Saturday, June 29, 2013

Emei baby Carrier


eMEIbaby- Hybrid Carrier 169.99 - 189.99



Price Point: eMEIbaby169.99 - 189.99 
TYPE: Hybrid
STAR RATING: ***

RECOMMENDATION: Maybe (please read why)



What they are saying about it!

Product Description

  • Hybrid sling carrier- The emeibaby carrier is a combination of a sling and a backpack. It combines the benefits of slings with the benefits of a backpack.

            • mum invented-  emeibaby founder Daniela designed the first emeibaby carrier for her daughter. She wanted a baby carrier with all the benefits of a wrap but easy as a backpack. 

  • eMEIbaby is adjustable to YOUR and to BABY´S size- Buckles and straps are for adjustment to your size. With the rings you adjust the sling fabric to baby´s size. emeibaby grows with your baby, it always reaches from knee to knee. 

  • Made in Europe



Product Features ·What makes the emeibaby carrier special? The emeibaby carrier is a combination of a sling and a carrier. Babies are carried like in a sling but the emeibaby carrier is easier to use. Thanks to its ring system it can be precisely adjusted to the baby's size from birth and is continuously adjustable to grow with the child. It can be used from birth up to 15 kg / 33 lbs. Do I have to adjust the emeibaby carrier before every use? No. Once the carrier has been adjusted to the baby's size the aluminium rings on the shoulder straps firmly clamp the fabric in place to maintain the desired position. See this video how to use the adjusted emeibaby carrier: Video. Using the emeibaby carrier with size XXL. The shoulder straps of the emeibaby carrier are double adjustable and the emeibaby carrier fits from XXS to XXL.
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What we say about it...

The eMEIbaby

This carrier had me stumped.  I usually can tell right away how to rate it, but because this one is a bit more complicated to use it was hard to give it a rating right away.  I didn't want to do it a disservice by rating it before truly giving it a shot.

Let me explain what I mean by more complicated... the eMEIbaby is a hybrid carrier a cross between a sling and a buckle carrier.  When I say it is complicated to use I mean it isn't as easy as putting on a buckle style carrier and going.  They say on the website that once you have it set you don't need to re-adjust but I do.  When I am feeding my son I need my carrier lower it's just the way my body lines up, which means every time I feed him I am finding myself adjusting the carrier to suit my needs and then trying to re-adjust when baby is satisfied and sleeping.  If your baby is at the stage my son is at now it also makes it very annoying for those on and off, stop and start feeding sessions.    

The way that the carrier adjusts makes it a much more difficult to use.  I can't reach the straps under the arms to adjust quickly so I need to loosen the fabric (the section of the carrier which makes it like a sling) and then reach behind to adjust the straps under my arm.  With a fussy baby or a cranky one it takes a while and by the end of it we are both frustrated.

Let me tell you though, once the carrier is in place if you do not have to adjust it, it is wonderful.  I love how close the sling portion brings baby, how well constructed it is and how comfortable the carrier feels for extended carries.  It is a great carrier if you want a sling but the comfort of a buckle.  However if you are looking for a buckle carrier I would not recommend this one, as like most of us the reason you are looking for a buckle carrier is to be able to pick it up and go no fuss no muss.

For this reason I have said maybe as the recommendation - due to the comfort of the carrier I cannot just say no.  It truly is a comfortable and well made carrier.  However I can't say yes because if you are looking for the comfort and ease of say and Ergo or Beco then this one won't do you justice.

Try it out join a baby wearing group in your area.  For mine it is the Toronto Baby wearing group called Carry Me Close.  You can join for a yearly fee and borrow the slings, carriers and wraps they have in the library.  It's a great way to test it before you commit to buying it.   

PROS

  • Use from birth to toddler without insert
  • Comfortable
  • Strong Construction
  • Lightweight
  • Stylish
  • Breastfeeding friendly
  • Hybrid for those that want the comfort of a sling but ease of buckle carrier
  • Suckling pads available
CONS

  • for fussy babies re-adjusting sometimes takes a while
  • No foot Straps
  • isn't simple to put on and off when adjustments required
  • not as easy as a buckle style carrier


BEST USES

  • Out & about 
  • Daily use
  • Infants 
  • Travel
  • long walks 
  • hikes
Written by Viviana Marinacci

Monday, May 13, 2013

Boba 3G


Price Point: Boba 3G Carrier- 140.00-170.00
TYPE: Buckle Style Carrier
STAR RATING: ****

RECOMMENDATION: YES


Boba Baby Carrier

The Boba Baby Carrier is a Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) that is made for babies and toddlers between 7-45lbs.This new 3G design is made to fit parents of all shapes and sizes without purchasing extra accessories. The Boba Baby Carrier offers several innovative features not seen on other carriers.

Why you'll love the Boba Baby Carrier:

  • 100% cotton fabric with polyester webbing and buckles.
  • Front and back carry options
  • Fits babies and toddlers 7-45lbs
  • Removable sleeping hood that is adjustable - adjusting in length to grow with your baby
  • Zipper pouch may be used to store your hood when not in use
  • Comfortably fits heights 5’0” – 6’3”
  • Waistband range: 25” – 58”
  • Additional adjustments for easier fit & breastfeeding
  • Patent-pending removable foot straps
  • Elastic bands neatly roll up straps
  • Shoulder strap holders keep purses and diaper bags in place
  • Easily adjustable chest strap
  • Uniquely designed to “hug” your child
  • Converts to an infant carrier without an insert
  • Extra head support adjustments for infants
  • Body of carrier rises 2-3” higher than other brands
  • Multiple pockets for on-the-go storage
  • High quality military grade buckles
The innovative foot straps that are attached to the waist belt keep older children comfortable in the Boba Baby Carrier. They enable a healthy sitting position by supporting the legs in a flexed abducted position which naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets and aligns the spine.
The infant conversion option allows you to use the Boba Baby Carrier with babies over 7lbs. No insert or accessory needed! An instruction booklet is included to show you how to use the Boba Baby Carrier with your newborn.
The Boba Baby Carrier is approximately 2-3" higher than other soft structured carriers. It has a few extra inches in height to support your little one's back by keeping your center of gravity closer to your body. All straps are fully adjustable, and elastic bands are provided so you can comfortably tuck the straps away once you have the carrier adjusted for you and your child. 
Made responsibly in China.
Size: Fits babies & toddlers 7-45lbs.

What we say about it...

The Boba 3G is a fantastic carrier. It has so many great features I don't know where to start.  


I love the foot straps and the system they are on.  The hook the straps attach to is on a covered wire (for lack of better explanation) system.  It slides along depending on where your child needs the straps placed.  It is such a great system I LOVE IT... This system is used on the carrier in various places which makes adjusting the hight of different buckles super easy to do.

The material is strong and well made.  It is thick and durable what you would expect in a carrier of this price point.  The hood is so well made it is too thick in my opinion for when you want to store it away or those babies that run hot.

I love the straps and the ease of use.  I am able to adjust them without having to take the carrier shoulder straps off.  Even the back strap is easy to use. Again on that hidden wire system that they have utilized.  

I tested the carrier out on a 3 hour straight hike with no stops and found my back was perfectly fine in the end.  I could have gone longer which was great.  I love how my son feels in the carrier, very secure and wrapped around me as opposed to some I have tried on which leave me feeling like his legs are fighting for space with mine. 

The pocket on its waist strap is small and quite useless other than for maybe a coffee card or small wallet.  The Hood is detachable which I don't like because I tend to lose things.

The padded straps are well done.  They are thick enough without being too overwhelming.  I can't attest to the feel of this in weather above 10 degrees at present and will adjust the blog if I get a chance to test it in the heat.

Overall we would recommend this carrier to new parents.  It isn't perfect so it won't get a 5 star rating but it came pretty close.  Because of the low back and not so ease of use for the sun cover It gets a 4 but close to a 4 1/2.... I'd love to find the 5 star carrier if you think you have it send it my way.



Boba 3G CARRIER IS ONE OF OUR TOP 5 PICKS

PROS

  • Comfortable
  • Strong Construction
  • Lightweight
  • Stylish
  • Easy to use
  • Breastfeeding friendly
  • Foot Straps
  • Hood
  • New Born compatible
  • Adjustment straps easy to use (pulls down from pits and up from base)
  • Adjustment system (slides along a wired strap)
  • small pocket well placed
CONS

  • Hood is bulky when packed away
  • pocket is very small
  • low neck support for baby when carried on back and sleeping
  • hood not as easy to get at from back carry
  • hood very thick for hot months


BEST USES

  • Out & about 
  • Daily use
  • Infants and toddlers
  • Travel
  • long walks 
  • hikes

Friday, April 26, 2013

Beco Gemini



Price Point: Beco Gemini Carrier- 100.00-150.00
TYPE: Buckle Style Carrier
STAR RATING: ****

RECOMMENDATION: YES



What they are saying about it!

Product Description

  • 4 in 1 baby carrier, front carry (facing in and facing out), back carry, and hip carry
  • 100% organic cotton, great for nursing, direct contact intuitive baby carrier
  • High quality test material, machine washable
  • Instruction manual included
  • Made in USA

Product Features · 4 in 1 baby carrier · Front carry (facing in and facing out), back carry, and hip carry · 100% organic cotton · Great for nursing · Direct contact intuitive baby carrier · High quality test material · Machine washable · Instruction manual included · Made in USA Product Measurements · Body: 11"wide by 14.5 tall (if headrest is folded down, 19" if not folded" · Shoulder Straps: 23" (can be adjusted up to 22" longer for a total of 45") · Waist Belt : 28"(size 0) and can be adjusted up to 57" · Weight Capacity: 7-35 lbs (3.5-16kg) · Weight of Carrier: 1.5 lbs

What we say about it...

The Beco Gemini is a great carrier.

I love it as a second carrier to have around for the early months and for those times when baby wants to front face carry.

Our son is now 22 pounds and I am finding it isn't the most comfortable for longer walks and the lack of sleep hood is quite annoying on those sunny days.  Overall however this carrier is very sturdy and quite the keeper.

I can easily nurse my son in it, the straps are super easy to adjust due to the placement of them (you adjust by pulling up from the base of the carrier as opposed to down from the pits like in the Ergo).

My son loves this carrier and if he had his way he would still be riding in it.  However we have now switched to a wider based carrier.

The base of the carrier seems to lack the width that the other carriers have,  but if your not intending on carrying your child past a year and a half (or about a year for taller kids) then this would suite you just fine.

Overall this carrier is a great buy and recommended in your baby wearing stash for those that really want a front facing carrier option.

Beco Gemini-  CARRIER IS ONE OF OUR TOP 5 PICKS

PROS

  • Comfortable
  • Strong Construction
  • Lightweight
  • Stylish
  • Easy to use
  • Breastfeeding friendly
CONS


  • Snaps sometimes release when baby is facing in
  • No hood
  • No pocket
  • No Foot Straps


BEST USES

  • Out & about 
  • Daily use
  • Infants 
  • Travel
  • long walks (under 25 pounds)
  • hikes

ERGO- Organic original design


Price Point: ERGO organic original carrier- 100.00-150.00

TYPE: Buckle Style Carrier
STAR RATING: ****

RECOMMENDATION: YES


What they are saying about it!
Product Description
With its versatile 3-in-1 design, the ERGObaby Organic Baby Carrier - is a comfortable and ecologically friendly solution for carrying your child through the stages of early development. This carrier provides a continuous physical connection between parent and baby that's comforting for both, and its convenient hands-free design allows parents to tend to daily activities without missing a beat. With a soft, durable organic cotton twill exterior, interior rip-stop reinforcements and reinforced stitching, this carrier is built to stand the test of time, and its snuggly, 100% organic cotton sateen lining and built-in sleeping hood keep baby comfortable. Foam-filled shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt that features high-density neoprene foam distribute baby's weight evenly, making it easy for mom or dad to wear this carrier for extended periods.

For use with children between 12 lb. (5.5 kg) and 45 lb. (20 kg). Children between 7 lb. (3 kg) and 12 lb. (5.5 kg) must use the ERGO baby Infant Insert (sold separately).

What we say about it...

Everything they say is true about this carrier and more.  This carrier has been the go to carrier for our family.  Despite some of the flaws which I will discuss below this carrier has been the carrier I grab when the new one we are trying fails to compare.

Can be used on the front, back and as a hip carry.

Let's talk first about the comfort.  I can easily wear this carrier for over 3 hours with my one year old son.  Breastfeeding is a breeze in this carrier and the material is so soft it is like an extension of you.  The ergonomic design is perfect for baby wearing and for babies developing hips.

The  padded straps are so padded they never dig into your shoulders and the lumbar support when baby is on your back is truly lumbar support.  I love the pocket which holds a good sized wallet (I don't recommend cell phones being placed in the pocket due to the heat generated from them among other stuff but let's not get into that just yet, after all we just met :)  The hood also gives you a great option if your shy and want a bit more coverage during feeding or sun shade.

Now the flaws I have found first off the infant insert is NOT good for baby if you are having your son/daughter in a warm climate or during the summer for those of us Canadians.  I found my son overheated easily in it when he was a newborn.  Though it did give him tons of support it also left him sweaty and cranky at times.  I find the straps adjustment is very hard to do if you like me had to adjust to breastfeed and then re-position for the correct hold after he was done.  Because the straps pull down from just under your arm pit sometimes it can be difficult to adjust especially with a bulky jacket or a cranky baby.

As a flaw I will also put down that it is not forward facing capable.  I understand fully that it is not recommended to carry baby forward facing.  However if you are like me have a baby for one reason or another refuses to be facing you and needs to face out for your sanity and their sleep then this carrier cannot help you in that department.

Despite its few flaws this carrier is the best carrier on the market today.  It offers overall the best support, the best design and the best value for the money.

So we most definitely recommend this carrier to a friend.

ERGO CARRIER IS OUR TOP 5 PICK

PROS

  • Comfortable
  • Strong Construction
  • Lightweight
  • Stylish
  • Easy to use
  • Breastfeeding friendly
CONS
  • not forward facing capable
  • requires an infant insert  for newborn


BEST USES
  • Out & about 
  • Daily use
  • Infants and toddlers
  • Travel
  • 3 months plus
  • long walks
  • hikes

Baby Bjorn Family


Price Point: Baby Bjorn -129.99-200.00 Various Retailers

TYPE: Buckle Style Carrier
STAR RATING: *
RECOMMENDATION: NOT
What they say about it...
The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Original Spirit makes it easy to keep your baby close and secure while you go about your daily activities. Developed with the help of both parents and medical experts, the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Original Spirit helps position the baby comfortably and at the same time provides the proper support for the infant's spine and hips. Wide straps distribute weight evenly, so it's extremely comfortable to wear without stress on your back or shoulders. It's also easy to put on and remove by yourself because all adjustments are in front.

The Baby Carrier Active provides you with optimum weight distribution thanks to the comfortable lumbar support and the broad, padded shoulder straps, while always keeping your child safe and sound in the baby carrier.



What we say about it...

This carrier provided little to no comfort and was truly a big waste of money.  

Apparently for men this carrier is a great one.  However for most women this carrier provides little to no support after baby gets a bit heavy.  

Our son was 15 pounds when it was clear this carrier would not work for our family.  I won't talk about the lack of ergonomic design, but I will say if you make it past 3 months with this one, with baby's legs dangling as they do, the older the baby gets the harder it is to use this carrier comfortably when walking.  Your baby will use your legs as spring boards or you will simply knock their legs as you walk.

The shoulder straps dig in once baby gets over the 15 pound threshold and my back ached quickly when baby was in this carrier.

I could not walk for longer than 30 minutes without having to stop attempt to readjust and carry on.  I ended up having severe back pains with this carrier and in the end sold it online.

Yes you can breastfeed in this carrier, yes you can allow baby to face forward (which I am fully aware isn't the best position for baby due to current research), and yes it is relatively easy to use.

However what matters is the bottom line and it is .....  I would not recommend this carrier to a friend.



PROS
  • Can face out
CONS
  • Baby grow out quickly
  • Can't wear for long time
  • Carrier material not soft
  • Cause back and neck pain
  • Cause shoulder pain
  • No hood 

BEST USES


  • Dolls
  • new borns