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NAP, inc. makes both the Sleepy Wrap and the Boba Baby Carrier. The Sleepy Wrap was a lifesaver for us. I love it so much that if I could marry it, I totally would. So logically, when I was looking for a soft structured carrier, I looked at Boba. The Boba is designed for babies 15-45 pounds; if you have a smaller baby, you will love the Sleepy Wrap!
My post in October on The Village of Moms is on Babywearing, so look for that to read more about the Sleepy Wrap and why I love it, along with photos and video of it!
I received the Organic Carrier in Aspen (retail $118), which is a nice, neutral color. The box it came in is really nice, I felt like I was opening a present!! It also came with a helpful instructional booklet, though you can also get information on their website. Boba recently released the Classic Carrier Collection. It is the same great carrier in fabulous colors, but comes with a lower price tag of $100 to go along with the non-organic cotton.
The Boba has a wide, padded waist band, and thick, cushy shoulder straps.
The sleeping hood attaches to the shoulder straps to support a snoozing baby’s head. It’s completely removable and tucks away neatly when not in use.
Unique to the Boba are the fully adjustable (and removable) foot straps, that provide proper leg support for older children (usually age 2 or so) and hold their knees up at hip level. They also slide along the waist band so you can get them perfectly adjusted for your little one.
Measurements above show: (clockwise, left to right) carrier height, carrier width, waist band height, strap width.
The Boba is highly adjustable, and will fit a wide range of sizes. The adjustments are sturdy straps that come with the excess neatly folded up. Aside from the foot strap and hood adjustments, you can adjust the waist, chest/back clip, move the chest/back clip up and down, and there are two adjustments for the shoulder straps themselves (seen above).
Below is a quick video demonstrating all of the adjustments on the Boba. I did this video when I first received the carrier. It becomes easier over time to adjust the straps, and I’d recommend sliding each one back & forth many times when you first receive it, before trying to adjust it while wearing it.
The carrier was a little intimidating at first with all the straps, but it was so easy to put on!
I did most of these photos and videos with my camera on a tripod while my husband was watching my son, so I had to recruit a model to help me out! Obviously, he is a little smaller than the minimum 15 pound baby the Boba recommends.
Clip the waist belt and adjust the strap.
In the pictures above, I had one strap on my shoulder before I picked Manny Bear up. Normally, I could pick up my son and hold him against my belly. Supporting his bottom with one hand, pull one shoulder strap up. Switch hands, supporting his bottom with the other hand, and putting the other shoulder strap on.
Fasten the chest/back clip and tighten. I had a little trouble tightening the back clip, and with NAP Inc.’s help I discovered it was easier to tighten this all the way before putting the carrier on, and tightening the shoulder straps instead. I am far more petite than the average petite person (I measured my shoulder width at about 15″) so I need most adjustments all the way tightened to feel secure.
Below is a quick video showing me putting the carrier on:
I will admit that it took quite a bit of playing around to get the fit just right, but once I did, it was wonderful. I didn’t know about all these awesome babywearing products when my daughter was small, so my babywearing experience with her was limited to the baby bjorn. Not only is the front facing carrier not recommended for several reasons, but it put so much strain on my shoulders that I couldn’t carry her for more than a few minutes, even when she was tiny.
One of the most important things about the Boba (to me) is that my son is sitting the same way he would be if I were holding him. His legs are held in a natural position.
My husband is more average sized, and the carrier fits wonderfully on him as well.
My husband also tried him on his back, but it was about bedtime and my son was not happy that I was taking pictures of him instead of holding him! We’re happy with the front carry right now with my son’s size and development, but the fact that we can use it in a back carry is great!
In conclusion, we LOVE the Boba Baby Carrier! My son is so happy when he is in it, and it’s very comfortable. I was sad when he seemed to be getting too big for the Sleepy Wrap, but now I can grocery shop, vacuum and do everything else I need to do in complete comfort. Woo-hoo!
Discount: Use coupon code Boba10 to get 10% off any Boba Baby Carrier.
FTC Compliance: I received the above product at no cost in order to review it. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own. I was not requested or required to write a positive review.
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Mandy also makes a “Tiny Legs” version of baby legs for 0-3 month olds. They sell for about $5.00 plus shipping.
I am looking forward to using these when the weather gets cooler and he gets that chilly gap between socks and pants!
Kickin’ Creations sells both in the Cuties with Cloth Booties Congo (CWCB) on Hyenacart and the Bliss Congo. Her CWCB store stocks tomorrow, September 15th.
Giveaway: Mandy is offering one reader his/her choice of any one in-stock item! (Value up to $15.00)
Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. Feel free to leave a comment about the post, or simply to remind yourself that you entered however, comments will not be counted as entries. Mandatory entries include name, email address and the item you like best after visiting the Kickin’ Creations CWCB store. You may “like” the Kickin’ Creations Facebook page for a bonus entry, and double your chances! This post will be updated daily (or so) with the # of entries received, for those of you who like to know your odds.
I will accept entries until Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
# of entries as of September 21st, 2010 at 8:30 P.M.: 116
https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dGU1UERuRFczdnBUUTNqeXVjMWo3aVE6MQ
FTC Compliance: I was provided with review samples for the cost of shipping, and a giveaway winner will receive a free item as well. I was not otherwise compensated for this post; I was not required or requested to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
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Since my kids are pretty far apart in age, all of the dishes and such we used when my daughter was little are nearly 5 years old now. Not only did we not know about BPA then, but some of the stuff was looking a little worse for the wear.
I went hunting at the best place ever, Target, and these Munchkin products caught my eye. I didn’t buy everything at once, but each time I looked for something new, my eyes seemed to go to Munchkin again.
The first thing I bought was the 2-pack of snack catchers, which were $4.49 at Target.
They have a soft lid, which is secure and easy for little hands to reach through. The handles make it easy to hold. The only spills we’ve had were because my son shoved his fist in, then turned it upside down!
Munchkin makes tons of products, and I’d definitely look to them next time I’m searching for something!
FTC Compliance: All items featured in this review were self purchased at normal retail prices. All opinions are my own.
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Ruby Moon is a Mom owned company that makes all natural cloth diaper detergent, laundry detergent, pail powder, cloth wipes, wipe bits and wool wash bars. I received wipes and wipes bits to review.
While I do prefer my diaper wipes slightly larger and thinner, the Ruby Moon wipes have been serving as excellent hand and face wipers for my son! Wipes are available in feminine, masculine or gender neutral prints. 6 wipes are $11.95, 12 are $21.50 and 24 are $35.95. Ruby Moon can also make custom wipes to match your nursery, theme or even use fabric you already have.
Allow solution to cool, then pour into your spray bottle, Peri bottle, or however you choose to use it.
I found the scent to be very light, like a mild soap. It did the job of getting my son’s tush clean with minimal wiping, and did not irritate his skin!
While supplies last: Mention me when you order, and get a free wipe!
Want to read more about cloth wipes and solutions, including how to fold wipes to pop up in a wipes container? Check out my Cloth Wipes Post on The Village of Moms!
Giveaway time! Ruby Moon is offering a 6-pack of wipes in the winner’s choice of girl, boy or gender neutral, along with a package of wipes bits; a combined retail value of $16.45.
How to enter: All entries go in the form. Entries left in the comments will not be counted. Feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself you entered. I will also be updating the post daily(ish) with the # of entries received, for those of you who like to know their odds!
Mandatory entries include name, email address and your favorite product from The Ruby Moon Online Store. Bonus Entry: “Like” Ruby Moon Laundry Wash on Facebook.
I will accept entries until Monday, September 13th, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
# of entries as of 9/13/10 at 7:30 P.M: 111
https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dFRaQ1lsUEtJS2gxSHdmdFZfUVlvdmc6MQ
FTC Compliance: I was provided samples for review purposes at no charge, and a giveaway winner will receive a free item as well. I was not otherwise compensated for this post; I was not required or requested to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.