Tested item: Softshell Vario Cover, black, one size Brand: Mamalila(DE) Suitable for: babywearing during colder days, in front and back, combined with a babycarrier or baby wrap / ages 0-2 years or even longer, depending on the size of your child.
My first impression
The Mamalila Softshell vario is an improved version of the normal babywearing cover from Mamalila. It has different sized straps that allow an easy use with either baby wrap or baby carrier. It’s a one size fits all that comes with a flexible head/neck support and neck adjustment for the baby and pockets for the babywearer that can be closed by zip. The length of the cover can be adjusted to your babys size. The material feels good and comes with an ecological water-repellent impregnation based on a fluorine-free recipe which makes the cover totally weatherproof. At the inside, there’s a fleece liner.
The colour is neutral with only buckles, pocket-lines and logo as slightly coloured contrast.
How to use
There are videos from Mamalila showing you how to use the cover but it already comes with a sewn-in explanatory label. If you use a baby-carrier, close the short straps around the straps of the carrier. If you use a baby wrap, take the separate straps out of the pockets and attach them to one of the short strap on each side. Then, cross the now long straps on your back or in front, depending on how you wear your baby and close them with the buckles you’ll find at the covers bottom. Last step for both variations: close the short strap across your belly or back as seen in my picture here. I’m wearing the Limas Flex as an Onbu, so the straps around my belly are the ones from the cover.
My experience
Please don’t let the straps be as loose as mine. Fasten them so the cover comes up higher and really protects your baby. But, for sure, bigger child with arms out will probably keep their arms out, which means you need to dress them appropriately in case of rain or snow so they don’t get wet… Anyway, I prefer covers with smaller babies worn in front, it’s much easier to keep them warm and you can easily dress a warm and weatherproof jacket for yourself, too, so you both won’t get weat and give each other warmth. The Softshell Vario Cover by Mamalila is a good choice because you can combine it with any carrier or baby wrap with ease, it’s a good material and a high quality product that protects you from any kind of chilly weather.
How does it fit
I’d say this cover is great from birth on till toddlerhood. I mean, my girl is 21 months and I could carry her with the smallest adjustment. The cover can be closed on the sides with buttons to build some kind of pocket for your childs feet. This helps protecting them against wind, cold and rain. Depending on how many buttons you close, the cover gets longer and “grows” with your child.
Conclusion
One of the best covers on the market. Versatile, high quality and all-weather-protection during cold, windy, rainy or snowy days… fitting newborns as well as toddlers. Usable in front and back with any baby carrier or wrap.
