Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating sa buhay ko? The Artipoppe edition

As my son started outgrowing his Ergobaby Omni 360 carrier, I started reviewing my options for toddler carriers. Yes, I am still babywearing. I'm very thankful to my doctor and the physical therapy team, who helped strengthen my hips and knees months after delivering my baby. They have helped make babywearing as long as I'm doing it possible.

(I was in pain when I entered my third trimester, probably caused by changes in my centre of gravity, the added weight, and changed gait. I'm still waddling these days when I'm exhausted.)

For toddler carriers, I zeroed in on three brands: Baby Tula, Lenny Lamb, and Artipoppe. Baby Tula's ikat prints and Lenny Lamb's rainbow lotus are both eyecatchers; they always get my attention when I check online! But at the end of months of researching, I decided to buy Artipoppe's Zeitgeist with argus pattern in oat.

I must say that the price of the Zeitgeist carrier kept me from buying it before my son was born. It's too high! However, once I tried it on, I realised that I should have bought this before I gave birth. It was very comfortable, thanks to the wide cushioned shoulder straps. My child's weight was also well-distributed because the carrier transferred some of the weight from my front to my back and to my pelvis. 

Afternoon at the pumpkin patch

Bracing for the hike from the beach to the parking lot on top of a cliff

The Artipoppe carrier is fast becoming an accessory that I can't leave behind when my son and I are out of the house. I use it when we're at the mall and it's difficult to maneuver the aisles with a stroller and a shopping cart. I wear it when his sleep throws a curveball and he needs to be carried to sleep (normally, we read a book while seated in a rocking chair and he falls asleep on my lap). I used it once to carry my son as I ran into a restroom (at a fast-food restaurant), with a desperate need to pee (after a long drive); I can't leave him inside the car, alone, while I ran for the restroom. Sometimes, particularly if we're going uphill on a long walk or hike, I'd wear the Artipoppe as a backpack and carry him on my back, similar to how I've seen moms do it in Benin (they use wraps, however).

And so as I mull over how useful the Artipoppe is, I can't help but remember Ogie Alcasid's song, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang Dumating? If price weren't an issue, I probably would buy another piece. My eyes kept landing on the denim and the yin-yang pieces when I was choosing. However, because my son is becoming increasingly mobile, I doubt that I'd be able to maximise the use of a second toddler carrier.