Boba Carrier 3G and Vest + Giveaway

Boba sent us the Boba Carrier 3G and the Boba Vest to try out at no cost to me. I’m a huge fan of baby-wearing! Not only do I think it’s beneficial for bonding and security (and all that warm fuzzy attachment parenting stuff), but it’s just practical! If I don’t wear Adalee (now 9 weeks old), she would spend most of her life in a swing or bouncy seat because I just don’t have time to hold her while juggling the other four littles. I have tried every style of carrier on the market, but I was nonetheless excited to try the much-touted Boba Carrier 3G. Capable of use in front and back carry, it’s very versatile.

The Boba Carrier 3G has a lot going for it, including:

100% Cotton
Front and back carry options
Removable sleeping hood
Adjustable sleeping hood, adjusting in length to fit growing babies
Zipper pouch may be used to store your hood when not in use
Comfortably fits heights 5’0” – 6’3”
Waistband range: 25” – 58”
Additional adjustments for easier fit & breastfeeding
Patent-pending removable foot straps
Elastic bands neatly roll up straps
Shoulder strap holders keep purses and diaper bags in place
Easily adjustable chest strap
Uniquely designed to “hug” your child
Converts to an infant carrier without an insert
Extra head support adjustments for infants
Body of carrier rises 2-3” higher than other brands
Multiple pockets for on-the-go storage
High quality military grade buckles

I was able to try the carrier with Annabel (23 months) and Adalee (9 weeks) to check the fit for different ages.

Notice the purse is held in place by a shoulder strap (located on both shoulders).
I like the durable materials used. The canvas is a heavy weight, and all the straps and buckles seem like they would hold up to frequent use. I found the carrier difficult to adjust, though. It may get easier to adjust as the strap adjusters are used more, but the angle of the straps was a bit awkward for me to self-adjust. It may just be a matter of getting used to it. It is simple to get on and off without assistance. Here is a picture of me clipping the buckles in the back.

Weight distribution is key with baby carriers, and many soft-structured carriers on the market look very similar to one another. This carrier, however, feels very secure. I didn’t realize how much I keep my shoulders tensed in my other carrier until I felt myself completely relax while using the Boba. As listed in the features above, the 3G is designed to “hug” the child, which keeps the child close to the adult’s center of gravity. I think this helps the adult feel that the child is secure, which is what helped me relax.

One feature of this carrier is that you fold the waistband over on itself and flip the belt buckles on the waistband to use it as a newborn carrier with no additional inserts needed. Adalee was 8 pounds at birth, and I tried to use the newborn position within the first couple of weeks. I found it too bulky with a poor fit. Now she’s is whopping 15 pounds at 9 weeks, and the carrier fits much better.

There are snaps to keep the waistband folded on itself in the newborn position.

One side would not stay snapped no matter what, but it didn’t seem to affect the function. I find it inconvenient to change it from newborn to standard carry since you have to remove the clips, flip them over, and re-thread them when you fold or unfold the waistband.

Here you can see the belt clip is “backwards” once the waistband is folded over for newborn carry.

You must completely remove the clips and rethread them correctly.
This wouldn’t be an issue if you were only using it for one child or multiple children the same age/size.

As with most other brands, there is an attached sun shade that snaps in place. But the Boba has a well-designed adjuster on it that lets you tighten it for a small child so it stays fitted.

I thought this was a useful feature, especially for small infants.

Here you can see sweet Bel peeking out underneath the sunshade! She was so compliant! 🙂
Another important design feature to consider is an ergonomic position for both adult and child. The beauty of these soft-structured carriers is that the weight is carried on the hipbones, hence the substantial waistband. Very little weight is carried in the back and shoulders. Also, the child’s legs should be in an abducted, “frog-like” position for spinal/pelvic development. Boba’s 3G maintains all of the above well, but goes a step beyond with their patent-pending foot stirrups for an older child.

Notice the wide waistband and the position of her knees/hips.

The stirrups snap in place and give the child’s feet a place to rest while maintaining the proper “frog” position. Brilliant addition! They can be adjusted for the right leg length with the snaps.

Additionally, there are many pockets for stashing keys, pacifier, anything you want easy access to.

I think Boba has done a great job adding features that distinguish it from the competition. Keep these helpful features in mind when choosing your next soft-structured carrier.

The Boba vest is a favorite of mine. It’s a wonderfully soft, stretchy, lightweight fleece material designed to fit over any size child. Some features include:

May be worn on the front or back
Made of 100% Polyester Fleece
Features a large front tube pocket
Works great under a coat for cold temperatures
Side zipper for easy on and off without scratching your baby

With a side zipper, it’s easy to slip on and off.

And I think the pockets are a nice feature.

It wasn’t binding at all around Bel’s neck, and she seemed really comfortable. It’s perfect for spring and fall here in the mountains, especially if you have a long sleeve shirt underneath. You could also have a coat on over it if you need additional warmth outside but just need the vest over the baby while inside. Love it!

After having the chance to try out Boba’s products, I can see why they are quickly becoming a household name for quality baby products.