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Sophie Andrews is a lifestyle photographer, army wife |
My Carrier of Dreams
I jumped at the chance to test out the new Ergobaby OMNI 360 Air Mesh recently. As a military family we split life between the super-hot and dusty Middle east and the UK and I’ve been longing for a carrier to emerge which does it all for us. I need something to perform in hot or cold climates, to have a big weight range to use with both kids, to be washable, stylish for me and cool enough for my husband to wear too. Oh, and it needs to help me run through the airport with one in it whilst pushing the buggy with one hand, balancing a coffee in the other and without losing a child, or my mind. BIG ASK.
I must be well into double digits with the number of carriers and wraps I’ve tried over the last few years. Babywearing is my must have for life as a mama of two. It gives me the freedom to take my three-year-old out on his bike, go out on a big adventure or go about our day to day tasks whilst being able to keep the littlest close and comforted.
Ergobaby recently sent me an OMNI 360 Cool Air Mesh in Pearl Grey to test out with my two boys and honestly I’m pretty smitten. Here’s why:
First impressions
It’s sooooo sleek, it oozes quality and I love the Pearl Grey colour. Initially I wondered if grey was boring (sorry Ergobaby) but I was so wrong. It’s beautiful, adaptable and I’d happily use for adventures in the desert, a day at the races, muddy Cotswold walks or lunch with the girls. It hasn’t shown up dirty marks thanks to the mesh fabric either. The detachable zip up pouch holds all my essentials which no longer need to be stuffed into clothing or risk falling out of back pockets.
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Newborn to toddler
My youngest is 11 months now but I love how this is newborn ready (minimum 7 lbs / 3.2 kg). There’s no insert required with the OMNI 360, a massive selling point in my view! You set the seat Velcro to the narrowest position for newborn and there’s a built-in neck pillow which just tucks right in. Simple. The structured bucket seat gives confidence of holding your baby secure and the Velcro can then be adjusted out as your baby grows (it can be used up to 45 lbs / 20 kg). Ergobaby have even thought to pop a double lock on the front buckles to make sure that older babies can’t open buckles when being front carried. Brilliance.
4 position
This really does it all; back, hip, front, and outward facing too and I’m so happy! Thanks to the fab new sliders in place of buttons I love how easy and quick it is to switch inward to outward facing with one hand when we are out and about.
The cushioned straps can be in classic ‘H’ using the chest/back strap or for those with narrow shoulders, petite frames or just for comfort you can cross them at the back doing away with the need for that extra strap to do up for a front carry. I love this for me when I’m a bit more active out scooting with my three-year-old as it gives me a bigger range of movement. My husband, with his military head on, is ridiculously happy with the elastic loops on all the straps to keep them neatly rolled up rather than dangling free. How did we never know about that little bit of magical elastic before?
The lumbar support panel is a must for me as I get niggles in my lower back. It makes a huge different and I feel really supported.
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Breathable
I love the increased airflow with the new OMNI 360 Cool Air Mesh compared to all the other carriers I’ve tried. The fabric is light and breathable which is perfect for us in a hot climate. Otto will nap happily when we are out on adventures and I love how the protective sun hood zips away neatly. Knowing that the boys will be cool in the carrier gives us the freedom to go out exploring a bit more. The rain cover just pops on when I need it.
My verdict
Carrier of my dreams!!! This beauty makes all the others cluttering up the coat rack pretty redundant; the forward facing, the back carry, the one for summer. (My husband will be doing a little happy dance reading this). I can see myself using this carrier for years yet, it’s so versatile. Life with two littles in tow just got a whole lot easier and way more exciting with the Ergobaby’s OMNI 360 Cool Air Mesh. It’s a gem.