Sleepy Nico Toddler Carrier review

First impressions of the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier?

So cool. The design just immediately draws you in to look. Made with comfy corded material, sturdy clips and chunky support straps, both parent and child look like they’ll enjoy the comfort of this carrier from the outset. And we did.

The packaging is minimal and instructions are all but unnecessary, although they are included so you have peace of mind that this will be easy to use right from the outset.

How does this differ to other carriers in the brand’s range?

It’s got to be the design that makes the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier stand out. This isn’t just about carrying your child, it’s about making a statement while doing it. The fun colour and intricate designs straddle the line between adult details and childish eye-popping fun. A perfect combination for something that does exactly that by bringing parent and child closer together. It screams premium way beyond the price its placed at.

What are the unique features of the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier?

The corded inner material is something worth shouting about. Not only does it look great, but it also offers a superb level of comfort with a suede-like finish to touch. Thanks to the corded design, it offers cushioning with a classic finish that delivers modern comfort needs. Impeccably-designed stuff.

What age can the carrier be used for?

There are limitations here as the Toddler name of this carrier suggests. The minimum weight for the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier is 6.8kg and the maximum is 20kg. These are guidelines and if your child isn’t tall enough to look out over the top, then the lower weight limit isn’t relevant. Essentially, if your child can fit in it, they can be carried. Just be sure not to push that 20kg limit as that’s when the straps and connections could give way. It’s likely you could go heavier but it’s not recommended.

How easy is it to put on the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier?

Putting the carrier on yourself is a doddle ­­– the material can simply be slung over your shoulder on one side. Once the wide waistband is done up, the base of the carrier is in place to be supportive. It’s very simple once you’ve done it for the first time and adjusted the straps to the right sizes.

Then it gets more challenging – while you can put your child on your back solo, it takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it and it depends on your size and the size of your child. Ideally do it with help, worst case you could do it seated or even lying down – just good luck getting back up.

What are the seating positions like?

This is a one-stop shop in terms of height and leg position. Your child is either on the back with legs spread around you, or on your front facing you with legs around you.

Either way, the positioning is comfortable and supportive for your little one while also offering lower back support for you too.

Does it follow the TICKS guidelines?

It does follow the guidelines, as the baby is Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keeping chin off chest and Supported in the back. But of course, being for toddlers, the chin chest issue isn’t such a big deal here.

Is the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier comfy for you?

It’s really comfy. Considering it’s all fabric based and there is no metallic or plastic support, it feels good to wear. The corded material is soft to the touch and the width of the waistband is so chunky that weight is spread around your hips, which takes the pressure off your lower back.

What is the sizing like?

This is essentially a one size fits all carrier. There are straps that can be adjusted for the waistband, the shoulders and the shoulder links at the back. All that means you should be able to get the perfect fit. Once setup, you can clip in easily and quickly in future.

Can you put the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier on and take it off yourself?

You can put the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier on and take it off yourself, but it’s not easy on your back since you have to sling your child over your hip. The front is a lot simpler. Either way, if you can get someone to help you then it’s far easier to get this on and your child loaded in – but that’s the case with nearly all material-based carriers.

What are the shoulder straps like?

The shoulder straps are made of a comfy corded material. They’re not the thickest or most padded in the world, but the material and the width means the weight is spread evenly so you can enjoy comfort even for long periods of time.

The pull cords are simple enough to grab and tighten as you need to – they stay in place, yet are easy enough to loosen, even one handed, if you need.

What are the buckles like?

The buckles are reassuringly chunky so you know they have the support you need. But they also open and close easily with a quality that reflects the price you pay.

Is it easy to put your child in the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier?

It’s definitely a challenge, but I don’t believe any more difficult than another material-based carrier.

On the front it’s easy enough to hold your child, lean back, and sling the straps around and clip them in place.

The same needs to be done on the back, with a lean forward, but this feels less than secure so we found using a table to lean the child on did help. Or, even better, get someone to help you.

Is it comfy for your toddler?

The corded material of the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier is super comfy, the width is great so your child is really well supported with weight spread out perfectly.

What age can the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier be used for?

This is a toddler-only carrier which means you can’t use it on a baby who needs neck support, as this carrier doesn’t offer that. You can start using it from a recommended 6.8kg which is approximately under one year of age, and it tops out at 20kg, which is around three or four.

How does the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier compare to others?

This isn’t the cheapest carrier on the market, nor the priciest. Yet it definitely sits at the higher end of the spectrum in terms of quality and comfort. The materials used are better quality than a lot of carriers out there but the complexity isn’t there when compared to models from the likes of BabyBjorn for example.

Can you breastfeed while wearing the carrier?

You could lean the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier out enough to breastfeed, but it would mean loosening the straps quite a lot which would leave the child loose, so we wouldn’t recommend it.

Is the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier durable?

The material is thick and tough and the exterior is wonderfully vibrant, although it may be tough to keep it looking so perfect, especially in comparison to the inner material, which is dark and less likely to show stains. That said, we wouldn’t expect it to wear from lots of washing.

Is it easy to clean?

The corded material of the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier can get bits stuck in-between the grooves, but cleaning it is as easy as giving it a good shake out. Or just throw the whole thing in the washing machine and it will look as good as new.

Is the Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier good value for money?

The Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier is a very high-quality product for the cost. It’s not cheap, sure, but it’s also not as pricey as some of its competition. This is a simple design so you might feel like you’re spending a lot for what it is. That said, it’s done well, done safely and offers such a great finish it’s well worth the money.

Where can I buy the Sleepy Nico toddler carrier?

It is available to buy from Sleepy Nico.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Sleepy Nico Alfie Toddler Carrier is a comfy, beautifully-designed bit of kit. You get comfortable support for you and your baby while also looking fantastic.

The pattern on the outside is beautiful, and the inner cord material is classy yet functional. The chunky buckles are strong but also easy to use and the waistband is thick and super supportive, making it great for longer-term use.

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