When I became a mother a few months ago, I didn’t know much about baby gear.
But even though I wasn’t hip to many brand names when it came to strollers or high chairs or cribs, I had definitely heard of a Snugli Soft Carrier. Several of my friends who were already parents used theirs when we went out together for walks or time at the mall, and I could see how nice it was for them to be hands free and still keep their baby close. So Snugli was one product that was already part of my vernacular when I received it as a baby shower gift, and I knew exactly what to do with it.
I carry my son around in it a good bit, and it has held up remarkably well. He can spit up on it (and spit up on it, and spit up on it) and it wipes down easily, or can be tossed into the washer on the gentle cycle and hung to dry. I like that he could ride in it from an early age, although I wouldn’t recommend it for the very first few weeks—only because baby’s head control is so wobbly that an upright position isn’t the most comfortable for them for long periods of time. But even before they have total head control, the Snugli comes with a head rest for baby’s comfort when facing toward you. Once he faces out, that part can flip down and out of the way.
It’s really easy to load your baby in and out of the carrier. There are two ways to fasten the baby carrier part to the harness on each side, and the nice thing about the carrier coming all the way apart from the straps is that you can lay it down flat and put your baby on his back on top of it, and then simply lift him up to your chest and snap him in if you’re feeling unsure about loading him in from the top.
My favorite part about using a front carrier now that he’s older and more aware of the world is turning him to face outward so he can see what I see. Going to the grocery store is so much easier than it was when I would try to push him around in a car seat or stroller. I have my hands free and he’s still right there with me, trying to touch the cans of beans and cartons of milk as I stroll the aisles. I think he feels like he’s more a part of things. (It’s important to know, however, that your baby should not ride facing outward until they can hold their head up well.)
The Snugli can hold up to 26 pounds, so I’m looking forward to using it for many more months. I always get compliments on the cool Union Jack print, too. Two thumbs up for the Snugli from this newbie mom!
Price: $40
To buy: amazon.com
