Kozy Carrier Review and Giveaway

The urban lifestyle of New York City parents meshes easily with baby wearing.  Most of my shopping and errands are done on foot within blocks of my apartment.  Taking a stroller can be difficult if you have to carry it down the steps and maneuver it through small stores and doorways.  Now that I have two kids, the hassle is compounded.  That’s why I love baby wearing.  And baby wearing is how I came to love my Kozy.

About the Company
Kozy Carriers were designed by Kelley Mason.  Kelley and her sister Kristi Jennings run the Kozy company.  I love that they are Christians and they aren’t afraid to say so on their website!  I also love that this product was designed by a mom.  That’s something that I can trust! 

I also appreciate that they encourage baby wearing, even if the Kozy is not the carrier for you.  It’s a mission, not just a product for sale!

Kelley was a mom who needed a comfortable way to wear her baby.  She saw a picture of an Asian Mei Tai carrier on the internet.  The next day she whipped one up at her sewing machine!  From that point there have been several revisions to the design so that the Kozy Carrier is a top notch product.  Read more about the Kozy story HERE.

About the Product
I had never used a Mei Tai carrier before.  I expected it to be difficult to get on properly since there were no buckles or anything to make it easier.  I was SO wrong!  The Kozy is simple to use!  Here is a little more about the features of the Kozy Carrier:

• extremely versatile and comfortable Asian inspired baby carrier (Mei Tai) that can be used from birth to toddlerhood (or beyond) and can easily be worn on your front, side, or back!
• has no buckles or rings . . . it simply ties on
• keeps baby's legs up and supports his spine
• 'made to order' in solid colors or patterns
• comes standard with light shoulder padding (I LOVE this feature – the straps are so comfortable!)
• can be ordered with extra long straps if needed
• can be worn reversible without the pocket option

The overall design of the Kozy, plus its features and extras, sets it apart from most of the others on the market. The Kozy's greatest design feature is probably its versatility, as it can be worn on your front, side, or back.

My Review
Kristi sent me the Liberty Kozy to review.  I couldn’t have been more thrilled – I love the fabric pattern!  As I mentioned before, I expected it to be difficult to learn to use the Kozy.  I received a full color brochure with my carrier that had detailed instructions and pictures.  This took the guess work out of how to use the Kozy.  More techniques can be found on the Kozy website HERE. 

I had help from my husband putting the Kozy on for the first time.  Once I knew how the carrier worked, I was able to put it on by myself.  It really is so simple!

I have used the Kozy with Nolan since he was two weeks old.  I also used it with Elaine who is 21 months old.  The Kozy really is versatile!  It is also comfortable.  I have a back injury from a car accident.  Most carriers and slings are uncomfortable after only a short time.  Not so with the Kozy!  The only reason I took it off was because my kiddos wanted out, not because I was in pain.  The shoulder straps are wide and padded, making them extremely comfortable.

The only difficulty for me was when Nolan was tiny.  At that age, it is best to keep his feet inside the carrier.  However, Nolan is a very active guy and he always has his legs and arms in motion.  He didn’t like having his legs tucked up for very long.  Now that he is bigger, I put his feet out and he enjoys it much better!

Kozy to the Test
I put the Kozy to the test in several situations.  First, I used it to travel to Manhattan by train without my husband.  I cannot maneuver a stroller down the subway steps with two kids.  I took my umbrella stroller for Elaine, and I packed Nolan in the Kozy.  It was a lifesaver – I wouldn’t have been able to make the trip without my Kozy!

Nolan – 1 month old

Elaine – 20 months old

By the end of the trip Nolan was ready to stretch his legs a little.  I put him in the stroller, and wore Elaine in the Kozy.  She loved the extra attention and getting the same thing as baby brother (she is still a tad jealous of the new baby).

I also wore my Kozy to a church picnic.  I knew we would be there for several hours and that Nolan would not want to be in his car seat the entire time.  I also knew that I would need both hands to help my toddler with her food and activities.  Once again, it was the Kozy to the rescue!  Nolan enjoyed a long nap in the Kozy, and I received several compliments about my carrier!

 

Buy It
Shop Kozy anytime at their website, or find a retailer.

The Giveaway
One blessed Doable Diapers fan will win a Liberty Kozy Carrier just like the one I was sent!  Giveaway open to US residents.
(Here’s how the giveaway works)

Links you may need:
Doable Diapers: Facebook :: Twitter :: Newsletter
Kozy: Website :: Facebook :: Blog :: Buy It

Fine Print: View the entries in this giveaway by clicking HERE.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Comment entries will be deleted, however feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself that you have entered.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and will be announced on the blog as well as contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen.