Product Review: Integra Baby Carrier
- Naomi
- Feb 22, 2018
- 5 min read
As those who know me when can attest to, I love baby wearing. My grandmother carried all her boys, and my mother and father carried me, so it was natural that I would go down the same route.
How amazing now that there is so much choice for baby wearing mums. There are so many different carriers out there and who knows which one to choose. Hopefully this review will go some way to encouraging you to try the Integra baby carrier.
Having tried out heavily structured carriers with metal supports all the way to stretchy wraps, Integra are by far my favourite. Their carrier is a wonderful mesh between unstructured and structured. At first glance it looks fairly simple however it’s in its simplicity that it trumps all the others.
Three different sizes
This is the first thing that you should know before you decide to buy an Integra. They come in three different sizes. The Size 1 is from birth (7.5lbs) and can be used till about two years. Size 2 is from eighteen months and can be used till about three and a half. Lastly Size 3 is from three years till around five years.
I have used both Size 1 and Size 2 and it is great using an age appropriate carrier. It isn’t a one size fits all carrier, which means that it’s engineered specifically towards the particular sizes. I shall go into more detail about this a little later, but there aren’t lots of complex adjustments that need to be made to take it from birth to three years as there are with so many of the carriers on the market.
Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a marketing ploy to get more money, it really is worth getting the carrier for your child’s age. I noticed a huge difference when I switched from Size 1 to Size 2 when S turned eighteen months. She’s fairly big for her age, and for both of us, the Size 1 was starting to get a little uncomfortable. Now she’s in an age appropriate carrier, the comfort is back. Her legs are in the right place, and she’s held in the right place on my back because the carrier is big enough for her. It is so much better.
They’re comfortable
This is what you all want to read isn’t it? It’s a really comfortable carrier. It’s lightweight so you don’t feel like you’re having to carry the weight of the carrier on top of the weight of your child.
Even though it’s lightweight, it’s incredibly supportive. At her current weight (which I’m ashamed to not know exactly) I’ve been able to carry S for a substantial amount of time and do not feel back ache after or during. I don’t dread carrying her anymore like I have with other carriers on the market, because I know that I won’t suffer during or after.
It has padded shoulder straps which means that you can carry your baby for longer without any discomfort to your shoulders with rubbing straps. Yes, most have padded straps, but the Integra padding is lightweight yet very comfortable.
They’re easy to wear
The Integra comes with an instruction manual which is easy to understand and memorise. I got it after one look and that’s really all you need to know how to use the carrier properly.
No degrees needed to use it, so the fear of wearing incorrectly is taken out of the equation. Unlike some slings I’ve owned I have no qualms about wondering where those two straps go and whether my baby will suddenly fall out because I haven’t used them. I’ve also never had to watch a video to teach me how to use the Integra. It’s user friendly and easy to learn.
There are two features that are particularly useful and they are the accessory strap and the dual adjustable buckles.
Depending on the age of your child, the accessory strap is multi purpose. For a small baby with the Size One carrier, the accessory strap is used to narrow the carrier for those little legs to sit in the froggy position. When they are old enough to not need the narrow design, you simply unclip the strap and connect it to the little holder on the carrier so it doesn’t get lost.
With my girl, I now use the accessory strap when I back carry as a chest strap. When it’s not in use, then back it goes into its holder. Simple right?
The adjustable buckles are a new addition to the Integra brand. They basically aid adjustment, meaning that you can get the carrier in the perfect position by adjusting the shoulder straps in two ways, from the back and from the front.
They’re quick to put on
One of the reasons this is such a great carrier is that it’s so quick to put on. There aren’t countless straps to adjust, just the waist buckle, and the two shoulder buckles which can be adjusted two ways. We live just round the corner from a shop. It’s just far enough away that little legs get tired but near enough that it doesn’t justify a pram, so I regularly pop S in the carrier. As it takes a matter of minutes to get her in, it’s worth it to avoid a dead arm from carrying her without the Integra.
They’re handbag size
Another reason that this carrier comes out with me the most is that it wraps up small. It easily fits not only in the bottom of the pram, but also in my handbag (granted that I don’t do tiny handbags) and changing bag. This means that should I need to switch between pram and carrier or toddler toddling and carrier, it’s simple to do. In fact, it’s not just simple, but possible because you can take it everywhere with you.
Even better, if you are one of those amazing mums who manages to fit everything into a small and delicate handbag that wouldn’t fit a carrier, have no fear! The Integra comes with a bag of its own. Handy eh?!
They’re pretty
Maybe this should have been one of the first points. Integra slings are really attractive! They have an array of prints and textures, from tweed to woven styles. You can pick a carrier to match your wardrobe or buy a couple so you can mix and match. The prices do differ depending on the pattern so be aware that tweed is slightly more pricey than plain, but it is totally worth it!
They’re affordable
You don’t have to re-mortgage to buy an Integra carrier. Their prices range from £70- £130 depending on the size and print, so you can pick the best carrier for you according to your budget.
In case you need another opinion, here’s what another mum thinks:
“It’s so easy to fold up in a bag and have to hand when toddler is getting tired, or you’re in a rush to get jobs done in town. I’m a fan and recommend to everyone as do many of my friends”- Nicole
So in summary, what are you waiting for?! In all seriousness, I am so glad that I discovered this fantastic British company. They have made baby wearing a real joy and I couldn’t recommend them enough.
To try them out for yourself either head straight to their website www.integrababy.co.uk or go to your nearest sling library and try before you buy. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Go forth and purchase! xx
Comments