You like lugging Junior or Junioress around on your shoulders. For a few minutes. When it looks like an afternoon of being treated like an elephant in Thailand though, time to opt for something better. And more comfortable. Behind door #2, it’s the Saddlebaby ($90).

Comfortable and safe for you and the kid. Kids get a padded saddle that rests on cushioned shoulders, i.e. your poor shoulders. Velcro straps their ankles in like NASA astronauts doing G-force tests. That leaves you hands-free to carry the diaper bag, phone and ice cream cones. Not an option (yet): reins.

Another option: piggyback rides.