The Pikkolo by Catbird Baby is my current favorite -- it's a super-durable soft-structured carrier with unique design features that give it optimum versatility.
Features of the Pikkolo:
- Can be used for a front carry (facing in or out), back carry or hip carry. In the front carry, the shoulder straps can either be worn crossed in back or straight over each shoulder.
- Unlike most other soft-structured carriers, the pikkolo features a unique cinching mechanism on the carrier body that enables it to be made narrower. This allows you to wear your baby in an ergonomic forward facing front carry -- very cool! (but not recommended for babies over 20 lbs as it will throw off your center of gravity and cause back strain). A narrower carrier body is also more comfortable for smaller babies -- they don't have to spread their legs as wide while in the carrier.
- Unpadded waistband is worn apron-style and can be adjusted to fit both short-waisted and long-waisted body types. This type of waistbelt is meant to be worn snugly and a little higher than padded waistbelts so it won't push the top of your pants down -- I was skeptical but it's surprisingly comfy! Plus you can now get a padded waistband sleeve if you want that option.
- Brushed twill cotton fabric is nice and soft but still very durable - no more break-in period for your Pikkolo! Recommended care: wash on gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent. Dry on low until just damp, then hang to finish drying in well ventilated area. Spot clean when needed
- Shoulder straps are padded with thin, shock-absorbent memory foam which conforms very nicely to the body and is super-comfy.
- Detachable contoured sleeping hood in soft cotton, now with elastic along sides for a better fit and more support to little sleeping heads.
- Snap hooks on sleeping hood attach to D-rings on the shoulder straps for ease of use and better adjustment.
- All buckles are dual-adjustable.
- Will fit wearers from 4'10" to 6'2" and is recommended for babies between 8-40 pounds.
