For a carrier you can take pretty much anywhere, the Bushbaby Cocoon is a great choice. It offers good all-round comfort and support for parents and babies alike, with a rugged look that dads will be happy to be seen in too.
The rucksack-style fabric on the outer of this carrier tells you it’s tough, built to last and will be just as at home up a mountain as it is around town. It has a detachable ‘pod’ for your baby, and it’s simple to use. You can adjust the parent straps to fit before you add your baby: it’s very hard to get wrong, so you know your baby will be safe and comfortable.
Once your baby’s in his pod, attaching him is easy – slide it into a notch at the bottom, click on the shoulder straps and you’re away. Elasticated straps at the side hug your baby closer and give a comforting ‘bouncy’ feel. It’s also possible to adjust for discreet breastfeeding.
There are lots of nice touches, such as padding on the straps that go over your chest which means they won’t irritate your baby’s face if he rubs against them.
The other advantage of the pod is that it’s possible to unclip him from the carrier while asleep and lay him down without waking him. The Cocoon’s pod even has slots for your car seat straps so he can go straight from you to the car without noticing! It will also double up as a change mat.
The Cocoon has been designed in conjunction with paediatricians and chiropractors to give appropriate spine support for your baby and great back and shoulder support for you. In use, you really don’t feel it pulling anywhere, so it’s great to wear for long periods of time.
The well-padded waist belt also has a mesh section to keep you cool. For baby, there’s a pull-out sun/rain shade, which will protect your little one from the worst of the elements, plus a dribble bib to help protect the carrier. Parents will appreciate the zipped pocket for storing keys, phone, change, etc.
Although obviously designed with the great outdoors in mind, the Cocoon will also come into its own if your baby insists on a cuddle but you need both hands free to get on with your chores. As with other carriers, your baby will face inwards for the first three months, then he can be turned to face out once he’s supporting his head properly.
What we love
The sheer simplicity of use, and the fact that it’s really comfortable to wear. Mum Sara declared it “comfortable enough to wear all day”, while baby Charlie gave it his vote of confidence by falling asleep immediately. The attention to detail makes this one of the best carriers around.
What to watch out for
As your baby grows bigger you will need to rethread the side straps to a new position, which is not complicated – but you need to remember to change it back when you have the next baby! It’s not the most compact carrier around, so you wouldn’t want to put it in your bag, ‘just in case’. Plus, the choice of colours is a little restricted.
Who is the Bushbaby Cocoon best for?
Anyone who likes to walk with their baby, especially those who are prone to aching backs or those carrying their baby for long periods
MadeForMums verdict
The Cocoon is a great carrier, easy to put on (and hard to get wrong) and giving optimum comfort for parents and babies alike. If you want to go on long, pushchair-free walks with your baby, this makes a great choice. It’s not the most gorgeous or the most compact around, but it is built to last.
