I have that same exact Ergo. And my 17 month old loves it. I definitely want a hat like that to make my babywearing look more stylish.

We have the Patapum and my FOUR YEAR OLD still uses it on occasion. It is good to 60 lbs. We were never stroller people, but even at 3 years old, a day walking around Chicago or Disneyland gets tiring. Instead of fighting and dragging a whining child, we let him have a ride for an hour or so. He can nap in it easily which was super convenient when he was nap age. When he’s not in it, it folds nicely into our backpack. No lugging a stroller around all day, in and out of public transit, fighting our way through crowds.

Hiking packs are bulky and heavy, so don’t serve the same purpose at all. They also have to be carried and handled all day, similar to a stroller.

Now, at four, we don’t often need the Patapum, but if we’re out for a full day of hiking or even a full day of walking where there will be long distances involved, I throw it in the bag. Its a lot easier than carrying him in my arms and makes it an enjoyable day for everyone.

chris- i don’t know exactly what kind of hat she is wearing, but you can buy one that is almost identical at http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/accessories/hatsscarves/PRDOVR~63325/63325.jsp

sara- not all babies need to face forward- those baby bjorn carriers are a good idea, i just never understand why so many parents think it is a good idea to support their child by their crotch just so they can look outward. i have an ergo carrier and i LOVE it!! and more importantly- my son loves it. he doesn’t care if he isn’t looking outward. he can still turn his head and look around and he loves to make silly faces at me. my son also get so comfortable that he frequently rests his head on me and falls asleep. my son (20+ lbs.) fells almost weightless. i tried a lot of carrier and this one was by far my favorite. best carrier ever!!

Sara, why do you think you know what River needs and his mother doesn’t? Keri Russell seems like a very attentive mother, and River doesn’t look unhappy to be riding like that. My baby is a month younger than River and he loves to ride in my mei tai carrier in the same position that River rides with his mama.

I have a bad back/shoulders so I never erally liked any of those slings or carriers. But for the kid’s sake, it just seems like he would rather be facing forward now. They’re curious and like to see what’s going abound them.

I still carry my 25lb 22-month-old in my Ergo and Beco baby carriers. They’re a lifesaver in busy NYC life.

I can’t get over how big River has gotten! I’m still with the mindset that he’s this little baby, but he’s definitely not that anymore.

He’s so cute, and from the way he’s clinging to Keri, he seems to be a mama’s boy!

River is beautiful!

We LOVE our Ergo!!! And we didn’t start using it until our son was about 7 or 8 months old, because they need really good head control. And I can definitely attest to its comfort level. I’m a small woman (only 5’3″) and I can very comfortably carry my 25lbs son around for a couple of hours.

Earlier this week there were photos of her and River and a stroller!