Kokopax Carrier {Review & Giveaway and Coupon Code}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

As Little Sister B has gotten older, my husband and I have realized just what an easy baby Big Sister E really was. She was content to just sit, whether it was on the floor surrounded with toys, in a bouncy seat while I made lunch or in her stroller for the longest of walks. At the time I didn't know that it was unusual or how lucky we were because she was our first child and life had already been turned upside down.

Little Sister B, on the other hand, helps define the word mobile. She has to be everywhere, do anything, touch everything. Being the second child, her schedule has been molded to fit in with the preexisting routine that Big Sister E and I had already established. We do things that are run-around-active (playing at the park, trying out the equipment at the indoor sports complex nearby, going to open gym at the gymnastics facility) and things that require sitting or even being quiet (shopping, story times at libraries, the Children's Museum). So what does one do with a baby that always wants to be on the go while keeping up with a preschooler?

I have tried more than a handful of baby carriers with Little Sister B and she wasn't a huge fan of any of them. She never liked slings or wraps (she always acts like they are too confining) and was able to be somewhat content in a front carrier for a little while but grew bored of that, too (plus her little hands got into everything). I have one versatile carrier that I love but I can't get her easily on and off my back by myself, not to mention that she starts to squirm after a little while from being pressed up against me.

Enter my life-saver, kokopax.

A few months ago I found out I had won a giveaway on Piece of Me for a kokopax tote... or so I thought. When the box arrived and I found a gorgeous kokopax classic carrier in their beautiful buds fabric inside, I was slightly pleased (by slightly, I mean that I hooted and hollered and did an embarrassing happy dance around my kitchen for only about ten minutes before calling up half the people I know to share the exciting news with them).

Kokopax was founded in 2007 when Sarah Spoor, mother of 4, combined the benefits of framed infant carriers with hip, modern fabrics to create a stylish, lightweight carrier that can be used anywhere and everywhere. Having never used a frame carrier before (in my mind I always thought they were so big and bulky and heavy) it is great to be able to stick Little Sister B right in, clip the 5-point safety harness and slide her onto my back like a backpack.

Kokopax added a large number of nice features to the classic carrier that really make it luxurious to own (and use from 6 months to 2 years or up to 35 pounds). Created out of anodized aluminum, the entire thing weighs only 2.7 pounds and the padded straps, waist support and adjustable frame give Mom or Dad extra comfort and support. My favorite, however, is the kickstand that allows for easy loading and unloading, as well as a seat to contain Little Sister B when I need to put her down in a pinch.

Note: Baby carriers are not meant to be seats. Little Sister B is definitely able to push on the ground with her toes and rock the carrier backwards a little bit. However, for the moments between when I put her down and pull her out (or put her in and pick her up), it is SO handy that she is able to sit suspended and comfortable.

By far, this is the carrier that Little Sister B is REALLY HAPPY to hang out in, no matter what her mood. If she goes in crabby, she becomes happy. If she goes in happy, well, then she turns super happy! She loves to be up high, see the world from a different perspective and she definitely has plenty of room to sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. Whether we are picking Big Sister E up from preschool, shopping in the grocery store or I'm just looking for a way to have my hands free while cooking dinner, Little Sister B is content to just hang out in our classic carrier and calmly observe what happens next.

I don't think Little Sister B minds the extra attention she receives in the carrier either, as we often have people stop us and make comments about how wonderful it looks.

After the successful introduction of the classic carrier, kokopax is expanding their carrier line and is preparing to debut two new ones, that, according to Sarah Spoor will come in "an array of styles and price points to meet individual needs."

The new kokopax city carrier (shown at right) offers parents a comfortable way to carry their babies with great kokopax features in two custom fabrics with a recommended retail price of $99.99. On the other end, the eco-classic is the premium carrier in the kokopax line. This carrier has the most advanced technology in shoulder strap construction and a padded waist belt for added comfort for Mom and Dad, which is one thing that I wish the classic carrier had. The eco-classic is available in three eco-friendly fabrics and has a recommended retail price of $179.99.

Kokopax is also introducing an adorable eco baby sun hat to their line of cute sun hats that is made out of natural cotton and eco-friendly dyes and comes in patterns to coordinate with the eco-classic carrier. For mom, kokopax is debuting a stylish samantha diaper tote that is multi-functional as a diaper bag or everyday bag or tote. Made from 100% cotton canvas and featuring a water resistant lining, extra-deep pockets and a beverage (or bottle) compartment, I love the idea of using a chic bag like this for both myself and as a diaper bag.

Looking to do some shopping at kokopax? Use coupon code tmc2009 for a 10% discount off your entire order! But wait, kokopax has generously allowed...

One lucky person will win a kokopax classic carrier of their own (ARV $149.99)!

To enter to win your kokopax classic carrier: Visit kokopax and tell me which fabric option you would choose for the classic carrier if you won, as well as why you would like to win it. Have a crazy little one like I do? Would this make a fantastic gift for someone you know? Please do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile. I have to have a way to contact the winner.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry)
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway. See the list on the top of my right sidebar - there are some really great ones going on right now and coming up!
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Kokopax carrier #giveaway @thxmailcarrier! Top of the line way to carry your baby in style! ARV $149.99! http://bit.ly/16OC0p Ends 11/3 #Win

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Giveaway will end on November 3rd at 11:59pm CST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

A big thank you to kokopax for providing a classic carrier for one giveaway winner. I was not provided anything for this review as I was lucky enough to have already won my kokopax classic carrier at Piece of Me. The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.