My initial research raised three red flags. First, the fact that these carriers are not also deemed suitable for extended wear concerned me. Second, some of the carriers have such a narrow weight window, they won’t be used for very long and you’ll have to buy another carrier. Third, the thin cotton fabric would end up ripped in our household in a matter of weeks.
As mentioned in my review of their extended wear carriers, Infantino carriers reviewed below are worth considering if you are an occasional babywearer, want to purchase a carrier for a specific trip/vacation, are looking for a carrier for a caretaker other than yourself, or if want to try out a new product that you may return, without a big ($80+) cash outlay.
For each of the carriers reviewed below, I tried it on in the store, adjusted it, and hiked the aisles, trying to keep my daughter Paige entertained. She wouldn’t mind me telling you her age or weight, I’m sure: 13 months, 20 pounds.
Infantino Easy Rider
Front carrier, face baby in or out. ($24.99) Weigh range from 8-20 pounds. Comes in several fabric designs. The fabric itself is cotton with a polycotton blend quilting.
The upside is that this carrier has only one side opening in front, unlike the similar Bjorn, which unlatches on both sides. The downside is the lack of lumbar support, despite the claims on the box.
SlingRider
Obviously a sling. ($29.99). Weigh range from newborn to 20 pounds. This sling has been refashioned after a 2006 recall due to the breaking of the plastic fastener on the adjustable shoulder strap. The upside is that the carrier is very easy to use and is favored by new moms for this reason.
The downsides include: 1) Although they say it’s easy to nurse with the Slingrider, the gathered edge hit me mid-breast and the edge itself was bulky and got in the way of nursing; 2) Once your baby can focus on distant objects, lying prone in a sling is not a pleasant prospect for baby. Let the squirming begin!
The 6-in-1 Rider
Let me explain that three of the six positions are not actual baby wearing. In addition to front outward facing and inward facing, the 6-in-1 is also a backpack carrier. The other three uses include: extra support in the car seat, use as a chair or shopping cart harness. ($33.99)
When I told my husband about this carrier, tried to explain it, even draw it, he said, “It must have been designed by an engineer.” He should know. He is one.
The upside of this carrier is that it can be used for three non-carrying uses. The chair and shopping cart uses seemed particularly easy to figure out in the store. The downsides are that it is almost more buckle-latch-harness than fabric; the fabric is not extremely durable; and in the outfacing front position, the fabric that curls around the shoulder straps and behind my baby’s head seemed to push her head out and down a little, when she wanted to rest it on my chest.
My skepticism, the little voice whispering, “If it seems too good to be true, then…”, really kicked into high gear on the 6-in-1. The concept is admirable. I respect the effort to reduce the amount of baby gear parents feel compelled to amass. I also respect a company that makes it a priority to offer products that are distinguished from their much more expensive peers as being affordable for tight budgets.
Conclusion
Are the Infantino
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