Transport of Infants and ChildrenThis is a featured page

This page will review the options for transporting babies, toddlers, and young children when it becomes necessary to bug out on foot. The goal is to provide information about each type of transport. These may be for short or long term use, used for a person alone with children or in a group of other adults with children.

Each option is listed with the pros and cons of its use. If there are pros or cons that are not listed for a specific method of transport that you think others should be aware of, please feel free to contribute. If there is not an option listed that you think should be considered, please add that as well, taking care to list its advantages and disadvantages as they come to mind.

Slings

PROS CONS
Generally able to use for a wide weight range, from infants to toddlers up to 35 pounds. This may vary depending on brand and style. Difficult to use when the baby or toddler is uncooperative.
Leaves both hands free most of the time. Babies need support of head when nursing or bottle-feeding, leaving only one hand available.
Adjustable for comfort and size, for wearer and baby/toddler. Stress to back after prolonged carry
Inexpensive Difficult to run with
Compact and easy to carry when not in use
Can double as a blanket


Front Carriers

PROS
CONS
Both hands are free to use. Older children become heavy after a while.
Easier to run (depending on the person)Difficult to run (depending on the person)
Can still carry additional backpacks, in fact it may help to balance the weight.
Babies unable to sit on their own can still be carried this way.
If you fall forward you can try to catch yourself with your hands to avoid crushing the child.


Backpacks

PROS CONS
Both hands are free to use. Cannot carry additional backpacks.
Some models have small, attachable backpacks. Babies that are unable to sit on their own cannot be carried this way.
Easier to run (depending on the person) Older children become heavy after a while.

Difficult to run (depending on the person)

If you fall backwards you cannot use your hands to catch yourself. The child is between you and the ground and so may be injured.


In-Arms

PROS CONS
No hassle with taking child in an out of anything. Both hands are not free.

Arms tire after carrying for long distances.


Strollers, Conventional

PROS CONS
No extra weight to carry Difficult to maneuver in some terrain
Extra storage space cost, depending on model
some models seat double
Can be modified to hitch onto the back of a bicycle


Strollers, Jogging

PROS CONS
Maneuverable in diverse types of terrain Requires an air pump and tubes for tires
Some models seat double Not all types have adequate storage space
Can be modified to hitch onto the back of a bicycle. Cost


Strollers, Umbrella

PROS CONS
Compact, easy to fold and unfold lack of storage space
inexpensive difficult to use except on sidewalks or other smooth terrain
some models seat double Strollers are short, making it difficult to push without discomfort due to posture.


Bicycles

PROS CONS
Enables children to travel farther distances Best only for confident riders
Can attach baskets to front and/or rear of bike for extra storage space. Easy for children to out-distance others


Scooters

PROS CONS
Enables children to travel farther distances






White76Knight
White76Knight
Latest page update: made by White76Knight , Jul 1 2011, 12:45 PM EDT (about this update About This Update White76Knight Added info on Front Carriers - White76Knight

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deep_sea_diver Head of the chow line rights for kids (page: 1 2 3 4 5 ... last page) 104 Jun 10 2012, 8:02 AM EDT by DevilNuts
Thread started: Apr 4 2011, 10:05 AM EDT  Watch
Children, are the future, in a survival/compound situation, the dietary needs of the young ones should come first. At least 1 person, and a small staff if possible, should be responsable for dietary needs of those under 10 or so. Adults can, get by, children tend to be picky eaters, and infants/toddlers need specialized foods.
A blender/grinder will be needed to create baby foods, which should be made fresh if possible. Keep the feeding area as clean as possible, a sick child can be very difficult to manage medically when common remedies are in short supply, or non existant.
Another on going problem will be a special laundry, to clean and supply diapers, infection/disease outbreaks from human waste will be a big threat as well.
Bringing babies into the group is a huge responsibility, and plans should be in place to deal with all aspects of them.
Transport, is just one of many problems your plan concerning infants should adress.
Good luck on Z day
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PointMan When babies are part of the bug out plan! 13 Aug 15 2010, 10:17 PM EDT by timberrattler
Thread started: Jul 29 2010, 9:16 AM EDT  Watch
Being the oldest of my generation in my family I've been around the wee ones my whole life. Add in knowing how to run, walk, and march with 60 pound ruck and 90 pounds of gear I think I can help add the two together.

First and foremost kids comfort level is out the window. It is about you and your partner being able to protect them and move with them.

Streets are going to be littered with everything. The scum who prey on the weak will see the kids and think easy kill. If you have to take the kids anywhere I would use a vehicle. If you have to take them with you to raid they are your most important asset the strongest person will be in charge of them and they will be between the two of you. You might have to drop everything and run. Zombies is not my worry at all they just make the world a little annoying.

The strollers is a huge mistake, both of your hands are occupied keeping the stroller balanced and pushing it also your eyes is on the stroller more than looking at your surroundings.The pull a longs that attach to a bike are second on the worse idea ever. Try keeping that thing balanced as you are hoping curbs and going around junk and other bits in the road, not going to happen.

Front carriers you're using your child as a meat shield.

Back packs the American Indians would carry their children like this for the first year of two years of their life just fine. This is the best way to carry AND protect your child. The front person can keep his eyes on the surroundings while the trail person is keeping the wee one occupied REMEMBER child's comfort level don't mean crap right now.

Second best is a sling. If you cannot get a child seat back pack or make one go with a sling. both hands are still free and able to run. Keep in mind that you should not be carrying any extra weight, your priority is the child. I know this isn't exactly what you was looking for, but I hope it helps.
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