Manduca
Verified116 reviews
It hurt my back. I'm surprised at the reviews – It hurt my back so I've gone with a different brand now. Also not that easy to put on. It wasn't as bad for my husband who has wide shoulders.
In-depth reviews
Disappointed – I really wanted to love this carrier. We bought it after reading all the amazing reviews and now I’m really disappointed. My first son hated being in it but we just thought it was his temperament and he didn’t like being carried. With my second born, it was ok when he was in a cradle position in with his feet tucked in. But now that he is 4 months… Read more
he just screams after being in it for 10 minutes. Very time I take him out his legs and neck have these horrible red rubbing spots. But the most concerning is that his legs are way too far spread in it and I suspect his heaps get sore. I can just see how his legs take a while to readjust when i lay him down from being in the carrier. Maybe when he is older it will fit better but at this stage I am worried his heaps might get dislocated if I keep using it. Again I watched all their videos on how to use it and tried many times but I get the same results. I can also see that some other mums here have had the same experience with the legs being too far spread.
Best All Rounder! – I've been babywearing for just over 3 years when my first child was born, expecting second bub and will be wearing this child aswell. I have easily tried over 100 different types of stretchies, wovens, ring slings and soft structured carriers. I also started a babywearing group shortly after my child was born and over the years have established a… Read more
carrier library to help others enter the world of keeping baby close. I have my own manduca ssc and we have one in our lending library. I often recommend the manduca for the following reasons,
- comfortable
- it's made from soft organic breathable cotton
- the built in insert is easy to use
- insert is thin therefore doesn't get hot like other padded inserts
- great all year round
- zip that allows you to shorten/lenghten the height
- suits all sizes (ive personally helped, petite, plus size, tall, men and women and they have all enjoyed it)
- lasts til toddler (i used til about 2.5)
- excellent for back carries
- waist band sits comfortably
- easy to adjust
- easy to care for
- value for money
I could go on.
I wish everyone had the opportunity to try it.
In my opinion it is the BEST soft structured carrier in its class.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!
Couldn't live without my beloved Manduca – I've had my Manduca since my first son was born and couldn't have done babies without it! I chose it over other carriers because my son was premature and quite small and it didn't require any extra newborn inserts. It was also endorsed by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, who I trust. It is also very reasonably priced considering its… Read more
the best carrier around. Both my sons would always fall asleep in it and I found it super comfortable to use because of the extra adjustable straps that other carriers don't have. It was a lifesaver when travelling to the UK and then as he got bigger we used it on hikes, where I did the back carry. When my second son came along, he would not sleep in the cot at all, so he spent most of his days in the Manduca, sleeping close to me, I'm not sure how I would have coped without being able to run after my toddler with my youngest in the Manduca. He's nearly one now and loves being carried around on my back in it. It's the baby carrier I tell all my friends to buy.
Positive reviews
We love our Manduca – We love our Manduca, it's comfy for me and my bubs. I agree the shoulder straps are wide but I cross mine over and they ate perfect it's actually way more comfortable too. I also have very small babies and had no issues we used the size it for my first with my second bub I couldnt find it so just used a ribbon which worked great. It can be a bit… Read more
more fiddley than other carriers to put on but I wouldn't say it's difficult at all. The most important thing for me was that bubs hips were in a healthy position and we are both comfortable. I always recommend this carrier as I love it so much
Just OK – Good points - waist harness, integrated hood, can use almost from new born maybe ok - straps seem to be suited to people with broader shoulders, it doesn't work well on me and tends to draw my shoulders forward. Fabric - good thick cotton / hemp mix but when baby has a loo accident it takes forever to dry after washing... Show reply
This carrier is exceptional – Manduca ticked all the right boxes for me when I was researching carriers. We purchased it before our son arrived because we wanted to be prepared which in hindsight was a risk for various reasons. However bothbaby and I could not be happier with our purchase. It's certified organic so you know there's no nasties for baby, or if you like me suffer… Read more
from uber sensitive skin, and it's extremely comfortable for both parties as well as supportive. The other thing that I wanted in a carrier was to be able to use from birth without an extra add on because really setting up for a baby is hard and expensive enough without "extras" that your ultimately only going to use for a few months. Another added bonus is the extension zip at the front which grows with baby.
Negative reviews
hmmm!.....the colour is good – The shoulder straps are way too bulky and feel like they are sitting out way too far.Adjustment is ridiculously fiddly. So difficult to put on when out ~ need two hands for waist band and difficult to do up clip inbetween shoulder straps. Babies head is not supported enough. Babies legs have to spread way too far so mine has to keep his legs in. Oh i do like the colour!
Hi Lucy I like the padded straps and all the adjustment the manduca offers - my husband and I… Read more (+2 replies)
Bad – Being a typical woman, I was drawn to the red colour but I was curious to see if this carrier was better than my beloved ERGO...it wasn't! Ah well, saved my money! When I tried the sample on in-store it was very disappointing because: - the shoulder straps were quite narrowe and didn't distribute my baby's weight very well - there is no head… Read more
support for young babies
- the straps are quite fiddly to adjust (much trickier than the ERGO)
- the fabric is much thinner and far less sturdy
- i really didn't like the way it made my 2 mth old splay her legs right open to fit in the newborn support.
Baby fussed and wanted to get out straight away! I like the red colour. No head support for newborns, holds a newborn's legs wide open, narrow shoulder straps, the buckle needs 2 hands to undo it which is very tricky if you are still holding your baby!
OK – Overall it is a good carrier and I think it will be really good as my daughter gets older and can turn her head around, is taller and can fit on my back or hip too. It seems very sturdy and my husband likes to use it too. We purposely avoided the Baby Bjorn because I've heard that larger or taller babies grow out of them earlier and that you have… Read more
to splay your baby's legs apart. The Manduca keeps the baby's legs in the "M" position or like a frog for longer. My daughter has only just put her legs out the sides. It would be good to be able to use the carrier with your baby facing outwards also. The carrier is comfortable to wear and seems to evenly distribute my daughter's weight I can wear the carrier for long periods of time with no discomfort. We recently travelled overseas with our 10 week old and she slept the entire time in the airports. I got the limited edition one and I love the colour and design. The infant insert is easy to use and much better than the Ergo newborn cocoon which I've seen used and would be far too warm for the climate in Adelaide. There seem to be so many adjustable straps that it gets very confusing. I keep thinking I'm wearing it wrong. My daughter seems to sit very low down in the carrier and struggles to see out the sides as the straps seem to get in her way. As she is getting older she seems happier to be carried so she can see things going on. (I just walked the dog and ended up carrying her!)
Recent reviews
Perfect product!! – I used my manduca for both children. I found it comfortable, easy to put on and both bubs enjoyed being in it. It was easy to use right up to the age of 3 for my daughter and my son, being second born and both kids only 18 months apart, was in it a lot in his early months as I took his sister out and about, he loved nappping in it. Can recommend this product 100%!!
Beautiful, light carrier – This carrier is so easy to use, lightweight so baby doesn't sweat from body heat, and is designed with simplicity, but effectiveness in mind. Overall, one of my favourite carriers Show details
Just love it – We tried on all the other carriers. I mean, all of them. We spent nearly 2 hours at the shop trying different carriers and ended up with this one. Most carriers have basically the same features, but somehow this one work will for us. The first test was putting baby in them and if baby did not cried that was the start, then we narrow it down to… Read more
how it felt when walking around. Then, of course how easy it was to put on. We love it, but I can see that the other carrier works better for other people. I suggest try it out and see how you go.
Find out how Manduca compares to other Baby Carriers
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My most used baby items – Has been using it for 19 months, since my baby was born till now. I like that i do not need to buy any additional insert for newborn. Because there is an extra piece of cloth that you just need to button it to elevate your baby. And as my baby grows, he is also able to put his hands above and not being restricted to just the side. Also i like it… Read more
that i can continue to use it till he is now a toddler. I was wearing him everyday whenever im out and I would say that this gives a very good support. I have only been wearing him on the front from birth till now.
One of our best baby buys! – We bought our Manduca for our first born and haven't looked back since. The carrier is so simple to use (even Dad can put it on by himself!) and adjusting the sizes between 2 different people is quick and easy. We can put our little one in comfortably and carry her for fairly long periods without too much effort or strain on our part and… Read more
knowing that her hips and back are well supported and resting in a natural position. It is the perfect carrier to wear for light exercise such as our weekly Kangatraining class.
We rarely leave the house without our Manduca carrier and couldn't recommend it more highly!
Perfect fanily carrier – This carrier has been amazing for our family. We were given it as a gift for our first baby 3 years ago and is just so easy to use. We are now using it with our second child which it is a shopping life saver. Best baby shower present to recieve.
Essential baby item – Love this product so much,. With a large, heavy baby, i wore him everywhere. He hated lying in trolleys so wearing him was the only and best way to get it done. Quick, easy and comfortable to wear without getting a sore back. Best money I ever spent and can't wait to use with second bub
Super comfy carrier you can rely on! – I used to use Ergo 360 but after getting Manduca my Ergo went aside. I find Manduca super comfortable, my bub is nicely snuggled in and super happy. Love the safety features this carrier has ! If you can't decide which carrier is the right one, go for Manduca! :)
Love it – I purchased my carrier for Kanga Training and didn't know much about carriers initially. I'm so glad I was recommended the Manduca for my daughter. She sleeps well in it during classes and it is very comfortable to wear. I would recommend Manduca carriers for Kanga Training and everyday wear.
My biggest parenting tool yet – I wouldn’t have got through the first year without this carrier. It has made life 100 times easier from my first to now my second baby. It’s such an easy carrier to put on and take off and isn’t a problem for my husband to master either!! I have now had my manduca for 2.5 years and it has seen both my toddler and 7 month old through some of the more challenging parts of parenthood.
Amazing support and so easy to use. Can’t fault it! – I had my sister’s old one from when my baby was a newborn and then treated myself to my own new one at 5 months. I was drawn to the Manduca because of its proper positioning of baby’s hips and the support right to the legs. The endorsements of Australian Physiotherapists, Hip Dysplasia Australia and the Australian Breastfeeding Association gave me… Read more
extra confidence too. The carrier fits both me and my tall husband perfectly and we can even both use it in the crossed position which we find even more secure and comfy. My baby was super snuggly and slept a lot in my Manduca and I never ever worried about her health or safety in it. I also never got any pain wearing her.
Hands down best carrier ever and I recommend it to friends all the time.
The true newborn essential!! – Our Manduca has been with us since my now 2 year old was a little Bubba. It's the only baby carrier I've found that doesn't hurt my shoulders and hips (even carryingg a 13kg toddler!). It's the #1 thing I recommend to all new Mums and is the only investment you can guarantee will get lots of use. Love love love. ❤️❤️
Find out how Manduca compares to other Baby Carriers
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I can be super mum with my Manduca – Our manduca carrier is easy to use, comfortable to wear for me and bub, not too hot as we live in the tropics, and most importantly I feel baby is safe and secure. I was able to select a neutral colour so that my husband can use it too. Now we have 2 little girls under 2 years old our Manduca carrier is such a life saver. I am able to take our… Read more
toddler to playgroup while carrying our 2 month old and feel confident. I can be super mum and play, carry and keep my girls safe comfortably.
Makes me feel confident – At the start, my baby wasn't keen on the carrier but after some adjustments and a strap to bring in the bottom area, we enjoy this time now. We do shopping into it, kanga training twice a week and other jobs. He falls to sleep in it which make me feel confident wearing him. I received this carry as a gift and am very grateful for it
favourite carrier – The Manduca is our go-to for so many activities! From grocery shopping, school run, festivals, markets, bush walks, mum & baby exercise sessions, you name it. I love how easy it is to adjust for a perfect fit, even regularly switching between users. With the ExTend accessory, my toddler continues to be supported in the optimal knee-to-knee… Read more
position. The 2-way shoulder straps mean I'm not twisting myself uncomfortably while adjusting the carrier. My toddler loves to snuggle in when sleepy, & observe & interact from the perfect height when awake. The size of the hood is a plus (we've used other brands with hoods so small they're almost useless). The carrier lives in the car & is my most-used baby-related item. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would.
Great product, adjusts well to smaller sized hips and shoulders – I was introduced to manduca at kangatraining. My little man is so comfy in it and is really well supported, I ended up buying my own! Also having a slender waist (especially once my hips went back to normal size) and not a broad chest/shoulder region i found the maduca actually fitted me unlike others as i could adjust it smaller compared to other carriers which in turn meant it is comfortable on my shoulders and lower back.
Easy to use from newborn up – I picked up one of the cotton Manducas in the Mandala print before the birth of bub. Paired with the Size It, I used the carrier from about 6 weeks onwards. The carrier can be used without the Size It accessory, using the built in newborn seat, but I found it easier to get bub in and out with it. Adjustments are easy to make, and hubby and I… Read more
can both use the carrier with minimal fiddling to fit our respective builds comfortably. The little built in hood is also helpful to encourage bub to nap on the go.
It’s also easy to launder. I place the whole carrier in an old pillow case to protect the clasps and put it on a gentle cycle with low spin.
Very happy with this carrier.
I’ll never use another structured carrier – I am so in love with my Manduca Carrier. It literally saves my sanity some days. I wore my first son practically daily til 2 years old, even while pregnant. And now with my second son. He’s a big boy so being able to comfortably carry him is everything. Wearing my babies is such a beautiful part of my day and there’s no carrier I’d prefer to use than my Manduca.
Exceedingly helpful – I only wish I had bought one earlier! It is exceedingly helpful around the home and out and about. Wonderful for getting the shopping done with your free hands. Plus, who doesn't love baby cuddles next to your chest? Additionally, because it is supportive and has the built in hood it is truly great for when baby is feeling ill and needs to be close to mum or dad.
wow.. just tried the manduca- amazing! I want to trade in my current carrier for one! – I tried the manduca for a kangatraining session. I have a carrier I use regularly and thought was great but after using the manduca I would love to convert! So comfortable, didn't even feel like I had bub on or that had to provide extra support for her, I could exercise and move around and she felt super secure! she even fell asleep in it- this… Read more
never happens! It was easy to put on, the fabric was soft and lightweight. would definitely reccommend the manduca carrier.
Has been a life saver – Having a complicated and stressful pregnancy my baby boy cane into the world early. He was very unsettled I tried everything and several carriers none helped he just cried more. With 5 children it was hard carrying him in my arms all day. I went to a kanga training class and used a Manduca and he loved it. Not only was he not crying he was… Read more
laughing and he went to sleep. Has made my day so much easier. I have the pure cotton one as my baby has bad eczema it’s a great product could not live without it
Can't Live Without It! – I purchased our Manduca carrier when my firstborn was 3 months old, and he practically lived in it from then on! Now that he has outgrown it (he is nearly 3 yr old now), my 4.5 month old daughter is enjoying it, too. It has literally been across the globe with us, absolutely essential for travelling and giving that sense of security and closeness… Read more
in new places while allowing my hands to be free to deal with luggage. I haven't found a more comfortable carrier to hike with, one of our very favourite things to do with our Manduca. And we use it daily for walks, chores around the house, shopping, etc. I always find myself comparing every other baby carrier to the Manduca, but nothing has ever topped it. Would highly recommend as an essential piece of babywearing equipment.
Best Carrier by Far! – I purchased the Manduca a few months ago, and it has been excellent. I was fortunate to be given 3 different carriers to try for my son, but the Manduca has them all beat. It is adjustable, lightweight and sits so comfortably on both me and my husband. We took our son to a 3 day convention a month ago, and he slept happily in the Manduca through… Read more
board games, expo halls, panels and dinners out.
When I need to get things done around the house - he goes into the Manduca. When I want to walk the dogs - he goes into the Manduca. When he needs settling and hugs, but my arms are shot from carrying him all day - you guessed it, in the Manduca. It is my go to device for grocery shopping, family events and exercise. I honestly love it and go nowhere without it.
Better than so many I've tried – Since having my first son I've tried many baby carriers- both that I've bought or been given as gifts. But, for just over a year now I've been using a Manduca and I can honestly say that it's been the best I've tried!!! So adjustable, so snug for Bubs and so easy to put on! I'm still using it now with my 2 year old and ensure I always have it in… Read more
the car! When friends ask me about baby carriers I always tell them to do their research but tell them that they can't go wrong with a Manduca!
Quick easy and very comfortable! – I have tried almost every carrier on the market - and the Manduca is one of my farorites. They are so easy to use. Very adjustable for all body types and can be used from newborns through to toddlers. The carriers also hold up to everyday use and regular washing. So many of my clients are amazed about how comfortable, supportive and easy to use they are. I won’t be changing any time soon.
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Oh Dana, I'm so terribly sorry that you are struggling… Read more