Can we talk? Here's where I discuss random topics, dish some dirt, and answer your questions. BTW, any products recommended are products that I bought myself, not freebies sent in exchange for a positive review.
Can I put a big 7 month-old in a Patapum Toddler Carrier?
Joelle asked:
I have a very large 7 month old, he's about 23 lbs and 29" tall. He's getting too big for my sling for comfort and am looking to get a backpack for a trip we are going on to Arizona. I noticed that the Patapum was only recommended for ages 18m+, is this a size issue or a developmental one?
Size-wise, I'll bet he would fit in the Patapum Toddler Carrier just fine. It's more of an issue of convenience and ease of getting him in and out.
 There are two sets of straps on the Patapum. The main shoulder straps go over your shoulders and attach to the waistband. This is basically the same structure found on other carriers like the Beco and Ergo.
However, on the Patapum Toddler there is also a middle set of straps that connect the body of the carrier to the front of the shoulder straps. This set of straps is unique (as far as I know, let me know if I'm wrong) to the Patapum Toddler Carrier and serves to pull the child in close to your body.
In other carriers, as the child gets bigger and heavier they tend to hang back further from your body. This shifts your center of gravity and forces you to work harder to stay upright. The net effect is more strain on your back and shoulders.
As I mention on the Patapum page, you can tighten the main straps on a carrier, but this doesn't do much to pull the child in closer to you. The middle straps of the Patapum Toddler Carrier specifically pull the child in closer from front to back and avoid the "leanback" phenomenon.
OK, so now that we've established that, how does that answer your question?
Well, the middle set of straps serves its purpose very well, but it does require an extra little step, namely, you need to thread your child's legs through the two sets of straps. The bottom set goes under the child's leg, and the middle strap goes over it.
Threading the legs through is not hard at all with an older child who can sit piggyback on your back unassisted while you stick each leg through, but with a floppier younger baby, it can be a minor hassle.
You'll want to get your 23-pounder on your back most of the time, simply because it makes life a whole lot easier carrying that weight on your back instead of your front. An older child can be put on your back easily, using the Standard Back Carry. A younger child who can't sit on your back unassisted will need a modified version of this, which I call the Front-to-Back Spinaround.
When I put my 35 pound 4 year-old in this carrier, it makes a HUGE difference in comfort having the middle straps pull him in. With a 23-pounder, you may not feel such a huge difference in comfort between this and say, a Beco, because maybe he's not leaning back too far yet. Right now, you might resent the leg threading that it takes to get your baby in the PT. Later on, no big deal, and it will be well worth it.
The Patapum Toddler Carrier is also very well-padded, with plump shoulder straps and a stiff, supportive waistband. Again, it could feel like a bit of overkill right now. Later on, you'll be grateful for that extra padding.
As you can see in the photo, my 10 month old 27-pounder fits in the carrier just fine. He's comfy, I'm comfy. I can easily put him on my back as well, using the Standard Back Carry. He's very good at sitting piggyback while I put his legs through the straps. See him do it here.
So if you feel comfortable handling your 7 month-old, then go for it. It might take a little practice at home in front of a mirror before you go on vacation, but if it comes down to a Patapum Toddler Carrier vs. a one-shouldered sling, or (god forbid) *nothing*, then I would definitely choose the Patapum Toddler Carrier.
My recommendation is to start out with front carrying while you practice your back carry. Pretty soon you'll be carrying with ease, and no need to ever buy another carrier as your boy grows into a toddler/preschooler.Labels: Patapum Toddler carrier
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