Britax Baby Carrier {Review}

Looking back at the blog highlights of 2011, there is no way that I could forget heading to Louisville for the ABC Kids Expo and the ups (e.g. hanging out with great friends) and downs (e.g. returning home with a broken laptop) that came with it.

As for the show itself, there were quite a few highlights as well as Meh, I've seen that before products and companies. But when it came to the names that I was thrilled to see, whether new or an old favorite, one that comes to mind first in terms of impressive, innovative, high quality additions to their already-great collection had to be Britax.

Having been a huge fan of Britax since the time that my kids were born, walking around their booth to see the latest car seats, strollers and more really did give me that kid-in-a-candy-shop feeling. The safety! The features! The colors and patterns!

But as much as I loved browsing the high quality strollers and top-of-the-line car seats, one section of Britax's displays made me do a double-take.

A carrier? Of course! From the company that already knows about how to travel safely and comfortably, it only makes sense that they would introduce a baby carrier so that when it is more convenient for parents to carry their child than use a stroller, they would have one from the name that they already know and trust.

Having tried out my fair share (more than my share, actually) of baby carriers over the years, I couldn't wait to see the ingenuity that Britax had included in their stylish new Baby Carrier.

Combining practicality, style, and innovation, the Britax Baby Carrier has been designed to provide the highest level of long-wearing comfort for parents and their growing baby. This versatile and ergonomic carrier allows babies to face inward or outward, and accommodates infants from eight pounds to toddlers up to 32 pounds.

Britax has made baby carrying easy by making their Baby Carrier straightforward and simple to use for multiple ages - no winding straps or complicated parts and pieces. Instead, the adjustable, padded straps and extremely simple slip-on design make this an easy choice for adults of all sizes.

Plus, with the classic look and simply styling, this is one piece of gear that everyone can enjoy wearing out and about.

Opening up the Baby Carrier from Britax, I was immediately impressed with the thickness of the padding in every different area. From around the waist to the shoulder straps to the leg openings for baby, this is one carrier that screams comfort before even having it on.

Just by having the Baby Carrier laid out, I found it pretty intuitive as to how you would place it for both the facing-in and the facing-out carry positions - something that I appreciated. Instead of feeling as though I needed to study a thick manual before even attempting to pick this up, it was clear that it would slip right on over the adult's head and snap into place.

However, I did like the simple photo-filled instructions that Britax included right on the carrier's straps, which not only made it easy to see just how it would be placed and adjusted, but there's no worry of not having an instruction booklet with you at all times.

Slipping the shoulder straps on and snapping the strong waist belt closed doesn't take much more effort than pulling on a sweatshirt...

...and all that's left to do is snap in a baby.

For infants from eight to 14 pounds, the Baby Carrier comes with a Removable Infant Insert that ensures a comfortable, natural sitting position and height that little ones need. Coming fully installed on the carrier, it was easy to see that this "hammock" seat would provide a wider seating area to allow infants to splay their hips and legs when facing inward.

And, in Britax's convenient style, the Insert is easily removed by simply unzipping it right from the carrier itself.

Then, to continue carrying your 14+ pound child facing inward, Britax has developed an optional Seat Extender Insert (sold separately for $24.99) to continue providing a wider seating area and to keep their legs in a spread, squatting position. As well as being safe and healthy for the child, this provides longer-wearing comfort for parents through balanced weight distribution.

When it comes time to see the world, babies with head and neck control can face outward and ride safely and comfortably. With one-handed buckles and snaps for the parent...

...the child is placed in similarly to putting them in a high chair or baby seat. All adjustments to the harness straps are done from the front of the carrier and the waist belt accommodates 22" to 56" for the perfect fit. Just slide your little one in and in seconds everyone is ready to go!

One of the features that Britax included with their Baby Carrier that I especially like is the 100% Cotton machine washable bib. A soft, white slipcover, it fits right on over the front of the carrier and protects it from drool, stains or any other marks that might occur from little teeth and gums.

Even though the entire Baby Carrier is machine washable, being able to just unsnap and pull off this bib is extremely convenient!

Retailing for $129.99 (or at an extreme discount on Amazon) in Black, Navy and Organic Tan, more information about the Britax Baby Carrier can be found on their website - including full details on all of the great features and highlights that this carrier includes.

From the stellar safety to the CarryLong System (which reduces the risk of back and shoulder strain during extended wear by distributing weight across the shoulders, back and hips), this Baby Carrier is another example of Britax's knowledge of what makes a high quality piece of baby gear. From newborn throughout the toddler years, this Baby Carrier is sure to be an item that is reached for time and time again to make everyone happy!

Keep up with Britax and their wide variety of quality products on their website as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

(Other than the Baby Carrier that I was provided by Britax, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this company and this high quality product.)

ABC Kids Expo + a Broken Laptop = I Need a Nap

This past weekend was the annual ABC Kids Expo, a massively large trade show for retailers big and small to show off their current and new baby and kids products to the world.

I was introduced to the show last year when HABA brought me to Las Vegas with them to help share my love of their amazing products and had a great time talking to groups of buyers from large corporations and individual newcomers just opening their own shops.

When my time at the HABA booth was done, I was able to walk the nearly-1 million square feet of floor space to visit the other exhibitors and see everything from futuristic, high-tech products to simple, handmade items that moms and kids would be sure to love. In short, the whole thing was an eye-opening experience that I thoroughly enjoyed... and was ready to repeat again this year.

As the show moved to Louisville, I was excited about shorter flights and, even better, this trip had the added bonus of the fact that the airport security personnel I encountered seemed to not think I was someone who smuggles things onto airplanes in their pants as they did in 2010. Hey, I'm moving up in the world!

Thanks to Angela from MommyPR for letting me swipe her picture since of course I didn't do a good job of taking my own

This year the show was just as large (if not larger) and just as exciting. I found more new products that I wouldn't have thought of (although I wished that I had) and got to visit with companies to see what they had in store for 2012 that will surely knock consumers' socks off.

Even better than all of that? I had the opportunity to hang out with the hilarious and super-sweet Leanne from Rave and Review as well as meet the awesome Angela and Andrea from MommyPR, and give a quick hug to the always-adorable Kate from The Shopping Mama.

There was a lot of laughter, a nice dinner, a party at the Hard Rock, and what visit to Louisville would be complete without The Colonel himself?

L to R: @Mommyof2Andrea, me, Colonel Sanders, @MommyPR, @RaveandReview

So, what could be stressful about all that?

Nothing, really. The weekend itself was a lot of fun. What turned out not-so-fun is that I've been in a position similar to this one since I arrived home:

Remember the excitement I shared when my husband so thoughtfully gave me a new laptop for our anniversary? Remember how that was only two months ago?

Sigh.

Even though it went in my carry-on, my laptop somehow ended up broken internally... meaning that the screen itself isn't cracked, but the image is. At first it seemed to show up halfway, but then there was nothing but a white blur.

Not being able to get into my computer doesn't only mean a big hassle (blogging has a way of sort of depending on a computer and all), it means my entire life is inaccessible. Yes, you've heard it before, but not keeping up with backing up my files, my kids' pictures, even the plans that I've got in place for Big Sister E's birthday party... none of it is anywhere else besides on that one laptop.

Double sigh.

After dropping it (and a chunk of change) with the Geek Squad, I now have all of the important information recovered, which has made my heart stop racing quite as fast as when I first discovered the broken screen.

Even though now I have to wait and see what the company decides in terms of the fix (and whether or not it will be covered by the warranty), at least I have things back in my possession. I can put up with using my old laptop (even though using it is horribly painful due to how slow it is and how many issues it has - it has randomly shut itself down twice today already) as long as I haven't lost everything.

Back your stuff up, People. Do it now.

It makes my eyes well up thinking that someday I wouldn't have simple things like photos of my daughters' first day of school simply because I hadn't taken the time to toss them somewhere safe.

Irreplaceable.

So although my shoulders were already sore from lugging bags around the Expo, I think my entire body is now feeling the brunt of the stress of the last few days. I'm ready for a good long nap and a nice, hot shower. Preferably with a soothing massaging shower head like those that are featured on the Professor Toilet blog. That professor sure knows his stuff when it comes to a calming shower experience and soothing away the effects that tension has in our lives!

Will I go to the ABC Expo again next year?

Maybe... ask me after I'm in a tranquil and relaxed state from my shower. One thing I know for sure, however, is that the next time my laptop moves from its rightful place on the table, it's getting wrapped in bubble wrap.

Double-wrapped, actually.

I am receiving a Monoglide Hand Shower, metal shower hose and mounting bracket from American Standard, however, all of the thoughts, opinions, and stress in this post are (unfortunately) completely mine.

The ABC Kids Expo, HABA and me. Part 2.

Walking up to the ABC Kids Expo, in my mind I was thinking Okay, sure, this looks like a big place. But unless you've been there, it's hard to explain what it looks like when more than 900 exhibitors have their innovative products displayed across nearly 1 million square feet of floor space.

It really is hard to wrap your head around the fact that it just keeps going and going... and when I thought I saw where the end was, there were actually a few small steps leading to a whole separate section.

And that was just the first floor.

Being at the HABA booth was, like I mentioned, an amazing experience. From the moment you walked up and saw the clean, crisp displays filled with colorful, high quality toys, it just felt like... fun.

It was great watching people's eyes light up when they approached the HABA booth, trying to look in all directions to take in the wonderful sights. Even better, nearly 100% of the time that I asked someone, "So, are you familiar with HABA?" the answer was always an emphatic head nod and something along the lines of, "Oh, yes. We're big fans."

Well, who isn't?

Chatting about HABA toys to visitors from all over the world really was easy and, as well as being fortunate to have tried out and played with some of the wooden toys, games, pretend play and baby toys that were on display, there was also a wonderful array of classic and new items that were great to see.

Is there a child out there that wouldn't have endless imaginative fun with the award-winning Shopping Cart Caddy? The possibilities are limitless and the quality ensures that this could be played with and passed on to future generations. Or, for another incredible gift, the new HABA Aircraft Swing is just about the coolest new ride around. With adjustable straps and a seat that can adapt from small to large (it holds up to 66 lbs!) I'm pretty sure I'd love one in my size as well.

Always a big hit, the selection of play food on display brought quite a few ooohs, ahhhs and smiles as people couldn't help but go in for a closer look. I'm sure that HABA wasn't the only company that had pretend fruit and vegetables at the Expo (although, actually, offhand I can't think of any others that I noticed), but there sure weren't any that were as unique and fun.

I mean, really. Where else is a child going to put together their own Sandwich Baguette, serve up some Black Forest Gateau or Pancakes with Chocolate Syrup or detach the drumsticks from their Grilled Chicken? It wasn't any wonder that buyers wanted to make sure they had HABA's food in their stores, they are the perfect holiday gift!

But the most common area that impressed and thrilled visitors the most had to be the beautiful collection of wooden clutching and teething toys. As an amazing gift for a newborn or as a present all year-round, the days of cheap, plastic baby toys have passed. We all know that babies like to grab and hold things, as well as put them in their mouth, and HABA makes it possible to give safe (the gorgeous colors are from 100% water-based non-toxic stain), playful, incredibly high quality items that babies and parents alike will love.

The Buzz Buzz and Sunni Clutching Toys are adorable, but I have to admit that I was partial to the Magica Clutching Toy myself. It fit perfectly into my hand and the way that the balls roll and move together reminded me of a stress-relief item... which, every mom knows, is something that parents can definitely use.

Every once in a while there was a lull in visitors to HABA's booth, so... can you blame me for wanting to play with the toys a little bit? Two hot new items that are going to make a splash this holiday season (seriously, if you need a gift, these are both a lot of fun) are the Technics Wooden Blocks and the Arranging Game Corner to Corner.
Combining spatial thinking, perseverance, fine motor skills, cause and effect, cognitive development and creativity, the Technics Wooden Blocks are made of smooth beech wood and resemble traditional wood blocks (and are available in a smaller set as well as the large). However, by including the unique connectors and wheels, they can instantly be turned into buildings, automobiles or pretty much any other desired form. What a great twist!

Or, for a simple yet addicting product, the Arranging Game Corner to Corner includes 62 tiles of various colors that are reminiscent of a Tetris video game. Whether you arrange them flat (an adorable little girl at the Expo walked right up and used 8 pieces to makes a perfect square, nodded at it contently and then proceeded to follow her parents further into the booth) or upright, the end result will be different every time. I had a great time building a few elaborate towers when things were slow!

From a new Pure Nature Organic Collection (which includes two sweet dolls, the Guardian Angel Tine and the Guardian Angel Toni) to a pair of eye-catching Caro Lini and Pirates Treasure foldable play tents that every child had to try out, HABA never ceases to amaze me.

Plus, as well as having incredible items, while I was in the booth I learned more about the company as a whole and their sustainability and green practices. Over in Germany (where nearly all of their beautiful wooden toys are made) the factory does things like use the scraps of wood in the furnace for heat or collect the rainwater. And each toy is of such high quality because the grandchildren of the original creator, the Habermaaß Family, still play with them so nothing less with be accepted.

Oh HABA, can it get any better?

So there you have it. The ABC Kids Expo, HABA and me. There's more, because there will always be more, but what it comes down to is that HABA is the top of the line when it comes to kids. Their wooden or plush toys, inventive games and stylish furniture and decor are items that any parent can feel good about giving to their child or as a gift.

For easy shopping and the largest selection available, check out their website, Maukilo, and know that everything you'll find will always fit perfectly with the theme: "Buy Once. Play Forever." This holiday season and all year round, don't miss out on the chance to bring joy and excitement to the children in your life with amazing HABA gifts!

(HABA covered the whole nine yards of my trip to the ABC Kids Expo. But I am under no obligation to write about how great their company or products are, that is being done because of my complete and utter adoration of them.)

Apparently I look like someone who smuggles things onto airplanes in her pants.

My trip out to Las Vegas for the ABC Kids Expo started off nicely with my whole family bringing me to the airport and me in my "traveling outfit," the extra-comfortable lounge sweatsuit that I always wear for airplanes. (The version that Ralph Lauren currently is selling is shown at right. Nothing too thrilling, right?)

I was then promptly frisked by security, the whole time wondering what it was that I looked like I might have attached to me as she did a thorough job running her hands along both of my legs.

Hmm. Okay.

After being forced to check my carry-on bag for my second flight by not-so-friendly gate agents, I found myself tapping my foot at baggage claim in the Las Vegas airport, dreaming about dropping into bed the moment I got into my hotel.

Unfortunately, due to a snafu in scheduling, I found myself standing in the lobby of the aforementioned hotel at 12:30 am being told I didn't have a room and that because they were 100% full that there was nothing they could do for me.

Sigh.

In the end everything worked out okay and really, all I was looking forward to was getting to see the massiveness of the Expo and spend some time talking with people about the incredible quality and uniqueness of HABA and their amazing toys. When my head did finally hit the pillow, I had visions of colorful stacking toys and inspiring pretend play food and educational games that are both fun and filled with learning running through my head. ABC Kids Expo, here I come.

Soon enough, it was morning and when we arrived at the convention center it was already buzzing and bustling with excitement.

I may be slightly biased because of how much I love their items, but the HABA booth was one of the most eye-catching and well laid out of the 832 zillion that were there. From the low tables to the easy-to-browse shelves that were all stocked full of toys, games and more, buyers from around the world couldn't help but be drawn in.

Lots more pictures in an upcoming post - you've got to hear about the great new HABA products that will be perfect holiday gifts!

Over the course of the three days that I was in Las Vegas, I'm not certain that I sat down for any extended period of time - there was too much to do and too much to see! Everyone from HABA was wonderful and my time spent with them flew by in a blur of incredible push & pull toys, smiling play dolls and me learning more and more about this company as time went on.

As if getting the opportunity to be at ABC wasn't enough, I was also fortunate to have the chance to do one of my favorite things: meet the people who live inside my computer. At one point I looked up to find the bright smile and sweetness that could only be Lolo from Crazy About My Baybah standing in front of me.

Such a sweetheart!

And, a short time later, I caught the eye of a cute mom pushing a stroller... only to find out that it was Emily and the one and only Squish from Family and Life in Las Vegas.

I think I probably talked Emily's ear off, but that's what she got for being so awesome and friendly. Plus Squish is even more darn adorable in person, if that's possible.

Later on, as I strolled the rows and rows and rows of booths of baby and kid products of all kinds, I almost tripped over myself when I realized that the REAL Mrs. Smith behind Mrs. Smith's Bags was standing there smiling at me. More than that, she was one of the friendliest people that I've met in a long time and really listened and cared about our conversation.

You bloggers out there have to admit that she's a celebrity in the blogosphere, right? I mean, the actual Mrs. Smith!

My only other celebrity sighting happened at lunch on Monday and was due to the fact that when I said hello and put down my food in front of the older gentleman at the cash register, his response was something mumbled about Anna Nicole Smith. Highly confused, I followed his eyes to see Larry Birkhead pushing who I assumed to be his daughter, Dannielynn, around in a stroller.

Eh. I think I was more impressed with Mrs. Smith.

I would have liked to at least catch at glimpse of The Guncles or Tiffani Thiessen but, alas, it didn't happen. Instead though, I chatted with large, established, well-known brands and small, month-old mompreneurs who were just starting out and heard about anything and everything that has to do with kids.

There were quite a few "why didn't I think of that?" moments as well as a handful of eyebrow-raising futuristic info-not-yet-released-to-the-public items that I wouldn't have possibly been able to come up with. They're cool though, very cool.

At the end of the day on Tuesday (I walked the Expo floor from the moment I arrived around 10:00 am right up until it was almost closing at 5:30 pm. Lunch? Who has time for that? There are baby products to see!) the evening was still young for me as my flight home wasn't until 1:00 am.

By the time I was back at the airport, it was only appropriate that as my plane started to board that I was called over to be frisked once again. Was it because I was traveling on my own? Or did I just look suspicious? The only devious plans that I had for my flight included having brought along my favorite travel pillow, so aside from making the other passengers jealous that was it.

Maybe it was just the loose pants. But whatever, I'm not giving up my comfort just because they they look like I'm hiding something under them.

Good-bye, Vegas. It was quite a trip.

(HABA covered the whole nine yards of my trip to the ABC Kids Expo. But I am under no obligation to write about how great their company or products are, that is being done because of my complete and utter adoration of them.)

The ABC Kids Expo, HABA and me.

Throughout the course of writing this blog, I'll admit that I've had some incredible opportunities. People have been awesome, products have been amazing and hearing from even a single person that a post of mine has affected them in some small way has meant the world to me.

But this weekend marks a new high for me as I board a plane in a few hours (think I should start packing yet?) and head off to Las Vegas. For the next few days, the city that is usually known for sin has been transformed into the mecca of everything and anything that is baby and kids by hosting the 8th annual ABC Kids Expo.

The primary trade show for the juvenile products industry, the ABC Kids Expo brings together just about every company and product there is that has to do with children: furniture, bedding, room decor, baby gear, gift and layette, maternity, toys, accessories and more.

Scrolling through the list of exhibitors is like browsing the who's who of the baby and kid world, just about every brand that I can think of is listed... including one of my very, very favorites, HABA.

I've been a HABA fan for ages (and have written about them once or twice... and maybe a time or two after that as well) and couldn't be happier about the amazing style, quality and innovation that their products have displayed. And now, with the holiday season growing near, what better place to show off the classics while introducing the latest and greatest additions to the HABA line than at the ABC Kids Expo?

And guess who they are having come along to help do just that?

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be possible for me to be more excited and thankful about being able to go along with HABA to be a part of the show with them, there really isn't a company that I'd like to promote more. Their products are loved by every child (and adult) that I've seen encounter them and I have no doubt that passing along that word to a few thousand people at the Expo won't be any problem.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, HABA! Las Vegas, here I come!

(HABA is covering the whole nine yards of my trip to the ABC Kids Expo. But I am under no obligation to write about how great their company or products are, that is being done because of my complete and utter adoration of them.)