for a lighter carrier.

With so many baby carrier backpacks to choose from, how do you choose one that is right for you and your kid? We’ve come up with a list of baby carrier reviews to help you narrow down your choices and make shopping a little easier for you.

Quick Comparison Table

Osprey Packs Poco AG Child Carrier	Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier	Thule Sapling Elite Child Carrier	Kelty Transit 3.0 Child Carrier	Phil&Teds Escape Baby Carrier
$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$
6.9 pounds	7.11 pounds	7.5 pounds	5.4 pounds	6.6 pounds

Osprey Packs Poco AG Child Carrier

Another option for a baby backpack that will keep you from suffering from back, shoulder and hip pains is the Poco AG Child Carrier from Osprey. AG stands for Anti Gravity which describes their state-of-the-art contoured suspension that helps stabilize the pack so you won’t feel the cargo on your shoulders even if you go on long hikes.

There are many things to love about this Osprey child carrier and it all starts with the suspension system. For starters, the design uses aluminum which makes it a rather lightweight carrier. Although the whole tubing frame is made from lightweight aluminum, it remains stable and can carry a load of up to 45 pounds, baby and gears combined. Another reason to love this carrier is that it comes with mesh back panels that wraps and conforms to the body, providing excellent ventilation so you won’t overheat while carrying your baby.

You baby will definitely consider this as the best hiking backpack as it comes with awesome features that ensure their comfort and safety. For starters, it has dual grab handles which make it easy to pick up and set down the carrier. The cockpit area is fully framed and padded for safety and it also comes with a removable and washable drool pad to make sleeping comfortable.

We also love the storage options for this carrier. The zippered stash pocket allows for small items such as keys, money or a small phone. Meanwhile, the stretch mesh harness pocket allows parents to have a quick access to trail snacks and other baby items. Of course, there is also a removable daypack, built-in sunshade, adjustable and removable stirrups plus an adjustable torso for wearers of different heights and torso lengths.

If you have a little more budget to move around, you can also check out the Plus and Premium models. Unfortunately, as much as we love these carriers, we found that their hip belts easily dig in to the skin which makes hiking for long periods slightly uncomfortable. Still, this one deserves to be placed at the top position in our list.

Details of the Osprey Packs Poco AG Child Carrier
Weight	6.9 pounds
Dimensions	29 x 15 x 17 inches
Colors	Black, Seaside Blue, Ivy Green
Recommend Weight	7 to 45 pounds

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Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier

When it comes to providing real kid comfort, the Deuter Kid Comfort III certainly lives up to its name. Often referred to as the Cadillac of backpack carriers, this backpack offers quite a lot of features that both parents and kids will surely love.

What do we like most about this child carrier? For starters, we love that this one provides among the most comfortable rides for kids. Your little one sits higher behind you which means that they get to see over your shoulders better, perfect for entertaining kiddos on long hikes. It will take a bit of getting used to but the protection that this setup provides is superb.

Another thing to commend about these Deuter backpacks is that they make carrying heavy children much easier for parents. The hip belt moves and flexes to adjust to changes so that the actual load does not shift from side to side. Regardless of the types of terrain you encounter, you can be sure that both parent and kid will stay secure and comfortable all throughout.

Other smaller details that we like about this carrier are the removable and washable pillow (which makes it comfortable for kids even as they doze off to sleep), the compatibility with a hydration system (making it convenient for moms and dads) and the small mirror that allows parents to make a quick check on their babies behind them. It also allows side entry perfect for older kids and comes with a cute stuffed bear for the little one.

But, as much as we love this beautiful backpack carrier, we think that it is a little too heavy and bulkier than we would have liked. At already 7 pounds, putting a baby inside plus gears will make it a very huge and heavy system although it does have a huge storage capacity. Because of this, we will have to place the Deuter pack in the second spot in our list.

Details of the Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier
Weight	7.11 pounds
Dimensions	17 x 13 x 31 inches
Colors	Black/Granite
Recommend Weight	7 to 45 pounds

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Thule Sapling Elite Child Carrier

Yet another premium child carrier we recommend next to the Osprey is this child carrier from Thule. It does belong to the rather expensive price range but it comes with a lot of great features and advantages.

What we like most about their toddler backpacks is that they come with a very streamlined, sleek and modern design, much like their regular backpacks. It does not look as bulky as the others yet provides pretty much the same passenger weight and storage capacity. This Thule carrier comes with an adjustable back panel and hipbelt so parents of different heights and torso lengths can take turns using it without any problem.

As you can expect from a premium baby backpack, this carrier comes with a load stabilizer. What parents do is to simply pull the straps for on-the-go adjustments. The child is pulled closer to the parent’s body to provide a more comfortable carry. We also love that it comes with a dual load option so your child can get inside from the top or, when they grow older, from the sides.

This carrier also allows installation for a hydrating system so you don’t have to reach out at the back for your bottle of water. As for your baby’s needs, you can easily put them in the mesh pockets, removable backpack or in the large zippered compartment. Of course, let us not forget other features such as the sunshade, removable stirrups, zippered hipbelt, mirror and unique kick stand design!

But, let’s face it, as awesome as the Thule backpack reviews may be, it still has a few cons on the side. Its price is a major factor that discourages parents, especially those just new in the outdoors lifestyle to make such a hefty investment. Its canopy does not function as well as those of the other brands but still usable. The same thing can also be said for its lower storage compartment and child compartment pillow. For this, we are placing it in the middle of our list.

Details of the Thule Sapling Elite Child Carrier
Weight	7.5 pounds
Dimensions	12.25 x 28.75 x 13.75 inches
Colors	Dark Shadow/Slate, Slate/Cobalt
Recommend Weight	7 to 45 pounds

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Kelty Transit 3.0 Child Carrier

If you are looking for a combination of a stroller, diaper bag and daypack all in one – but with a very lightweight design – check out the Kelty Transit 3.0 Child Carrier.

What is great about this Kelty kids carrier? This carrier comes with all the awesome features that you can find in a full-featured child carrier but it is less bulky. Despite that, it can carry up to 40 pounds of weight (baby and gears, combined) but it definitely leaves a much smaller footprint compared to other models and brands. This carrier can even adjust to the growing needs of your child: simply adjust the harness and the height of their seat as they start growing taller.

Another thing to love about this Kelty backpack is the sliding torso adjuster. This allows wearers of different heights and torso lengths to use the carrier alternately without any problem. In terms of storage space, this carrier does not disappoint and even offers a bigger capacity compared to the Deuter Kid Comfort II. Its maximum storage capacity is 1300 cubic inches.

However, it is still far from being a perfect product. It does come with a hood that helps protect your kiddo against the rain and the sun; no need to buy separately. Sadly, the hood can be a challenge to use and definitely not as good as those of the competitors’ sun shades. Using this carrier might also make you experience some slight discomfort especially when using during longer periods. Since it is not a full-featured carrier, it does not come with load weight adjustment options.

If you are very particular about distributing weight all throughout your body, go for a carrier that has load adjuster straps to help bring your load to the center of your back. Still, the Transit carrier is not such a bad choice considering its storage options and its price point. We place this one at the fourth position in our list.

Details of the Kelty Transit 3.0 Child Carrier
Weight	5.4 pounds
Dimensions	12 x 21 x 12 inches
Colors	Evergreen, Legion Blue
Recommend Weight	7 to 40 pounds

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Phil&Teds Escape Baby Carrier

For parents looking for a no-frills backpack baby carrier that does its job well without letting you think about too many things, Phil&Teds Escape Baby Carrier is your best option.

We are placing this carrier at the bottom of the list not because it is the least in our list but because we think there are still a lot of things to check out about this product and this brand, in general.

When it comes to backpack carriers, Phil&Teds does not necessarily come to mind first thing especially if you are not from New Zealand. Still, we think that checking out their products is definitely worth a try. 

Now, there are many things we like about this carrier. At first glance, it looks very much like the Thule and we really love its sleek, modern look. The entire carrier already comes with the carrier itself plus a sun hood, daypack, changing mat (hooray!!!), mirror and stirrups. The introduction will probably be enough to convince you to get this one.

The foot stirrup is a lot different from the designs that other brands come with and your child’s little feet stays securely and comfortably inside, even through rough terrains. We also love the modern looking removable day pack and the compatibility for a hydration system. Say goodbye to heavy water bottles!

As for your kiddo, they can stay safe inside with the adjustable and padded harness supports. Even as they start dozing off, they will not easily be shaken around (while you go and continue your hike) because of the snug shoulder cradle and moldable headrest. Another reason to love this hiking baby carrier, which is also perfect for urban hikes, is its very compact fold making it ideal for traveling. Cool, right?

Actually, we think that this carrier deserves to be placed higher up the ranks but we will give it the benefit of the doubt and place it here, at the bottom, for the time being. Still, we highly recommend giving this product a look!

Details of the Phil&Teds Escape Baby Carrier
Weight	6.6 pounds
Dimensions	29.9 x 12.6 x 5.9 inches (folded)
Colors	Grey/Red, Grey/Charcoal
Recommend Weight	Up to 39.7 pounds

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Looking for the best backpacks for hiking can be very intimidating and challenging especially for parents who are just starting out to bring their kids outdoors. Choosing a backpack or a daypack is very different from choosing a baby backpack carrier as you do not only consider your own comfort and safety but also that of your passenger.

Ultimately, the best way to find your perfect match is to read recommendations and give the products a try. Find which one will fit your physical requirements (height, torso length, height and weight of the child and so on) and make your decision from there. Happy shopping!​

The post Top 5 Best Baby Backpack Carrier | 2017 Reviews appeared first on ParentsNeed.