Baby Carrier or Torture Device?

Before we had a baby we thought we might want one of those baby transporting backpack things. So Andrea did some research, chose one that got good reviews and was supposed to be good for infants. She put it on the shower registry and someone very thoughtfully got it for us. (If you are reading this - we LOVE it and use it all the time and there is no need to read the rest of this post)

It's a great concept. You put the baby in there and can go grocery shopping, walk the dog, play golf, all the stuff you used to do. (although swimming is NOT recommended) All the while you have both hands free and are not pushing around a stroller.

There are just a few problems with that concept. This is the picture ON the box.


Isn't that adorable? Cute happy baby snugly strapped to her mother and exploring the world from adult boob-level. Calm mother walking comfortably down the sidewalk. Ready to take on the world. How nice for them.








This is what it looks like OUT of the box:
(Andrea thinks this photo looks like a Picasso painting)

There are 8 adjustable straps, 12 buckles, 4 pieces of velcro and 1 snap. From looking at the box I was pretty sure that there had to be a way to attach a child to yourself with it, so I read the manual and we gave it a try. The manual needs a few revisions:

1. You lay the thing flat on the bed and open up all the straps.
2. Feed and change the baby.
3. Place baby on the big padded part.
4. Wrap the bottom of the big padded part over the baby's bottom.
5. Attach the Velcro and straps around the baby's waist. This step is particularly difficult with Collin because whenever you try and put anything around his waist (like a diaper) he tries to put his knees in his mouth.
6. If this has made the baby mad - reverse the above steps and see #2.
7. If you make it this far, lift the long straps up and clip them onto the padded thing.
8. It now sort of looks like a backpack with arms and legs. Pick the baby up while simultaneously slipping your arms through the straps to get them over your shoulders.
9. Assuming you have not twisted any of the straps yet and your baby is not screaming, wrap the other strap around your waist and attach.
10. You are now ready to tackle your day! Or more likely, immediately reverse the above steps and see #2.
11. Order pizza instead.