At a glance:
You can’t deny, the Caboo Cotton Blend looks beautiful. It’s super practical in the way it folds up easily for transportation. Our panel of mum testers were pretty divided in how easy it was to put on without an extra pair of hands.
What they say:
"It's been 10 years since Caboo made its way into the world and in celebration we have launched a limited edition print collection. So now you can carry your baby in comfort and style during our anniversary year. We have taken direction and inspiration from current trends as well as the environment and the many countries in which Caboo now successfully sells to develop a range of four beautiful stylistically contrasting core prints with something for everyone. Caboo carriers are suitable from birth as there are multiple front positions including discreet nursing. Adjusts to fit most adults - simply pull material through rings to tighten, no need to tie. Safe for baby, wide straps cradle baby’s delicate neck spine and hips."
Tested by mum Steph Taylor for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product to other mums who maybe can't afford a buggy or stroller and possibly use public transport a lot, as it doesn't take up loads of room and would be convenient for travelling mums. The design is eye-catching and makes carrying the baby more fun. It looks like the fabric is easy to clean if my baby was to have an accident, which is a big advantage. Also the feel of the fabric makes it very cosy for the baby.
How did this product make your life easier?
Personally I didn't feel it made my life easier as I struggled at first to work out how to put the carrier together. The instructions were not very clear and even with help from my partner I couldn't put it on and struggled to work out how to put my baby in without again the help. However, I did benefit from having my hands free when out in town instead of using my buggy.
Would you choose this product to win?
Personally I wouldn't choose this product to win a Mother & Baby award. I have a similar product which I find a lot quicker to use and place my baby in. For someone like myself that doesn't walk or use public transport a lot I didn't find many advantages. But, I thought the comfort for the baby was brilliant with the soft fabric and fun design.
What changes would you make to this product?
The instructions of how to use the carrier weren't concise and I struggled for about 20 minutes trying to work out which part went where before even attempting to put my baby in it. Also, at first I didn't feel he was very secure, but with the help of my partner we finally worked it all out.
Tested by mum Ayesha Watkinson for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product. Firstly because of all the different ways your baby can fit inside, but also because it makes it very easy to breastfeed inconspicuously.
How did this product make your life easier?
The product made my life easier as a mum because catching the bus with a pram is a nightmare, and when it gets closer to my stop the bus is always full. The sling makes it so much easier for me to get a seat with my baby. Also I have my hands free to hold my other daughter’s hand at the same time.
Would you choose this product to win?
I would definitely choose this baby carrier over any other on the market because of the adaptability, the comfort and the way my baby can see out. But also the price is very reasonable and you get a lot for your money!
What changes would you make to this product?
If I could personally change one thing about the product, it would be the way it is set up when it arrives. I had to go through a lot of hassle initially to try and adjust it right and the picture was no help. It could do with further instructions.
Tested by mum Bekki Grange for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I love this carrier! The pattern makes the Caboo look stylish and the material is very comfortable and durable. It goes on very quickly, so no need to leave baby to cry for long (like when I was trying to set my stretchy wrap up), it's easy to wash and the way it folds away in the bag is extremely handy for taking out and about and storing away.
How did this product make your life easier?
Since having my baby (now four and a half months old), I have used a stretchy wrap and another carrier when my baby has needed to be close. The Caboo carrier worked equally well and enabled me to complete some household chores, make dinner etc without having to pop my baby down or unsettle him. This product is better than the other designs I used previously, in terms of ease of getting it on and off.
Would you choose this product to win?
Most probably yes, the carrier is incredibly easy to put on and adjust. It is very stylish and definitely one for the fashion conscious! The material is really soft and comfortable meaning that it can be worn for quite a while.
What changes would you make to this product?
The part of the wrap which you attach last (the bit that makes the bag) and put around the baby and tie behind your back didn't seem to stay tight when wearing it, so perhaps the design of this part could be re-thought. The price tag is a little steep and although it is the best carrier I have tried, I'm still not sure it warrants the £69.99 price tag.
Tested by mum Gillian Tudur for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Yes I would! It is very easy to transport around as it is small enough to store in a pram or a small bag. It felt soft and comfortable and the material came with a funky pattern to make you feel fun when wearing it. It keeps your baby close to your body and my boy loved being in it. It's also so easy to wash if need be, which as all mums know is a big plus.
How did this product make your life easier?
Just being able to throw your baby into a sling and quickly nip into a shop rather than getting out the pram made life easier. I take the dog for a walk every day and I always put the baby in the sling rather than a pram, as it’s easier for both me and the dog (he didn’t always dodge the wheels of the pram too well!)
Would you choose this product to win?
Probably not, for these reasons: I loved that this sling gave you a choice of funky patterns, however, as my baby got bigger I feel it didn’t support him that well (no matter how tight I tried to make it). Also, I personally preferred my slightly more structured slings that provided just that little extra back support and made it feel more secure. However whilst he was small it was perfect and I would definitely recommend using it with a newborn! I loved that the packaging and user guide had an earthy feel to them.
What changes would you make to this product?
The wrap around band – it was a nice pattern but I never felt like it was tight or doing what it should be. There isn't much else I would change as I feel it is a great product but I don't know if it's because of my back issues or how I was wearing it, I just didn't feel he was secure enough once he got bigger.
Tested by mum Samantha Walker for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Yes I would 100% recommend this to a fellow mum (I actually have already recommended it to a handful of mums with newborns at my son's nursery), as it is so comfortable to use and helps everyday challenges such as school runs and looking after grouchy babies and toddlers a breeze. Also the design is so eye-catching so not only is it functional, it's good to look at too! One mum I recommended it too is getting this carrier based on how easy it folds into itself for transportation, (I did a demonstration to show her!). Alongside this I would recommend how easy it is to wash and dry, and it still looks like new.
How did this product make your life easier?
This products makes my life so much easier as a mum, due to how quick and easy it is to use. It's comfortable too, so doing the shopping is great as I can have baby in the carrier and be hands free for the trolley and my older child, so it's much easier to get items off the shelf. Also there are multiple positions you can do, which is such a help as no matter how old your child is there literally is a position comfortable for everyone, and the weight distribution is amazing. Alongside this this carrier helps me deal with a teething four-month-old who wants constant cuddles and only seeks comfort off mummy at the moment, and a four year old who needs help doing tasks and playing games.
Would you choose this product to win?
Yes, I would choose this product over others on the market, as its ease of use and comfort is next to none! I couldn't believe how light my baby felt when I first tried this carrier out and now it has become part of my daily life and an essential for days out. The design and pattern of this carrier is so pretty and unique also so keeps baby entertained looking at the different colours.
What changes would you make to this product?
I adore this product as it is, but if I had to change one thing, I would add a hood for rainy weather, which would make the carrier perfect.
Product Information
Suitable for babies from birth - upwards.