I love my beach-side strolls even more when I have a pram that’s nice to push… Wasn’t I glad to have the Jane Rider with me! I’ve said it before and I will say it again – this pram is amazing! It simply glides over the paving, turns on a dime yet easily tackles rough grassy surfaces as well.

I hope everyone out there in Prammie-Land enjoyed their weekend

So it’s not surprising that I chose to take the Valco Zee Spark to Ikea for it’s maiden voyage!

Ok, so as my regular readers will know, I am a self confessed pram snob. I love designer strollers and really wasn’t looking forward to trialling the Zee Spark.

*ba-ba-boom*

Wait, what was that?

*ba-ba-boom*

There it is again?

*ba-ba-boom* *ba-ba-boom* *ba-ba-boom*

I know.. My heart just skipped a beat! This stroller is a dream to push! Wow. Just wow. The pmeumatic rear wheels got it across the car park smoothly, the swivel front wheels were responsive and an easy-one handed push. The canopy was generous and the brake, flip-flop-friendly. Yes, that is all the boxes ticked!

Keep tour eye out for the full Zee Spark review, coming soon!

<

Yes, my love for the Jane Rider was only instilled further as we shared this awesome occasion together as a family. My husband ticked an amazing achievement off his bucket list, and I discovered how versatile the Jane Rider is. Win-Win!

Well of course tonight baby had different ideas on what I should be doing and decided she wanted to hang out for a few cuddles instead of sleeping. Finally I got out the Sleepywings and she fell asleep and of course I didn’t want to stray too far from the warmth of the heating in my lounge room so I laid baby down in the Rozibaby bassinette. Oh it looked so comfortable and seemed like SUCH a good idea at the time! It was right there beside me, baby was finally asleep and I just knew if I left the warm room she would wake up. Alas, now I cannot play with the pram and finalise the review! I guess there is always tomorrow right? And for now, baby sweetly sleeps in the Rozibaby… That’s a review enough, right??

(Please forgive the grainy photos – didn’t want to turn on the light and potentially wake up sleeping baby!)

If you look a couple of pages back in the blog you’ll see where I took the Elea out grocery shopping. I thought having those nifty shopping bag hooks on the side of the stroller handles was fantastic. Now being able to grab a few groceries without even having to lug a shopping basket around is simply amazing.

The day after I took it out again and this time it was nap time. I had my trusty Outlook sleep pod in my handbag but the Duet is a side-by-side pram, originally designed for two children. Ahh – have no fear! The stretchy elastic of the sleep pod is here. Okay, okay it doesn’t LOOK the greatest and didn’t fit as well as it does on my single strollers – BUT the fact is, it still worked! Baby slept for about an hour and a half, I managed to squeeze in a bit of light retail therapy with a handy basket there to fill up (and save on plastic shopping bags with the inner basket).

Yes – the Duet + Joey is going to be a BIG favourite in this household!

Stay tuned for am in depth review of the Viaggio – coming soon!

The capsule is super lightweight – by far the lightest capsule that I have used so far. It clicks straight onto the Elea chassis too – no adaptors needed!  I took the travel system to the shops for a quick spot of grocery shopping this morning and easily fit 4 bags of groceries in the basket, plus 1 on the hook. I could have easily got another bag or two in the basket and another couple of bags on the hooks! Plus, my baby was able to relax in the capsule – far more comfortable than any shopping trolley seat!

Keep watching for the full Maxi Cosi Elea review, as well as the Safety 1st One Safe capsule review.

Baby carriers on the market today

There are so many types of baby carrier out there that it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. Here is a brief run-down on types to look out for that will give you the most comfortable, safe and satisfying experience:

Pouch Slings

Hotslings

A Pouch is a continuous loop of fabric with a curved seam sewn in the middle providing a “pouch” for baby to sit in. Pouches sit like a wide sash around the wearer’s body spreading the carrying weight very evenly across your shoulder and back which makes them very comfortable to wear. Pouches are traditionally fitted to the wearer. This means they will be a perfect fit for you, but may not fit others. They are now available in adjustable styles, so the sizing can be changed between wearers.

Age range: Recommended from 4 months. They may be worn comfortably until around 2 years of age.

Weight range: 3.6kg to 15kg approx.

Positions: Front, back and hip.

Pros: Easy to learn to use and quick to put on and off. Folds up compactly so is easy to carry around. Can be used in a number of carrying positions.

Cons: Fitted pouches must fit the wearer well and so are not so easily shared (this is not a problem with the adjustable ones now available). Not recommended for use with newborns. Not fully adjustable, so it can be hard to get it really snug around baby’s back. One-shouldered carriers can get uncomfortable after long periods of time or with heavier children.

Great for: Supermarket, library, public transport, anytime you would be holding your child on your hip, breastfeeding on the go.

Brand examples: Hotslings, Jazslings

Ring Slings

Maya Wrap ring sling

A Ring Sling is a rectangle of fabric with two rings at one end used to adjust and secure the carrier. Ring Slings require some practice but once learnt their adjustability gives them a snugger hold than the Pouch. Choose a ring sling that gives a good spread over the shoulder and back as this is crucial in spreading the carrying weight and thereby making your carrying experience a positive one.

Age range: Most can be used from newborn. They may be worn comfortably until around 2 years of age.

Weight range: Depending on type, from around 3kg to 15kg.

Positions: Front, back and hip.

Pros: Easy to learn, quick to put on and adjust, fold up compactly so are easy to carry around. They are fully adjustable, making them ideal for breastfeeding and easy to share. Many different features and types available. Can be used in many different carrying positions.

Cons: One-shouldered carriers can get uncomfortable after long periods of time or with heavier children. Can take a little time to master adjusting them.

Great for: The supermarket, library, public transport, doctor’s office, school drop off/pick up, anytime you need to pop your child in quickly, breastfeeding on the go.

Brand examples: Maya Wrap, Sakura Bloom

Mei Tais

babyHAWK Mei Tei

These are Asian-inspired carriers, which in their most basic form have a rectangular or square shaped body and four straps – one coming from each corner – that tie to hold the carrier on. Some modern variations include padded shoulder straps and the option of a clip to do up the waist straps with.

Age range: Depending on type, from newborn. Most can be worn comfortably until at least 2 years old.

Weight range: Depending on type, from around 3.5kg to around 18kg.

Positions: Front, back (from approx. 4-6 months) and hip (although are not ideal for this).

Pros: Easy to learn. Easy to share between wearers of different sizes. Petite and larger wearers often find they can get a better fit than carriers with buckles and webbing. Many types and features available. Two-shouldered carriers so can comfortably be used for longer periods and with heavier children.

Great for: Shopping, public transport, going walking, playgroup, hanging out the washing, housework, extended periods of time.

Brand examples: AngelPack, Kozy Carrier, BabyHawk

Soft-Structured Carriers

Manduca baby carrier

These are inspired by mei tais, but have buckles and clips, rather than ties. They are easy to use and the weight distribution over both shoulders and waist make them very comfortable carriers especially for longer journeys and toddlers. Straps are adjustable so they can be worn by different people of different sizes.

Age range: Depending on the type, from newborn with an additional insert, which may need to be purchased separately. Many can be comfortably worn until around 3 years of age, or beyond, especially if they are sized or have an expandable or larger body.

Weight range: Depending on the type from around 3.5kg (with infant insert) to 18-20kgs.

Positions: Front, back (from approx.. 4-6 months) and hip (although are not ideal for this).

Pros: Easy to learn, easy to share between wearers. Many types and features readily available. Two-shouldered carriers can comfortably be used for longer periods and with heavier children.

Cons: Fit and comfort can be quite individual between brands. Newborn positioning is not ideal. Adjusting buckles and straps can take a while to get used to.

Great for: Shopping, public transport, playgroup, going walking, hanging out the washing, housework, extended periods of time.

Brand examples: ERGObaby, Manduca, Tula, AngelPack, Boba.

Wraps

Ellaroo woven wrap

These are long rectangular pieces of fabric that wrap around your body and the baby. Wraps come in both woven and stretchy fabrics. Stretchy fabrics (e.g. Hug-a-Bub) are suitable for front carrying only, and are best suited to younger babies. Woven fabrics (e.g. Ellaroo) are suitable from birth to 5 years and can be used for back, front and hip carries. While they are harder to use than other carriers, they are by far the most versatile and well worth the effort.

Age range: Depending on type, from newborn until 3-4 years or even beyond (with a woven wrap)! Stretchy wraps are suitable until around 6 months.

Weight range: Depending on type, from around 3kg to 20+ kg for woven wraps, and around 3kg to 8kgs with stretch wraps.

Positions: Front, hip and back carrying (hip and back with woven wraps only) with a huge variety of tying techniques.

Pros: Easy to share, the most versatile carrier available. Distributes weight well so can comfortably be used for long periods of time or with heavier babies. Very quick and easy to use once they are mastered.

Cons: Take more time to learn than other carriers and can seem overwhelming at first. To get the most out of them it is best to learn a few different tying techniques.

Great for: Shopping, library, playgroup, going walking, public transport, hanging out the washing, housework, extended periods of time (longer wraps) or quick up-down (shorter wraps)

Brand examples: Ellaroo, Natibaby, Didymos, Girasol (woven), Hug-a-Bub (stretch), Caboo (stretch hybrid carrier)

Whichever type, brand or colour you choose, there are a few important things to look out for:

The material of the carrier should hold your child’s back so that the spine is well supported and at the same time held in its natural slightly rounded posture.

The carrier should allow the legs to be in the squat-spread (‘M’) position, with the knees higher than the bottom (your baby’s knees should be at about the height of their belly button). The material between your child’s legs should spread from knee to knee. This will ensure that your child’s legs, hips and spine are supported in the best position for their development and comfort.

The carrier should distribute your child’s weight evenly across your body. This makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for you.

Wishing you and your baby happy carrying!

For many parents the most exciting feature of the Zee Two is the ability to add a front mounted toddler seat, so that three children can ride in the pram.

We popped the Think Twins resident mannequin into the main seat of the Zee Two to get a feeling for how much room a child would have behind the Joey seat.  As you can see below, there is a sufficient room for a child to sit upright behind the main seat, and obviously with the seats reclined there would be more room again.

The weight limit for the Joey seat is 20kg, and the Zee Two will carry 18kg per seat, which means the Zee Two plus Joey can carry a whopping 56kg with three children on board!

Parents of three children close in age will appreciate just how hard it is to find a pram that seats three children.  The advantages the Zee Two has over other prams on the market that do seat three children, are the compact size and reasonable price tag.  The Zee Two retails for $599 and the Joey seat for $99, and both are available now from Think Twins and other baby goods retailers.

Fertile Mind sent me the fabulous Manduca Baby Carrier a few weeks ago and I’ve got to say how timely it has been.

The Manduca is a structured baby carrier that holds your baby close to you – handsfree! It’s ergonomically designed to provide optimal seating position for baby, in order to provide support to their pelvis and spine, whilst being comfortable and lightweight for me to wear.

There are 3 positions for baby, chest-to-chest, back carry and hip carry. Back carry is by far my favorite position as I can still get the washing hung out, the dishes done and reach groceries at the bottom of the trolley whilst still giving my baby the closeness that she desires.

Stay tuned for a full detailed review of the Manduca, coming soon.