When my first son was 6 months old, we went to Disneyland Paris for a short break.

I decided beforehand that we needed a baby carrier/sling, and after looking to see what was available, decided on one from Mothercare which was suitable up to 18 months. It appeared to be a good one, which could go on the front or the back.

As far as comfort went, it was fairly good, and my son seemed quite content, but unfortunately it broke before we had even finished the trip.

After that, I did without one, until I went to the Prima Baby Show when my son was 11 months. Whilst looking at a stall selling cloth nappies (which I bought!) I saw the Baby Trekker. My first impression was 'it looks like an octopus'. It was 'all arms' with no apparent structure. I was a bit dubious about its ease of use and comfort, especially since the lady on the stall assured me it could be used until the age of three. She then went on to demonstrate with her average-sized three year old daughter, and said that they used it regularly with both their young children.

Whilst it was a little more expensive than other slings, I felt it was worth trying, given the extra years use that it would give.

It is actually extremely comfortable, and with a little practise it is easy enough to put on when the baby is on the front. Putting a child on the back is a little harder, and does need an extra pair of hands. When on the front, the baby can face in or out, and it has several features making it suitable for newborn babies. On the back it is the equivalent to a 'hands-free' piggyback which is very comfortable for a toddler.

My only criticism is that it is quite padded all over, and therefore fairly warm to wear, but given that it is made in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada (whose temperature dropped to -40 degrees on the occasion that I visited!) it is quite practical on all but the hottest of days.

I am now using it with a se
cond child, and it has worn extremely well.