78 out of 78 people found this review helpful.
We like the Evenflo Porte Bebe Premier Soft Carrier Baby Carrier
Date of Review: Mar 10, 2004
The Bottom Line: The Evenflo Porte Bebe Premier Baby Carrier is a durable, comfortable carrier that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
When the staff at the gym informed us that we could no longer use or stroller on the inside track my wife and I, were not happy campers. When were told that the University's policy prohibits baby walkers and were told we could use a baby carrier or simply carry our son in our arms as we walk. Since walking is part of our regular fitness regime and central to my wife getting back into shape after the birth of our son we scrambled for a solution. Shopping for a baby carrier can be a real chore with the various styles and brands on the market, fortunately we found the right carrier that fit our tight budget.
We found the Evenflo Porte Bebe Premier Soft Carrier Baby Carrier, which initially looked like a complicated harness system that would possibly be too restrictive for our son. Our son is somewhat of a "free spirit" as he likes to swing his arms and touch everything in sight. Luckily, looks are definetly deceiving when it comes to the Evenflo Porte Bebe Premier Soft Carrier Baby Carrier. The key features make this an easy to use convenient carrier for transporting our son. One of the best features for me is that it is hands-free. Like my son, I'm a "free spirit" also and like using my arms when walking. The wide parent shoulder straps are comfortable on my arms and the soft carrier feels gentle against my body.
The Evenflo Baby Carrier is a frameless Navy colored carrier that can support up to 26 pounds. Our son currently is approximately 18 pounds and the system supports his weight well with room to spare. I like the fact that this system poundage allows for growth. When our baby is in the carrier, we have him facing us so we can interact with him while walking. We can also face him forward, but we prefer to have him facing us so we can interact with him.
The Evenflo Baby Carrier is easy for me to use especially with the side entry buckles, however my wife reports that she has had some difficulty getting him in and out and is unable to do it as quickly as I can, I usually assist her with this process. Initially I thought the carrier would be hot, and cumbersome but the ventilated inner foam padding keeps heat to a minimum providing cool soft comfort. The seat is not awkward or weighty; in fact it distributes our baby's weight evenly, plus the adjustable padded shoulder straps offer maximum support and adjustability. The padded seat is comfortable to our baby's bottom and the soft cushions around the legs prevent the material from cutting his skin. It's easy to adjust the leg openings simply change the seat height.
The Evenflo Baby Carrier cotton polyester blended fabric is easy to clean, we use wet wipes for minor spills. The foam material is insulated and sturdy. The straps are durable and plastic fasteners are strong. Our carrier looks just like the picture posted above. We've only owned our carrier for a month and we've used it on and off for three weeks when walking on the indoor track. Although it is machine washable, our carrier is not ready for a full washing yet.
If you are planning on purchasing the Evenflo Baby Carrier it's important to know your baby's weight. I recommend introducing the carrier to your child gradually especially if it is their first time. It is also important to remember that your baby must be able to hold up his or her head unassisted when using facing outward. There are some limitations when using this carrier, for example it is for walking only. It is not to be used while participating in sporting activities. Initially the additional weight of carrying your child may take some getting use too, if you are not use to carrying your child, but for me the carrier definetly beats holding him while I'm walking the track.
Final thoughts:
My wife and I have had no back problems or any additional discomfort when using this carrier and we are only taking away 1 point, primarily due to her occasional difficulty on getting him in and out of the carrier. We like it and recommend it to other parents who want hand's free mobility.