The BabaSling Lite - The Perfect Travel Companion

In a mad panic before our recent holiday I took took to Twitter (my saviour for advice) wondering if anyone could recommend a great baby wearing sling or carrier for our Florida trip.

You see, I'm not a baby wearer. It just doesn't come that naturally to me. Maybe I've just been unlucky with my carrier choices.

4 years ago, when MC was born, we bought an all-singing, all dancing carrier. It was one that could be worn in many different ways. MC hated it. I hated it. It was difficult to set up and when it was, MC just wasn't happy in it at all. Not on my back, or my front. I ended up selling it unused.

I tried a new one when TC was born last year but neither of us got on with that either.

With the forthcoming holiday I knew a sling would come in really handy though. Anyone who's travelled to Orlando International Airport with a small child will know that the layout of it doesn't favour those with buggies/strollers and, with TC still not able to walk unaided at this point, it made sense to try and find an appropriate sling. Also, I was unsure of what the queue times for the theme park rides would be. We'd have to leave the buggy in the designated 'stroller parks' whilst queuing and I didn't fancy the idea of having to carry TC for a huge amount of time.

Well, as usual, Twitter came to my rescue. There were a few slings and carriers that were mentioned but one that kept being mentioned and looked fabulous - just what I was after. Then, as luck would have it, the people at BabaSling were alerted by tweets from people recommending and asked if we'd like to review the BabaSling Lite.

Hurrah!

It sounded perfect for our holiday so we thought we'd put it to the test. What better test for a sling designed for travel? A 3 week holiday in Florida.

At Orlando International Airport

So, we picked a gorgeous turquoise colour sling (there are 5 more to choose from too) and it arrived super quick so we were able to give it a go before the holiday.

As soon as I opened it I knew it was going to be great. The material (100% breathable cotton) was lovely and the colour was stunning. It also comes in a carry bag too.

Tiny Ched took to it straight away and I loved the simplicity of it. A few adjustments (the tutorial videos are excellent) and we were pros in a matter of minutes. I actually felt like a 'baby wearer' for the first time in over 4 years. The sling has 5 different carry positions but, I have to say, that 'side saddle' works best for both of us given TC's age. It can be used up to 2 years - I just wish I'd found it sooner! As someone who breastfed it would have been brilliant as you can breastfeed discreetly with it too.

Loving the sling in the Florida sun

As the BabaSling Lite is more lightweight than the BabaSling Classic and the BabaSling Cozy it's perfect for doing jobs around the house with a clingy little one. Thankfully TC is happy to just follow me around the house but to test the BabaSling out before the holiday we tried it out. He was more than happy to be in it and I loved having him so close as he loves cuddles.

Queuing at The Magic Kingdom

The sling really came into it's own on holiday though. It was perfect for the airport. We whizzed through immigration and on the trams, up escalators  and to baggage claim with ease with him in the sling. It was a brilliant start and he didn't get too hot even though the weather in Orlando was baking. We also used it a few times at Disney theme parks - although not as much as I thought as the queues for rides were in our favout.

The BabaSling is my ideal sling. We really love it. And, what's more, it goes in the washing machine with ease and still looks brand new.

It's main use now we are home from holiday is when I need to mow the lawns and I can't have TC (who can now walk perfectly) running everywhere in the garden. He really enjoys mowing the lawn with me.

Mowing the lawns with mummy

I think it's a must have for an extensive travel holiday but also it's great for around the house.

We really wish we'd found it sooner.

The BabaSling Lite retails at £39.99* and can be purchased direct from BabaSling or from other retailers.

  

We were sent the BabaSling Lite to review 

but all photographs, words, views and opinions are entirely my own.

*prices correct at time of writing

We've Found Our Perfect Pushchair Thanks To Cosatto!

Anyone who's followed me on Twitter will know I've was searching for the 'perfect' pushchair for Tiny Ched.

There were a few in the running in the end but none of them quite hit the spot somehow. They were either slightly too bulky, didn't come with the right extras or weren't exciting enough. I couldn't make up my mind.

Love at first push!

We have a travel system but frequently, especially for holidays and days out, we need a pushchair. The one we'd had previously for MC had come to the end of its life.

So, imagine my delight when the fabulously cool people from Cosatto came to the rescue by asking if we'd like to try out their Swift Lite Supa pushchair. The 'Little Monster' design was perfect for TC and I have to admit, I was in love with it before the box even arrived on our doorstep.

I've always loved the Cosatto brand. Their products are fresh, funky and fabulous - what's not to love about them?

We were off on a break to Tenby last week so it was the perfect time to really put the pushchair to the test...

MC showing just how compact the umbrella fold is

The Swift Lite Supa certainly lives up to its name. It's amazingly lightweight and folds down easily to the size of a 3 year old girl! I love how the clip goes into place on its own as soon as you fold it and it has a carry handle - two things our previous pushchair didn't have. It's lightweight but it's so strong and sturdy, so much more so than our previous pushchair. What's more, it comes with a fantastic 4 year manufacturer guarantee from Cosatto - not many companies would offer that level!

Although we were only going away for a week we had a lot of luggage! Going away on a UK break always means packing for all seasons (although we seem to luck out by selecting the perfectly sunny first week of September!) but add to that a 5 month old baby and all the trimmings you have a boot full! We managed to fit 2 medium suitcases, a large holdall, a travel cot and the Swift Lite Supa into the car boot.

Fast asleep on a day out to Folly Farm

The funky design of Cosatto products is one of their iconic features and the 'Little Monster' is no exception (there are 7 designs to choose from). When I posted pictures of the pushchair to Instagram and Twitter it was an instant hit with my followers. Being out and and about with the pushchair you can tell it's a head-turner and I've already had someone covet it. The 'Little Monster' design is carried throughout the pushchair and even underneath the hood which entertains TC no end. We haven't been able to try out the Cozy Toes yet as its been too warm but this looks fantastic on the pushchair and will be even more of a head-turner. What I really love about the Cozy Toes is that the fleecy lining goes right down inside rather than just around the top like most I've seen. Also, there are little hand warmer slots in the top so not only are little toes kept toasty warm but little hands are too! I can't wait for Winter.

The Little Monster enjoying the beach

TC found the pushchair so comfy. He fell asleep in it frequently and we were able to tilt the seat back until it was flat really easily. We used to battle with our previous pushchair which usually resulted in MC (our daughter) waking up. Because of the 3 position recline, the pushchair can be used from birth.

As I've said, the pushchair definitely lives up to it's name. As well as being really lightweight with a superb compact fold, the Swift Lite Supa is fabulous to push. It's really nippy and was a dream to use in and around Tenby. We negotiated hills, bends, cobbles and the beach and it was amazing. We even got a boat across to Caldey Island and the pushchair was lifted onto the boat complete with TC still in it, whereas other people who had larger heavy pushchairs had to remove their little ones and collapse theirs.

It also took our buggy board brilliantly so we were able to push MC and TC together, with ease. In fact, the Swift Lite Supa is actually easier to manoeuvre with the buggy board attached than our complete travel system.

So, all in all, the Cosatto Swift Lite Supa gets the thumbs up from our whole family. TC is just so happy in it. I've also done a brief vlog below (my first one...eek - maybe next time I do one I'll actually appear in it. A bit camera shy this week!) so you can see just some of the features I love about it.

"I love my funky new pushchair!"

Key features of the Cosatto Swift Lite Supa (RRP is £170 but there are prices from £130*)

• Suitable from birth
• 4 year Cosatto guarantee
• A choice of 7 super cool and funky designs
• Gorgeous fleecy Cozy Toes with zip and kangaroo pouch
• Chest pads and head hugger
• Superb compact umbrella fold with auto lock and carry handle
• 3 positions for recline and 2 for calf support 
• Lightweight and super sturdy
• Swivel front wheels that are fully lockable
• UPF 50+ hood
• Raincover 

Here's a vlog of the features I love...

Please note: The buggy board and buggy board clips attached to the pushchair are not part of the Cosatto range. These were purchased separately.

VISIT COSATTO.COM FOR THE FULL RANGE OF FUNKY PUSHCHAIRS, CARSEATS, HIGHCHAIRS, FURNITURE AND NURSERY PRODUCTS!

This is not a sponsored post.  

We were sent the Cosatto Swift Lite Supa Pushchair to review 
but all photographs, video, words, views and opinions are entirely my own.
*prices correct at time of blog post