What's it like to travel with a baby or toddler? Can the Rookie be helpful in this situation? We asked around!
Lara Holldorf is a mother of a 22-month-old daughter, a certified babywearing consultant, and she loves traveling with her daughter and husband. The Rookie Revolution is always her most loyal companion and is an absolute must-have in her luggage. We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Lara and learn more:
Question 1: How did you get into babywearing and babywearing consultations?
"My husband and I got into babywearing through our now 22-month-old daughter. I now work independently as a babywearing consultant in the greater Heidelberg-Mannheim-Weinheim/Rhine-Neckar-Bergstraße-Odenwald area. Unfortunately, our start with babywearing wasn't so successful, and I want to spare other families that frustration. I understand their needs and fears and can therefore meet my clients on an equal footing."
Question 2: Are you more of a baby carrier or a stroller person? Or what are the pros and cons of both?
"Now we're all totally on Team Baby Carrier - all three of us. At the beginning, we were all on Team Stroller, baby carriers didn't work at all, and unfortunately, we didn't have anyone to advise us. Both have their place, and I think it always has to fit the situation."
Question 3: Do you tend to carry your baby on your back or on your chest?
"We practically only carry her on our backs now. It's much more comfortable for the curious little one, and for Mom's pelvic floor and Dad's back anyway. On vacation, only Dad was allowed to carry her, and only on his back."
Question 4: How long do you wear it at a time?
"It varies. Sometimes she wants to get out after half a minute, and sometimes we carry her for half an hour. During that time, she can rest on our back and then has enough energy again to want to walk on her own. These days, we don't even carry her every day anymore."
Question 5: What distinguishes the revolution from other movements?
"The option to wear the Revolution both on your front and on your back is really great. When carrying it on your back, you can even choose whether you prefer to wear it with or without a waist belt, like an onbuhimo. The small pack size is definitely a huge advantage, especially for older children who walk a lot on their own and for whom the carrier is just a backup."
Question 6: In which situations has the revolution helped you the most?
"We spent two weeks traveling through France in our campervan, and the Revolution came in handy mainly on short and long excursions. Our daughter was 20 months old during the holiday and loves to walk, but the Revolution was always with us as a backup in case her little legs got tired faster than ours. An absolute peacemaker for the family. This way, there are never any arguments or unpleasant situations when she doesn't want to walk any further, but we haven't reached our destination yet."
Question 7: Besides the Rookie, what else should you not forget in your suitcase?
"Clear adhesive tape to cover sockets without child safety locks, to close cabinets or to attach decorations :)"
Question 8: What has been your best travel destination so far?
"We've been to various places with our child – a city break in Shanghai, a wellness hotel in the Palatinate region, camping in France, and an Airbnb in the Netherlands. Everywhere was different, and every place was beautiful. If you don't have overly high expectations for your vacation or choose the most stylish accommodation, every destination is great. Vacations with a child are definitely different from what you experienced before having children."
Question 9: Where do you want to go next?
"The big dream is a campervan trip through Japan (we've done it before without a child), but that might not happen for another year or two. We've already planned a short trip to the Dutch North Sea coast, though. We all feel comfortable there. When we were there last year, we were still carrying the baby a lot, so I'm really curious to see how it will be this year."
Question 10: What are your top 3 tips that you would like to give to other parents who also want to travel with their baby?
"Take it easy, don't plan too much, be spontaneous."
Follow Lara on Instagram @trageberatung_weinheim or visit her website: www.trageberatung-weinheim.de
