My husband Mark and I span both ends of the height spectrum – he is nearly a foot taller than I am but luckily for us all aspects of the Phil and Teds Metro are adjustable. The padded shoulder straps can be altered using the 'Slide Adjust System' to ensure a snug fit; the height of the harness can be lowered or raised with the use of webbing tabs inside the carrier; there are adjustable straps on the hip that can be tightened; and there’s a strap across the chest can that also be adjusted (this stops the shoulder straps sliding off the wearer’s shoulders). The Metro also boasts a 'Body-tech System' – basically, this ensures your back remains dry and comfy by using breathable fabrics.
In the child's compartment, adjustability is also key. The seat level, the straps at the side, the padded shoulder harness and the child’s buckle can be adjusted.
There’s a small hood for the carrier, attached using two small rods placed into holes on the top of the carrier frame. A rain visor can be fastened to the hood to keep the worst of the weather off your child's face. The hood can be removed and stored in one of the carrier's zipped pockets behind the child seat.
The Metro will stand up on its own, using a foldout, self-sprung quick fold base.
What we love
The Phil and Teds Metro is a very stylish looking back carrier. It’s very neat looking with clean lines, and definitely hits the right note for trendy city types.
Once the adjustments are complete, this carrier will adapt to fit almost any size of parent - or any other obliging sole you can find to carry your child!
Our daughter Freya stayed happy when she fell asleep – there’s a pillow to rest her head on.
There are lots of pockets within this carrier. We managed to load up a day’s worth of nappies, wipes, baby food etc and our waterproofs without running out of space.
The kick-out stand makes the Phil and Teds Metro stable enough for loading and unloading, which is great when you’re trying to use the carrier by yourself. I even used the carrier on the school run - not something I’ve ever done with our other carrier. The Metro is so easy to put on when you’re on your own.
What to watch out for
This is a massively adjustable baby carrier but not the quickest to make the changes. My husband had to fiddle with a lot of straps to make it comfy on him after I had been wearing it. However, once properly adjusted, the Metro does spread the load well, but could perhaps do with a little more shoulder padding.
The rain visor and hood are easy to add but they only cover the top of your child, so their legs will probably still get wet.
Who is the Phil and Teds Metro back carrier best for?
Mums and dads who prefer a back carrier to a buggy for everyday trips.
The Phil and Teds Metro is a hugely adjustable carrier that will comfortably fit a wide range of child and adult sizes, and it also offers a decent amount of storage. At £120 it represents good value for money if you plan to use for the full three years.
