What's in the box:
- Papoozle sling
- Instructions
Any additional extras?
No, everything is included in the box.
How easy was it to put on?
I’ve tried a similar sling that was just one length of fabric, which could be wrapped and tied around the body allowing me to carry my baby in a variety of different ways. In comparison, putting on the Papoozle and strapping my baby in was a breeze. I found the eight-step instructions clear and easy to follow. And the waistband is easily adjusted, so one size fits all, but the sling looks like something you would wear to perform martial arts.
How comfortable is it?
Depending on what mood he is in, my eight-week-old son, Samuel, seems to find it very comfortable. If he’s feeling sleepy, I can wrap him up in the Papoozle and get on with what I need to do, hands-free. On these occasions it feels lovely to carry him so close. Most of the time though, Sam doesn’t like to feel restricted – for example, he hates being strapped into his car seat– so we have to pick our Papoozle-wearing moments. I find the sling comfortable. It’s very padded and its buckled waistband is reassuringly sturdy.
Did it provide the support your baby needed?
At first I was a little concerned about how far apart Sam’s legs appeared to be when I was wearing the Papoozle, but the assurance from TotsBots - that it offers ‘knee-to-knee’ support for babies - gave me peace of mind. I used the sling foward facing inwards, for breastfeeding and to support my back. It can be used to carry babies as heavy as 35lbs.
Is it value for money?
Yes. Most baby wearers seem to be expensive for what they are – sometimes little more than a length of fabric and some instructions. At £49.99, the Papoozle is still fairly expensive, but it’s comparatively better-designed and more substantial.
Who would this carrier be most suitable for?
This type of baby wearer is ideal for the parents of newborns who like to hold their babies close. I also imagine that wearing it would be a wonderful way to get babies that do not like sleeping in Moses baskets or cots to drift off.
In a nutshell:
The Papoozle is an improvement on other fabric baby slings, which aren’t as supportive and can feel like they are stretching and sagging as you’re wearing them. It is made from a lovely soft material in a range of colours, and can be bunged into the washing machine in a 30 degree wash.