Customer Reviews

Kokopax City Carrier, Hopscotch

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I love my kokopax city carrier. I am a mom of 3. My two youngest are 2 and 5 months. I have a couple of pouch slings, but those aren't practical for cooking, housework, or other things that require both arms to be free. We have multiple strollers, one of which includes a double side by side stroller that we love, however, it's not always practical to use a stroller. Take for example, the trips I was making to the grocery store prior to getting the Kokopax. My older son would be on the seat in the cart and my infant would be in his car seat taking up the entire cart space. I'd have to pile groceries underneath the cart. Or, trips to the park with my 2 year old who wants to run everywhere. Dragging a stroller through the sand/tanbark was horrible, and holding the baby in my arms or in the sling wasn't practical because I often need my hands/arms to help my son around the playground and getting in and out of those bucket swings. I really didn't want a hiking backpack because I just don't need all of those darn straps, pockets, zippers, etc. The things I love the Kokopax City Carrier are:
baby loves being able to look around
lightweight
no waist strap
minimal pockets (just one that the straps feed into. Also good for maybe 1 diaper, keys)
looks good
baby is comfortable
I've had many mothers either looking at it or coming up to me asking where I got it. I use it nearly every day.
My only complaint is that the fabric covering the padding on the lumbar support seems to be rubbing on my clothing and it is wrecking some of my clothing. This happened the very first time I used it. My daughter came up and asked what was all over the lumbar padding. I have one of those nylon, super stretchy tank tops that I wear under some t-shirts because I like the length and the layered look, but it really messed that tank top up in the spot where it rests against the Kokopax. It is pilling nearly all of my clothing. The padding now has multiple colors of pills from the various shirts that I have worn with it. If I didn't LOVE this carrier so much, that would have turned me away from the product. There has got to be a different fabric that can be used that won't do this to clothing when there is friction. Because I love the carrier, I am going to try and find a way to cover that pad with another material. Maybe one that is less coarse.

I rarely review items I buy unless I really love or hate them. I think reviews are important because I know personally I shop on Amazon based on reviews. So here is the truth about this carrier:1) needs a strap across the chest to distribute weight properly across shoulders and upper back 2) needs better padding in lubar area. I literally feel the bar rubbing against my back 3) I am 5'5" and the lumbar adjustment bar is on the highest setting yet the bar still resting too low on the back 4)the kick stand that opens to place baby in carrier requires 2 hands to open because it is very stiff. I found it to be dangerous when trying to open the bar while my daughter is in carrier in order to remove her 5) the lower snap in part of the harness is located way too low in between childs legs making it difficult to snap straps in 6) the arm straps cut in to your armpit since this carrier is lacking the aformentioned strap across the chest. After 10 minutes you will feel your arms getting numb and you will find it even more uncomfortable in the armpit area when you attempt to extend your arms forward in a reaching position.If you look at the picture of the people wearing the carrier on kokopax website, you will notice how the carrier pulls under the models armpits. Compare that picture to the Chicco backpack carrier that has the strap across the chest and notice how that does not cut into the armpit area. I did not notice that before I made this purchase unfortunately. Aside from these important features which are lacking from this carrier there is a plus side: my daughter loves being in this thing and the pattern is cute but be prepared for backaches and irritation of your armpits! And yes I did adjust the carrier properly. There are only so many adjustments you can make.

I am plus size (size 26) and my husband is 6 foot 5 inches. We both liked this carrier a lot. I used it on a hot July day all day long while in Gatlinburg, TN and while I got hot and sweaty the carrier and baby were fine. Worth the money!

I purchased this for my 18 old month daughter. She weighs around 20 lbs right now, so I figure this carrier will still be used a lot. She loves to be in the carrier. She actually cries when I put the carrier away. It is very comfortable to carry my daughter in it. If you do not want to carry a stroller everywhere you go, this is a very light way to transport your kid. This is perfect for trips to the zoo, shopping, and even hikes! I love it.

My 8 month old son HATED this carrier, sadly. We'd had high hopes based on the reviews. But he didn't seem to feel secure in it. Because of the way the carrier is positioned, he was able to push against my back with his feet and try to stand up, and the unpadded straps holding him into the backpack would cut into his neck and leave horrible marks. We had a difficult time getting him in and out, because the clasp for the straps that secure him are placed very low in the carrier, and the carrier is very narrow, and we couldn't see the release buttons to get him out. We also had a diffult time with the very stiff metal stand -- it's hard to put your kid down when you can't get the stand to release behind you! Finally, the lack of any type of chest or waist strap was a big problem from an ergonomic perspective, and our kid is only 17lbs. I can't imagine have a much heavier one in there.

It arrived yesterday, and is being returned in the morning. You get what you pay for, I guess....

I was worried about purchasing a backpack carrier for my 13 month old son. He weighs 24lbs and I am 5'2" and 115lbs. This carrier is perfect if you are shorter. It also fits my husband well at 6'0". It is lightweight and distributes the weight on your shoulders well. The straps are a little wide, but overall is it comfortable. My son has loved it so far! We are looking forward to walks on vacation, sightseeing, and around the neighborhood walking the dog.

FYI - If you are buying for a boy, I was surprised when I ordered "bubbles" and part of the pattern is lavender. Hard to see until you're up close in person. From farther away it looks more gray, so we are keeping it.

The theory behind this carrier is a good one but there are a couple of design flaws that the company should take care of. First of all it is ridiculous that they have 2 versions of this carrier. The base model here without a support waist band and the deluxe model with the waist support. This should be included as part of the ergonomic design, not a DELUXE feature. They charge and extra $60-70 for the waist band which is ridiculous!! It also should include a chest strap for additional support as well. So this carrier does hurt your back and neck after a while and I can't imagine that the waist band gives it that much more support since it also does not have a chest strap. With that said I still like the carrier for shopping trips and to get things done around the house. Just don't plan on wearing it for more than an hour or so.

I also have an ERGO carrier which is still by far the most comfortable baby carrier out there in my opinion ($115 and includes a waist belt and chest strap and is soooo comfy). The fact that I can trade back and forth between the 2 carriers works for me. My lil one likes the view from this carrier but also loves to be held close in the Ergo so we have the best of both worlds. I was also very lucky to have found a new kokopax in an open box on Ebay for $40. If I had paid $100+ I would have been extremely disappointed and I would have returned it immediately. My husband, who is an avid backpacker/hiker, said he can probably add a waist band and chest strap. If he does I will update. My advice... If you want just one carrier get an Ergo but if you like this style try to find it on Ebay for less.

I was looking for a backpack that I could wear around the house to garden etc. I did not want a hiking backpack because they are HUGE and if you try to put it on in the house and turn around you take out anything close to you. This backpack was exactly what I wanted. I can put it on myself, so when my hubby isn't here to help me I can still use it. It allows my daughter to sit up and look around and not be pinned against me like a ERGO baby carrier style does. I can wear it in the house and not worry about it hitting anything when I walk and turn around. The only bad thing I can say is the kickstand is pretty flimsy so you have to be careful when you use it.

We received this as a gift in preparation for an upcoming vacation. We are not going to be able to take our 10 month daughter everywhere we want to go via a stroller, and I don't like using the front carriers we have for very long (feel free to read that review here: Infantino Swift Carrier,) so the hope is this will fit our needs.

We did some test runs with this carrier over the weekend by using it for some shopping errands as well as a 3 mile walk. Here are my impressions:

Pros:

- She liked being in the carrier. As we walked along, she was all smiles as she was taking in the sights. She does have to lean to one side or the other to see around my head, but she seemed to think that was funny.
- My back didn't bother me. I'm 6'2" and I had the lumbar adjustment down as far as it goes, and I thought it was just enough. So that might be a point of caution if you are taller than me. Anyway, despite all the various straps these carriers sometimes come with, I didn't need them. It was just like wearing a backpack in school... actually our daughter probably weighs less than those books did.
- The kickstand feature was useful. It made it very helpful to get her in and out. We even stopped and got a bite to eat, and just flipped the kickstand down and let her stay in it. I wouldn't walk away with her in it, here toes were just able to touch the floor, but she was content to sit there while we ate.
- She was secure and comfortable. The harness keeps her in place and the over all design supports her weight well.

Cons:

- As with all things with shoulder straps, they are rough and can irritate baby's neck. Invest in some strap covers (like these: Munchkin Reversible Strap Covers,Colors May Vary,) you'll use them for all sorts of products, including this one.
- A spotter while not necessary, is really helpful. I can basically get her in and flipped on my back with no problem on my own. My problem comes with retracting the kickstand. I'm always afraid i'm going to crush her legs, so I like a second person to help with that step.
- Still not for indefinite use. Maybe it's only my daughter, but I could push her all day in a stroller, but these carriers all have a time limit. That said, this was the longest she seemed happy in a carrier. We were almost home from our 3 mile walk when she started to fuss to get out. Still, I thought that was pretty good range.
- It can be difficult to get to the harness clasps that are fairly deep in the carrier. My advice is to check out how the clasps work prior to putting the baby in it. This way you will be able to do it by feel.
- Not the carrier's fault, but she's in prime hair pulling position, and she took full advantage.

Overall:

I am pretty pleased with this carrier, and think it will serve us well on our trip and beyond.

My baby is super active. She wants constant attention and to GO, GO, GO all the time. I cannot sit her in an activity seat, pack n play, or anything like that for more than a few minutes or she is bored. I also have a Dr Sears Balboa sling & an Infantino carrier. She doesn't like sitting on the ground in a seat for too long where she can't be "involved" and most of the carriers hurt my back. Therefore, the laundry & dishes were piling up and I was starving since I couldn't even make lunch without her yelling at me (or grabbing my plate, fork, food, etc).

I finally saw the Kokopax City Carrier on Ellen's talk show and thought "I've spent so much money already, what's one more thing that probably won't work?"

IT IS AMAZING! It fits like a backpack except easier to carry. I have less trouble carrying a 17 lb baby in this than using a backpack with 2 or 3 books (and I am a 5' tall weakling). It is made well, and it has a harness (kinda like a car seat). It even has a hook to put a toy on. Not to mention it is the cutest thing ever. I got the brown one with the little owls on it. I just sit it on the couch, put her in, and sit down in front of her & put the straps over my shoulders. So easy. It looks huge in the picture but once you get it on and collapse the kickstand, it is not that big. I easily get around in my little house in it. The best part is it adjusts not only at the straps but the frame too so my husband and I can take turns using it. Everything else took too long to switch back and forth (since he is a whole foot taller than me).

My little girl LOVES it. I can finally clean the kitchen, make breakfast & lunch, go for walks, etc. I am thinking I am going to use this for the grocery/mall too so I don't have to put her in the icky carts. I can even walk the dogs now! So far, I have had her in it for at least an hour at a time. It does not hurt my back!!!! I would say this is my favorite investment other than the necessities like the breast pump & pack n play. We still use the pack n play for napping and her activity seat for when I take a shower but this backpack has been a lifesaver. It is for babies who can sit up and weight of 16 to 35 lbs. We will be using this for quite a while.