Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

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In honor of National Trails Day yesterday, the tots and I visited Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. The white sandstone contrasted beautifully with deep red rock in the landscape around the park, evoking a welcoming yet desolate feel.
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Baby Bjorn vs. Moby Wrap vs. Kelty Kid Carrier

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UPDATED APRIL 2018 Which kid carrier is right for you? In this post I compare the Baby Bjorn, Moby Wrap and Kelty Kid Carriers.

One of the most important piece of gear a Mountain Mom or Dad can own is a baby carrier. I have camped and hiked with my kids starting at just four months old, but the only way to do that is to have a dependable baby carrier to use.

So many great kid carriers are out there including soft structured carriers, baby wraps, hiking backpacks and more. The three kid carriers I use most – the Moby Wrap, Baby Bjorn and Kelty Kid Carrier are reviewed here, but I also like the Onya Baby NexStep Baby Carrier that Onya sent me to review.

You can see all the gear my family uses and loves at mountainmomandtots.com/gear.

But which is best?

Moby Wrap

This is my FAVORITE way to carry really young babies ages 0 to 6 months old. I was given one as a baby shower gift and LOVE it.
When the tots were brand new, day one to six months, they loved using the Moby Wrap because they could curl up in the fetal position. I loved it because it kept baby close but still allowed me to move my arms.
You can use it to support baby on the front, side or back and the Moby Wrap is super comfortable once you practice how to get the fabric wrapped correctly.
I’ve used it through out my tots infancies and toddlerhoods. My friend once even carried her exhausted six-year-old in the wrap for a short trek from Disneyland to the car.

BONUS: There are lots of adorable colors and styles and the Moby Wrap is really affordable compared to other kid carriers out there.

Cost: $49.99

Moby Wrap Pros

Newborns maintain fetal position
Expands as child grows
Baby close to body
Versatile baby positioning
Under $50

 Moby Wrap Cons

Restricts baby’s movements – great for newborns, can be annoying for babies 8 months and older
Awkward placing baby
Putting on wrap requires practice
Long fabric can drag on ground when

Baby Bjorn

When Big E and little g were between two and eight months old, the Baby Bjorn is the carrier I would most often choose. It was quicker to put on than the Moby Wrap and hands free, once I figured out how the straps worked.
Plus Mountain Dad would actually use the Baby Bjorn. The tots loved it.
Cost: Between $79.99 to $189.99

Baby Bjorn Carrier Pros

Comfortable
Easy to place baby
Freedom of movement for mom
Baby can be forward or backward facing

Baby Bjorn Cons

Front heavy at times
Baby can only be worn on front
Straps confusing at first
Baby slobber on folded front
The Kelty Kid Carrier is designed specifically as a hiking pack, not just a baby carrier. It’s been great for my kids between six months old until almost three. However with toddlers it’s always been hit or miss if I could convince them to get in the thing. Two-year-olds tend to have minds of their own, y’know?
What’s great about the Kelty Journey Kid Carrier s the support for the adult’s back. It fits like a very large backpack, with hip straps and a sternum strap to help distribute the extra weight of carrying baby to your base.
The other awesome aspect of the Kelty is the extra storage and stable kick stand. With other kid carriers, it’s always tough to ALSO carry snacks, diapers, and water bottles. With the Kelty, that’s no problem at all, in fact our model has a detachable mini backpack that’s perfect for that headstrong toddler that wants their OWN pack.
 WARNING: All backpack child carriers should only be used if baby can safely hold up their heads.
DISCLAIMER: The model I have is the FC3 which has since been replaced by the Kelty Perfectfit Series.

Kelty Perfectfit Kid Carrier Pros

Great features: detachable mini pack, child view mirror, sun shade
Adjustable for child and adult
Stable kickstand
Allows for hiking with toddlers

Kelty Perfectfit Kid Carrier Cons

Heavy when fully loaded
Awkward to place on back without help
Digs into shoulders
Cost
Whichever pack you choose to use, I hope to see you on the trails soon.
See you in the outdoors!
~Mountain Mom
PLEASE NOTE: I was given no financial compensation for this review. These are the baby carriers my family purchased or were given at baby showers or as hand-me-downs.
HOWEVER the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking them I receive a small payment. Please do so! I’m saving up for backpacking gear for the whole family.

 

I Love the Mountains!

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Sometimes I just can’t believe my good luck. I live in the beautiful mountains of Utah, and now that the world is green again, I am reminded daily of why I love it so much. Like my rock friend here, I can’t help but smile.
Recently Mountain Dad and I took the tots on a hike. The trailhead is literally across the street from our home and within two minutes of setting out we were swallowed into lush forest land. The trees grew so tall, it felt like we were in a tunnel of green. Tots laughter and singing filled the air along with bird calls and the sound of our our feet crunching the fallen foilage. 
Soon the canopy opened to a mountain vista of pines, maples and aspens with a few cabins dotted along the way. A river gurgled in the valley below us and as we walked along, the air was intoxicatingly fresh. 
We followed the trail down to the valley floor where it ran along the stream. Here little g and I counted several wild raspberry plants sprouts while Mountain Dad waded in the freezing water. Big E soon joined him to throw rocks and pine cones into the current.
The weather was warm and my family close. I smiled at my good fortune. It’s moments like these that make me grateful for what I have: love, family and a beautiful place to live and play.

National Trails Day

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Guess what’s coming? It’s National Trails Day!

If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry, I hadn’t until about a month ago. But apparently the American Hiking Society hosts a National Trails Day the first Saturday of every June.  This year it’s Saturday, June 1st, 2013. 
The idea behind National Trails Day is to get out and appreciate the trails near you. You can do that by going on a hike, or participating in the numerous volunteer efforts planned for the day. There are events scheduled in every state, but if you don’t see something you like, you could always host your own.
Last year was the twentieth anniversary of National Trails Day, and I hope it continues for many more years to come.
Will you be hiking that day? If so happy trails to you!