Tag Archives: baby wearing

Our First Day Out in the Onya Outback

As I proclaimed yesterday, I was anxious to get out and give our new Onya Baby Outback carrier a try. What better way to break it in than by going grocery shopping?

I have about 4 or 5 different stores I’ll go to for various food items depending on what we need. The most frequent stores I visit are Costco and Sprouts. I used to go to Central Market (owned by H-E-B) but haven’t made it there as much. Hopefully soon because I love that place! Anyway, today we went to 3 stores; Sprouts, Kroger, and Costco, in that order.

Getting Avery in the Outback from her car seat was not as easy as the Baby Bjorn, but it wasn’t difficult either. Plus, the pros far outweigh the cons as far as comfort and security go.

Heading into the first store!
Heading into the first store!

Avery is still unsure of her new carrier and let me know it by squirming and giving tiny whimpers every now and then. The Outback is made more for babies a little older than Avery, so she has some growing to do. The Baby Booster that Diana sent along with the carrier does help and Avery was better when I had her in it yesterday, but I didn’t take it along for the store trips.

My poker face
My poker face

As you can see, Avery can’t see when in the Outback at her size. This didn’t give her any head room and it was basically stuck in one spot. Eventually, she’ll grow and her head will be poking out like in the photos from Onya’s website.

Ha ha, I had to go pee while there, and as I stood at the urinal, I looked down at Avery and said “It will be better when you’re bigger.” I paused, looked around and luckily no one else was in there, and then I laughed at myself. Oops!

With the Baby Booster, Avery would ideally have her head up higher so she can see out and ultimately be happy. She still fell asleep after a while, but I know it really will be better when she’s bigger.

Almost an hour in Sprouts and now it was time for Kroger. This is where I buy a lot of frozen veggies since they have great prices. It only took 30 minutes here and would’ve been faster if I didn’t have to wait for an old lady return two kinds of lip gloss. Ugh.

Avery didn’t whine too much at Kroger, but I could tell she was getting antsy about something. Then she dug her face into my chest and started eating my shirt. Ahhh, she’s hungry!

Once we arrived at Costco, I offered her the bottle before we went inside and she eagerly accepted.

Really? Pictures even when I'm eating?
Really? Pictures even when I’m eating?

30 minutes later and we were off for the last shopping trip. More fussing ensued followed by falling asleep as I was ready to check out.

Back at home I unloaded the groceries as Avery sat in her swing watching me. I knew she was tired, but it was too late to deal with swaddling her and getting her to sleep, so I did the next best thing…..go for a run.

Strapped in the B.O.B. stroller, we went for a quick 4.5 miles with Abby (our Golden) and Avery got a little nap as a result. Phew, something is better than nothing!

Once Kelley made it home, I strapped Avery in the Onya Outback for the fourth time and we went for a short walk. The weather was beautiful with only a minor chill in the air, and I enjoyed being with my two ladies while taking it all in.

As things were winding down and Avery was about ready for bed, we tried to get her to roll over as she has been the past couple days. But, no, she was exhausted. She would have bouts of crying and then just suck on her hand. Poor girl, we’ll try again tomorrow. Oh yeah, she’s getting shots!

Put me to bed!!!
Put me to bed!!!

Today’s Onya Outback total usage time = 3.5 hours

Notes: Avery definitely has some growing to do before getting really comfortable in the Outback, but the Baby Booster helps a lot. For me, I am way more comfortable wearing the Onya than wearing the Baby Bjorn. No growing tension on my shoulders and Avery doesn’t flop around every time I twist, turn, or bend down. Tomorrow I plan on taking her for an hour long walk and hope to have a good report afterward.

It’s Here! The Onya Baby Outback Carrier!

Christmas in Jul....March!
Christmas in Jul….March!

Baby wearing is a daily occurrence for Avery and me, and I don’t know how I’d be “Going” anywhere but crazy without it. Since Avery was 2 weeks old, I’ve only used the Baby Bjorn carrier to wear her everywhere. Long walks, store trips, and chores around the house have all been in the Baby Bjorn…..until now!

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The very kind Diana from Onya Baby agreed to send us their Onya Baby Outback carrier to use and review on this blog! I first gave news that we’d be getting this carrier for active parents in this post. The Outback was provided to me free of charge, but all thoughts and opinions will be completely my own.

I can’t explain how excited I was when I first spoke with Diana and she agreed to send one. Now that we have the Outback, I’m anxious to go everywhere with Avery while wearing our new “ride”!

I wanted to capture the "Active Parents" part.
I wanted to capture the “Active Parents” part.

Here is a description and list of features on the Outback directly from Onya Baby:

Whether you’re out with your child wandering the urban jungle or hiking with them in the hills, the Onya Baby Outback offers a new approach to the soft-structured carrier. A durable, water-resistant, rip-stop nylon exterior and air-mesh lining makes it perfect for hot weather or hiking the trails. Parent and child will stay cooler with the air-mesh lining, which wicks away moisture leaving you both comfortable. It can be worn as a front-pack or backpack, and comes with an integrated seat that will fit almost any chair – for when you’ve decided to take a break for lunch and the restaurant doesn’t have a seat for your little one.

• Rip-stop nylon body and air mesh lining
• Patent-pending integrated chair harness with safety strap
• Tuck-away sleeping hood
• Low-profile shoulder straps
• Contoured low-profile, supportive waist belt
• Sternum strap for adjustable comfort
• Double-entry, side-zippered koala pouch and patch pocket
• Seat darts for child’s comfort
• Leg padding for baby
• Toy loop on each shoulder strap
• D-ring for attaching key clip (key clip not included)
• Safety-tested to 75 pounds
• Machine washable
• Instruction manual

Since she’s still pretty young, Avery has a bit of growing to do before it has a better fit. But until then, Diana generously provided a “Baby Booster” for smaller babies. I already tried Avery both with and without the booster and can tell it helps to have it in right now. Avery appreciates the extra boost too!

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Although a review is the main thing I will write after using the Onya Outback for a while, I will be posting frequent updates along the way. Since part of our daily routine is going for long walks, I plan on providing daily or weekly time/miles spent in the Onya Outback along with any notes.

Hello, World!
Hello, World!

Also, be on the lookout for posts about exercise routines using the Onya and possibly doing different types of home maintenance inside and out. What I am really looking forward to is taking Avery on a nice trail hike. The Onya Outback is made for hot weather and hiking and I’ll be sure to make use of its features often!

Today, after putting Avery in the Outback for the first time, she was a little fussy, but eventually calmed down. She calmed down so much, she fell asleep for 40 minutes! When Kelley got home, we took it for a test run walk for about a mile and so far I’m impressed! The initial setup was a little difficult, but it’s easy to get used to quickly.

After our walk
After our walk

I’m saying goodbye to the annoying weight the Baby Bjorn put on my shoulders and hello to the comfort of the Onya! Make sure to check back frequently for current updates on where I’ve gone with Avery in the Onya and my thoughts.

I want to thank Diana and everyone at Onya Baby for being so gracious and giving me this opportunity to review their premium baby carrier!

Are you a fan of baby wearing?

What’s your favorite carrier and what do you look for in one?

How To Tell Your Baby They Are Getting Shots

Dad's Face_Smile

Me:  Hi Avery! Can we have a little chat?

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Avery: Hi Dad. I was trying to figure out this jumper thing, but I can make time for you. What’s up?

Dad's Face_Serious

Me: Well, remember the conversation we had about a week ago?

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Avery: Yes……….Are we going to G-ma’s again?

Dad's Face_Surprised

Me: We will again soon, but that’s not what I want to talk about today. I am referring to the part about the doctor’s visit.

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Avery: Doctor’s visit? Hmm, doesn’t ring a bell.

Me: Oh, c’mon, I know you remember. I told you it will be coming up later this month, the 17th to be exact. It will be your 4 month check up.

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Avery: Crap! You got me, I remember. I was really hoping you forgot though.

Me: Nope, sorry. And, well, you see, this check up will also include giving you several….ummmm….shots.

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Avery: What!? Why would you do that to me?

Dad's Face_Big Smile

Me: Well, these shots will help protect you against things waaayyyy worse than just a tiny needle. So, just a quick little pinch from the shot isn’t so bad considering you could be in severe pain and agony for days from some of these infectious diseases.

 

Avery: Hmm, never thought of it like that. I’m sure I’ll still cry, I am a baby after all, but maybe not as long as I would’ve before.

 

Me: Very true, you are a baby and babies do cry, but I appreciate your understanding. Hey, and just think about the good things, we’re getting a new baby carrier soon!

Dad Wearing Avery

Avery: Really? Yay! I’ve been getting really tired of my legs dangling in the Baby Bjorn while going on long walks. I mean, just look at me in that picture.

Me: Yep, we’re getting an Onya Outback provided by Onya themselves! Daddy is very excited and happy about this and can’t wait to take you on adventures while wearing you in it. Plus, you will be in a more natural, wide-legged position that will be more comfortable for you. Another benefit is that the weight won’t be all on my shoulders and your legs won’t be dangling in front of me which makes it really hard to pee straight. You know, it’s the little things.

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Avery: Yeah, I do like to kick a lot. Sorry about that. The Onya Outback sounds like it will be much better for the both of us and I can’t wait until we have it too!

Me: It won’t be long dear, and I’ll even be able to buy teething pads made just for the carrier. No more eating the fabric on the Bjorn! We’ll be getting a really cool color scheme of burnt orange and grey which looks good on both mom and dad too. Another cool thing is that Onya supports cloth diapering, which we do with you. I could go on and on, but we’ll discuss this in more detail once we have it.

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Avery: Okay dad, sounds good to me. Can I get back to my jumper now?

Dad's Face_Looking Away

Me: Sure thing dear, jump away!

Disclaimer: This conversation really never occurred and would be kinda weird if our almost 4 month old could talk so well. But, it’s always fun to pretend, right? As for most of us with babies this age, you can’t really tell them they are getting shots, it just happens.

How are your kids about getting shots?

Did they ever feel a little ill afterward? Avery was just really tired after her 2 month shots, so we’ll see how these go.