COMFORTABLE Pack!
Pros:
Truly comfortable for the baby and the wearer; durable.
Cons:
Velcro leg attachments can rub baby's legs.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
The Kelty K.I.D.S. Kangaroo pack is WONDERFUL! The pack is truly comfortable to wear for long periods of time and my son loves it. He is thrilled to be carried all over and does not fuss while in it. He is even comfortable enough to fall asleep.
Features
Baby can face inward or outward
Baby can be removed completely from the pack without having to take the whole pack
Large padded shoulder straps
Large padded waistband
Small Velcro attached pack (more difficult to use in forward facing position)
Two pockets on the back hip portion (great for keys)
Front hand warming pocket
Zip-out hood
Per the Kelty website: WEIGHT: 1 lb. 14 oz./SIZE: fits torsos 13-25"
Information
I have used this pack for 6 months now. I started using it when my youngest was 2 months old and 18 pounds. I am still using this pack for hour-long walks as well as shopping trips and he is now 22.5 pounds. He really enjoys sitting up so high and looking around which has really reduced his fussiness during longer shopping trips. He likes it so much that he often falls asleep in the pack.
When you first use the pack, all of the straps, snaps, and adjustments look quite confusing (at least they were to me). But you will get used to them after a few times of putting it on and taking it off. I suggest detaching the entire front portion (4 latches) and putting the shoulder straps on first and then attaching the front portion.
When I first used this, I found it very uncomfortable because I had not used the adjustments properly. So be sure to spend some time carrying the baby in it before taking it out and about.
The best adjustment advice I can give is to make sure that the waist attachment is very snug. I have found that this allows a large portion of the baby's weight to ride on my hips.
To put the baby in the forward facing position, bring the loops on the zippers of the hood to the top, middle position. Loop the Velcro tab under the bottom Velcro attachment on the small pack through these loops to hold down the front part.
Minor Issues
If you have a larger baby like I do, you will want to be careful of the Velcro attachments on the sides of the legs to make sure they are set in place properly so as to not rub on the baby's leg (I learned the hard way on this one and felt really horrible).
The zip-out hood has served no useful purpose, so I would not buy this pack based solely on it. The website states that you can use is for privacy in nursing; however, with all of the straps attaching the baby to you, I have found no way (easy or difficult) to nurse the baby while he's in it.
While the weather's cold and breezy, make sure the baby's legs and feet are covered, because they will tend to get quite cold while hanging out.
One GREAT Pack
I really love this front pack and have recommended it to several friends who were looking to replace their uncomfortable, not so durable packs and I will continue to recommend it. I have been using my pack quite a lot for the last 6 months and it still looks new. So, if you're in the market for a new front pack, this is definitely the one to buy!
