We Love, You Need Guides: Baby Carriers

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The Best Baby Carriers of 2010 -- Which One Should You Buy?

We looked at the best carriers on the market. Find the one that suits your carrying style. (18 Photos)

Kate Bayless on May 3, 2010 at 10:43PM

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a Kate Bayless on May 3, 2010 at 11:12PM

BEST TODDLER CARRIER

Expert Rating:

Carrier Stats
Type: Front/back carrier
Weight range: 15 to 45 lbs.
Price: $118
Made of: Organic cotton

Get it Now: Bobababycarrier.com

Expert review: Made for children ages 1 to 4, the Boba 2G is a comfy carrier with a simple, streamlined design. With two carrying positions—front (facing in only) and back—it comes with a removable sleeping hood that also provides sun protection and nursing privacy. Removable, adjustable foot straps give older kids adequate leg support too. Thick, well-padded shoulder and waist straps provide ample weight distribution for parents and the adjustable waist, shoulder and chest straps ensure a snug fit. The directions clearly show how to use the carrier in front or back but don't show how to use the sleeping hood, and there are no instructions for adjusting the foot strap position or removing baby from the carrier (a bit unnerving the first time you try this from the back carry position). Six earthy colors, including walnut and pine (plus an adorable new bird print as of June 2010), make the Boba 2G as easy on the eyes as it is on the back.

Why we love it: Wide seat for older babies; included sleeping hood; adjustable foot straps; comfortable fit for baby and parent; well-padded and wide shoulder and waist straps.

What we wish it had: Instructions for how to take baby out and use the accessories; some brighter color options; an option for facing baby out in the front position.

Great for: Carrying a child beyond the baby stage; stashing in your diaper bag for all-day outings like amusement parks (squishes down to a smaller size).

Bottom line: Though you get only two carry positions, the Boba 2G offers comfort, multiple features and understated style. A good choice for carrying toddlers.

What our parent tester thought:
"I could be very active while wearing this carrier: I could go hiking, chase a child or go for a leisurely walk."

"It gives me an opportunity to carry my son for long periods of time and have both hands free. This was one of the biggest selling points of this carrier for me. It was very easy to attend to my 2-and-a-half-year-old while wearing my 14-month-old on my back."

"I appreciate the functionality and the way I can take it with me anywhere."

"There was really good support for my lower back."

"I wish it were easier to carry my child in front. It was a bit difficult to snap the clip behind my shoulders, and this made it feel a little less safe."

—Annie, and her 14-month-old son, of Carlsbad, Calif.