The box, of the brand my husband chose, depicted all the things I'd soon be able to do - I couldn't wait!
Once home we read the instructions and figured out how to wear it. Good for us!
Over the next few days I put baby in it for a few minutes at a time until she seemed happy and comfortable. Good for her!
Then it was time to get on with the chores. Hmm... Should I do some laundry or get dinner started?
Neither as it turns out.
It is very hard to load/unload a front loading washing machine in a small laundry with a baby strapped to your chest. And I wouldn't recommend hanging out the washing unless your baby enjoys being slapped in the face by a wet towel. As it turned out mine doesn't.
As for cooking, you better get everything out of the fridge before you grab bubs unless she enjoys the blast of chill air when you open the door. And beware the steam facial baby could receive when you take the lid of a pot or open the oven.
Something more sedentary perhaps?
Try typing with a baby where your keyboard normally is. Sure you can move the keyboard but you'd better be a touch typist because you won't be able to see it.
Have a cup of coffee or use the phone? Nope, not a good idea. The top of baby's head is only inches from your mouth and she will be grabbing and/or knocking everything that comes within reach.
Why I'm still glad I have a front pack
I'm glad to say we didn't totally waste our money. A baby carrier (or sling) is great for crowded or busy places like fairs or exhibitions. It's much easier to move about, and annoys fewer people, than a bulky stroller in cramped surroundings.
It is also ideal for public transport especially boarding and disembarking from a plane or taking the bus. I must confess I take baby on the train in her stroller. I just take care to travel outside of peak times and make sure I'm get in a car that has been adapted for wheelchairs so I can flip the seat up and park baby in that space. The train guards are always super helpful - giving a hand to lift the stroller on and off the train.
Flying with baby
Getting back to planes and flying, if you want to know the ins and outs of flying with baby check out what Air New Zealand have to say:
I found this information as helpful as it was hard to find.
If you are flying as a family self check in together so all your baggage allowances are processed together.You'll probably have to put the stroller through as oversize luggage (ie in a bag provided by the Air NZ) - this is when a baby carrier comes into its own.
