Posts Tagged ‘Baby Carrier’
Boba G2 Tweet – So Sweet!
Posted July 9, 2010
on:We blogged earlier comparing the Boba Carrier to the Ergo. Boba’s G2 carrier features all-organic fabrics, higher baby back support than Ergo, handy foot stirrups, and a more streamlined and attractive design, all at a similar price point (<$125) – what’s not to like?
Well, Boba just flew even farther ahead in our estimation with their gorgeous new Tweet pattern just released for the G2. How adorable is this? Of course, it’s currently backordered on the Boba site, but you may be able to find it locally (i.e. at Bella Stella Baby in Portland, OR).
____
RUMOR ALERT – Ergo may in fact have been paying attention through Boba’s various innovations on their original theme, and looking for a little payback. Their site currently features a tantalizing red curtain graphic hinting at what – the Ergo “performance edition?” It doesn’t link to any content (tsk tsk), so we can only speculate. But we will check back July 15, to let you know!
This just in from ERGObaby, makers of the ever-popular Ergo Baby Carrier: a new/improved Infant Insert called “Heart2Heart.”
The original insert (c. 2004) was not unlike a small comforter you’d tuck your infant into taco-style, and then carefully bundle into the carrier at a precarious angle (“the cradle position”). It always felt like an after-thought, and something of a rip-off at almost $40. (We even razzed it in our GearGuide.)
The new design is the result of contributions from research studies, customer feedback, chiropractic support and working directly with newborns. Heart2Heart keeps the comfy padding of the original, but gives parents confidence with a more defined shape and secure snaps. ERGO handles the baby origami for you this time, removing a big barrier to use (if not purchase) with the original.
Heart2Heart is available online and in stores, in both regular cotton poplin ($25) and 100% organic cotton ($38 – recommended).
GaGaGear’s Word To The Wise: With the new version in circulation, you may see deep discounts on the old insert. While still technically effective as a newborn carrying device in combination with the Ergo carrier, we didn’t recommend the previous version, and still don’t. It was cumbersome and too easy to use incorrectly.
Boba Carrier Has a Leg Up On Ergo
Posted April 12, 2010
on:I’m a big fan of my Organic Ergo Baby Carrier. With a back prone to going out and two active babies, it’s always at hand – both as go-to gear and safety net. Don’t leave home without it.
I’ve worn Ergo on my front, worn it on my hip, and most recently became adept at the tricky slide-baby-onto-your-back maneuver, freeing up my arms and shoulders for an increasingly demanding toddler.
Today, though, I learned about another soft-structured carrier that has all the best of Ergo and more – the Boba Baby Carrier. Basically, Boba is the Ergo but 100% organic, a little taller + wider, made in the U.S.A.*, and with clever foot stirrups for the child. (Boba provides a handy comparison chart vs. Ergo on their web site.)
There’s certainly a part of me that wants to give more credit to Ergo for having pioneered this general design in the first place. That same part wishes Ergo had added footholds first, brought some finesse to the carrier design (let’s be honest – it’s ugly – Boba’s is better), and wasn’t manufacturing in China*.
* Editor’s note 6/22/2012: I recently learned Boba is now manufacturing in China as well…darn it!
I’ve got to admire Boba for boldly stepping up with just a couple key improvements to an already successful proposition. A look at their web site shows a company brimming with confidence, almost daring you to pick another carrier once you’ve read everything there is to know about babywearing in their “compare carriers” section.
Am I rushing out to get one, trusty dusty Ergo dangling behind? Probably not – it’s really not a set of features I absolutely can’t live without. (Still holding out for the Cone-of-Silence-Carrier.) But I’m adding it to the GearGuide, and am curious to see how Ergo will respond.
Boba Baby 2G Carrier will be available starting April 23, 2010. It retails for $118 and can be ordered online direct from Boba. From what we can see, it’s new colors and a little different styling.
Find the original Boba Organic Baby Carriers for just $99 locally in Portland, Oregon at Bella Stella on NE Broadway. Bella Stella also sells Ergos.