13 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Kelty Kangaroo - So liberating!
Date of Review: Nov 7, 2000
I purchased the Kelty Kangaroo carrier when Ewan was born. He was only 6lbs 4 oz, so we waited til he was a few weeks old and 2 pounds heavier.
This is the best baby purchase we have made. I personally HATE strollers as they are so hard to bring into stores, and you always have to find the "accessible" curbs, etc. After using a stroller for the first few weeks it was such a joy to strap him in this and walk to the grocery store - my hands were free to hold the basket and select my food!
Now it takes a few tries to get used to putting him in the carrier and adjusting it to a comfortable position. But, it gets easier and easier each time. You put the pack on him (wraps almost like a diaper) and then you snap him onto the harness. There are only four buckles, which are very sturdy simple backpack buckles (just make sure they "click" when you close them). I tried the Baby Bjorn and HATED the buckles on it. Being an avid hiker/camper, I am used to and very comfortable with the buckles on the Kelty.
We were just in New Orleans with 7-week old Ewan (now probably about 11 pounds) and it was easy to manoeuver him in the airports and on the flight (he stayed hooked on to me for takeoffs and landings). You can detach him from the harness and he stays comfy in the pouch. We just placed him right on the table or on our laps (while still in the pouch) at restaurants, etc.- he just slept through it all! I walked for miles around New Orleans with him and we were both happy. I was also able to nurse him using the sun/nursing privacy hood without taking him out - I even managed to feed him while still walking.
I am 5' 1" and my husband is about 5'10" - the carrier fits us both (minor adjustments of the straps, of course). Make sure you adjust it tightly on your hips, otherwise it will eventually "ride" up and you'll get uncomfortable.
The pack comes with little features that make life easier. For example, it has a detachable little diaper bag which I used to hold everything I needed for short outings (a couple diapers, wipes, kleenex, soother, and my keys and wallet). There is also a little sleeve behind his back where you can stick your hands if you want to hold him closer (ie near traffic, or when you are going up a flight of stairs). There is velcro on the harness to which you can attach a small bib (to protect your clothes) that comes with the pack.
Now it's probably the hardest thing to make something completely ergonomic when you have to carry 10 pounds + on your front. You may be a bit achey after a couple of hours on the go. Please take the time to learn how to adjust it properly on your hips.
