Manduca XT – finally with adjustable seat

This post is also available in: Deutsch (German)

Brand: Manduca (DE)
Carrier: XT (Full-Buckle), available in grey-orange or grey-ocean since may 2018
Material: 100% organic cotton
Weight/Age recommendations: 3,5-20 kg (panel width adjustable from 16-50 cm, height: 33-39-42cm)

About the brand: Read more about Manduca in a previous review of the Duo carrier.

My first impression: Even before I’m unboxing the new Manduca XT I’m sure they just revolutioned their brand. So many people, especially babywearing consultants have been waiting for this. Of course, it was possible to make the best out of the Manduca first by using the size-it for tiny babies or the ellipse for toddlers. But now it’s an all-in-one Full Buckle carrier for everyone… When grabbing it, the material feels softer than the one that’s used for the First.

Chest belt is easier to adjust now

How to adjust it: The panel is easily adjustable. The width by extending the fabric or pushing it together and fixing it. The height is adjustable in three steps by either zipping in the ellipse, taking it out and leaving the zip open or closing it.

Shoulder straps are adjustable as well and so is the chest belt – with a great improvement: it’s covered with the soft fabric and glides more easily than the usual solution with plastic clips that most carriers are equipped with.

The head support is folded and stuffed into some kind of open pouch. It’s possible to roll and fix it with toggles to get a neck support for your baby. There’s a three-point security buckle on the hip belt which is still easy to open without risking your nails. 😉

How does it fit and wear: The Manduca XT is very comfy. I’ve been using it for hiking as well as for a day trip to the zoo by train. The well padded shoulder straps and hip belt supports nicely while the padding on the child’s legs seems to be very comfy, too. As you can see I preferred carrying her arms in with the ellipse zipped in and there’s still a lot of space for her to grow.

Although I’ve had the panel almost in full width alreay, I’ve heard it fits until size 104 depending on the individual lenght of the legs and figure of the babywearer of course. My girl fell asleep easily in the Manduca XT. I didnt’ have the possibility to test it with a newborn yet but the diagonal course of the shoulder straps under the armpit to the back panel makes sure there’s not too much tension towards baby’s back.

Manduca XT – leading brand going fully ergonomic

Conclusion: Knowing that the Manduca is one of the most selling baby carriers in Europe (as far as my experiences shows especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland), I totally appreciate this great change towards an ergonomic way of babywearing and I wish that the XT will be spread with priority and soon fully replace the First.

Of course I also wish for more designs, editions and colours. 😉 The XT is very easy to adjust and handle while being comfy also for I guess many parents that it will for sure become an important part during my babywearing consultations.

You won’t want to skip Manduca anymore. For sure there are still better solutions for newborns but apart from this, I can highly recommend the XT to everyone who’s in search for a carrier that will last for more than 1-2 years.

I hope I can add some more picturs soon, until then you’ll find great detail pics and illustrations at Manduca. Unless me, please do always close the zipper accurately so it won’t disturb your child’s arms 😉

Tested with my 18 months old baby during summer 2018. Thanks to the sponsor Sonnenkind.ch for the opportunity!