Evenflo Snugli Classic Soft Carrier Vs Hip Hammock Baby Carrier

Babywearing has become very popular in recent years. Not only does it have many benefits for the child, it is also quite convenient. It keeps mother and baby close, which is a must for babies who love to snuggle. Mom can go about her day, running her errands and doing her chores with baby strapped to her and both hands free. There are now a lot of baby carriers on the market. They are all designed differently. Some will meet your needs, and some won't.

The Snugli Classic Soft Carrier by Evenflo will run you about $20, maybe a little more. I was given one as a gift by a mother whose baby had outgrown it. It came in Navy blue, fitting for us since my baby is a boy. I only used it a few times. I found it incredibly difficult to get on and off. There were just too many straps and buckles! Moreover, the straps dug into my shoulders, and the strain of his weight was too much. I was left with sore shoulders after only taking a brief walk around the corner. The only good thing about it was the softness of the material and that both my hands were free.

My son learned to walk at nine months, and he squirmed when I held him wanting to be set free. I figured it would be much easier to wear him, because then he couldn't wriggle free. It would also give me free hands for those times when he wanted me to carry him, but I needed to work. It was a little late for the Snugli at this point, and I didn't feel ready to get into slings or wraps. I went to Babies 'R Us looking to try something new and affordable. A friendly sales representative helped me with my choice.

I bought my Hip Hammock for about $40. I only used it for a few months, because my son soon outgrew it. It was so much easier to take on and off, because there is just one strap that goes over your shoulder. He would be strapped to me in the same position he'd be in if I was holding him. His weight was much better distributed. The shoulder strap was also much thicker on the Hip Hammock. I was able to wear him for much longer periods of time without becoming sore. It was so much more convenient and comfortable for me. I did have an issue with the shoulder strap rotating so that it was facing out, not inward towards my shoulder, and readjusting that was annoying. It also restricts the use of my arm and hand closest to the baby.

There are, however, some things I like better about the Evenflo Snugli Classic Soft Carrier. For one, it is priced much more affordably. It is one of the cheaper baby carriers, yet it is still reliable. The material is much softer, which I'm sure is more comfortable for the baby. You also have the option of wearing the baby in two positions, facing in or out. There is a flap that supports the newborn's head when he's facing you but can be turned down when he is facing the world. The positioning is more natural for a young infant. Having both hands free is another plus.

On the other hand, the Hip Hammock is made of more study, stronger material that I think will last a longer time. It is rough and course, which is probably less comfortable, but older babies probably won't notice that. You can only wear your child in one position, facing you, but on either hip. There is support for the baby's head, though this flap will not support the heads of older babies. The positioning is more natural for an older baby, because this is the way we tend to naturally carry older babies--on our hips. The greatest thing about it is the ease of use; it literally takes only seconds. Unfortunately you'll have only one hand free. The hand closest to the baby will be limited in its movement.

While I found the Snugli Classic Soft Carrier by Evenflo uncomfortable, I imagine if I were carrying a newborn, I would have been less strained. The product is recommended for babies up to 24 pounds, but I think more than maybe 15lbs is pushing it if you want comfort. The Hip Hammock distributes your weight between your shoulder and your hip, which was more comfortable for me. It is designed for infants older than 2 months and up to 3 years old. I still use mine occasionally with my almost two-year-old, but it was most comfortable before he turned one. For those with more muscle and shoulder strength than me, either of these carriers would feel quite fine, though.

Both of these products are sturdy, though as I said I believe the Hip Hammock is made of stronger material. They are both reasonable priced, though you'll pay a little bit more for the Hip Hammock. It's worth it, though, because you can use it longer. You can find them in the same stories, such as Babies 'R Us. I never nursed in them, but I imagine their design would make discreet nursing a possibility. I would recommend a nursing top for accessibility, as lifting your shirt can be difficult while wearing them. Babywearing is great for hands-free, discreet nursing.

The Hip Hammock cannot be used for newborns, and the Snugli Classic Soft Carrier is not recommended for older babies. The Hip Hammock is made of rough material, while the Snugli is very soft. The Snugli Classic Soft Carrier has a lot of straps and was confusing to me, a hassle to put on. With the Hip Hammock, I just buckled it around my waist, set my son on my lap, and then pulled the strap over my head and shoulder. The Snugli will be more comfortable for you and your baby in the newborn stage, but as your child grows, the Hip Hammock will provide more comfort. The Snugli Classic Soft Carrier is half the price of the Hip Hammock. These are two very different products. They each have their strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, these are both great products that will meet the needs of different families. If you have a baby younger than 2 months old, a limited budget, or a baby that demands softness, I recommend the Snugli Classic Soft Carrier. If your baby is older or if the Snugli is uncomfortable for you, try the Hip Hammock. You could also do as I did: use the Snugli in the early weeks, then buy a Hip Hammock when your baby outgrows it.

I think the Hip Hammock is the higher quality product, but the Snugli Classic Soft Carrier does have its strengths as well. Which is right for you? You'll have to chose based on your family's needs. The Hip Hammock has worked out better for me, and I probably won't own a Snugli Classic Soft Carrier again. Sorry, Evenflo!