Before reviewing this carrier, I need to eat a few paragraphs worth of my words. “Don’t buy a carrier that can only be worn one way,” I’ve cautioned. “Don’t get a carrier that won’t take you through all the stages from birth to 20+ pounds,” I’ve warned. I bought the Scootababy and ignored both of these warnings …
Trying on the Scootababy
What lead me to fork over the $119 for a carrier that’s basically a one-trick pony? Trying it on in the store. It felt great and looked cool. Made of a nylon weave, it has a built-in seat curvature and adjustable waistbelt that has the look and strength of a backpacker’s waist strap – a good thing since this side carrier is tested for kids up to 40 pounds, 5 pounds more than most carriers.
The straps that secure baby’s upper body rest under baby’s armpit as she straddles your hip. These straps are joined into one adjustable shoulder strap. In the center of this strap, an eight-inch swath of stretchy fleece sits on the shoulder opposite your baby. A harness allows quick adjustment of this strap so that the fleecy part is centered on your shoulder.
What’s to love about the Scootababy?
- It looks very cool.
- It’s exceptionally well-constructed.
- It feels secure; it’s a truly hands free carrier.
- It give baby a freer feeling and broader field of vision. You can also make eye contact with your baby easily, as it positions you for face to face interaction.
- It couldn’t be easier to adjust and put on in a matter of seconds.
What’s Not So Loveable about the Scootababy?
- This hip carrier can’t be worn before 5 months of age, or when your baby can sit up unassisted.
- (The obvious) It’s a one-hit wonder. It can be worn on either hip, but only on a hip.
- It’s easier for women to wear than for men to wear. My husband tried it on with our one year-old and his lanky straight torso didn’t provide easy notches for the waistbelt to rest on.
- It’s expensive.
If you can only get one carrier, the Scootababy shouldn’t be it. But if you’ve used a BabyBjorn, sling, or wrap when your baby was in her first six months and you’re looking for something she’ll be happier in, here’s what you can do:
- Sell your used carrier at a consignment store or online.
- Use the proceeds to defray the cost of your Scootababy.
Not a fan of one-position carriers, I was ultimately won over by the construction, secure support, and baby-happy features of this carrier. And I had to pay full price – (and nobody’s paying me to say this.)
If you’re in a store, look for the small black nondescript bag with the white turtle logo on it. It’s also available at Amazon.com. The Scootababy has the look of a little turtle shell, protecting your baby and supporting her for longer hauls.
