Posts Tagged ‘Boba’
Big news today in soft structured baby carrier land: ERGObaby has launched a new line dubbed “Performance.” (We told you so!)
Photo credit: ergobabycarriers.com
Lighter-weight than Ergo’s Original carrier, Performance has a more streamlined appearance without getting too techie/outdoorsy. The Performance moniker applies mostly to the new “breathable” fabric and total weight (1/3 lighter than Original), as basic features remain largely unchanged.
Performance does solve the Original’s awkward hood stash issue, making the hood fully detachable and stowable in a zippered pocket. But we wish they’d extended baby’s neck/head support, especially if this version is expected to see more active carrying than the Original.
Performance retails for $120 direct from Ergo. With Performance, Ergo has also introduced a clip-on cargo pack, which some parents will find helpful since these carriers’ padded straps have always made it hard to simultaneously carry a shoulder bag. What they won’t find helpful, though, is the additional cost – $28.00 seems steep…why not include it standard with the carrier? (Free shipping is available from Ergo for orders exceeding $149.00 – but $120 + $28 doesn’t make the cut. So try to track it down locally if you can.)
The Original is now listed at $105-$148 depending on the fabric, and there is also a Sport version for $105 which looks like a stripped-down hybrid of its sisters. Only The Original is currently available in organic fabrics.
(Here also is the official press release from ERGObaby via PR Newswire.)
Boba G2 Tweet – So Sweet!
Posted on: July 9, 2010
Photo Credit: bobababycarrier.com
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).
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Photo credit: ergobabycarrier.com
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!
Boba Carrier Has a Leg Up On Ergo
Posted on: April 12, 2010
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.
Photo Credit: bobababycarrier.com
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.
GaGaGear 