We’re always being told that lying flat is best for your baby and thanks to the Cybex i.GO Baby Carrier, from Mamas & Papas, this is now possible in a front carrier. This is a highly innovative and good-looking carrier, but it takes some getting used to.
The most obvious difference between the i.GO Baby Carrier and any other baby carrier is the carryingition for newbo posrns, which is flat and obviously very supportive. It has been designed with orthopaedic principles in mind as this is the most recommended position to hold your baby. As your baby grows, you can also use it in the more usual upright positions facing in and out. Your baby should be horizontal for the first four months, then inward facing up to about six months, then he can face out and see the world – in this carrier until he’s about two years old, much longer than with other front carriers.
This is not a carrier to attempt without reference to the instructions. As with others with a detachable baby unit, you start by attaching the harness to you. This is done via a very strong piece of Velcro (which may hook onto your clothes), and a hook, which is tricky to fasten. Pulling the straps at the sides will adjust to fit. You then need to ensure that your baby is in the pod correctly – again fastened with super-strong Velcro and secured with a buckle. Your baby is attached to you via a clip at the crotch and hooks on the shoulder straps. The head support strap is adjusted via poppers so this must be done before attempting to attach your baby. Using the carrier in the more traditional upright position is much simpler.
The baby unit is well padded, and has a rigid insert for extra spine protection, which is removed for use in the upright position. There’s lots of cushioning around the top of the legs and everything feels secure. For parents the shoulder straps are less padded than some, and to keep the straps in the correct position on the back, there is a rigid triangular frame.
What we love
This is a very innovative carrier, and has a smart modern look. To be able to carry your baby hands-free in this position is quite an achievement.
What to watch out for
This may be too clever for its own good – even with the instructions, which go on for pages, it’s very complicated to use and horribly easy to get wrong. If you aren’t one for religiously following instructions, don’t even think about it! In the lie-flat position, your baby will stick out further than he would on a normal front carrier, so beware of bumping into things. The side straps, though easy to use, seemed to come loose with wear, making it uncomfortable after a while. The lack of padding on the shoulder straps doesn’t help this either. Unlike other carriers, you have to have your baby on a flat surface when attaching the pod. The pod is very cocooning and secure, but it feels like your baby may get quite hot while being carried. The head support insert is very rigid, making the i.GO Baby Carrier very bulky.
Who is the Mamas & Papas Cybex i.GO Baby Carrier best for?
Innovation seekers, early adopters and those happy to carefully follow instructions.
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MadeForMums verdict
A great idea in terms of carrying position for your baby, but way too complicated for most parents. Definitely a triumph of design over usefulness, but I’d love to see it developed further into something more user-friendly.
