CleverParents refers to the PortaMEe child carrier as "the Prada of baby carriers", and in the sense that it's twice the price of similar carriers and not even that cute, they're pretty much spot-on. Don't get me wrong: I'm glad that baby carriers are becoming the new stroller, because my own choices back in the day were limited to Bjorn or sling, in Navy, Chambray, or Hand-Woven Guatemalan Hemp. Choices are awesome, as our own Karen discussed recently. But I was also kind of hoping that Gwen Stefani's Gucci frontpack wasn't a sign of anything other than Gwen's special kind of crazy.
The PortaMEe (I hate typing that, but I feel compelled) was designed in response to the nonexistence of baby carriers that worked past the newborn stage, which—can someone please tell the 35-pound four-year-old who rode in my Nojo all over NYC last fall that her whole life is a lie? Anyway, it was designed by someone who'd maybe never run across a sling, a mei tai (mmm...mai tais...) or an Ergo carrier, which is not only half the price of a PortaMEe (I HATE TYPING THAT! MAKE ME STOP!) but can be worn in a variety of positions.
Please note the model to the right, who may or may not be an Oompa Loompa: She sports the PortaMEe (@#%!&!!!) in the only position in which it can be worn. What you can't see is that on the back, there is a fanny pack. They call it a "lumbar support pack", but you know what? This lady's just a pair of socks with sandals away from being mistaken for a German tourist.
I have to hand it to the mamas who are behind this carrier: Jennifer Gilbert and Robin Stein found a niche, and I wish them well as they fill it, because I love to see mamas living the dream. But still, a fanny pack? That's just cold.
