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Showing posts with label backpacking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label backpacking. Show all posts

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Beco Butterfly II Baby Carrier Review

Beco Butterfly II Baby Carrier
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Let me start this off by saying that I have tried just about every carrier out there. Snugli, Hotsling, Hip Hammock, mai-tais and various other slings and carriers. By the time my son was 1 and I still hadn't found one I liked I had almost given up on baby wearing. I'm a larger girl with a big bust and bad back. Nothing was comfortable for me. I borrowed a friends Ergo and for me it was still uncomfortable. I also didn't like that I had to use the waist extender. But as far as carriers go it worked out the best for me. Until I did some online searching. I found the butterfly and read about it. There were so many great features. One of my favorite is that I could take my son off of me and transfer him to my partner without taking him out. I also felt MUCH safer putting him on my back with the Beco instead of the Ergo. But that's just me. The biggest selling point for me was that it came with everything whereas with the Ergo you had to buy the extras.
Now I have a 6 week old and haven't used any carrier but this one. I love it so much!

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Product Description:
The Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier combines great ergonomics, excellent weight distribution and stylish design. Every piece is handmade from top quality designer fabric and heavy duty webbing and buckles, and can be used with children from newborns to toddlers, in both front and back carries. The innovative internal sling enables you to securely buckle your baby into the carrier, then handle Baby + Carrier as a single unit. You can put your baby on your back very easily, just like putting on a backpack! The Beco Butterfly's removable infant insert for newborns allows your little baby under 15 pounds to ride higher in the carrier in an ergonomically comfortable position. When your baby outgrows the need for the newborn insert, you simply place her into the main Y shaped internal sling attached to the carrier's shoulder straps, which improves the distribution of the baby's weight and enables parents to pass baby from one wearer to another without taking the baby out of the carrier. The inside panel acts as a safety harness and prevents baby from slipping down or falling out of the carrier. 1) Child can be worn on front or back and easily shifted from one to the other. 2) Tall, tapered carrier body provides lots of upper body support for your baby or toddler, holds baby close to your body for greater comfort. 3) A Sternum (chest) strap is connected to the shoulder straps and slides along their length. 4) Padded waistband is firm and supportive while maintaining a slim profile. 5) High quality designer fabrics are smooth, stylish, and comfortable against the skin. 6) Padded leg holes prevent chafing of little thighs. 7) User waist range fits 25 to 50 inches (63 to127cm). 8) User height range fits from 4 foot 9 to 6 foot 2. (144cm to 188cm).

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Sunday, 12 June 2011

Kokopax Classic Carrier Review

Kokopax Classic Carrier
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Little background: I am 5'2" and 110, my husband is 6'3" and just over 200 lb., and we both like this carrier, which is almost unheard of. Our son is just barely 6 mos. old, 18 lbs., and about 27 in.
PROS: MUCH more comfortable for both child and adult than other carriers (we owned several, and tried them all), as child's weight is more evenly distributed. 5 point harness keeps Houdinis where they should be. Child's arms and hands are free to move around. Good view of the world for little one. Easy in and out-- not a million straps and buckles, as with other carriers. Child can "support" their own weight w/ their feet on the frame of the carrier (watch the video-- you will see the baby "bouncing" with his feet on the carrier frame in one clip). So much more interesting and normal for baby than simply hanging from their crotch (again, as with other carriers). Able to take this many places where stroller is simply not realistic (like cobblestone streets, narrow aisles, or where navigating through crowds is difficult).
CONS: Not for smaller babies (<6 mos.). Child really does need to be at least 25 in. (and weight appropriate) and have excellent head/trunk control. Requires some upper-body strength to get it on as manufacturer suggests (should not be placed on an elevated surface to put on). I am a very athletic female and have no issues, but I question how well the "average" woman could do it without using an elevated surface (for my husband, this is a moot point-- no issues). Wish it was a little bit more adjustable-- there are three "snap" levels for lumbar support, but at the smallest setting, I still wish it would ride a little higher for me (I'm a mere 5'2"). Again, my husband has no issues-- he uses the tallest setting, and he is 6'3". No comfortable head position for child if they fall asleep in the carrier (this is true of all outward-facing carriers, but perhaps someday someone will rectify this?).

All in all, we like this carrier a lot. More expensive than most carriers, but often you get what you pay for. Nice fun prints too, but remember if you want your hubby to help carry baby, you might want a more neutral one (we have the brown "bubbles" and my Marine has yet to complain). Remember that regardless of how great the support is, carrying an extra 20-35 lbs. on your back is going to take a little more out of you, so people w/ extra large children (close to 30 lb. weight limit) shoudln't place their expectations on comfort too high. If you are extremely petite (under 5') or very lacking in upper body strength, this may not be the carrier for you, but it beats all the others we have owned and tried hands down!

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Product Description:
With an innovative design and fresh, modern style, the kokopax classic carrier (espresso) is the ideal baby carrier for everyday use. Unlike other carriers, it positions babies at eye-level so they have a 360 degree world view. The comfortable shoulder straps and padded waist support leave your hands free, while the lightweight, adjustable frame and five-point harness make taking walks safe and secure. A handy kickstand makes it easy to use. Suitable for babies aged six months up to two years (or 35 pounds), the kokopax classic carrier (espresso) accommodates your growing baby.

classic carrier

At a glance:

    Ages:
    Six months to 2 years old
    Weight Requirement:
    Child cannot exceed maximum weight of 35 pounds
Ideal for:

    Who:
    Parents, caregivers, and grandparents
    What:
    Carrying a baby while keeping both hands free
    Where:
    Inside house, grocery store, walks, at the airport

The classic carrier features comfortable shoulder straps, padded waist support, and an adjustable frame. View larger.

A carry bag is included for easy travel.
View larger.
Comfortable to Wear; Safe for Hands-free Use
For daily adventures and special outings, the classic carrier features comfortable shoulder straps, padded waist support, and an adjustable frame that provides a custom fit. The ergonomic design distributes weight evenly across your back, chest, and shoulders, so you can keep both hands free while carrying your baby. A five-point safety harness provides additional security. This carrier is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), conforming to its standards for child carriers.
Made with anodized aluminum, the carrier's frame provides strength and durability while weighing approximately three pounds. So whether you're running quick errands or taking a leisurely hike, the carrier allows you and your child to be together comfortably and safely.
Portable, Compact, and Easy to Use
The classic carrier is designed with a sturdy kickstand, so you can rest it securely on the floor. This convenient feature makes it easy to load or remove a child from the carrier. And the portable, compact design allows you to store it in airplane overhead bins, making it ideal for traveling.
Made from 100% Cotton
Made from 100% cotton canvas, the classic carrier's fabric feels soft on your baby's skin. On warm days or during long outings, the breathable cotton allows for air circulation and provides a comfortable experience. The stylish fabric pattern looks fresh and modern while coordinating with other kokopax products, such as the Savannah Sun Hat.
Useful Details and Fun Accessories
Great for storing snacks, keys, and a diaper, the classic carrier features a convenient storage pocket with a secure button closure. It also comes with a carry bag for easy travel. For long walks and outings, you can fasten favorite toys to the handy toy ring.
The optional pax protector (sold separately) is a cloth made from machine-washable, organic cotton that provides a soft resting spot for your baby's face. Designed to attach easily using straps, it keeps the carrier fresh and clean.
Accommodates Infants and Toddlers
The versatile classic carrier can be used for children from six months up to two years (or 35 pounds), so you can use it from the infant stage through the toddler years.
About kokopax: Fresh, Modern Style
kokopax was founded in 2007 by Sarah Spoor, a busy mother of four young children. Sarah's is a classic tale of borrowing tips and tools from earlier generations and shaping them to fit our modern world. Using this method, Sarah re-imagined the lightweight carriers that her own parents used when she was a young child.
Combining contemporary materials such as anodized aluminum and fresh, bright patterns, the signature kokopax carrier line introduces a new generation of parents and caregivers to a comfortable, safe way to carry children. kokopax also offers stylish totes, sunhats, and organic accessories that feature the same modern prints and patterns.
What's in the Box
One kokopax classic carrier (espresso) in a polkadot carry bag and instructions.




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Saturday, 11 June 2011

Freehand Mei Tai Baby Carrier Review

Freehand Mei Tai Baby Carrier
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am a mother of 3 and have gone tried many different types of baby carriers, and this is by far my favorite one.To be fair, I did not buy from Amazon, but directly from BabyHawk.Their website is awesome & I was able to design my own.If you don't mind waiting a little longer, its the way to go.

I have used, the ring sling, the Baby Bjorn, the pouch sling, to name a few, but the Mei Tai is by far my favorite.My first child LOVED to be in a carrier, but the ring sling started to really hurt my back once she was a few months old.I couldn't carrier her in it for more than half an hour or so.My second child HATED all carriers - but I hadn't tried the Mei Tai - I bought a pouch sling (Hotsling) which he screamed whenever I put him in.So we tried a Baby Bjorn, which he liked for a week, then screamed.With my third, I decided to wait & try out all those above.The Ring Sling was too bulky to take anywhere (its a padded style).The Baby Bjorn was just plain hard to put on.The pouch sling he outgrew in a few weeks (or maybe we outgrew together - I am 5'10 and the Hotslings are NOT adjustable).

I researched carriers & read many reviews before deciding on BabyHawk Mei Tais.IMO the pros & cons are as follows:

PROS
ADJUSTABLE: Unlike the pouch sling the design of the sling allows for growth of the child & variance in size of the wearer - one size really does fit all
MULTIPOSITIONAL: Unlike the Baby Bjorn - and the pouch sling to an extent - the Mei Tai can be worn many different ways - front, back, different ways to tie.There is a way that will feel best for you.
STYLE:If you decide to design your own - you have hundreds of options to suit your style - This can be a fashion statement as well as a baby carrier
SIZE:This can be folded down to a small carrying pouch (included) that can be tucked into a diaper bag or stroller.Not much larger than a folded Hotsling.
EASE OF USE: The first couple times are tricky - but after 3 times, I can put in a cranky screaming baby & put down a quiet sleeping baby no problem - much easier than the Baby Bjorn IMO.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION:I have big babies - my six week old is 14 pounds - this carrier distributes weight better than the other 3 types IMO.
HANDS FREE:Unlike the pouch sling or ring sling, you can free up both hands with this carrier.So you can puch a shopping cart & hold onto a toddler at the same time.Or maybe hold your baby & eat?

CONS:
EXPENSIVE: The Mei Tai is more expensive (relatively) than a ring sling or pouch sling.You can spend extra if you design your own & add pockets & toy rings.I find the expense worth it.
EASE OF USE:I put this in the CON category as well because the first few times are difficult - practice at home in front of a mirror.Also because the ties are so long, I would not want to put this on standing in dirt, or someplace with dirty floors.The straps will drag - there is no way around this.
REPOSITIONING:You will need to check your baby & positioning of the straps every so often.As our weight shifts, I usually adjust mine about 30 minutes afterputting it on.Its like your favorite pair of jeans - they loosen up some minutes after putting them on right out of the wash.

SUMMARY:I found this Mei Tai to be very versatile, simple to use, & stylish.It distributes weight nicely & is small enough to pack around.I would highly reccommend this to anyone with a baby that likes to be held a lot.

UPDATE:I have owned this carrier for over a month and I use it EVERYDAY.My infant HATES his infant carrier unless its in the car and we are moving - so I put him in the Mei Tai for all trips out of the house - the mall, the grocery store, my older child's school.I have mastered the art of putting it on in the parking lot - I just stand in front of the van door, and carefully drape the long ties in the van before securing my baby.This leaves my hands free for my toddler/shoppin cart/latte.I also wear this at home at least once a day.My son is 2 months old and 15 pounds - I can handle about 2 hours at a time - even my husband is starting to wear this now after seeing how much our baby enjoys being in it.I get compliments on this all the time, and all my expecting friends want to borrow it.We love it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Freehand Mei Tai Baby Carrier

Product Description:
The FreeHandTM borrows it's design from an asian style carrier that has been used for centuries. Versatility is the key. One size will work for both mom and dad (gramma, uncle, aunt, etc), and the FreeHandTM will carry a child up to 35 pounds comfortably. In addition, it can be worn safely on your front, back or hip. The Mei Tai design consists of a main panel of designer fabric, two long padded shoulder straps and two waist straps. What will you do with your Freehands?

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Sunday, 6 February 2011

Rugged Kecci Voyager Sling Diaper Bag Daddybag Backpack Review

Rugged Kecci Voyager Sling Diaper Bag Daddybag Backpack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have been searching for the perfect backpack diaper bag and was really disappointed at how large this bag is. I overlooked the measurements when placing the order--not expecting this huge bag. In general diaper bags are big, but this thing is almost square and wider than my back. And it doesn't have enough compartments at all--it's a free-for-all inside! I'm going to be returning it.

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Product Description:

Rugged Kecci Voyager Sling Diaper Backpack Daddybag in Black Features:

*2 Large external zippered compartments *Padded back for comfort *Dimensions: 17"x20"x6"

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