Do you mean a normal carrier that is wearable on the back? (http://store.ergobaby.com/baby-carrier/four-position-360
scroll just over half-way down the page to see the different ways the carrier can be worn. This brand is the most common that I see at my, very child-friendly, museum). As an expectant mother I've been looking into carriers as my husband and I feel that they will be more convenient than a stroller for some trips (like to the grocery store). A carrier is smaller to transport and takes up less room when moving around. A carrier is an extension of me (or my husband), a stroller is not. I see no problem with a person wearing a carrier like the one I linked to in any position. The main issues with backpacks are two fold; 1: you need a security person to go through and make sure the person isn't bringing anything they shouldn't be into the museum, and 2: people forgot the amount of space they are taking up with the backpack on and are more likely to bump into things or knock the backpack into things not realizing how far out the backpack extends. Neither should be a problem with a baby carrier; 1: The item in the carrier is a baby, obviously, and although some carriers have little pockets for baby accessorizes no one is going to be hiding anything of size in those small pockets. 2: I would hope that a person caring a baby on their back would be more cognizant of how much extra space they need when moving (given that my first child is still in-utero, I haven't worn a carrier yet).
I feel that your restriction on how carriers can be worn is very family unfriendly. If it is safer for the child, and the museum objects, for the child to be in a carrier, facing any direction, then let the child be in the carrier. If the type of carrier you are referring to is not a normal on the back carrier, then I would need to see a picture in order to decide if I think your ban is reasonable.
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Wendy Beins
Kansas City, MO
Discovery Room Facilitator Museum at Prairiefire
Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2016 02:14 PM
From: Margit Hotchkiss
Subject: Child/baby carrier/backpack policies?
Just recently have had visitors to Norman Rockwell Museum, with small children being carried by an adult in a backpack style carrier. For security reasons- we do not permit backpacks or large bags. Parents were not happy about this, and said strollers were not a good option (child was able to get out of the stroller). Anyone else noticing this trend and have policies, either way? Feedback appreciated!
Thank you,
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Margit Hotchkiss
Deputy Director of Audience and Business Development
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge MA
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