Monkey on my Back

I have never been one of those side-slinging, monkey-on-your-back wearing moms. I don't have a problem with baby wearing. It was the fabrics the carriers were made of. Most of them reminded me of a bad cross between a gym bag and an itchy old sofa. Thanks, but no!

And then, at the LA Textile show, across a crowded showroom floor, I spied a mom carrying a cooing newborn in a Mei Tai Carrier made out of one of my fave retro Alexander Henry prints. I had to get the 411! That's how I met Robyn Collar, the designer of Baby Hawk .

Robyn, a fabric junkie after my own heart, has the most extensive selection of fabric choices that I have ever seen from a baby carrier company. There is truly something for everyone. And their spouse. Hubby wants camo and you prefer a mod floral? Not a problem. Baby Hawk can make you a reversible carrier. You say your baby is touchy about texture? Consider a minkee lining. Oh the options!

I subjected the BabyHawk to a vigorous 29lb 21 mo tester. To Trader Joes and beyond, as a front carrier and with my son Fox on my back, the BabyHawk performed remarkably. I never felt strained, even after marathon Costco shopping. That's amazing considering I have been caught whining about having to carry my son from the car into the house lately.

Another thoughtful custom feature that won me over was that this carrier can be made with a big, deep pocket. Big enough for a small wallet, keys, a diaper and some wipes. Suddenly it's not just a carrier - it's also a purse! Woo hoo! No need to schlep a bag. That means true hands free freedom. And I should mention that the construction of my carrier was impeccable. That's something that I, as a manufacturer, am super picky about.

MWS readers enter the code MOMMYSTYLE when you place your Baby Hawk order and you'll receive free shipping. Meanwhile, If you're out at Costco - I might be that mom with the little blond monkey on her back.