Najell Rise baby carrier review

Coming in at £145, offering three different carry positions, including forward-facing, the Najell Rise sits at the pricier end of the baby carrier market, although still more affordable than luxury models like the Ergobaby Omni Breeze, £184.90, and BabyBjörn Harmony, £204.90.

How easy is it to set up and adjust the Najell Rise baby carrier?

The Najell Rise arrived in a stylish, compact box covered in cool images showing how the carrier could be used in the three carrying positions. The instructions were straightforward and clear, although when I first tried to put Elspeth in it, it felt quite awkward – but that could have been first-time nerves of making sure she was comfortable. Once I got the hang of it, I found it easy to put on and adjust. The carrier comes already set up; you just have to adjust the straps to fit your body type.

How comfortable is the Najell Rise carrier for your baby?

It took a couple of attempts to get Elspeth in on the first try. I found trying to get her legs in position quite tricky, but soon realised I had to pull the seating area together to get her legs in the correct M-shape positioning.

Each time I have used it, Elspeth has drifted off to sleep and has remained so for the duration. I felt her head and neck were well supported, and the option to make the head and neck support higher was a good feature. What was also handy was that the head and neck support also served well as a sun protector when out on our walks. One thing I did notice was that if she was not wearing a sleepsuit (when I was in the house doing chores), the material rubbed her thighs slightly. Although this soon disappeared once we had finished using it.

How comfortable is the Najell Rise baby carrier for the parent?

Despite the unusual fabric design, the carrier was incredibly comfortable to wear. I noticed immediately that the sturdy waistband supported my tummy following my caesarean section. I felt no strain on my back or shoulders, although the shoulder straps at their tightest were still a little loose. My husband also used it on several occasions and was pleased with its performance. A suggestion could be to make the straps a little longer for ultimate support.

How adjustable and versatile is the Najell Rise baby carrier?

The Rise offers three different carrying positions: chest-facing, front-facing and back-carrying. As Elspeth is just 10 weeks old, I could only use the front-inward position. I believe she found it to be comfortable as she fell asleep against my chest within a few minutes of being in position. I look forward to using it throughout her early years and trying out the other positions.

Do you think the Najell Rise baby carrier is stylish and well-designed?

I like the colour (I tested out Almond Beige) and found it colour-coordinated well with my outfits as I wear a lot of cream and beige. The material is durable and sturdy and even though the fabric is a little out of the ordinary, it is comfortable against my body. The carrier is also available in Jet Black, Silver Grey and a soft green shade, ranging in price from £135-165.

Design-wise, I think the magnetic clips are hardwearing, sturdy and an appealing feature, particularly when trying to get a wriggly newborn into a confined space quickly and comfortably. It looks modern and I had several people comment on it when out walking in my local park.

How portable and easy to store is it?

I found the Najell Rise baby carrier to be lightweight, easily foldable, but possibly a little bulky. It did not fit into my changing bag, so instead I carried it in the pram’s storage basket – although it meant nothing else could fit there.

How easy is it to clean the Najell Rise baby carrier?

It can be machine-washed at 40 degrees, but it is advised not to tumble dry. It must be placed in a washing bag to protect the buckles and best washed by itself. A couple of milk stains were easily wiped clean with an antibacterial wipe.

What are the key safety features of the Najell Rise baby carrier?

The carrier felt very secure when I was wearing it. The magnetic clips felt robust, and the sound of the straps clicking into place was reassuring. I had no concerns about Elspeth slipping, and reading the instructions was well worth it.

Something that also impressed me was the number of times the instructions highlighted the dangers of suffocation for babies under 4 months and how to make the child feel secure and comfortable. As I said earlier in the review, I did have a slight concern about Elspeth’s thighs rubbing, but nothing that a sleepsuit to cover them would soon solve. I like that it has been tested and approved by the European safety report.

What are the sustainability features of the Najell Rise baby carrier?

The sturdiness of the carrier lends me to believe that it will have a long life; I'm hoping to use it over the next three years and am confident it will be reliable. The instruction booklet states that the fabric (100% polyester) has been tested and approved as free from any harmful substances and does not contain any animal products.

Is the Najell Rise baby carrier worth the money?

Priced at £145, it is up there with some of the higher-priced baby carriers on the market, although still more affordable than many Ergobaby and BabyBjörn carriers. I could not see any serious issues with it and felt it to be very useful with Elspeth’s reflux issue. Being able to get things done around the house and getting out and about, especially with twins, is so important for both mental and physical health, and I felt thankful to have the Najell Rise available to me.

Where can I buy the Najell Rise baby carrier?

It's available from Najell and Little Bubbas.

MadeForMums verdict:

Overall, I was pleased with the Najell Rise baby carrier’s performance. It was incredibly comfortable for me to wear, in fact, it did not feel like I was wearing a carrier, it was that convincing. With Elspeth’s reflux being a concern for me in these precious first weeks, it enabled me to keep her safe, comfortable and be able to continue to do what I needed in a time that can be stressful and pressurised. I would certainly recommend it to my pregnant friends. So, if you’re looking for a sturdy, modern carrier that will stand the test of time, this is the one for you.