Mamas, you know those hiking backpacks? The big ones?
Hi, Dad.
Yeah. They are heavy. I bought this one (after trying on, like 10 others), simply because it was the only backpack I found that didn't make me feel like I was going to fall backwards, turtle-like (It's MEC, btw. WOOT WOOT Canada).
Notice, however, the date. Raines is juuuust over one. And he was in the 7th percentile for weight. 7th, Mamas. THE SEVENTH.
How much use do you think I've gotten out of that pack since? Yup - you guessed it: Nada. And certainly not with Pax. Not. Even. Once.
I could eat my brother for breakfast. 75%, baby. 75%.
I had pretty much abandoned back-pack use. The Ergo I love, and used it quite a bit with Pax...but in the last several months, the kid is just too big. Even with the Ergo on my back, I can only wear him for 20-30 minutes. And my beloved Belle baby carrier in leopard? Running errands (in and out of the car) only.
Which is too bad, because Pax loves to be carried. Like the big, 'ol baby he is. Sorry buddy - your Mum is just too small.
Enter the Kokopax carrier:
I asked to review this carrier for a travel tips article we have in the works. The literature stated that it conveniently fits into an airplane's overhead bin. Nice! But Mamas....this backpack has proved to be life-changing.
Seriously.
First of all, it's insanely lightweight. So even with Hefty Boy Pax, I never feel like I'm going to turtle over. That alone rocks my world.
But despite the smaller profile, it's still comfortable enough for snoozin':
And I love that it stands alone - even with the kiddo inside - making it super easy to get on/off.
Getting it off is so easy...he didn't even wake up.
Suddenly, I'm taking this thing everywhere. Late night walks on the boardwalk....
Checkin' out the view - he loves how high up he is
Toolin' around town....
And you can see how Pax solved the no-sun-canopy- problem. Stinker took my hat:
I'm wearing the Kokopax Original carrier in the Watson print. I chose the Waston pattern simply because it was interesting, yet subdued. Which means that, in a pinch, Mike will use it. But he's a modern, sensitive type of guy (who'll also carry my diaper bag - aka purse - if it gets too heavy), so, you know...maybe not for everyone.
I'm also really tough.
And Mamas? You know those days? Those teething/whiney/getting sick/super-clingy days? I wear this baby around the house. Like 24-7. The advantage with a backpack (over a front-carrier) is that I can cook. I chop onions, I stir stuff on the stove...all without worrying that Pax will try to "help". Why did NO ONE tell me this backpack tip with Raines? He was ALL ABOUT the constant-carry. Sheesh.
But the one adjustment I'd like to see Kokopax make is to add some kind of clip on the shoulder, so I could prevent my bag from sliding off. The Kokopax straps are thick (and comfortable)...but I do have a hard time keeping my diaper bag over my shoulder. (Obviously, this is minor compared to the fact that I'm actually getting dinner prepared before Mike comes home. Seriously, Mamas. He thinks I've been abducted.)
Want one?
To win a Kokopax Original Carrier (your choice of available patterns), enter one of the following ways:
1. Leave us a comment on Facebook, telling us where you'd wear your Kokopax
2. Leave us a comment below telling us the strangest place you've baby-worn (front carrier or backpack).
For Kokopax special promotions and new product announcements, follow Kokopax on Facebook. And be sure to check out their accessories - in addition to totes, they have hysterical (and cute) baby-sun-hats to match your Kokopax carrier. You can buy all Kokopax products on kokopax.com.
Good luck, Mamas!
xo,
S
