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With the weather warming up, we will be spending more time outside with our little ones. Ask Tinyhood Gear Expert, Natalie, how to dress your kiddos for the ever changing Spring weather, the best carriers for hikes, or the hottest new outdoor toys.
We have several walking trails near us that I would like to check out with our little one. Most are paved but some have loose terrain. Do you have a recommendation for a stroller that could work that is also lightweight?
We are looking for an infant carrier that will work for both me and my husband. Do you have any recommendations that will fit both body types?
Hi Amie,
There are two options when it comes to infant carriers, soft wraps or structured carriers. While a soft wrap is nice to use with infants because they are very snug, structured carriers have a larger weight capacity and have more longevity.
Moby and Solly are great wraps that fit both parents. Because they are one long piece of fabric that you tie, they fit each person perfectly.
https://mobywrap.com/shop/moby-wrap/
http://sollybaby.com/
If you’d rather use a structured carrier, I recommend the Ergobaby Omni 360. It can be used from infancy without the use of an infant insert, it can be worn in four carrying positions and is easily adjustable for different body types.
https://ergobaby.com/baby-carrier/omni-360
There are also many other types of carriers, I’ve included a story I wrote on the best carriers for 2017 below.
http://kingkidlet.com/blog/2017/10/9/best-baby-carriers-for-2017
Hi Natalie, we will be traveling to Florida for vacation and the weather will be warm during the day and cool at night. I know that means layers but I also don't want to lug around a big purse with clothes for everyone. Do you have recommendations for breathable layers for kids to keep the sun blocked and keep them warm in the evenings that are easy to pack/carry? Also, if you have a recommendation for a bag that can store all our layers but is still lightweight and small, that would be great! Thank you!
Hi Paula,
Yes, layers will be necessary in a climate that is cool at night and warm during the day but here are some suggestions to help eliminate too much bulk and extra items to carry around.
Uniqlo makes great apparel for all types of weather. The Airism line is designed to work as a base layer that is breathable, moisture-wicking and “adapts to any condition to maintain your comfort”.
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/girls/airism-collection
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The Kid's Light Pocketable Parka is a great option for a lightweight, water repellent jacket. It’s especially great for travel because it folds down into a pouch for storage!
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/kids-light-pocketable-parka-400032.html?dwvar_400032_color=COL05&cgid=girls-outerwear#start=8&cgid=girls-outerwear
And a lightweight fleece, such as this one from Columbia, works great as a layer for cool mornings and chilly evenings.
https://www.columbia.com/girls-glacial-fleece-half-zip-jacket-1556943.html?dwvar_1556943_variationColor=542#prefn1=activity&prefn2=productClass&prefv1=Travel%7C041%7CTrail&prefv2=Jackets%7CShirts&start=3'
As for a great bag that will hold all your layers and keep everything organized, I recommend Birdling Bags!
https://birdling.com/
Hi Cindy,
Most traditional lightweight strollers have small wheels that don’t work well on rough terrain. However, there are several mid-weight strollers with wheels that will handle gravel and dirt paths well.
Baby Jogger city mini GT
This stroller has all-terrain wheels, weighs 22.4 lbs and has an easy, quick fold for getting in and out of the car.
http://www.babyjogger.com/en-US/city-mini%C2%AE-gt
Alternatively, Baby Jogger also makes the city mini which doesn’t have all-terrain wheels but only weighs 18.4 lbs.
http://www.babyjogger.com/en-US/city-mini%C2%AE
Ergobaby 180 Reversible Stroller
This new stroller from Ergobaby only weighs 20 lbs., also has an easy fold and has a unique feature of 4 independent wheels that can be locked for a smooth ride on rougher terrain.
https://ergobaby.com/strollers/180-reversible-stroller-black