Front carriers: full test results

Cuddle-Up

  • Manufacturer: Tomy
  • Price: £20.99
  • Age guide: Suitable for babies up to 12kg
  • Features: Cushioned leg and arm holes, integral head padding, removable
    bib, storage pocket, soother/toy holder, padded shoulder straps, internal zip to allow
    easy access for feeding. Washable.

For stockists tel 02380 662600

Tomy Cuddle-up

Testers’ comments

plus One very simple waist clip to
secure, so really hassle-free.

plus Weight all taken across the
shoulders where straps are very well padded for comfort.

plus Head roll gives some extra support
for a new baby and can be rolled out once baby is too tall to need it.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Good
support the entire length of the baby’s body.

plus Internal zip allows you to feed
your baby discreetly without removing him entirely from the carrier.

plus Detachable bib catches any dribble
and can be easily removed for washing.

plus Useful added features –
storage pocket, bib and soother holder help make life easier.

plus Excellent value for a good quality
carrier.

minus Can only be used with baby
facing the parent.

babyworld verdict

A good value, well-made carrier which works well and has some useful added features.
Slightly less versatile than some others as it can only be used with baby facing parent,
but if that is how you intend to use your carrier then this does that job well.

Score = 8 out of 10

Turn-a-Round Carrier

  • Manufacturer: Tomy
  • Price: £20
  • Age guide: Suitable for babies up to 9.5kg.
  • Features: Padded shoulder straps, adjustable seat depth, partly
    cushioned leg holes, storage pocket, detachable bib, internal zip to allow easy access for
    feeding. Can be used with baby forward-facing or parent-facing

For stockists tel 02380 662600

Tomy Turn-A-Round

Testers’ comments

plus Very easy to put on.

plusGood-sized, protective, detachable
bib.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Very
lightweight.

plus Very easy to convert to a
forward-facing carrier.

plus Zip allows for discreet feeding
when baby is parent-facing and makes it easier to get baby in and out when forward-facing.

plus Shoulder straps double as baby
shoulder harness when used forward-facing, which adds to the baby’s security and prevents
him/her falling forwards.

plus_minus No specific arm holes – baby’s arms
sit over the top of the seat and comfort depends on the baby’s position preference or
size. However, arms are free and very comfy when carrier is used with baby forward-facing.

plus_minus Back support is cushioned but not the most
supportive.

minus No head support so tiny babies
tend to wobble about a little.

babyworld verdict

Well priced, lightweight carrier that adapts easily from parent-facing to
forward-facing. Shoulder straps could be better padded, but weight is taken across the
back so they are not uncomfortable. We liked this best forward-facing; the parent-facing
features are pretty basic.

Score = 7 out of 10

Deluxe Two-Way Baby Carrier

Babies R Us Deluxe two-way carrier Babies R Us Deluxe two-way baby carrier
  • Manufacturer Babies-R-Us
  • Price £19.99
  • Age guide: Suitable for babies up to the age of 9 months
  • Features: Cushioned leg holes, detachable head hugger, zipped storage
    pocket, padded shoulder and waist straps, adjustable seat size, can be used with baby
    facing the parent or facing forwards. Washable.

For stockists tel 0800 4960700.

Testers’ comments

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Seat
can be adjusted and tightened around a small baby to give added feeling of security.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Superb,
well padded head hugger is secured by velcro and can be very simply adjusted to give
support even as the baby grows in length.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Effortless to convert to forward-facing once baby’s neck is strong enough to be
self-supporting.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Useful
zipped storage pocket.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Excellent value.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) Shoulder straps are
well padded and comfortable, but have to cross over on the back and take a little while to
sort out and correctly position at first.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) Leg holes are very
well padded.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) There are no
specific arm holes – baby’s arms sit over the top of the seat and comfort depends on
the baby’s position preference or size. However, arms are free and very comfy when carrier
is used with baby forward-facing.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes) No
bib to catch any dribble when baby is parent-facing.

babyworld verdict

A versatile carrier which gives you the option to turn your baby forward-facing as he
grows more interested in seeing what’s around him. Works well both ways and has good added
features for a very fair price. We particularly liked the head hugger.

Score = 7_10.jpg (1400 bytes)

Baby Carrier

baby bjorn baby carrier Baby Bjorn
  • Manufacturer: Baby Bjorn
  • Price: £44.90
  • Age guide: Suitable for babies up to the age of 10 months
  • Features: Padded, entirely detachable seat which clips onto wide
    shoulder and waist straps, adjustable seat size. Can be used with the baby facing the
    parent or facing forward. Instructions printed on the carrier. Washable.

For stockists tel 0181 404 0752

Testers’ comments

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Quite a
different design from other carriers but pretty user-friendly.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Straps
and seat are entirely detachable, which means that baby can be disconnected from parent
and laid down straight from the carrier without being woken during manoeuvring.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) All
adjustments are made from the front so are easily accessible.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Baby is
positioned high on the body and feels close and comfortable.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Seat is
padded throughout for all-over comfort.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)Adjustable
seat size is simple but effective and ensures carrier is exactly the right size for the
baby to be snug and secure.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) Shoulder and waist
straps are not padded but are wide enough to ensure comfort.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes)No bib attachment so
baby can dribble all over parent – but the openness leaves for easy feeding.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes)Pricey.

babyworld verdict

An entirely fuss-free and very comfortable carrier. Easy to put on, easy to adjust.
Expensive but good quality and good design. Would make a lovely gift.

Score = 7_10.jpg (1400 bytes)

Turnabout Carrier

  • Manufacturer: Mothercare
  • Price: £14.99
  • Age guide: Suitable until baby is about 9 months or 9kg.
  • Features: Cushioned leg holes, padded shoulder straps and back support,
    detachable bib, storage pocket, internal zip to allow easy access for feeding. Can be used
    parent-facing or forward-facing. Washable.

For stockists tel 01923 210210

mothercare baby carrier

Testers’ comments

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Good
padding around the leg and on back support.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Velcro
fastenings allow seat size to be adjusted easily to create a snug, secure fit around baby.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Shoulder straps secure under the arms and clasps are easily accessible.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Internal zip allows for discreet feeding without removing baby from carrier.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Internal zip makes it easier to remove the baby.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Detachable bib catches any dribble and can be easily removed for washing.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Very
simple to convert to forward-facing.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) No specific arm
holes – baby’s arms sit over the top of the seat and comfort depends on the baby’s
position preference or size. Arms are, however, free and very comfy when carrier is used
with baby forward-facing.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes)
Shoulder straps are quite narrow and not the most padded around.

babyworld verdict

The cheapest carrier we tested and it certainly does the job. Shoulder straps could be
a bit wider, but this is a basically sound carrier and baby seemed quite happy in it. No
fuss to use, no unique features but functions effectively for a very low price.

Score = 7_10.jpg (1400 bytes)

Sling-Easy

  • Manufacturer: Kids In Comfort
  • Price: £26.99 to £36.99, depending on size and fabric choice
  • Age guide: Suitable until child is about three years or 16kg
  • Features: Large swathe of fabric with padded edges and integral padded,
    two-ringed securing buckle. Washable.

For mail order 01189 404942

kids in comfort sling-easy

Testers’ comments

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) You can
wear this in lots of different ways so it allows you to work out which way is the most
comfortable for you and your baby.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Very
easy to put baby in and out and possible to detach baby from parent without waking.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) No
fiddly clips or fastenings, minimal adjustments required.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Usage
can change dramatically as baby grows. Baby can lie across the parent’s stomach, sit at
the hip or on the back. Baby can be forward-facing or parent-facing.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Allows
for easy discreet feeding.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) This
has to be the closest thing to holding the baby, without actually holding him.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) Weight is taken
over one shoulder only, but weight is spread across a wide area of fabric.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) Rather ethnic and
alternative – quite different from the traditional carrier and takes a little getting
used to.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) Versatile if you
get on with it.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes) Tiny
babies seem a bit lost in all the fabric.

babyworld verdict

This is a very different kind of carrier and one you’ll either love or hate. Those
parents who used it from early on found it comfortable and versatile. Others found it too
‘alternative’ and different for comfort. Well worth borrowing one for a trial, if you can,
before buying.

Score = 7_10.jpg (1400 bytes)

Heartbeat bis

  • Manufacturer: Kipling Baby
  • Price: £59.99
  • Age guide: Suitable until child is about 18 months.
  • Features: Padded shoulder straps and well-padded seat with integral
    head cushioning. Seat size is adjustable. Storage pocket and Kipling mascot monkey toy.
    Can be worn with baby facing forwards or towards the parent and can also be worn on the
    back. Washable.

For Stockists tel 0181 731 3500

Kipling Heartbeat Bis

Testers’ verdict

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Stylish
design.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Seat is
very well padded and fully adjustable to accommodate the growing child.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Integral head cushioning adds comfort and support and baby seems snug and secure in all
positions.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Wide
waistband plus additional across back strap ensure a secure snug fit.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Clasps
are well designed so that only correctly matched pieces will secure.

plus_minus_signs.jpg (1137 bytes) A pretty
substantial, solid item which, at first glance, is more like a rucksack than a piece of
baby equipment.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes) No
removable bib, but dribble tends to go on carrier rather than on parent!

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes)
Expensive.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes)
Feels quite bulky when fitted on the front – if worn too high on the chest the seat
back bangs on your chin. Very comfortable when worn on the back.

babyworld verdict

A well made, good-quality carrier which is pricey but will last well. Versatile enough
to last you through several stages of your baby’s development. Definitely one for the
style-conscious and generously padded to ensure your baby’s comfort.

Score = 7_10.jpg (1400 bytes)

The Wilkinet Baby Carrier

  • Manufacturer: Wilkinet
  • Price: £36.95
  • Age guide: Suitable until child weighs about 14kg
  • Features: Well padded shoulder straps and seat tied onto parent with
    supporting cloth ties. Can be worn in four positions. Optional showerproof cape. Washable.

For mail order 01239 841844 or visit www.wilkinet.com

The Wilkinet Baby Carrier

Testers’ comments

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Fitting
instructions are well described and easy to follow.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Once
you understand what you are doing with the ties, fitting is pretty straightforward and
carrier is secured by a simple knot so no clasps or buckles.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) The
fabric ties provide added support and help ensure a comfortable, fully adjustable fit for
parent and baby.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Can be
used with baby facing parent or facing forward, positioned on the hip, stomach or back.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes) Baby
seems very snug and close to parent.

plus_sign_small.jpg (719 bytes)
Shoulder straps and seat are extremely well padded for baby and parent comfort.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes) At
first glance fitting seems complex and a little daunting because this is an all-fabric
carrier with long fabric ties.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes) No
bib – so no protection from dribble when baby is parent-facing.

minus_sign_small.jpg (679 bytes) No
storage pocket or added features.

babyworld verdict

Don’t be put off by the plethora of fabric straps – once fitting and tying has
been mastered this is a very versatile and comfortable carrier made from good quality
fabric and plenty of padding. Designed by a mother of eight, it has the benefits of a
sling but in a more traditional style. Comes with an extensive instructions and
information sheet to help you get the most out of the style.

Score = 7_10.jpg (1400 bytes)
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