After writing a post about my adventures in babywearing back at the end of June, I received an inquiry from Baby K’tan about writing a review of the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier. Because I had never used a Baby K’tan, I excitedly agreed.
The Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is a uniquely designed soft cotton carrier that consists of two loops of cotton which are connected by a third smaller loop called a Back Support Band and a sash that provides security and support. The Baby K’Tan is similar to a wrap but without all the hassle of feet of fabric. The Baby K’Tan Baby Carrier is a cross between a sling and a structured front baby carrier that offers the positioning and benefits of both types of baby carriers. I find wearing a baby sling provides great benefits. it not only allows you to carry your baby in a healthy position, but it also gives you a better success rate of breastfeeding and helps the bonding process between you and your baby become stronger.
Unlike other baby carriers, too, the Baby K’tan is sized. Depending on your size and shape, you can choose a Baby K’tan Baby Carrier in extra small, small, medium, large, or extra large. I picked the small based on my dress size, although I may have been able to get away with an extra small. I am, however, happy that I picked the small because my mom can also use the small Baby K’tan when she watches my daughter. Picking out which size Baby K’tan I needed was extremely simple. I just matched my dress size with the Baby K’tan sizing chart. The Sizing Information webpage on the company website also offers helpful tips for picking out the best size.
When I first received my Baby K’tan Baby Carrier, I was worried that I was going to have trouble putting my daughter in the carrier. I had had a heck of a time figuring out my wrap at first. However, I am happy to say that using the Baby K’tan was incredibly simple. In addition to the easy-to-follow instruction manual provided with the Baby K’tan, the company also provides a number of instructional videos online. Putting my daughter into the carrier in the hug position for the first time was incredibly easy!
I have also experimented with carrying my daughter in the adventure position. My daughter sometimes prefers facing outward, but I usually keep her facing inward because I am worried about causing hip problems. I am incredibly happy to say the Baby K’tan offers more than adequate support for an outward facing child. I love that the loops form a comfortable seat for my daughter to sit on. Unlike other wraps and carriers, the Baby K’tan keeps my baby from just dangling from the crotch.
My daughter always seems incredibly comfortable in the Baby K’tan. She loves being close to me but with the ability to look around at the world from a higher level than in a stroller. I also find the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier extremely comfortable. First, the loops are wide enough to distribute the pressure of my daughter’s weight evenly across both of my shoulders. Because she is almost twenty pounds, I definitely need a carrier that offers a lot of support. Second, I love the Back Support Band, which makes adjusting the Baby K’tan super easy. I just reach back, pull on the band, and quickly get the Baby K’tan to the perfect fit. Third and most important, unlike my traditional wrap, I have never had to wrestle with twisted up fabric. The loops of the Baby K’tan easily unwrap as I put the carrier on myself and then put my daughter in. As far as comfort goes, my daughter and I give the Baby K’tan four enthusiastic thumbs up!
I also love, love, love that I can breastfeed my daughter easily in the Baby K’tan. I have nursed my daughter in my wrap before. Unfortunately, I have to take her out and put her in sideways in order to breastfeed her in the wrap. With the Baby K’tan, however, I just have to wiggle her down a little when she is facing me to get her into the perfect position for nursing. Many nights now I have taken my dog for a walk while feeding my daughter. I even nursed her into a nap while at a recent trip to the zoo. For breastfeeding moms who also want to babywear, the Baby K’tan is a must!
Finally, I love that the security sash of the Baby K’tan also doubles as a carrying pouch. While my daughter is in the Baby K’tan, I use the pouch on the sash to hold my phone. Once she gets out, I can quickly and easily put the loop portion inside the sash, making transporting the Baby K’tan incredibly easy. No more struggling with feet and feet of unwieldy fabric!
Final Verdict: Of all the baby carriers that I have tried so far, the Baby K’tan is my favorite. First, the Baby K’tan is so simple to use. Second, the Baby K’tan is incredibly comfortable for both the baby and the wearer. Finally, for busy breastfeeding moms who are on the go, the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier allows a baby to nurse easily without getting out. Thus, if you are in the market for a baby carrier, I highly recommend the Baby K’tan as my first suggestion.
Image Credits
Baby K’tan in Box 2012 Heather Johnson
Baby K’tan 2012 Heather Johnson
Heather and Poppy Using the Baby K’tan 1 2012 James Johnson
Heather and Poppy Using the Baby K’tan 2 2012 James Johnson
Heather and Poppy Using the Baby K’tan 3 2012 James Johnson
Heather and Poppy Using the Baby K’tan 4 2012 James Johnson
Heather and Poppy Using the Baby K’tan 5 2012 James Johnson
Heather and Poppy Using the Baby K’tan 6 2012 James Johnson
