With five carrying positions to suit babies from birth to toddler, the Caboo Carrier, from Close, is a soft and comfortable ring sling that is (with practice) easy to use and ideal for keeping your baby close indoors and out.
The Caboo is the new incarnation of the Close Baby Carrier - a two-piece organic cotton baby sling that can be used from the newborn days through to around 3 years. It consists of a harness-style sling that crosses over at the back and front and adjusts to fit a whole range of sizes by a simple ring mechanism. It holds your baby high up on your chest, which gives her a sense of security without restricting your movement, and provides lumbar support for you and your little one.
The Caboo packs into its own drawstring bag, which unfolds into a separate fabric wrap that can be tied around your body to provide extra support. The toggle fastening – a new feature for the Caboo – secures the wrap under your baby’s bottom for added support. The wrap can also be used as a shawl for discreet breastfeeding. It’s available in five colours, priced at £59.99.
What we love
At first glance, the Caboo looks baffling, but putting it on – and getting your baby in – is easy once you’ve practised.
It’s comfortable to wear, especially with the wrap tied snugly around your body, and holds your baby in a lovely close position.
There are five carrying positions, meaning that the Caboo will grow with your baby. Newborns can be carried in a foetal position or facing your chest, but at 5 months old, Katie loves facing outwards so she can see the world – an option that some baby slings lack.
Yes, it follows all the T.I.C.K.S guidelines, which is reassuring.
The Caboo is ideal for wearing around the house, allowing me to get jobs done while keeping Katie close, and she likes feeling involved in what I’m doing. It’s also great for hands-free breastfeeding. A particular benefit is that it’s safe for babies as small as 5lb, so you can use it from day one.
What to watch out for
Getting to grips with the Caboo Carrier takes a bit of practice, and the ring mechanisms tend to dig into my skin unless they’re positioned exactly right. I also find that the carrier pulls my clothes up at the back and down at the front, so I have to avoid wearing short or low-cut tops or risk flashing too much flesh.
Of the Caboo’s five positions, Katie is already too big for the foetal hold, and she doesn’t like the inward-facing position either, seeming too restricted. I also worry about how secure she is, and feel like I have to keep retying the wrap to keep her well supported. When she’s facing outwards, I need to watch what her hands are doing – a plate almost bit the dust when she grabbed it while I was making sandwiches.
On warm days, we both get rather hot and sticky while using the Caboo.
Who is the Close Caboo Carrier best for?
Parents looking for a soft and supportive fabric sling that promotes bonding from birth.
With its range of carrying positions, the Caboo is a versatile way to carry your baby from birth to toddlerhood. It’s great for bonding and for getting on with life while keeping your little one close, but be prepared to invest a bit of time in learning how to use it – and give it a miss in hot weather.
Still deciding what to go for?
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