Choose The Right Carrier For You

Babywearing is such an amazing tool for parents and caregivers.  It provides an opportunity for bonding as well as a chance for parents to get things done around the house.

When it comes to choosing a carrier, the sea of options can be overwhelming and what works for some may not be the favorite of others.  To help narrow the choices I've put together a spreadsheet with basic overviews of various carriers, as well as a sheet dedicated for reviews!

I've already gathered a few reviews to get started, but the magic comes from you, the readers!  The second sheet of this spreadsheet is where you can add your opinions on the carriers that you have tried.

I hope that you find this spreadsheet handy and I thank all of you that take the time to add your opinions, they will be so very valuable to parents looking for just the right carrier!

Speaking of carriers, keep your eyes out for a special review coming up.  It's going to be a lot of fun!

Click Here to View
Babywearing Overview & Review Spreadsheet

Be hands free! Boba Review

If you've been around here long you know that I love wearing my kids.  I am a big advocate of it and am always looking for new, great carriers to share with you.  I have been eying the Boba Carrier for a while now.  I love the look, love that it's organic and was interested in seeing how comfortable it was, especially for an older child.

I have tried several different brands and I admit, I'm a little bit of a baby, so I really want something that is completely comfortable.  Though I have been wearing babies for years, I've never been truly comfortable with a back carry.  Not that the carriers I have used before weren't good for it - I think I've been doing it wrong for me and some of the carriers were just not favorable for it.

I am *thrilled* to say that I can now wear my kids on my back and be 100% comforable while taking care of my other duties.

About a week ago our son was turning 6 and my poor girls were just not having a good day.  G wanted held at all times and L was cranky because she got up too early.  Poor big brother E was stuck in the middle and getting lost on his big day.  I whipped out the Boba and tossed G on my back.  Wow, my day went from nuts to perfect in minutes.  So much so that I gave Boba a big thanks on their FB page.  I had so much to do, and there was no way any of it would have been accomplished without help - or my Boba.

As you can see above, I've got G on my back.  From what I have seen - I may be wearing the carrier a bit higher than recommended.  However, it puts her at a good height and it is the most comfortable position for me.  Below you can see that with my older daughter in the carrier, I have placed it a bit lower to allow her her height and weight.  G wanted in on the action, so there we are :)

The first time I put L into the carrier, I was really surprised by just how comfortable it was.  She weighs about 35 pounds and felt nearly weightless on my back.  That will come in handy this spring when we get our family out for some walking and hiking.  I love that this carrier, especially in this color (Walnut) is husband friendly as well.

I really like all of the straps on this, they roll up and tuck out of the way easily.  The only ones that don't have that option are the straps that go between the two shoulder straps - the one that buckles either at your chest or between your shoulders.  I do wish that they had the same ties to keep them better out of the way, but they are easily tucked so it's not an issue really.  Also, there are no pockets on this carrier.  Being a mom, I've always got some sort of bag on me at all times, so that's not an issue.

The Boba Carrier is really a fantastic soft structure carrier.  It's straight forward, comfortable, well made and easy to use.  I am really loving this carrier.

Since I have found a new love for carrying baby on my back I wanted to help those of you who haven't done it, visualize it.  It goes without saying, but always use caution when wearing your baby and getting them in/out of carries.  If you need to, sit on bed or couch, kneel on the floor and/or look in a mirror to get a good idea of what's going on until you are comfortable.

This video shows me getting into a back carry.  It's very easy once you do it a couple of times.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here or email me.



Want more information on the Boba Carrier?  You can visit them online at http://www.bobababycarrier.com/ and see what their fans have to say on Facebook and Twitter.

As an added bonus you can use code ORGANIC10 to receive 10% off of any Boba order through the end of the month!

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product mentioned to review. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. Review & Ad Information, Giveaway Guidelines

Beautiful Babywearing

As you may or may not know, I am a huge fan of babywearing.  I was browsing my Facebook feed when I saw these beauties!  I know that many of you love ERGObaby as well, so I thought I would share.

This is what happens when Petunia Pickle Bottom meets Ergo!  (coming February 2011!)

I have both a PPB diaper bag and an Ergo carrier (you can see my review here), I adore both!  I am so excited about this pairing!

Why choose one carry?

I don't think I can say it enough.  I love wearing my baby.  I am always on the look out for new carriers.  I think I'd have a huge collection if our budget allowed.  I love that the bond they foster between child and parent.  I love how they make life with baby a little easier and I love the statement and example they set.

I was recently introduced to a new carrier called the líllébaby EveryWear - Organic from Scandinavian Child.  The EveryWear is a very versatile carrier.  You can wear baby facing you, facing out, on your back, on your hip or even in a cradle hold for bitty babies.  I would like to note that I don't recommend out facing carries on any carrier.  I find them to be hard the back, as well as less supportive (generally) for baby.  This is my experience and preference.

As mentioned, this carrier can be fashioned to wear on the hip.  I think that is a plus for this carrier.  I know that carrying baby on your front can be hard to see around at times and I am not able to get comfortable wearing baby on my back.  The side carry still leaves baby secure and you hands free!  This type of carry can put some extra stress on your neck, so be sure to change sides from time to time.

We are a carrier loving family here.  Even my husband wears our girls.  Currently our youngest is 10 months and our oldest daughter is 28 months.  Both of them fit and carry beautifully in this carrier.  On a recent trip to the zoo we got to put the líllébaby to the test.  My husband wore our 2 year old for hours in and out of hot exhibits and slightly cooler sanctuaries.  He was very comfortable, as was our little girl.  Usually in a situation like this she would want down to run with her brother, but she was comfortable and cool.  The back on this carrier plenty supportive with a removable infant piece.  With it gone it provided a bit less bulk for her to keep cool in the summer sun.  The líllébaby was a hit!

This was about 3/4 of the way through our trip.  They were still going strong!  The líllébaby also has a sun hood option, not pictured here.

I have also worn the líllébaby quite a bit.  It's a very nice carrier.  I think one of the great things about the líllébaby is that I think it would be great for smaller frames.  I am 5'8" and I think I could use a little more length in the padding on the staps.  As you can see my taller husband just just fine with it, but because of the design and shape of the straps I think it would work especially well for smaller/shorter frames.  It you've had a hard time fitting other carriers, this one is worth a try.

Speaking of straps!  One of my absolute favorite features about this carrier are the little hidden pockets to tuck your excess straps into!  Oh I love this feature.  It keeps the carrier looking so tidy when worn.  I just roll them up and tuck them in.  It really gives it a tailored to me look with no messy straps dangling.  It also had larger pocket perfect for keeping your keys, extra cash, etc.

The only con with this carrier in my use is that I would prefer if the straps had an anchor at the bottom (they snap at the top and have anchors down the straps, just not one at the very end) and I would love it if the padded section were a bit longer to accommodate my frame a bit better.

Overall I really like the líllébaby EveryWear and I would recommend it to anyone that would like the ability to use multiple carries and to those who find other carriers to be a bit too hard to adjust to their smaller frame.

For fun updates and info you can find líllébaby on twitter!

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided product to review. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here.

Showers of Gifts

I had a great time doing the Mother's Day Event and I am pleased to finally have the winners of all of the wonderful gifts.

If you missed the event, I encourage you to check out the round up.  It's a great baby gift guide.  All sorts of useful (and safe) baby and mommy products.  It's a great guide to plan registries, buy for baby showers or just because.

Congratulations [LJT], You were drawn for Day 1 and will receive a HAPPYBABY Gift Basket, YoBaby trail coupons, growth chart and an amazing ERGObaby Organic Carrier.

Congratulations Jenn, You were drawn for Day 2 and will receive a Children's Orchard Gift Card, a copy of Raising Baby Green compliments of Wiley Publishers and an amazing organic diaper bag by Danielle Elizabeth Designs.

Congratulations Melissa, You were drawn for Day 3 and will receive a Sleepy Wrap Organic, Angel Baby Kit, huge gift set from Thirsties, amazing hemp inserts from Artsy Fartsy Foo Foo and a beautiful sheer, organic swaddle wrap from Solana.

Congratulations SAPsMaMa, You were drawn for Day 4 and will receive a baby friendly nursing cover from BabyBond, my favorite Milk Maids from Artsy Fartsy Foo Foo, a super comfy nursing cami from Medela, a beautiful boutique style blanket from Ty and Lumi Organics, and a copy of Feeding Baby Green, courtesy of Wiley Publishers.

Congratulations The Wife, You were drawn for Day 5 and will receive a Naturepedic organic crib mattress!!!

Congratulations 4stemmes, You were drawn for Day 6 and will receive a beautiful hand made bracelet from Kokomele.

Thank you again to all of the companies involved here.  You make safe products that work, and it is so truly appreciated.  I am thrilled to have worked with you and happy to share your products and companies with my readers.

Snuggle Your Baby

One of my absolute favorite things to do is wear my children.  Our son is too old, but our girls are still completely wearable.  The first carrier I ever bought was a wrap.  This was about 2 years ago when our oldest daughter was born premature (but this is not limited to premature babies!).  When our daughter was born early an amazing nurse gave me a book to read about kangaroo care.  It turned my world upside down and inside out in the most beautiful way.  If you are a parent, want to be or know someone who is (yes, I mean everyone), I believe you should read this book.

Wearing your baby is a blessing in so many ways.  One of my favorite carriers is the Sleepy Wrap Organic.  It is so soft, supportive and I just love the bit of stretch it offers.  It fits tight to my baby and I just adore it.  I wrote about it back in January and I believe that it is a must for all new babies!  I am thrilled to have their participation in this event :)

This wrap is the one I go to.  It fits beautifully without the guesswork involved with some others.  I love it and think you will too.

Being closer to baby also means being careful about what's on your body.  Mainstream body product are full of terrible chemicals.  I was recently introduced to Earth Mama Angel Baby.  They carry all sorts of amazing organic items for mom and baby.  I am personally in LOVE with their body care products.  I have been using their Angel Baby Kit on the kids (love the wash and bottom balm especially!) and the Happy Mama Body Wash on myself (and baby when she joins me).  The scents are gentle and heavenly and I am at ease knowing that they are completely safe.

I love running a hot bath and sinking into it.  Their body washes are so gentle, both in use and scent.  My baby girl loves joining me.  I'll sit with my kneed propped to make a perfect little seat for her, cover her with a wet washcloth (like a little blanket) and gently scrub her with the foaming wash.  It is very relaxing and a great chance to bond.

Earth Mama Angel Baby is a great business and I am so happy to have the opportunity to work with them and help spread the word of their company.

Another company that I adore is Thirsties.  They are a small (but growing!) cloth diaper company committed to greener parenting and eco-friendly solutions, not to mention 100% USA made quality! Their diapers are made by work at home mothers near their Canyon City warehouse.

I love cloth diapering and I have talked about Thirsties on more than one occasion.  I encourage you to read more about cloth diapering if you haven't already.  It's so much easier than you might think!  Not to mention much more effective (ooh the blowouts we had long ago when we used disposables!).  It is also easier on the wallet and planet :)


To get you started on your cloth diapering adventure, Thirsties has generously offered up a Duo Diaper, a pack of their Fab Wipes (and yes, they are fab!), a bottle of their Booty Luster wipe spray, AND!!!  a combo back of their Pre-Wash and Super Wash!

Because I love natural fibers I have to include Artsy Fartsy Foo Foo Hemp Diaper Inserts!  These things rock.  I use them in all of my pocket diapers and in my overnight diapering solution.  I have tried other hemp insets and none compare.  Be sure to pick some of these up on the 5th and 20th of each month, but be fast!  When she stocks her store, they sell out super quick.

After baby has been washed up and diapered it's likely time for a nibble and nap.  Swaddling your baby is a great way to help them feel secure and sleep soundly, but not all blankets are created equal.  My kids hate getting hot and many swaddling blankets are simply too warm.  That's why I love my Organic Solana Swaddle Wrap.  I've mentioned them before, and I'm happy to be doing so again.

I remember when I used my wrap for the first time.  My daughter slept more soundly than he had in weeks.  At the time she wanted held, even for naps.  While I enjoy holding her, with two other children, nap time is generally a time I need to do things with my other babies.  This is one of my favorite blankets, even when not swaddling because it's so light that I don't have to worry about my baby girl getting too hot while she naps.


Are you ready to try out these amazing items?  The winner of this day will win an Sleepy Wrap Organic, Angel Baby Kit, huge gift set from Thirsties, amazing hemp inserts from Artsy Fartsy Foo Foo and a beautiful sheer, organic swaddle wrap from Solana.

Here's how to win!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!

Tell me what green thing you love most that relates to parenting, or which you look forward to most.  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Happy Mother's Day (Day 3!) from @EFFBlog @SleepyWrap @MAMAMELINDA Thirsties AFFF & Solana http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)

*Join our new email newsletter for notices on special events coming up for the blog.

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Like us on Facebook, EFFBlog, Sleepy Wrap, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Thirsties 1 entry each

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends May 31st.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided product to review from EMAB or this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

I love being a mother and I congratulate all that are or will be :)  Being a parent is the most amazing thing in the world, though it is not without it's troubles.  They are worth it though :)

In honor of you, I have put together one amazing event!  It's a list of some of my favorite baby (and baby related) items.  Things that make being a parent a little easier, a little more fun and are green too!

We have great packages all week long.  I hope that you find this gift guide useful and perhaps discover a few things that you were previously unaware of.  These items make great additions to registries, shower gifts and just as something special for you and baby.  Without further delay, here - for you is our Mother's Day Baby Must-Haves Gift Guide!

When my oldest daughter started on solids she got ahold of some puffs and fell head over heels in love with them.  Me?  Not so much.  They weren't organic and I just wasn't thrilled, until I found HAPPYBABY Organic Puffs.  They come in Apple, Banana and Greens.  Much to my surprise my daughter LOVED the Greens flavor!  I've heard that most do!

With my love for these puffs in mind, I approached HAPPYBABY about introducing them to you.  I was sent an assortment of foods to try and let me tell you, they do not dissapoint!

The first things we tried out were the Salmon Stix and Veggie Tots.  YUM!  I wanted to eat them all myself, though I limited myself to a taste and let my kids enjoy the rest.  They smelled amazing and tasted just as great.  Everything was amazing.  I am actually trying to get a store to carry their things locally.

They also have a new book out called HAPPYBABY: The Organic Guide to Baby's First 24 Months  This book is amazing and is a must read.  While reading it I was thrilled with the usefulness and unbiased view at making your own foods vs buying their products.  Big points to them for that from me!

HAPPYBABY has offered a great Make-Your-Own Gift Basket for this event.

• Organic cotton bib or t-shirt
• 1 canister of HAPPYBELLIES first cereals:  brown rice, oatmeal or multi-grain
  
• 1 mixed case of HAPPYBABYPUFFS & HAPPYBABY Melts
• 3 free trial coupons for HAPPYBABY frozen meals or HAPPYBITES toddler meals
• Organic cotton HAPPYMAMA or HAPPYPAPA t-shirt

In addition to this great HAPPYBABY package, their partner YoBaby (who is another favorite of mine) would like to offer some free trial coupons and an Eric Carle Growth Chart.  A big thanks to them for joining in!

To tote around your baby, who is all chubbied up from eating all sorts of yummy foods you *must* have an ERGObaby Organic Carrier!  I wrote about my love for ERGO a while back, and I'll tell it to anyone who will listen.

We are definitely an ERGObaby family here.  I love the ERGO.  It is so easy to use.  I can throw it on in an instant and it's great for taking to the store because either one of us can wear it.  My husband loves it.  He wouldn't go near the wrap styles, and I can't say I blame him.  I love them, but they really aren't manly in any shape or form.  Check out my husband wearing baby G.  He does this often.  He's been spotted making dinner with her no, doing paperwork, whatever it takes!  He's a great Daddy

My two older kids even have their very own ERGO doll carriers!  These bad boys are built to last.  They're made out of the same sturdy fabrics as the full sized ERGOs.  My kids love them and I'm thrilled to be able to share the message of babywearing with them.

Now it's your chance to win todays items :)  The winner of this day will win a HAPPYBABY Gift Basket, YoBaby trail coupons, growth chart and an amazing ERGObaby Organic Carrier.

Here's how to win!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!

Tell me what parenting is to you.  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Happy Mother's Day (Day 1!) from @EFFBlog @ERGObaby @Stonyfield & @happybabyfood http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)

*Join our new email newsletter for notices on special events coming up for the blog.

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Like us on Facebook, EFFBlog, HAPPYBABY, ERGObaby, YoBaby 1 entry each

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends May 31st.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided product to review from HAPPYBABY for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Wear Your Baby

I have talked about baby wearing before and I am all too happy to be able to do it again. I believe so strongly in it.

Our babies need contact, comfort and security. Wearing them provides them that and also affords the wearer flexibility.

I can honestly say that I don't know how I could possibly get anything done around here without wearing my baby girl.

Speaking of. Check her out here in my Sleepy Wrap Organic :)

She has grown way too fast (she's nearly 5 months!) She loved it when she was smaller and she loves it still :) Look at that smile!

So what's so great about the Sleepy Wrap Organic? Well, for starters it's made from organic cotton. It comes in two beautiful neutral shades. Natural and Khaki (Mine is the Natural and I love it.)

It is so soft and it also has some stretch to it. What's so great about the stretch is that it makes it *so* easy to use. There is no guess work involved in trying to make sure you have enough slack in the fabric to put your baby into it. It really makes the process easy.

I just wrap it up so that it fits snug to me, but w/out stretching it... if that makes sense. Then I tie it. All of the instructions I see on wrapping carriers have you do it in the front or back. I prefer to tie mine on the side :) I find it to be the most comfortable and out of the way.

Here's a great video I found for how to put it on :)

So why wear your baby?
Babies that are worn:

Cry Less! (43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours)1
Are Healthier! (gain weight faster, have better motor skills, coordination, increased muscle tone, and sense of balance)2
Get a better view of the world! (babies pushed in strollers or carried around in car seats only get to see the adult world at knee-level)
Become Independent Faster! (making them more confident and less clingy)3
Sleep Better! (they fall asleep quicker and sleep for longer periods of time)
Learn More! (not overstimulated, but calm and alert, observing the world around them)
And are just plain Happier!4

Carrying your baby also:

Creates confident parents - there's no better feeling than when your baby is calm and content because you have met all her needs (Sometimes that moment of silence is everything!)
Allows you to safely move about with your baby regardless of terrain - you can stroll down uneven sidewalks, narrow lanes, walk up stairs, or climb mountain
Is convenient - there is no awkwardness like when carrying a heavy plastic car seat with one arm!
Enables better communication between you and your baby - (without your baby having to cry!) as you become attuned to her facial expressions and other gestures
Provides security - access to food, warmth, and love
Is good for your soul -it encourages you to get out and get some exercise and some fresh air into your lungs
Makes discreet nursing possible - without having to find a place to sit
Helps you to interact with your other children and hold your baby close at the Same time - very practical if you have other little ones
Allows you to decide who may touch or interact with your baby
Aids digestion - the constant motion and the upright position eases acid reflux and colic
Allows you to go places, together! - you can go anywhere and feel secure.

There are so many reasons, but there are just a few. For more, check out the Sleepy Wrap site, or any babywearing information online (there is lots!)

As an adorable bonus, Sleepy Wrap also sells the most adorable little teddy bear, the Organic Sleepy Bear. This little bear is so sweet and sends a great message to any child who receives it. I think it would look adorable in a baby shower gift basket too. I want one! :) Too cute!

So how would you like to win one of the fantastic Sleepy Wrap Organics?

----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to Little Miss Emmy Lou! You will love this!!!

Here's how!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!
Post here and tell me why you want to wear your baby. Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Win & Wear your baby with an Organic Sleepy Wrap from @SleepyWrap from @EFFblog http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #babywearing" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Follow Sleepy Wrap on Twitter, leave a comment

*Follow our blog and post letting me know that you are :) (right side bar)

*Join our new email newsletter (right sidebar) for notices on special events coming up for the blog.

*Put the EFF Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Become a fan of the EFF blog on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Become a fan of Sleepy Wrap on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media. Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US & Canada Only. Giveaway ends February 2nd. I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product to review for the giveaway (Thank you Sleepy Wrap! I love it. A lot!). No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Have I mentioned that I love babywearing?

I was recently given the amazing opportunity to try out a new (to me) style of carrier. I have owned a wrap since my daughter was born and I do love it, but she's a lot bigger now and quite frankly, my husband just won't wear it. But he does like to wear the girls, so I went on the hunt for something that would work for him and be good for them.

I had heard of the ERGObaby carriers and the style looked perfect. No straps to tie, it looked like it would comfortably support a baby and be easy on the back, and most importantly (so I thought), was that my husband would wear it.

I contacted them and they were amazing in providing me an Organic ERGObaby carrier and infant insert

I anxiously waited... 1) Because I had never seen one, worn one, etc. and I couldn't wait to see how it worked and be able to tell you about it 2) Because I was dying to see what one came (the have some beautiful carriers!) and 3) Because I could not wait for my husband to use it!

So it came and much to my surprise and pleasure, it was the exact model that I would have chosen! The packaging was great too, all boxes, no plastic wraps!

Isn't it beautiful?! This is their Organic Cranberry Nautilus and Blush Beige Organic infant insert

I also want to show another style. This one is not organic, but is adorable and it seems to be very popular :) (They do have an organic infant insert in silver that matches this.)

The carrier features a amazing ergonomic design. It is 100% organic cotton twill (this thing is sturdy!). It has a 100% organic cotton batting and 100% organic cotton sateen lining and hood. I *love* the hood by the way! Great for sunny days, windy days, sleeping baby, going to stores (keeping people away!), etc.

The shoulder straps on these are nice and thick and *very* easy on the shoulders and back. The same goes for the waist belt. It is very comfortable and supportive.

These carriers are also durability &strength tested up to 90 pounds. That is incredible!

The buckles on these are *fantastic*. Not only does it buckle (instead of tie, which I find hugely convenient, and my husband doesn't deem 'girly'), but the straps have elastic on the ends to secure it (folded up) so that you don't have straps dangling all over and looking messy.

Let me talk about the insert a bit :)

I have played around with this a little and have used just a blanket, nothing at all and the insert. The insert is so nice. It snuggles her down in and she just sleeps, no slouching. Which, for such a little baby (she's almost 3 months now and 13 lbs) is important. It also has a pillowy cushion in bottom of it to give the baby soft support and help with positioning and keeping pressure off of the baby's spine, hips and sacrum (read more about this here, it's important to know!). My daughter seemed to love it btw :D So cozy!

Here I am (2nd from the left) wearing the ERGO with infant insert for my first outting with it :) As you may or may not know, this blog is the result of the Eco-Friendly Family board on theBump.com (so many questions and wanted a place to put tips, answers, etc!)

Anyhow, I am in Ohio and the ladies of Ohio and surrounding, wanted to do a get together. We met up at the beautiful home of one of our regular board members and I was all to happy to have the ERGO with me. Soon after arriving, she was fussy, wanting to sleep after eating, and just sitting around wasn't doing the trick. I pulled out the ERGO and she was soon asleep and I was hands free to eat and move about :)

After leaving, the lady I drove up with and I went shopping at a nearby outlet mall. The place was packed (and huge - so much walking). I am also a bit of a germaphobe (not extreme, but very careful... it started with my oldest daughter's premature birth). Anyhow, I put the hood up for protection, she slept and we shopped! It was fantastic and *so easy*.

So, I mentioned that I looked into this carrier, a lot, for my husband. I didn't expect to love it so much! He has used it when we've gone shopping, and it is so cute! I haven't been able to sneak a picture yet, but when I do, it is so up!

I have worn both my my 3 month old and 21 month old in this. My baby girl loves it and sleeps like an angel. My older daughter comes to me asking to be put in it! She loves it and I love that I can comfortably wear her and give her the Mommy time that she needs and that we both want :)

I even popped my son (almost 5) in it just to see. Before I said anything, he blurts out "Oh this is so comfy!" So, yea, even though I knew it, but my younger two can't tell me, I now know *for sure* that it is indeed comfortable :)

I feel like I'm rambling on here, and I may be, but there is just so much to say about this carrier. I am really loving it. I can't begin to tell you how convenient this carrier is. I have my straps set where I like them and I just pop it on. I have 3 kids, and being able to wear one while tending to the others is great, and because it is so easy off and on, it just makes a world of difference.

Oh! That reminds me of another huge HUGE plus! I don't get hot wearing it! I am often busy around here and wearing your baby can get you a little warm, not so much from the carriers, but from them being so close to you and all of that. I don't get hot in the ERGO. I *love* that about it. I have found that I use it all of the time and I grab for it because it works and it's easy.

A few notes here and then I'll let you go, I promise :D

I love my ERGObaby carrier and my daughter loves her baby dolls. She has been spotted around the house putting her babies in her shirt to carry them like mommy does. I was thrilled to see that ERGO also makes a doll carrier, so guess who's getting one for Christmas :D

I got this one, it will go nicely with Mommy's :) I'll get picks up of L wearing it after Christmas when she has hers :) I took a sneak peak at it and can tell you that I was *amazed* by the quality of this toy! The fabric is a very sturdy canvas. This is not a cheaply made toy and is worth every penny, if not more! I can't imagine this thing ever wearing out.

The ERGO carrier also has several accessories (insert, front pouch, backpack, weather cover, changing pad, and more). There is one that I already know I have to have :D

They are sucking pads, and they do come in organic! They will help protect the carrier straps, and thus it's longevity (depending on your baby's chewing abilities, lol)

I have a little baby and she does like to suck on things and will soon enough be chewing on things, so these are absolutely on my wish list!

Okay, so I've rambled on and on. I hope that I've covered everything here. I'm sure I've missed something (I always do!) If I think of anything I'll be sure to add it here on in a new post when I get pics of my husband and daughter wearing the carriers :)

Thank you for reading this :) If you haven't worn your baby and would like to, I highly recommend this carrier.

I'll leave you now with a couple of pics of me wearing it with my two baby girls :) Sorry for the pic w/out the insert with my youngest... I was trying to hurry to get my husband to help take a quick pick before dinner one night :P (yes, i'm a slacker, I know) Also, notice how the carrier cradles and conforms to their little bodies, it looks so comfy, not harsh :)