We recently put the carrier to the test as my doctor finally gave me the go-ahead to carry my 2-1/2 year old daughter following the c-section birth of my son.  My daughter had been waiting for this moment for the past couple months, starting when my pregnant belly made it too awkward to carry her, so I couldn’t disappoint.  But, wow, she’s grown since I last carried her!  Luckily, the Moby GO let me fulfill my promise to carry her without having to strain myself.  This carrier is fantastic!

The wide crisscross shoulder straps do a great job of distributing your child’s weight across your shoulders and back.  I was amazed at how comfortable it was to carry my over 30-pound youngster, even when she started bouncing and dancing in glee while in the carrier.  And, it was so nice to have my hands free while carrying her!  It’s been a long time since we’ve put her in a carrier, so I had forgotten how great that is.

The canvas material is sturdy, while still feeling soft.  The carrier distributes weight primarily through the width and positioning of the straps as well as the use of a waist belt, so even though there is some padding on the belt, it’s relatively light padding, which makes this carrier comfortable even in warmer weather.   In fact, the light padding and width of the straps make this carrier feel a lot like wearing a wrap!

My daughter also looked very comfortable in the Moby GO and didn’t want to leave the carrier.  The generous room in the seat lets her naturally wrap her legs around me and the material is padded just enough at the leg holes to keep from cutting into her.

A detachable hood hides away in a pouch in the front of the carrier and can be positioned with Velcro at three different levels to accommodate growing children.  The pouch, itself, is zippered, making it a convenient place for you to also stow valuables like credit cards, ID and cash.

The carrier is easy to put on, take off and adjust with easy-to-reach straps and buckles.  Just pull the straps at your sides to tighten and lift the buckles to loosen.  The belts are a generous length, so this carrier should fit a wide range of body types without problem.

The Moby GO is available in 3 different colors for $79.95 at www.moby-go.com, Amazon and boutique retailers.  Now, Moby can fill your baby carrying needs through the duration of your baby carrying days!

Pros:

• These baby carrier covers are multiple things in one.  They can be used as blankets, car seat covers, stroller covers and sleep sacs.
• They provide a range of warmth.  The B212 Evolution can be zipped up completely like a cocoon or left open like a blanket.  The Le Sac has a detachable lining to add extra warmth when necessary.  And both designs have hoods that can be zipped down to lay flat or zipped up to cover your child’s head.  The Le Sac even has a detachable fur trim for extra warmth and style.  They are all insulated for warmth and have cotton lining so they are soft against your child’s skin.
• The bottom of both carriers has a zipper to allow your baby’s feet to come out.  My daughter always has to have her feet out.  I’m not sure if all kids are like this but even when it is cold she wants her feet to stick out of the bottom.
• There are tons of colors to choose from.  All the colors are beautiful and really stand out.
• They are waterproof to keep your baby protected from the wet weather.
• They are so comfortable.  My kids snuggle up inside of their 7 A.M. Enfant carriers and peek out to see the world as if they are still in their beds at home!
• The Blanket 212 is adjustable both lengthwise and widthwise.  With snaps, zippers and Velcro you can adjust it various different ways to fit nearly any child.  The Le Sac igloo can be purchased in 3 different sizes and although it is not necessarily adjustable lengthwise, it can be unzipped at the bottom to provide your growing child with more legroom by allowing him/her to stick their feet out.

Cons:

• Costly but worth it!

I just love my 7 A.M. Enfant Le sac igloo and Blanket 212!  They are the best baby carrier covers I have ever seen.  They are so attractive and so well made.  Living in San Francisco, these are essentials because it is always a little chilly here.  I would recommend these products to any mommy in need of a little (or a lot of) warmth and comfort for their kids while out and about.

Usage:

With a full house including an energetic 2.5 year old toddler, a 7 month old, and two enthusiastic golden retrievers, walks with all of us were quite the adventure! The Kelty Backpack has come to our rescue. I can comfortably carry my 20 pound baby without my back hurting and I have my hands free to chase my toddler on his scooter and our dogs are ecstatic to be able to join the fun. I recommend this backpack for urban adventures and walks around town. It’s not too bulky so can be easily thrown in the car and worn during errands. We also own the Kelty Green which is more substantial. We use this version for hikes where the adult requires additional support.

Pros:

• Removable shade visor for the baby
• Built-in changing pad and diaper pouch
• Lots of easily accessible pockets for keys and miscellaneous items
• Compact profile

Cons:

• It doesn’t stand up on its own quite as well as the Pathfinder which comes with a metal frame
• Hard to position child in the absolute center of the pack

Summary:

All in all, I would recommend the Transit backpack. It’s perfect for neighborhood walks and running errands around town when your child has outgrown front carriers and/or your back needs the additional support of a structured pack. I’ve also found it a lifesaver to be able to keep my hands free with two little ones in tow.