We need to get a new baby carrier for our upcoming cruise trip. We are not really fans of bringing a stroller up to any overseas trip but I guess that will have to happen soon. While we are still searching for a new lightweight umbrella type folding stroller, we have found our new baby carrier, versatile in carrying in front, side or back positions. The Manduca Baby Carrier. More on it later. We have the Baby Bjorn baby carrier, (Babybjorn Baby Carrier Synergy) which will hold a baby that weights up to 12kg. Baby Bjorn served us quite well though it was rather underused and we know why. The Baby Bjorn series is rather bulky to bring around and also quite complicated to use. I also did not use the baby bjorn at all to bring Jayden out because that will mean that I have to adjust the already adjusted straps and it will be really troublesome to adjust it again for Hazel. And one more thing, we didn't realize that there are actually carriers that can use in the piggy back style!
And so, we went in search of a new baby carrier. Jayden is almost 12kg and he is oversized for the baby bjorn carrier. We need another one and now, we want one that is more compact, and able to carry him in a variety of positions. And I did a search on the net and saw this shop - Baby Sling & Carriers. They have quite the number and variety of slings and carriers and so, I checked out their range of carriers on the net and shortlisted two carriers - The Boba Baby Carrier and the Manduca Baby Carrier. And if you have a 1 year old baby capable of walking around, you will know that there are times you just want him to be securely carried or fastened in a stroller. Some places are just not suitable for him to be freely roaming around. And carrying a baby for extended long periods of time on your arms is just OMG tiring and back/arm breaking.
In essence, both the Boba baby Carrier and the Manduca Baby Carrier is similar. They are both utilizing a similar shape in a backpack style but the Boba carrier is only for babies above 1 yrs old unless you get the 3G version. The other difference is that the Manduca Baby Carrier offers a deeper pocket and an extendable back panel that can be unzipped as your child grows bigger. Both have the almost similar hip belt design and size that will not obstruct the wearer from sitting down comfortably. And then comes the major difference. Price. Boba baby carrier retails for $189.90 while the Mancuda Baby Carrier retails for $249.90. A $60 difference. And as I said, we chose the Manduca Baby Carrier in the end.
Why?
First of all, we or rather I wanted to get one more versatile baby carrier. I kinda like the extendable back panel feature of the Manduca Baby Carrier. Manduca Baby Carrier claims that you can use it in a variety of ways, including side carrying. While we might not carry Jayden this way, who knows for our second one that we are planning? Secondly, I like the fact that when I tried the Manduca and Boba with Jayden sitting inside, the Manduca feels better. I also think the Jayden sits better in the Manduca than in the Boba. Most importantly, I like the texture and the feel of the Manduca Baby Carrier more. Interestingly, @PruneNuture was also recommending me the Manduca carrier! $60 more is ok I guess.
I should also mention that the staff at Baby Slings and Carriers are a nice bunch. They look like a husband and wife tag team and they were very helpful in answering our questions and helping both Hazel and myself to try on the carriers at different positions. Kudos to them. Excellent service.
And red was the color we choose. Nice eh? I really like the ability to just roll it up and tuck it inside a bag or somewhere. Something I cannot do with the Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier.
Simple box packaging and design. By the way, Manduca Baby Carrier won the Singapore Mother and Baby Award 2011 for Best Baby and Toddler Carrier.
Jayden saw me taking photographs of the box and he cheekily snatch it away and ran out of the room. Caught up with him and you see his expression. LOL. Priceless.
Told him to stand properly and pose for me to take a nice photo. And he did! WOW. GOOD BOY!
With this new gadget, it will follow us to our Royal Caribbean Cruise and more! Hope it serves us well for the trips ahead of us!
Stay Tuned for more photos and experience in using the Manduca Baby Carrier.
I strongly recommend going over to Baby Slings and Carrier shop if you like to check out more stuff.
They are at Square 2, #01-56/57, 10 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307506. Business hours are 12 pm to 8pm Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 6pm on Sunday (except New Year's day & Chinese New Year).
PS: This is not a sponsored post by any companies mentioned above.
