Boba Air - any good?

[MsBug]

Apologies if this is in the wrong topic.

I am thinking of getting a Boba Air sling for my toddler. We used to use an Ergo quite a lot, but these days I always seem to need to take a pushchair out (because we walk / use public transport everywhere, and DD is heavy and seems to require an ever expanding amount of paraphernalia, so I just can't carry the whole lot). The ergo is a bit too bulky to stick in the bottom of the buggy and is a bit sweaty on a hot day.

So, I have been looking for a lightweight sling and I am thinking about getting a Boba Air because it looks like it packs up really small. I imagine when dd gets a bit older and can walk further distances I could just put it in my handbag in case she gets tired and needs carrying for a while, and we could ditch the buggy again.

However, my local sling library doesn't have one so I wanted to get some views on it before I splash out.

I a size 12 and short and have the ergo straps on their tightest fitting, if someone who is a similar size and shape to me has used a Boba Air I'd especially appreciate your feedback

TIA.

Anyone used one of these?

I use the Boba3G and have no problems with it in warm weather, I'm 5ft 4 and a size 10, and fits me perfectly. I think the Air is more of a back-up "emergency" carrier, I tried one once and there didn't seem to be much padding.

I've got a boba air - is great for bunging in a bag when you're not sure if you'll need it or not!

Thanks, that's kind of what I want - something I can carry around with me every day. Although I do want it to be quite supportive too as I am small and dd is heavy!

Pottering is it comfortable for longish walks? How big is your lo?

I wouldn't walk up a mountain in it but it does the job.

The north east sling library has a few and does postal hires if you wanted to try it?

My DS is 2.5 and I find it ok. As I said, if I know I'm using a sling for a proper walk it wouldn't be my first choice, but we've used it on long ish walks when he's got tired/ fallen asleep in it without a problem.

I have an AIR. I don't use it for 'going for a walk' as we use a rucksack for that but I use it for supermarkets, going swimming, emergency carries (it's in the changebag), and also for just taking a short stroll before dinner or whatever... I can wear it for about half an hour's walking I'd say. My ds is still in a front carry (he's 10mo).

It doesn't have much padding but I found the 3G padded straps too bulky and they bothered my armpits so I'm actually quite happy without all the extra padding. I think as a back carrier it'll be even more comfy.

I am a size 12 (but with size 14-16 boobs) and only 5'2" and the air fits me well, however I have it almost as tight as it goes round my hips/waist.. I wouldn't recommend it to a petite size 8 person for this reason.

If you were/are happy with the fit of the ergo, there is also an ergo travel sling like the air. I don't know what it's called but my friend has one, it's a lighter ergo with less bulk. it's not as packable as the air (doesn't stuff into a pocket either).

I have an Ergo and a Connecta. I tried the Boba Air but it's made of nylon and I found it really plasticky and uncomfortable. Lots of other people rave about it though.

I ended up getting a Solarweave Connecta, which packs down much smaller than the Ergo (but not as small as the Boba Air).

You could try a solar weave connecta too maybe?

Ooh, cross post :)

I tell a lie - it does go into a pocket, just not quite as small as the Air. store.ergobaby.com/baby-carrier/travel-collection/stowaway-navy

See I could only hold my 20 month old and my 6mo in the Air for 15 minutes before it started becoming uncomfortable. I love the padding on the 3G especially when front carrying.

There's also the Bitybean carrier that supposed to be one of those pack-and-go carriers.

Aargh too many choices

My local sling library doesn't have a boba air, and by the time I've paid for a postal hire I would probably be better off buying one and ebaying it if it's no good.

Also tempted by the solarweave connecta although they are more £££ and all seem to be sold out on their website. Are they a lot more supportive than the boba air? I may ask the sling library if they have one I can try.

Museumum we sound similar shapes although dd is bigger than your ds. Have you tried back carries yet? Much better once you get the hang of them IMO.

Has anyone tried the ergo or bitybean ones?

Not tried back carries yet, can't work out his to get my wriggly octopus of a baby into it on my back.
Also not entirely convinced he will like it so need to practise how to get him out again too if required :)

The Solarweave has padded shoulders and is generally more robust, although both are built to the same safety standards so it's more about comfort.

Sasaslings has Solarweaves in stock but there have been rumblings about supply issues for months now and she's said on her Facebook page that once this lot are gone then she's not expecting to get any more. If you like the look of them and have the dosh (£57 on Sasa) then I'd get one now rather than waiting to try one out. They hold their value very well.

Thanks for that harry, I think I might need the toddler size though...

Museum I found getting dd out harder than getting her in to start with. Practice with someone else around to rescue him if he gets too wriggly.

There are lots of videos on YouTube of people getting babies into back carries but there are lots of different ways so you need to experiment to find the best way for you.

I found the best way for me getting them on the back was laying them on the table, bed, sofa, whatever etc in the carrier, and then have myself bend down and backwards enough to put on the straps and then click them and then stand up and to the "jumping" tightening and adjusting trick - think I'm only one who does this. To take him off, I loosen the shoulder straps, grab under their armpits and lift him over my head, although I haven't perfected not getting whacked in the head by his knees and feet yet!

I found a video for the

Wow mama that sounds quite...acrobatic .

I put dd on my hip and sort of scoot her round. To get her off I can reverse the above process or if available just sit back on a sofa or bed, unclip the buckle and let her climb out.

So, I think I have to rule out a connecta as they do either petite straps (which I would need) and normal ones (which dp would need). I definitely want something that either of us can use so this rules a connecta out I think.

G do you have a bitybean mama? I can only find them for sale in the US.

Although I still use the ergo I think it is getting a bit short for dd, it only comes halfway up her back now, so I'm hesitant to buy another one.

My friend has one so I tried hers. It's okay in a pinch and those just in case moments.

I'm thinking of getting one of those preschool ones as I'd prefer to carry than push 2 more DC.

The Connecta's petite straps just refer to the length of the padded shoulder section (less on the petite so it can cinch smaller if necessary) the actual length of the straps are the same. I have a standard and I am 5 ft 1.

I would recommend the Connecta. Mine lives in my changing bag constantly, I wouldn't be without it. Mine is a wrap conversion, would love a solarweave too.