When my baby outgrew the Connecta Integra Baby Carrier (a modern mei-tai, which I love with all my heart because my baby grew up in it), I had to go shopping for a new baby carrier.
As you know, I’d checked out the Beco Butterfly II, the Beco Gemini and the Ergo but still, none of them appealed to me even though they are great baby carriers in their own right. Beautiful designs too!
Then, when I saw a Mummy trying out the Manduca baby carrier, I perked up and started doing my research:
1. Three positions for babywearing: front, on the back or on the side.
2. Baby and toddler carrier
- even for newborns (a sewn-in “seat” is included in each Manduca)
- usable up to 4 years old children
- max weight: 20 kg
3. Wearing comfort for your child
- adjustable head and neck rest
- upholstered buckles against carve
- zippers and snap-fasteners are all nickel-free
- Outer material: 45% hemp, 55% organic cotton; Inner material: 100% organic cotton
- proper sitting posture
4. Wearing comfort for you
- extra large extra belts for hip and shoulder evenly spreading the weight
- sophisticated belt system suit the Manduca perfectly to your size
- baby carrier only weighs 600 g
- controlled organic cotton, extra soft and und tough
5. Designed in Germany, Made in China.
Costs= €99,00 (natural, black, bright blue); €109,00 (red, olive, blue/navy blue, brown, black/grey); €111,00 (plum, maple leaf design) and €119,00 for special edition designs.
6. Safety features
- 3-point buckles – 2 hands are needed to buckle/unbuckle. To fasten, press buckle in firmly until you heard a loud “snap”. Buckle must be tight and snug as in the photo above. To unfasten, first press the sides and then the middle button.
- Elastic loops – The elastic loops are to hold the buckles IF they unfasten.
*****
Now that you’ve got the details, did the Manduca baby carrier live up to its reputation? Yes, it did on many points.
When I received the Manduca, I am happy to see its 3-point buckles, which need Now, I’m all for ease of use but the safety of my precious baby takes No. 1 priority at all times.
When I snapped the baby carrier on, I love the Manduca for its super solid (but not too thickly padded) waist belt. You must have heard me moan a million times about my backache but I’ve been babywearing the tot (from 7 kg – 11 kg) in front for a few hours without any backache.
The padded straps are comfy on my shoulders too, with an adjustable chest strap for when I’m carrying her on the back.
For the front carry, the Manduca is versatile enough for you to carry baby in 2 ways:
a) straps crossed behind your back or
b) straps positioned vertically connected with the snap-on chest blade strap – my preference since it’s easier.
For the back carry, I lay the baby carrier flat out on the sofa, squat (yes! LOL)in front of the sofa and ask my tot to climb onto my back. Then, I pull on the shoulder straps like I am putting on a backpack and snap on the chest strap.
Here she is about about 1.5 years old. Because she sucks her thumb, her arm is out of the shoulder strap instead of being under it. When she falls asleep, I’d usually pull the shoulder strap out from under her arm for safety’s sake.
The best part about the Manduca baby carrier is that it prompted Hubby to try out babywearing 
I was surprised considering that it’s a RED baby carrier but since it’s plain, he volunteered to back carry the little girl when we were at the supermarket one day.
Because the Manduca has a long, adjustable waist belt and shoulder straps, the baby carrier can fit Hubby’s (cough, cough) thick manly waist and broad shoulders.
I was quite nervous about this newbie babywearer but the Manduca’s buckles are so secure, I relaxed after she was strapped in. With a few tugs and slides, the toddler was snugly strapped onto Hubby’s back.
Hubby said she wasn’t heavy on his back and since he’s a backpacking kind of guy, he was comfortable carrying her on his back.
I only had to remind him a few times to be careful when he’s turning a corner and also to watch out for her feet. The good Daddy that he is, he’d feel for her feet every once in a while.
She was so comfortable in it that she fell asleep!
To support her head and dampen the loud noises from the supermarket, I hooked the sleep hood using its elastic loops and put on some socks so Hubby needn’t worry about her tiny toes.
Hubby was concerned about her feeling hot but since the Manduca is 45% hemp and 55% organic cotton, it’s light and airy.
I bought my Manduca in April 2011 during a weekend sale. and got a complimentary pair of BabyLegs Leg Warmers (Laughing Leopard)
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
We are BIG manduca fans in our house! I researched them just like you did and am so glad we chose it.
Ash – Hi! Nice to meet another babywearing Mom. Love the Manduca, esp. the padded belt too but it looks like my tot has outgrown this baby carrier, if you check out my latest post.
Anyways, I’m checking out a toddler carrier soon and can’t wait to share with everyone about it