As you will have read in my previous post, I was sent a pouch baby carrier and sling baby carrier from Rockin’ Baby to see if I could be converted to someone who could comfortably use a sling or pouch to carry Teddy. So, after some serious testing here is my review and there is also a giveaway – details at the end of the post!

When the pouch and sling arrived, I opened the boxes and was immediately impressed by the quality of the products. They are made from a very durable cotton, which makes them breathable and more comfortable for both baby and parent, especially in hot weather. The sling has two rings which the material goes through in order to secure it as a carrier. These felt incredibly tough – the last thing you want to think about is it all falling apart and your precious mini on the floor!

Both the pouch and sling came with instructions but I watched a video on how to use them as I was a complete novice. As I have said previously, I did not feel confident enough to use them before this, thinking I would put Harry or Teddy in one and they would simply slip through.

Armed with the instructions I tried both carriers in the house. They were both easy to put on – I thought it would be much more of a struggle and, nervously I have to admit I put Teddy into them. Teddy is not a small boy – he is not nicknamed “Ted the Tank” for nothing! However, he sat on my hip easily and at first it was a weird sensation to have him dangling there but I soon got used to it. He loved being high up in order to have a nosey as to what was going on and we could chat away to each other whilst I wandered about the house.

The next challenge – using it outside! I thought I would try different situations so Katie and I took the minis for a walk to a local nature reserve. I used the pouch which I liked as I simply popped Teddy in and off we went. Again, he seemed to enjoy seeing the world from a new perspective and it is just lovely having your little one so close to you.

My husband even wanted to have a go and seemed to enjoy the experience. He also preferred the pouch feeling it looked more masculine but understood why a new mother may prefer the sling (the zippered pocket in the sling is brilliant to carry a few bits without having to carry a separate bag and is easily accessible).

We then made a trip to London to visit the Natural History Museum. Although it does have lifts, it is more accessible without having to use a pushchair so we took both the pouch and sling to test them out. We ended up using the pouch after trying the two. I feel more comfortable using it. I think this may be because Teddy is bigger and the sling seems more natural for a smaller baby. Also, I am small and I did not feel I could get the sling tight enough, even though Teddy seemed secure enough. It is probably just comes down to personal preference.

During our museum visit both Katie and I used the pouch to carry Teddy. In the morning I carried him and his head and eyes darted about everywhere with so much to see. He was very chatty and interactive. I was surprised that my back did not ache once during the day – the pouch seemed to distribute the weight so as not to pull on my back.

After lunch, Katie carried Teddy in the pouch. He was so comfortable, he actually fell asleep in it! Teddy does not fall asleep easily outside of his cot so this really was a good sign that he felt comfortable and secure.

So the answer to the question in the title is…YES! I’ve been converted. Although I will still use a buggy it is so handy for when a buggy may create more hassle. I have also found it really useful when I just want to “pop” into a couple of shops as it means I don’t have to put the buggy up.

So, now to the giveaway competition where you get the chance to win either a pouch or sling of your choice! Rockin’ Baby are giving one away to a lucky winner to celebrate Mother’s Day and their Mother to Mother campaign (read more about it here). Even if you don’t have a little one small enough for it, you may know someone who may benefit. It is easy to pack away and carry and I felt it allowed more interaction with Teddy. It’s worth trying…what have you got to lose!

To Enter

1. Subscribe to our blog (for free) – it only takes a minute and you will get updates on new posts and any future giveaways. The subscription box is just on the right of our blog (or at the bottom if you are subscribing on a phone or tablet).
2. Visit the Rockin’ Baby website and choose which pouch or sling you would like (if you choose a pouch, they come in Small, Medium or Large – I had the Medium and both my husband and I could use it).
3. In the comment box below this post, tell us which pouch or sling you would like.

Now for the Terms and Conditions

1. The competition will run from 6:00am GMT on 13th March 2015 until midnight GMT on 27th March 2015.
2. The competition is open to entrants aged 18 and over.
3. The winner will be chosen at random and will be announced via social media outlets and will also be contacted in person – so make sure you have subscribed and left your email in the comment box form (your email will not be visible to the public).
4. The brand Rockin’ Baby are kindly giving the lucky winner a pouch or sling of the winner’s choice. Their mailing address is 11 South 21st Street, Suite 5, Richmond VR, 23223, USA.
5. The prize will be sent out within 28 days of the winner being announced via signed for delivery.
6. The competition is open to worldwide entrants.

Good luck!

Georgie and Katie