Evenflo Snugli Front & Back Baby Carrier

I really like this carrier. I purchased it and used it constantly with my first child, have loaned it to my sister-in-law to use for her baby and am now using it with my second child and it is still looks and functions like new. I used this carrier until my son was almost exactly 14 months old (he was an average sized baby) I likely could have gotten even more use out of it but decided to lend it to my sister-in-law instead when her child was born.

The manual that comes with the carrier tells you the safe way to load baby and after a couple of practice runs I found this a breeze. It does take some getting used to carrying around an extra 7-26 lbs on your chest/back but I found that like anything else, once you do it and get used to it was no problem although you may want to consider a stroller on a long haul as babies get heavier the longer you carry/wear them. I did find that using this really helped me to get back to my pre-pregnancy size and I quite prefer it to using my stroller unless I have stuff that needs to be toted along as well(blankets, diaper bags, etc.) or am planning a very long, leisurely stroll.

There are many, many straps and clips on this carrier. So many that when I first opened it I was a little discouraged but I forged ahead beginning by reading the manual through and when I looked at it a second time I was ready to get moving.

Wearing the Carrier: Front Facing - (I didn't use the carrier in the backpack style as I was usually alone when using it and did not feel that I could safely load my son)
As I said there are many straps and the first thing to do is to put it on, without baby, and adjust all the straps to fit your frame. There is a strap for each shoulder (with extra padding) that clip on each side. There is a back strap the runs between the two shoulder straps, and one that runs around your waist. All straps are easily adjusted, except the one on the back which is easier if you have someone who can adjust it for you while you wear the carrier. Once everything is properly adjusted it is quite comfortable to wear although do watch you don't cinch things in place too high; the first couple of times I wore it I had it secured to my body too tightly but after a couple of practice tries I had it working well. I do find that my baby sits quite high up and this took some getting used to. I also found that I could carry baby around for quite some time comfortably but less and less so as he grew; although the shoulders are padded, wearing an older baby on your chest does take a toll on your back and shoulders if worn too long (this of course will vary for everyone depending on a persons individual build and strength) however I would much rather wear my baby and have my hands/arms free instead of just carrying around a fussy baby.

Wearing baby: I recommend practicing the clips on the baby's seat before adding baby to the equation. It is not tricky but I needed a couple of practice runs before I was working it smoothly. For the safety of baby, you should sit to add them to the carrier. Hold the child against you and you fit in the side clips which start in on an angle and then are turned straight to clip in place. There are also two straps one over each of baby's shoulder that clip to your shoulder straps keeping baby nice and close. There are two height adjustments on baby's seat to accommodate both a wee babe and a growing one. These are two sets of very strong buttons that you simply move as the child grows.

Other things that I really like about this carrier:
- it is machine washable so when it is time I simply toss it in to the machine in cold water and let it drip dry.
- There is a little pocket on the front to hold keys or a cell phone. I use it mostly for my bank and loyalty cards so I don't have to carry a purse with me everywhere I go.
- Mesh air vent by nape of baby's neck; although on a hot summer day a baby gets really hot and sweaty regardless because of being toted around so close to you.

I really find it very useful when shopping, especially when baby is too small to ride in the cart safely. I simply remove baby from the car seat once we have parked and sit in the front seat to strap her in and away we all go. I now have a toddler and a newborn so this allows me to carry and keep the baby happy while still having hands free to keep my son out of trouble and on the right track. If my toddler happens to be riding in the cart seat this allows me to have my baby along without filling up the entire cart with her car seat.

I feel very strongly that I have already gotten my money's worth out of this purchase and it has tons of life let and will be used for years to come.