Now that my daughter is getting bigger, I am having a harder time with the baby carriers we have used.  The slings are still great when I have one hand to steady her, but she wiggles so much that the strap over one shoulder inevitably digs into my neck.  The problem is that she (understandably) still wants to be held at certain times of the day; usually when I am in the midst of doing something that requires two hands.

The Boba baby carrier I received for review has been a fabulous addition to our lives.  It is designed to fit children weighing between 15 – 45 pounds; the perfect size for both me and my little one!  You can either jump on the website to find out how to get your child fitted in your Boba carrier or read the instructions that come with it.  Either way, it is a fairly easy three – four step process that I fully recommend you try out AT HOME the first couple of times.  We were out shopping the second time we used it; my daughter was so wriggly that a saint of a passerby had to help us get straightened out (I was trying to wear her on my back at the time).  As I said, it isn’t that the Boba is difficult to get up; my daughter just did not understand what I was trying to get her to do because we had not practiced enough in a controlled setting.

Here are the things I absolutely love about this carrier: the Boba has a chest strap that fastens for extra security, like a day hiker, and makes an already comfortable carrier that much more comfortable.  The waist strap is heavily padded and wide, again adding to the strength and weight distribution; I felt like my load had been significantly reduced.  This strap has buckles with a heavy duty clip that has a safety feature to prevent an unintended release (I hadn’t read the instructions the first time I used the carrier and actually thought I was stuck in it until I figured it out … panic, panic, panic).  I especially love the little foot straps that hang from the waist strap – they were very easy for my daughter to use and seemed to increase her comfort level quite a bit (and also controlled her wriggling).  Boba says these straps actually help align your child’s pelvis and back while they are in the carrier.  The versatility of the Boba carrier allows you to choose either a front or back carry (I prefer the back).  The baby’s back support is fabulous with the extra high material.  And … for all you fashionistas out there: our Boba carrier came in “Walnut”, a deep chocolate brown that pairs well with most adult clothing.  Oh – and the Boba carrier is made of organic cotton and can be machine washed.

Buy it: To purchase, visit Boba online

Giveaway: Boba would like to offer a lucky My Wee View reader a walnut Boba carrier ($99 Value)

To Enter: Visit Boba online and make a comment back here about your favourite item

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Giveaway closes Feb 26th @11:59 pm PST.  Open to US and Canada

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My daughter loves to be held close, and I love to have her close.  Now that she is over 1, I can carry her on my back with the ERGObaby.  The ERGObaby makes carrying a 27 pound toddler really easy, this is why I have chosen it as a My Wee View Fav of 2009.  You can read the complete review here.  Since I have a review blog, I frequently get asked what to buy expecting parents.  Now that the ERGObaby has the new Heart 2 Heart insert (perfect for brand new babies), I always suggest the ERGObaby carrier.

I like the ERGO best for the back carry, it fits my husband and I (and a few family members that have worn it for their children) easily.  The size adjusts to fit anyone, it’s really comfortable, and I can wear my little pumpkin for a long time.  It’s especially great for the mall, and the market.  Anywhere that is really busy or has a lot of stairs, we always use the ERGO rather than trying to squeeze a stroller through a crowd.

ERGObaby is a MWV Fav of 2009!

Giveaway: To Celebrate being chosen My Wee View Favs of 2009, ERGObaby is going to give a lucky My Wee View reader an ERGObaby carrier

To Enter: Visit ERGOBaby, and make a comment back here about what you would get

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• Follow My Wee View on Twitter, and ReTweet this giveaway RT @myweeview ERGObaby Carrier (~$110) #Giveaway  ENDS JAN 15  ❤ MWV FAV 2009 ❤   http://tiny.cc/hlGGs (you can Tweet this once a day for Extra Entries)
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Giveaway closes January 15 @11:59 pm PST.  Open to US and Canada

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A sling is something that I just can not live without!  It is so easy to carry around my daughter either at home, while shopping, or just going for a walk.  I am always on the look out for great new carriers to carry around my little munchkin.  I recently received a sling from Tot to Go for review.  Tot to Go was created by Mom,  Shani Sam, in Vancouver, BC.  Like many Momprenures, she started her own company after searching high and low for a carrier that actually fit.

Genevieve is now over 25 pounds, so after carrying her around all day in my arms, I could end up with one arm that seems to be more muscular than the other (not always a good look when the other arm is a little flabby – I’ll be working on this  in 2010).  I have recently been wearing her in my  Tot to Go sling, which makes things for both myself and her so much easier.  I simply have to put the sling over my head with one arm through, and then stick her inside the sling.  Both arms are free to do whatever around the house, and she is happy just to be close to me.  The Mocha Cappuccino sling is reversible, one side is chocolate brown and the other has modern dots in brown white and gray.  The sling is very sturdy and had a French stitched seem (a double stitch inside and out) to make sure your little bundle of joy will be safe.

There are many ways to carry your little one in the Tot to Go sling. My favourite way with a toddler is hip carry.  However,  you can also carry smaller babies facing outward like a little kangaroo or they can lay completely in the sling and fall fast asleep (this was one of my favourite ways to carry my little one when she was just a baby).

A sling has been a life saver for me.  Genevieve was a crier and only seemed to be happy when she was close by.  She had acid reflux which is very painful, and although being carried doesn’t make the pain go away, it really helps to be close to Mommy when not feeling well.  If you have a fussy baby put them in the Tot to Go sling and it will help both you and the child.  You will be able to keep your sanity and the baby will be glad to be close to you.

Tot to Go also sells modern nursing covers and fluffy baby quilts.  All the items are very reasonably priced, only $19.95 for a Nursing cover, $39.95 for a sling and $39.95  for a quilt.

Buy it: To purchase, visit Tot to Go online

Giveaway: One lucky My Wee View reader is going to receive a Tot-to-go Baby Sling (winner may choose the print and size)

To Enter: Visit Tot to Go, and make a comment back here about your favourite item

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• Follow My Wee View on Twitter , and ReTweet this giveaway RT @myweeview #Giveaway – Tot to Go Sling ENDS JAN 15  http://tiny.cc/HH2ul (you can Tweet this once a day for Extra Entries)
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Christmas Gift Idea for parents with babies/infants/toddlers, or Christmas Gift idea for the expecting parents

I am a huge baby wearing fan.  Even though Genevieve is over 1, I still wear her all the time.   The newest carrier I received, is the ERGObaby – and we all love it.  ERGObaby Carriers have only been in business since 2003, but they are easily the most popular carriers on the market today.  So popular in fact that counterfeit carriers are being sold on Ebay, so make sure to get your carriers from a trusted source.

For review,  ERGObaby sent us a carrier, a backpack and the front pouch all in the colour Camel.  The Ergo can be worn in three positions, front carry facing in back carry facing in, and hip carry.  This is by far my favourite carrier for the back carry.  Genevieve is nearly 25 pounds, and can get heavy while carrying her on my hip. I find that putting her on my back is just so easy, the weight is disbursed around my hips and chest.  There are two adjustable straps which helps with weight distribution, and also allows any shape and size wear the ERGO.   The lower strap, which goes around the waist is very thick and is adjustable from 25″ – 43″, and the upper strap clips at the chest keeps the shoulder straps in place, both these mechanisms help lighten the load.  My husband and I both put Genevieve in the ERGO, it’s quick, easy and it works.  The Ergo fits people 5′ – 6′5″ tall.

With the back carry, Genevieve can see over my shoulder, which makes her happy.  She is a type of child that likes to see everything that is going on.  It is only recently that we started carrying her on our backs – ERGObaby recommends the back position for babies around 6 months and older – we started around age 1.  We use this carrier every time we go out, even if it is just for a few minutes.  We find it easier to put her in the carrier – which just takes less than a minute, than to carry her around on my hip for a minute or two.  The carrier is a little bit larger than a sling, so we leave it in the car so it is always ready to be used. The ERGO also has a little pouch in the front to keep things like a few diapers and wipes, which means we don’t have to carry around a huge diaper bag if we go out for just a short trip.

Many children like the soothing motion while being carried, and it often puts them to sleep.  ERGObaby has come up with a little hood which can be clipped onto the shoulder straps.  The hood will keep their neck and head from flapping around.  This is especially great for smaller babies which do not have much neck control.  The hood will give them the extra neck support that is needed.  I also like to use the hood when I am trying to get Genevieve to sleep, it covers her eyes, and eliminates any visual simulations which may keep her up.  Sometimes she doesn’t want to keep the hood on, but other times, she is happy to leave it up and will fall asleep instantly.

The backpack is a great addition to the ERGObaby.  The straps are adjustable, which makes it fit perfectly right over the front side of the carrier. There are also snaps that can clip right onto the shoulder straps.  The backpack is large enough to bring all the necessities for a long day trip.  The bag also has front pouches for carrying bottles. The bottles will remain upright and not spill.  Since it is a backpack style diaper bag, my husband will even put it on his back without wearing the carrier.  There is a zipper on the top and the side which makes grabbing things easy.

The front pouch is a little pack that a wallet, passport, or other important documents can be placed in and easily accessible.  It attaches by velcro to the waist band, or there is a strap that can be used to carry the pouch over the shoulders.  This makes your important information easy to grab, and keeps it close to your person at all times.  There is no need to worry about where your documents are.

The ERGObaby Carrier, and accessories are great.  My husband loves to Geocache, and he will be using this regularly while out hunting for caches.  The ERGObaby is great for people that love the outdoors and go hiking, or that like to spend time in the mall.  I am a person that just likes to have my baby close to me, and I wear her as much as possible, just going for a walk down the street, or spending an afternoon at the market, I use the ERGO.

Buy it: To purchase, visit ERGObaby Carriers online

Giveaway: ERGObaby would like to offer a lucky My Wee View reader a HandsFree System, consisting of an ERGObaby Carrier, Backpack, and Front Pouch

To Enter: Visit ERGObaby, and make a comment back here about your favourite product

Bonus Entries:

• Follow My Wee View and ERGObaby on Twitter , and ReTweet this  RT @myweeview & @ERGObaby #Giveaway ERGObaby Carrier, Backpack, and Front Pouch ($170) ENDS 11/27 (you can Tweet this once a day for an extra entry each day)
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Giveaway closes November 27th @ 11:59 pm PST. Open to US and Canada

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Christmas Gift Idea for people with young children

We own a small car. When we started to talk about having kids, we were warned by those “in the know” that we should be thinking about a larger vehicle. “What would we need that for?” we scoffed. I remember saying to my husband after one such outing “It is only a small human; you’d think everyone was trying to prepare us for a full sized elephant.” Yes, it is true that the little being about to enter our lives was only going to be less than ten pounds, but the equipment she came with would require a u-haul.

When I received Tend-A-Tot for review, I could see that it was indeed possible to travel (quite reasonably) in a compact car with a child after all. Tend-A-Tot was created by a Michigan grandmother / mother who travelled extensively with her little ones and who knows the value of storage and efficiency.

Functioning as a single-unit, Tend-A-Tot transforms into a roomy diaper bag and travel tote with six functions. It has the unique ability to fold out into an instant baby/child carrier. It easily converts a simple umbrella stroller into a comfortable, secure and convenient carriage with plenty of on-board storage. It makes any dining chair / most other chairs into a comfortable, secure baby/child chair, keeping baby/child off of unsanitary public surfaces. It provides extra comfort and security in a conventional highchair. You can also use Tend-A-Tot in shopping carts for comfort, extra security and shopping ease. Whew!  See the video how to do all this here.

Tend-A-Tot offers a wide range of fabric designs, which you can order in retro and mod designs (I highly recommend checking out this section of the website; you can choose your own patterns and accent colours; my Tend-A-Tot is a beautiful chocolate brown with green, yellow and pink bubbles and comes from the retro fabric section). Tend-A-Tots are machine washable and come with matching change pad / placemat, bib, semi-attached pillow, ties for attaching toys or rattles or pacifiers and an adjustable strap. It is probably the first bag that I have seen that actually has enough storage pockets – I didn’t think that that was possible. Tend-A-Tot is intended for infants to children of 3+ years.

Tend-A-Tot eliminates the need for many of the bags you commonly have to lug when you bring baby out. The whole system compacts to about the size of a standard pillow (a little larger if you stuff the thing to the gills with baby gear). This means as long as you have remembered to pack your bag properly, you do not need to search through a million bags or the trunk of your car for whatever it is you lose most often. Although a simple feature, I love the tie on feature the best – no more picking soothers and toys off of the floor in public places. I wonder if I can find a way to attach her socks to Tend-A-Tot???

This product was given a seal of approval by The New Parents Guide.

Buy it: To purchase, visit online http://www.tendatot.com

Giveaway: Tend-A-Tot would like to offer a lucky My Wee View reader a Tend-A-Tot 6-in-1 tote (any one starting with P)

To Enter: Visit Tend-A-Tot online and make a comment back here about your favourite pattern or feature

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Giveaway closes November 25th @ 11:59 pm PST. Open to US and Canada

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I love simplicity and all things that bring simplicity into my life. So when I received the Puj Go Sling for review, I was a happy mom.

The Go Sling is a bare bones construction: a one piece affair with no straps, buckles, metal rings or zippers. With the lack of any of these features, the Puj Go Sling is non-adjustable and translates into one thing: ease of use. Puj (pronounced “pudge”, as in pudgy baby), says of their product: “So simple you’ll actually use it”. I agree.

Because the Go Sling is non-adjustable, Puj wants to make sure you order a correct fit. The Go Sling comes in five sizes to accommodate most moms.  Their website offers a sizing chart that is based on your height and body type. Puj has an excellent return policy, just in case you order the wrong size.

I received the “Heather” Go Sling, a chic retro green material, made of two kinds of very cool patterns. Puj offers five design selections, all made of a pre-washed cotton so they will not shrink. Best of all, for those babies who seem to make a mess of everything within their five foot radius (not mentioning any names here), the Go Sling is machine washable. Ahhhhh!

The Go Sling is easy to take on and off, comfortable for the babe and lightweight, so it makes sense that I take it every where I go. Because it folds to a compact size, about the size of a folded pillow case, it travels well and fits into my shoulder bag and coat pocket with relative ease. (Yes, I said “coat pocket”). It is not an all day hiker, but it is perfect for shorter trips, getting in and out of the car on a day of errands and also for around the house when you actually need your hands.

My daughter loves the Go Sling too. It holds the baby higher and closer to your center of gravity for more stability and predictability while carrying. Puj says “This higher carry position helps the baby develop a closer relationship with you because of this position and better eye contact”. Puj also says that the “Go Sling is a favorite of midwives and child psychologists for this very reason”.

The Go Sling is best for babies once they can hold their own head up until the time that they loose interest in being carried.  The common age range is from approximately six weeks to two (plus) years. Puj recommends that you use the sling on babes and kids who are between 15 – 30 pounds.

The website, www.pujbaby.com, offers instructional videos on how to best use their products (thank you for this great addition to your site). The site also features other products that Puj carries and I fully recommend logging on so you can add your Go Sling and their newborn bathtub to your shopping cart. Puj also makes adorable shoes that have no left – right designation; perfect for babies. All of the products Puj makes are a result of the insights the two founders have gained as parents and designers. The company is located in Vancouver, Washington.

Buy it: To purchase, visit online http://www.pujbaby.com/

Giveaway: Puj would like to offer a lucky My Wee View reader a Go Sling

To Enter: Visit  Puj online and make a comment back here about your favourite item

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• Follow My Wee View on Twitter , and ReTweet this giveaway RT @myweeview #Giveaway – Puj – Go Sling ($48) ENDS 10/27 http://bit.ly/2B8Gl7 (you can tweet this once  a day for an extra entry)
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Giveaway closes October 27th @11:59 pm PST.  Open to US and Canada

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