When MacKay moved to New York and I was still in Tampa on maternity leave, Harlan and I had A LOT of time together by ourselves. She was only a newborn at the time and needed me more than ever. Given that I was by myself with her most of the time and I still needed “me” time, she was in a baby carrier a lot. It was so easy for me to get things done around the house all while feeling the comfort of my little joy that I recently brought into the world.
Now that we are in New York City, wearing Harlan is more for practicality than anything. There are many times when it is inconvenient to bring a stroller to my destination. She loves being in the carriers, but my back tends to get the grunt of the work. I am always in pain the day after carrying her around.
Last week I was invited by Karen and Melissa from Buzzing Bloggers to check out the new baby carrier from Britax. Britax has always been a trusted brand in our house and I couldn’t wait to see their latest installment in the baby gear world.
I brought Harlan with me to the event to help me test drive the new carrier. She was in love the second I put her in.
As soon as I put it on there were many features of the carrier that let it stand out from the rest. The first thing I noticed was the padded waist belt. It made having it on super comfortable. I also loved that everything on the carrier is able to be done with just one hand. I was able to put Harlan in and then adjust the straps and hook the snaps all with one hand.
Another great feature that made me feel more comfortable with putting Harlan in it was the secure harness and pouch design that ensures the baby will stay securely within the carrier. I even tested the theory and unbuckled the waist band and Harlan in the carrier instead of falling to the ground.
Other great features of the carrier include:
-Multiple Carrying Positions offer parent versatility to face baby inward or outward
-Simple Slip On & Off Design makes use quick and effortless {it’s so easy, you simply put it over your head and it’s on!}
-Harness Straps adjust from front of carrier for proper customized fit
-Excess Belt Storage Bands eliminate loose straps
-100% Cotton Machine Washable Bib (included) protects carrier from stains
-Adjustable Head Support provides head and neck stability for younger infants
-Leg Loops reduce the size of leg openings for 8-11 pound infants for secure fit
That night I took it for a test ride to Bed, Bath and Beyond. The store is about a 15 minute walk so I was a little nervous about carrying Harlan in it, but she insisted. I am happy to say that I made it there and back without an ounce of back pain! That is baby wearing success!
The Britax Baby Carrier will be available early Summer 2011 at a suggested retail price of $129.99. It meets all American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F2236-09a) and Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) requirements and is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). For more information on the carrier visit Britax online.
{Disclaimer: A Mommy in the City was not compensated for this post. I did receive the baby carrier for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.}
11 comments
Marcy
It’s a great looking carrier, I do wish they’d made it more ergonomic for baby as well (providing support under the full bottom & thighs so their knees stay at or above the level of their bottom).
Lauren
They do have an optional seat extender that does just that! http://www.britaxusa.com/accessories/seat-extender-insert
Ashley
One has to wonder why the carrier wasn’t just designed correctly in the first place, rather than putting out a carrier that perpetuates a basic design that has been proven unhealthy for a baby’s hips and spine, then forcing unwitting buyers to purchase a $25 add-on to correct the problem after the fact.
Glad it works for some, but I’ll stick with my custom made WAHM made SSCs (for considerably less cash, I might add!) If this thing is anything like the Bjorn that turned me off of babywearing after 2 weeks of use when my Daughter was wee, I’ll pass. I do love my Britax B-Agile stroller, though 🙂
Sam @ Mom At The Barre
Twitter: momatthebarre
Well-reviewed. I am on the lookout for a baby carrier that doesn’t break my back once my baby’s in it.
Sam @ Mom At The Barre recently posted..Plies and Rond de Jambs- Review of Figure 4 At Pure Yoga
Elena
Twitter: elenawollborg
Very cool! Britax is a great brand! I’ll have to pass this along to my sister who is looking for a carrier!
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Sarah at The Stroller Ballet
Love this carrier! It even worked with Peanut (with the extender, of course), who is 24 months old!
Kate
Twitter: Mommymonologues
Oooh! I like this! Whenever we have the 2nd one (someday) I’m going to keep this in mind because I really want something like this. I didn’t have anything like that when Lboy was an infant & it would have been really really nice.
Lauren
It really is great! Even though Harlan is almost two she still likes being carried (sometimes.) This makes it easier for both of us!
Alicia @MommyDelicious
Twitter: MommyDelicious
This is such an in-depth review. I loved carrying Aiden when he was younger, but just like you, my back was killing me the day after. Harlan looks like she’s enjoying being carried. She’s such a doll!
Alicia @MommyDelicious recently posted..Big Apple Circus Presents Dance On!
Lauren
Thanks! She loves being carried!