Too big for a snuggly, hates being strapped into a stroller or one of those bulky backpack carriers, and too heavy to schlep around on your shoulders, “carry me” tots have a neat new ride with the Piggyback Rider Standing Child Carrier. The foam-core carrier mounts on the adult’s back like a backpack (minus the pack). The child is buckled into a six-point safety harness tethered to the shoulder straps, but instead of sitting, she stands on a wide non-skid foot bar that is also mounted to the shoulder straps. Grab handles at the top of each shoulder strap give Junior extra grip as he rides high in the saddle, while the harness system distributes the weight for less strain on the adults. The Piggyback Rider is designed for children age 2½ years and up, weighing up to 60 pounds. When not in use, everything rolls up and stashes in an included 17-inch by 9-inch carry sack, weighing in at about 3 pounds. A deluxe model includes a 1-liter HydraPack water bladder that attaches to the carrier and incorporates 36 inches of flexible drink tubing for hydrating on the hoof.
Piggyback Rider Standing Child Carrier basic model is about $105; deluxe model with HydraPack water bladder, is about $125; .
Judi Dash, Gear & Gadgets syndicate
