When a baby carrier is best...

When a baby carrier is best....

We have not long been home from an evening firework display on the beach. It was very busy and the majority of the people there were family groups. Whilst watching some people struggle through crowds and on the beach with their tired toddlers and bulky buggies, it did make me think that there are some occasions where a baby carrier is definitely the way to go.

Here are my top 5:

• Airports: I don't know why but I always get a little freaked out by airports. Some instinct makes me want to keep my kids closer than I normally do. It could be the proximity to flights that could take them anywhere in the world, or the anonymity of the crowds. I just know that I feel happier if my baby/toddler is firmly secured to me! Plus, there is no issue about when the buggy is going to get checked, stowed etc.

• Evenings out with the family: you know those times when the whole family is invited but you are not sure how the youngest is going to cope and you don't want to be limited by their bedtime? Pop them in the carrier and party on! They can sleep, you can can decide when it is time to go home...

• Festivals: not everyone's cup of tea but if you want to go to a festival with your little one, a baby carrier is definitely the way to go. Avoid mud, no worries about where to leave the buggy when not in use and ditto all the points above about bedtime!

• Crowds: has it ever occurred to you how scary it must be to sit in a buggy and be surrounded by legs and shopping bags? In a baby carrier your little one can see what is going on and be reassured by you. Without a buggy you will move through the crowd much faster too!

• At home: busy day out. Loads to do when you get home but your little one just won't be put down? Put them in the baby carrier and carry on! My sanity as been saved by being able to get vital jobs done with one of my babies in a carrier, perfectly happy to watch or sleep. Everyone's a winner.

These are just my ideas but I would love to hear your ideas about when your baby carrier saved the day!