SUBSCRIBE + GET NEW POSTS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX:

Just enter your email address; I promise you'll only receive notifications when there's a brand new post.

Mommy Gearest

Real life. Real reviews.

BOBA 3G carrier: Oh, Soho good

By 101 Comments

It’s not uncommon to see me wandering through the aisles of my local Chapters store (or grocery store or The Home Depot…) with one hand tucked inside a soft-structured carrier, Miss Q nursing contentedly.

There is simply no easier way to nurse a toddler on the go than while babywearing. As any mom who’s breastfed a toddler can attest, they’re happy to latch on while lying down, standing up, curled up in your lap or spread out in a strange position that doesn’t look remotely comfortable. But without help from a carrier, it would be just about impossible to be on the move with a nursing toddler. They’re not very portable.

The other reason I love breastfeeding Miss Q in the carrier? If timed right, she’ll nod off and take a decent nap, too. We’re still in the throes of the two-to-one nap transition; and though I’m a proponent of babies napping in beds, she’s a year-and-a-half old now and if she takes the occasional morning kip on-the-go, I’m OK with that. Plus, there’s so little left of her that’s still “baby,” and my uterus is closed for business, so I’m hanging on to every remaining shred.

Even if you’re not nursing a toddler, there’s no reason you can’t “wear” a toddler. Sure, there are some who – bursting with a new-found talent for running, for example – may be hesitant to be confined in a carrier. But I promise you: when that toddler runs out of energy, s/he’d love nothing more than to snuggle up to mom/dad/grandma in a carrier. And you may find this happens in rotating 10-minute bursts, so a soft-structured carrier will offer you the flexibility to cope with a toddler who just can’t decide whether she wants “uppy!” or “doon, doooon!”

If you need other reasons to babywear, I love this list that BOBA‘s compiled.

The BOBA 3G has been on my covet list since I started Mommy Gearest; when I decided to write the toddlerwearing series, I asked BOBA if it wanted to participate. Thankfully, the answer was yes.

THE GOOD

Where to begin…

Holy moly – the pattern selection is to die for. It was really hard choosing a favourite, but I ultimately went with the Soho (created by fabric designer Holli Zollinger). And, truthfully, it’s even prettier in person than on the computer screen. I will say, however, if you end up sharing this carrier with a man, you probably want to choose one of the more basic colours – many of the patterns are pretty girlie…just the way I like it! And Big B happens to like pink as much as I do.

BOBA 3G

Miss Q chillin' in the BOBA 3G with Mommy.

I can’t say enough about the fit. The BOBA 3G slips on like it was made for my body. Unless BOBA’s using a fit model who’s a bit overweight like moi, it must just be that the company has taken a woman’s body into careful consideration while engineering the design of the 3G. It curves where I curve, hugs in all the right places and offers a perfect fit through the shoulders.

Although it’s lacking the extra elastic safety strap that the ergobaby has around the waist belt, the BOBA 3G’s military-grade buckle isn’t going anywhere. I click it closed and forget about it, never worrying that it’s going to disengage.

Adjusting the straps is remarkably easy, and I have to give a shout-out to the chest strap. It moves on what I can only describe as “sliders,” making it slide up and down with absolute ease. Now I know what I’ve been missing with my other toddler carrier. Once you experience how easily the BOBA’s chest strap moves (to accommodate the front or back carries, where you need the chest strap in different locations), it makes it hard to consider going back to a slider-less carrier.

The seat-back is very high and curves, so I never feel like Miss Q is going to hoist herself so far back that she’s going to actually fall out of the carrier. It’s also really wide across her bum and has darts sewn into each side to help it curve around her little booty more comfortably.

The hood is adjustable and detachable, which I love. There are times we go out and I know that a nap or a nursing session aren’t in the cards, so I can yank off the hood to free up some storage space.

BOBA 3G (2)

Miss Q on the verge of napping on-the-go.

This carrier is lighter and more compact than what I’m used to, and there’s an optional stuff sack that I strongly recommend. In fact, even if you own a different carrier, you should still buy the BOBA Stuff Sack – just roll it up and squeeze it in! It means you can attach your carrier to a diaper bag or stroller with just a Mommy Hook, and also means that you’re going to keep your carrier clean longer than without a protective cover. At only $15, it’s a great add-on. (Though, BOBA: why not make a BOBA 3G “starter kit” available that combines the BOBA 3G and the Stuff Sack for a price that’s less than buying both pieces separately?)

Did I mention that it just feels really good to wear? It’s worth repeating.

Big B’s a fan. He feels like this carrier is narrower through the shoulders than the ergobaby (which I find makes it more comfortable), but he still finds it incredibly easy to wear. The straps all have plenty of give to provide a custom fit. And although the official ruling in the BOBA manual is that it’s designed for parents up to 6’3″, I assure you that anyone up to 6’6″ is going to be just fine.

The manual provides you with instructions to wear the 3G baby- or toddler-free without it cascading down your legs. It quite nicely hides my jiggly tummy, too, and I appreciate that. Now, I suppose you could wear any other soft-structured carrier like this, but since I’ve never seen this option before, I wanted to mention it. 

Although this babywearing series is all about the toddlers, I really should mention that the BOBA 3G can accommodate a newborn as well – without an insert. I haven’t tried this myself but the pictures in the manual make it look pretty straightforward.

While I love the idea of the foot straps (perhaps one of the BOBA 3G’s features I was most looking forward to)…

THE GAFFE

The foot straps only encouraged Miss Q to try – over and over and over and over – standing up while on my back. I had to stop using them within the first five minutes.  When I tried them again a few days later, she wasn’t having any of it. I guess she’s too used to being carried with her legs dangling. I will continue to try as she grows, however, simply because they’ll keep her legs in the most ideal physiological position.

The hood is too small. BOBA should have a look at the size of the ergo’s hood and move in that direction.

There may be three pockets but they are S-M-A-L-L! If you don’t carry a purse (for which there are clever purse-strap holders on both shoulders), I’ll tell you what you’ll be able to fit in the two pockets that remain if your hood is snapped in: a bank card, a credit card, a piece of ID, a crisp $20 bill and a couple of keys on a very small keychain in one area that zips closed; and a Blackberry  in the other area, which is open at the top (so don’t lean too far forward). I dare say that if the BOBA 3G had the same size storage compartment as the ergobaby, it would be the perfect carrier.

I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or if it’s the very tall, curved seat-back but every time I try to put Miss Q into the back-carry position by myself, I always need help readjusting her deep into the seat. It’s like the top curved part gets all bunched up. I’m convinced this is just me but it’s a bit of a problem when I’m solo.

THE GEARS

For me? 4.5/5

For Big B? 4.5/5

So…where can you buy it?

Check out these related posts:

Garden of Life RAW Meal shake: The Mocha Java
Wordless Wednesday: Aisabobo introduces luxury kids' clothes
Summer school: Oxford Learning's R.E.A.D. Elite program

Comments

  10. I like the dusk or chestnut. I expect I would get a lot of use out of it and those look like they would hide potential stains well.

    Reply

  11. If I had the opportunity to get one of the carriers, I’d go with the Montenegro or Kangaroo since I don’t know the gender of baby #2 until baby “shim” is born (She/him) in early Sept! Plus just in case hubby is up to using it, I’d like to make it something he would consider using too!

    Reply

  12. I love these carriers, and the kangaroo is adorable. It’s so easy to shift from carrying my one year old to my two year old!

    Reply

  13. Also, not sure if I’m putting this in the right location…but I’d love to learn more about the wrap. I was wondering how it could offer enough support for the neck and head but according to the Wallaby website they have made this possible through the design of the wrap. It looks like a great way to keep the in-utero bonding happening post-birth 🙂

    Reply

  15. I love the SOHO but I think I would go for something more gender neutral like Tweet. It’s super cute too!

    Reply

  17. I NEED THIS!! I’ve wanted one for 2 years and never bought it, but now with a crazy toddler I need to carry my newborn around. Sounds amazing.

    Reply

  18. Love the soho pattern .. Only drawback might be that i wouldn’t be able to get my husband to wear it!

    Reply

  27. I like all the different patterns – Tweet is particularly nice! I really like the military-grade buckle and chest strap!

    Reply

  35. I would love one in Glacier. Baby wearing is the best! I never wore my first as a toddler, as I didn’t have a great carrier. Would love to try with my 2nd!

    Reply

  37. any color really – but probably the dusk for its compatibility with either a boy or girl, but the soho for its gorgeous pattern!

    Reply

  38. Would love one in Montenegro. So daddy would be as inclined as I am to wear our baby or toddler!

    Reply

  39. This carrier looks great and I’m hoping to do some more carrying…not in love with my Moby. Would love to win this in any colour 🙂

    Reply

  40. The Boba Air sounds interesting as well. I wonder, though, if my LO would be hot in the nylon?? She overheats so easily… I want those teething pads!! My LO loves to gnaw on things. 🙂

    Reply

  41. Oooh, the Tweet one is so cute!!! My LO loves to we worn but has tired of her wrap… she wants more freedom to look around and take everything in. 🙂

    Reply

  43. I would not care on the colour! but the Tweet is my fav. This would be so awesome as I wear my son a lot and my carrier is starting to hurt my already injured back and shoulder 🙁 Please Pick us!!

    Reply

  45. I would also like to learn more about the boba air. Seems like it would be so convenient as long as it’s supportive enough

    Reply

  47. I liked glacier or dusk. I like dark (to cover stains/dirt) and neutral (to transition from boy/girl and match my wardrobe)

    Reply

  49. i would like to try the glacier colour. I love how you write the gaffe’s in your review, not many bloggers do

    Reply

  52. As a mom of three we are on the go all the time and baby wearing has become a definite must. My littlest is a ring sling fan but I am sure as she grows and we are out for longer periods my back and baby would be pleased to try something new. The boba looks great and super comfy for parent and baby. fingers crossed we may be your lucky fan to try one out!!

    Reply

  53. Oooh la Mommy Gearest! I wore my son constantly last summer, but he’s now outgrown that carrier. I actually reread this review just last week, now that I’m looking for a toddler-friendly carrier. I would seriously love any BOBA (but kangaroo is super cute). Fingers (and toes) crossed.

    Reply

  55. I’m so glad I came upon this! I was out for a 2-hr walk today with my 4-week-old in the baby bjorn and felt like I needed a serious neck/shoulder massage afterwards! Although I love the ease of getting my wee man in and out of the bjorn, I will be sticking to my wrap (by slingsisters – which I LOVE btw) for now. Based on what I’ve been reading, the Boba is a great option to replace my bjorn. Would love to win in it in the contest!!

    Reply

  56. This is a great piece of gear to have for a baby. It’s a chance for the dad to hold their baby close and attempt multitasking. It’s also great for moms to be hands free. I never thought of having your child nurse when in one of these, wonderful idea.

    Reply

  58. I’d love the Tweet pattern. Also from reading the messages here: I had no idea it wasn’t good for spine/hips outward facing in the Bjorn. I’ve been wearing my son like that because he hates facing toward me — he likes to see whats going on.

    Reply

  59. I’d like to learn more about the Boba Air. I’ve seen it online, but I wonder how it stands up to extended use.

    Reply

  63. I can’t decide between the kangaroo and the tweet. Maybe I’d go with the tweet….who would’ve thought choosing a colour would be so difficult! They are all so nice.

    Reply

  64. Reviews on the teething pads, and five star ratings for the other products from previous customers would be great! 🙂

    Reply

  66. Would love to win this in “tweet”. With an 8 week old and a toddler comfortable carriers are a must have! My toddler would love this too, and hubby could wear him 😉

    Reply

  68. I love the idea of the Boba Air. I’d love to learn more about it. Thank you for an awesome giveaway!

    Reply

  70. Would like to hear more about the teething pads – are they any different than the ergobaby teething pads cause my little guy would still rather chew on the strap than the teething pad

    Reply

  71. I would LOVE to win this carrier! I only haven’t been able to wear my toddler in such a long time as my carrier wasn’t comfortable. Now with 2, I’d love to have something better for me and babes sake!

    Reply

  74. On my wish list. love my Moby Wrap but this would be great at all stages .montenegro. hope I win. it would be a big blessing

    Reply

  81. First of all, LOVE the pictures of you ladies modeling the BOBA – just so cute!
    Based on your review I also like how every element of this carrier seems to be so well thought out. From the high, curved seat back which is comfy for kids to the shoulder and chest straps that are functional for parents, it just sounds incredibly well designed!

    Reply

  82. I want the Boba! Entered the contest so here’s hoping:) I don’t love my bjorn and I want to do more ‘carrying’.

    Reply

    • And be sure not to face your baby OUT in the Bjorn in the meantime – so bad for spine/hips! The Bjorn-style carriers get pretty hard on your shoulders after baby’s about 17 pounds or so…soft-structured carriers are really the way to go!

      Reply

  83. I just bought my Boba from By Nature in Orillia(bynature.ca)
    They were so wonderful. We tried the Ergo, Boba and 2 Beco’s and they had even more to try there. She explained the differences between all the carriers and even offered to teach my hubby the hip scoot when our little man is bigger. Can’t say enough good things about the store or the Boba

    Reply

    • Thanks for the feedback on By Nature…I often include them in my where to buy section but have never personally been there. They just seem to carry so many of the things I review!

      Reply

Trackbacks

Every comment counts -- what's yours?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: