Brand: Ruckeli (DE) material: 100% organic cotton size: One size weight/age recommendation: 3,5 to 20 kg; panel height: 26-43 cm, width: 13-34 cm
About the company: Ruckeli has been developed by two fathers in reaction of the question “are you carrying the bump today?” When their babies were born, the first prototype was ready to be tested and the experiences they made helped in optimizing the carrier further.
Also today, the are both open to accept experiences and suggestions of their customers. The carrier was made in EU and is available as standard and slim in various colours. Also available are different accessories.
Ruckeli: to be used as hip carrier
My first impression: The Ruckeli looks like a random Full Buckle but does have several features I haven’t met before. First thing to do for me then, was checking the booklet for more information on how to wear and adjust the carrier. Besides, it looks nice and isn’t too heavy or bulky.
What’s great to start with: the whole carrier can just be rolled up and tucked into itself (into a stretchy pocket on the hip belt). Like this, it can be stored space saving and even used to carry your (bigger) child easily on your hips – clever!
What I also like: there’s a loop on the carrier to hang it on the wardrobe, which is a very nice gadget.
How to adjust the Ruckeli…
The panel is adjustable in height and width. The height is steplessly adjustable with a body extension that can be pulled up with four hooks on each side. The only reason you might not like this, is that the material gets loose when narrowing it.
The width of the seat is adjustable with an insert that can be narrowed by opening several buttons in 5 steps on each side to reach the optimal knee-to-knee-/spread-squat-positioning. The carrier has shoulder straps with two ends – one straight, one curved.
Safe way to put on the carrier
Depending on where you carry your child, front or back, the ends are attached on the body panel and hip belt differentely. One end is always attached which makes it easier to safely put on the carrier with your child.
The carrier comes with UV-protection head rest that can be easily pulled up with long, elastic straps. If not used, it can be rolled up and fixed with velcro.
How does it wear: We’ve been testing the Ruckeli in both front and back position during longer hikes. I’ve carried my girl in the front and found it really comfy. The weight was spread evenly and although the straps don’t have a thick padding as seen with other carriers, it’s nice on the shoulders. I got the “slim” model which is great for people under 165cm (yes, me!).
After reading the manual, it was easy to use the carrier. Because both ends of the shoulder straps are adjustable in length, you have to try out what position is more comfy for you and your child.
Up to six months, it’s rather the strap that goes to the hip belt, you tighten more. Now, be aware to change the strap ends before carrying your child on the back. I forgot to do so and let my hubby carry with crossed straps in the front.
One week later we did it correctly but he didn’t feel something’s different but the straps going under his arms (he didn’t liked that). Well, okay! 😉 But as a woman you’ll prefer the version of non-crossed straps. 😉
Ruckeli: thought-out carrier with nice features
Concerning the insert, it didn’t make a big difference on the back if we opened one or two buttons. I guess, the figure of the person who’s carrying, has more influence on the child’s knees spread/angle than the carrier/seat. But this is the case with most carriers.
One thing left is, you can’t fix the spare part of the insert. The manual says just to fold it out but it will do there what it wants. 😉 If you don’t like this, use a string to tie it but I heard Ruckeli may come up with another solution. However, this is rather a cosmetic issue.
Conclusion of my Ruckeli test: Comfortable, thought-out carrier which provides some nice features to adjust it properly to the child as well as to the person carrying. One of the first non wrap-fabric carriers that can really convince with satisfying ergonomics and grow-with-the child.
If you tried Ruckeli with a Toddler, feel free to share your experiences. If it really fits up to 20kg, it could become a carrier with a big competitive advantage. You should definitely give it a try.
Tested in july 2017 with my 6 months old baby. Thanks for the opportunity!
