Thursday, July 31, 2014

Poarta-ma soft structured carrier (SSC) review

Romanian company Poarta-ma came to my attention with the relaunch of thebabywearer.com - and I was lucky enough to win one of their gorgeous carriers in a random giveaway (HOORAY!)... and THEN they agreed to send me an extra one to give to one of you lovely lot! So here it is - the Luna Mare toddler-size soft structured carrier.

in a nutshell, this is a better budget (around $100aud) Tula. Very similar dimensions (cinches down a bit more for more petite wearers) and construction.

It's perfectly constructed and cinches down easily to fit me (an aussie size 10) and Audrey (12 kgs/28lbs) very comfortably. All webbing is finished with elastic loops to keep excess length tidy and there's plenty of it - this is a very adjustable carrier that I think would suit variable body types, and we'll confirm that at our next babywearing meet!

Audrey is knee-to knee and comfortably contained in the body - arms in, even! Leg padding is generous and my picky child didn't complain when we hiked to the shops and back. Neither did my shoulders or back - I wore straps straight AND crossed (you know, for variety) and actually like both ways, although I found the crossed a bit more faff to tighten. The next time I started with the shoulder straps looser and the underarm straps tighter and found tightening on the diagonal much easier.

The waistband is nicely padded and quite wide- absolutely no rolling or digging, and brilliant support in a back carry which enabled Audrey's weight to stay close to my centre and not sink into my hips. I am ecstatic to add this to our local library and even happier to be giving one away - just ENTER HERE or head over to my Facebook page to get your entries in!

111 comments:

  1. I love how easy soft structured carriers are to use! No wrapping, twisting, tying, etc. Plus they're very simply for grandparents to use!

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  2. This is such a beautiful SSC. I can't wait to get one for my son and I. :)

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  3. I am new to babywearing. I currently have a Moby for my 13 pound 3 month old. She and I both love it! I wish I had known about babywearing when my other two kids were little. This looks like a great and comfortable carrier for when my little gets a bit bigger! Thank you for posting the review!

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  4. I love the ease of SSC! Also that they are so daddy-friendly!

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  5. I love the ease of use that comes with SSC's!!
    Katrina Busse

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  6. I love that my one year old can't pop his seat in a ssc!

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  7. I love my woven wraps, but my 2.5 year old will not let me wrap her. She does, however, love to be carried in a buckle carrier but complains when I have her in my Ergo too often. I've been desperately trying to find a more cushy carrier that we could use, but one that I could also afford. Free is my favorite price!

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  8. I love that they are easy to use and so supportive. I can adjust it easily to switch who is carrying.

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  9. I love SSC because they are so confortable and easy to wear.

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  10. I love SSC's cause they are quick easy and super comfy! I have 3 boys who are always on the go. As soon as my LO sees his SSC he wants uppies which gives me my arms back to chase after his brothers.

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  11. I love soft structured carriers because they are quick and easy. Don't get me wrong, I love wraps but sometimes you need something fast.

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  12. I like that they are quick to put on and easy to adjust.

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  13. Structured carriers are easier for me. I bought a moby wrap and it's hot, feels like I'm wearing extra clothes! No bueno for summertime. A soft structured carrier is faster, no wrapping and no slipping or unraveling to worry about. Also they are better choices (in my opinion) when you have a child that is getting heavy. Saves your back from aching.

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  14. My 2 year old wants me to hold him more since baby came along. SSCs have a way lower learning curve. My husband would appreciate that. And the speed needed to get going with multiple kids... SSCs to the rescue.

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  15. I've been wanting something structured but not as stiff as my Infantino pack carrier. Weldon wants to be held all the time, and sometimes I need my hands, but we are just both so constantly uncomfortable when we have the pack carrier on. I'm having a hard time getting the hang out of a woven wrap, so I think this would be such a good option for us.

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  16. I love SSCs because they are so easy for beginners. They are quick and comfortable too. :)

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  17. I love SSCs because they are easy to use. I can easily put one on and carry my child. No wrapping or pulling like a ring sling is involved. A SSC is sort of dumby proof also so anyone can figure out how to use it.

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  18. I love SSC's because they are so easy to put on and to adjust. Almost anyone can do it, even husbands.

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  19. I love the speed and convenience of sscs. Hoping to convert my husband to babywearing if we win, the colour would suit him :-)

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  20. I love wrapping but worth a busy toddler who wants to be up and down and up again nothing beats the ease of a good SSC!

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  21. I love the ease of SSC's. It allows Dadsy to wear our son

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  22. I love that ssc's get my boyfriend involved in babywearing!

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  23. I started out babywearing with a borrowed moby wrap, which lead me to a local babywearing group and their lending library. I loved the art of wrapping but I really wanted my husband to have the opportunity to develop a special bond with our son like I had through wearing him. I asked my husband if he was interested in wrapping and he declined but said if there was a way to clip him in securely he would give it a try. Thanks to soft structured carriers we have become a babywearing family!! I love sscs because my husband offers to and even asks to wear our son and I love his enthusiasm!

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  24. I love the ease of the ssc to get my other half into wearing our almost 3 year old when we are out waterfall hunting and bushwalking! Would make it easier for him than just holding him!

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  25. I personally havent had the pleasure of using a ssc but have heard great things and would love to win:) { Could possibly get hubby to baby wear he wont use the woven wrap:( }

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  26. This carrier sounds great in that it is easy to put on and very adjustable. It sounds like a great fit for me.

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  27. I love ssc's for when I need something fast! Wrapping is amazing, but sometimes a bit time consuming.

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  28. My SSC makes life possible with 3 under 5! Seems a bit like a hoodless Kinderpack. Curious how it feels for a back carry. Would love to win this! thanks for the chance!

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  29. My current SSC is a small DIY to fit my petite size. this looks awesome - small enough to fit me, big enough to fit my 19 month old. Yay!

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  30. I haven't found a SSC that I love, yet... But I think this one is gorgeous and I'm willing to give it a try :)

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  31. I love SSC's for the convenience and because they are pretty much dad proof :P I can just hand my old Ergo to my partner and he can almost figure it out haha

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    1. SSC's makes babywearing so easy and is much less intimidating than woven wraps. Plus they are so much faster to put on!

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  32. Im a SSC girl. I only own one carrier and Its a standard sized carrier, not toddler. And my son is getting about to the size of needing a toddler carrier. He is 16 months and in the 91% for his age in height :)

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  33. This carrier looks great! I love that SSC's are easy to use, and comfortable to wear for longer periods of time!

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  34. I love sscs as they are quick and easy to use and I feel confident my bub is safe. This looks like a great replacement for my ergo when my little man grows out of it.

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  35. These seem easy and light. Perfect as the babies get bigger and bigger.

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  36. so easy to use and great support

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  37. I love that ssc are lightweight, easy to use, and provide great support for baby and the person carrying the baby!

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  38. Sscs are great b/c they are easy to use and easily adjustible for different users. Also little dude likes to gnaw on straps. This one would be great in a few months as he's rapidly outgrowing his ergo.

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  39. I've been wanting an SSC ever since my little guy turned one. This one looks perfect.

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  40. My not-so-little 15m love enjoys being nice and close to his mamma. I'm sure he'd be over the moon to be carried in this delightful SSC. With its practical and aesthetic design I'm sure Gran Sparkles & Daddy will love wearing him just as much as I do!

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  41. I would love to try a carrier like this ! I've only ever used a wrap or a ring sling.

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  42. An answered prayer. An angelific giveaway. Been finding ways on how to have a SSC these past few days. Been joining raffles so i could win one. Wanted to backcarry my now 1yo youngest boy. This would be his belated gift he just had his bday last july29. Crossing my fingers

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  43. i love how easy they are to get in/out of. how comfy they are for both of us (we use our ergo daily for hikes w. the dogs- usually around an hr). We are now too big for our ergo & need a toddler sized carrier

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  44. Love this carrier! It looks so comfy for mum and toddler. I love the colours too! I would love to win this. I need to win this. This socially deprived and tired mumma would love this for her Velcro toddler. He would feel so safe and secure when we venture of places.

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  45. I love that it is so easy to use. It doesn't learning require complicated ties. You simply put it on. And so comfy for me and my toddler. I hope I win.

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  46. I love SSCs for their ease of use and their comfort even when carrying big babies and toddlers.

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  47. I love them because dad can wear them too :-)

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  48. I love SSCs because they're easy and simple to use. You don't need to practice that much to use them. That's why dad can simply use them too. Just put the bubs/toddlers in, tighten the buckles, and carry them.

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  49. I love our Ergobaby as it's quick and easy. Also daddy and grandparent friendly :)

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  50. I love SSCs for their ease of use. Wrapping can be fun when you have a minute, but I'm a SSC girl for my quick up-and-down baby/tot. :)

    -Grace K.

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  51. I love SSCs as they are quick to put on and carry my toddler when he refuses to walk

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  52. I would LOVE this as it will be the only thing my hubby will wear with. He thinks a wrap will make him look gay *le sigh*
    I told him that a babywearing dad is the ultimate porn for us ladies ;) and now he wants to give it a try with an SSC. Yay! So this beautiful Poarta-ma is very very welcome

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  53. I love how easy to use SSC are - I can get my little one in place quickly hold him close to snuggle

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  54. I had my first buckles experience on holiday a few weeks ago. I was a bit worried we'd struggle because we're not used to them, but it was so quick and easy! I would LOVE one at home to replace our RS for quick ups and downs, because he's getting a bit heavy for it now :-(!

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  55. I love the quick and easy design! I'm always looking for simple alternatives because I don't always have time for a wrap when I am chasing the older kiddos around lol

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  56. Congrats on the win! I scored a wrap from the relaunch.

    Anyways, I love SSC's because they are a bit easier for me to us. Not a great wrapper yet, but hopefully will get better!

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  57. We like our (plain boring gray) sac for quick trips and times when there will be a lot of up and down and up and down, amusement parks, walks to the park

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  58. I love that you are helping to spread the culture of baby wearing!

    All members of the family are happier and healthier that way!

    THANK YOU for your work!!!!

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  59. I love the SSC because it tends to carry my babes weight better and with a bigger two year old that is needed for a mama with a bad back, the print is adorable too :)
    -Courtney Lynn

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  60. I love the ease and speed of a ssc. I'd wear my daughter all over the place, maybe my husband would even wear her! Haha

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  61. I love how convenient SSCs are, especially now that I have 2 kids, so helpful to free up some hands! I currently have an Ergobaby and a Beco Gemini, and am always looking to see what else is out there! This carrier is lovely :)

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  62. Very excited about this! Looks comfy and cozy for my and baby

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  63. I love how quick and easy they are to get on

    Max loves how easy it is to get lunch on the go!

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  64. SSCs are the way my dad and brothers carry our foster babies. I <3 seeing them snuggle.

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  65. I love SSC's because my wiggly toddler is a wrap seat popper. A SSC is the best way to get her up safely!

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  66. Really hoping I get to put my daughter in this!

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  67. I love SSC for the ease of use. Older babies and toddlerss always want up or down. The buckles make that easy. Comfy on the hips too! I would use this for my almost 1 year old daughter!

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  68. This looks so comfy! I'd love to carry, but do not have a lot of experience with wraps, so this giveaway would be really great ♡

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  69. This looks like a very comfortable, soft carrier! Would love to win it so I can try it out and let you know what I think about it!!

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  70. I love sscs because my husband can figure them out on his own! No manual required!

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  71. I love SCC because of the easy and fast on/off for quick trips or bigger kids who want up and down all the time.

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  72. I love SCC because of the easy and fast on/off for quick trips or bigger kids who want up and down all the time.

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  73. it looks perfectly comfortable for me and my lil guy!

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  74. I would love to use this ssc to back carry my chunky toddler... and I'm sure I could get husband, and even my daughter (12 yo) to use it. It's so very pretty!

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  75. I love soft structure carriers as they are very fast and easy to use, and my girl loves them too. It would be great to have one for everyday use :)

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  76. I've never tried one, but would love too as it looks much simpler than a wrap especially for back carries!

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  77. I love ssc! Quick and easy to put on and take off, easy for dads to use, sturdy and comfy enough to wear for hours even with a heavy toddler.

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  78. I just love how quick and easy sscs are! Sometimes my hair pulling, leg straightening monster is just so hard to wrap! Easy solution. Can't wait to try it if it's anything like my Tula! Great comp Chelsea

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  79. Very easy and quick in her use, so nice to step instantly outside :)

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  80. I would love to try something this simple to have my hubby SHARE the load. The gender neutral is a big bonus!

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  82. I have a bigger than average son. He's just really tall and has been since birth. He was 22 inches long and then continued to be in the 95-99% percentile. He LOVES being carried too. I'm always multitasking and this would be so amazing.

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  83. I love the comfort and ease of SSC's!

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  84. i love the ease of an ssc with my toddler since hes so fickle with his up and down moods! snap on and swing up whenever!

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  85. SSCs are super easy to work with! <3 them. :)

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  86. i love a babywrap but ssc are so quick and easy!

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  87. I only have wraps, but would love to win this SSC to find out what I love about them!

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  88. I love SSC for quickly getting a cranky toddler up and onto my back, especially when trying to make dinner.

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  89. We still don't have a SSC, but I'd love to get one so that it's easy for the grandparents to carry DD too!

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  90. I'll wear my 2.5 year old in it and eventually my 6m old.

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  91. I am not too sure if my comment made it through so I'm going to try and post it again.
    Structured carriers are easier for me. I bought a moby wrap and it's hot, feels like I'm wearing extra clothes! No bueno for summertime. A soft structured carrier is faster, no wrapping and no slipping or unraveling to worry about. Also they are better choices (in my opinion) when you have a child that is getting heavy. Saves your back from aching. Myself and my daughter's father will be wearing this beautiful carrier if we are the lucky winners ☺��������

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  92. I love your reviews! They're always so comprehensive and always address the most important points of baby wearing. Thanks Chelsea!

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  93. I love SSCs because they are quick and comfy, especially for my husband to use or to use in windy/icky weather or for super quick errands. My twins turned 2 in May and are in need of a Tula!

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  94. Thanks for the great review! I'm really curious with the buckles positioned under the arms as they are if you found them at all bothersome while wearing?

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  95. SSC's are great because they are typically the gateway carrier for any new to wearing family/caregiver.

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  96. Love SSCs because they are perfect for hiking!! We don't own one, but would love one so both my little guy and myself could enjoy hiking even more than we do now. It would make longer hikes more comfy for both of us. :)

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  97. Great review! We would love a Luna Mare :)

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  98. I love SSC for the ease of popping baby in and out. I have a 8yr old Ergo that has seen better days. This would be a wonderful win!

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  99. I love SSC because they take up little room in the car or bag, easy to get kids in and out of and make doing anything easier with several kids!

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  100. Ooooh yes please!!!!! In would love to carry my little princess in this!!!! If I win I would cry and than jump for Joy... And then cry again and then scream and then repeat till it's here... And then wrap my princess and jump for Joy togheter!!!

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  101. I love how easy they are to use. Make a quick trip to the shops quick!

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  102. I love soft structured carriers because they make babywearing quicker when I am dashing into the grocery store quickly.

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  103. Argh. Don't think my comment worked.
    I like ssc's because they not only accommodate comfort for the baby/child but for the babywearer as well. They are quick & easy especially for those rushed mornings trying to get out of the house.

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  104. I love SSC for carrying my toddler for long periods of time, and they're perfect for my husband! My little guy has sensory issues and loves to be close in busy places. We'd absolutely love to win this!! <3

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  105. I am using wrap at the moment. Have been eyeing a ssc for quite sometime but still couldn't afford it. Love how practical it is, especially for the quick ups and downs. It is very useful for a toddler who love to walk on her own, but love to be carried now and then.

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  106. I really like the structured carriers for a quick hold... I love wrapping too, but the size and clickability of the structureds are so convenient! Thank you!!

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  107. I love that I can get her up quick before she has time to decide she doesn't want to haha she likes it once she's up. I need to carry her for just a while longer!

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  108. Soft structured carriers are just so easy to use and comfortable. Even my husband loves SSCs.

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