Catbird Baby Pikkolo

Can't decide between a soft sling and a structured carrier? CatBird Baby's Mei-Tai-inspired Pikkolo is the best of both worlds.

I was more than curious to discover how well the Pikkolo worked in reallife—I mean, the idea of a soft structured baby carrier is brilliant,but would it actually be able to match the comfort of a sling (for parent and child) as well as the stability of a traditionalcarrier? And, I've worn a Mei-Tai in the past, and while I felt it wasboth functional and lovely, my only complaint is that the long sashescould be difficultto deal with while trying to maneuver a baby—how was this new carriergoing to be any different? Remarkably, the Pikkolo conquered all of myreservations, and then some.

I have to note that I was smitten the second I saw the Pikkolo—and I hadn't even taken it out of its box! The carrier's gorgeous print was peeking out at me through a window (seriously, I highly recommend the Georgia Pikkolo, pictured above!), and the clean, descriptive packaging gave straightforward directions and lots of helpful pictures. Even more importantly, it was impressive out of its box, too. Before I put the Pikkolo to use, it was easy to see that it's a hybrid of some of the best things I once had tol ook for in multiple carriers: it offers the attachment and closeness of a sling, the internal body support of a structured carrier and the attractiveness and padded comfort of a Mei-Tai—without the longsashes!

When in use, this carrier gives you options. You can carry your baby four different ways: front facing in, front facing out, back or hip carry, so it's easy to change things up as your little one grows( which he's sure to do somewhere between birth and 40 pounds). There is also a cinching mechanism that helps make your baby's seat narrower depending on his size and your carry style. But baby's not the only one who needs to be cozy—adjustable side-release buckles keep the carriers ecurely attached around your waist and shoulders, and allow you tofind the perfect fit quickly and easily. 

I'm very excited to have found such an attractive, user-friendly carrier in the Pikkolo, and I can't wait to share my find with my new mom friends!

Price: $129
Buy it: catbirdbaby.com