meeUp!

If that sounds like baby talk....well, it was! What little one hasn't said, "me up!" at one time or another when they were trying to get at something out of reach or be carried? Add baby wearing into that equation, and meeUp baby carriers was born.

I was so excited to try this carrier. I love baby wearing. Like most babies, my daughter has gone through some stretches where it was Mommy or the highway, and just being nearby didn't count. She wanted to be carried all.the.time.non.stop! So, my solution was to wear her. It freed up my hands and made me much more mobile with her, not to mention saved my body. Kids get heavy, and having all their weight on one point (say, a hip), can really put a hitch in your giddy up!

Did I mention that meeUp carriers are crazy cute?! You can pretty much pair up whatever fabrics, patterns or solids, that suit your fancy. They're also fully lined, so they're reversible - two styles in one! I tried this one in Tangerine Dot with Fuchsia. It was so pretty when I opened the package that I didn't want to unfold it! Have a look:

I am in love! I "made" my old carrier. And by made, I mean I cut a five-yard strip of fabric in half and used that. Which was fine for at home, but didn't exactly fit in the diaper bag. Not to mention that it was pretty complex to tie for the different carries. The meeUp? The meeUp is small and light, it easily fits in the diaper bag. And it's easy. It is SO easy to use! To be honest, the first time I looked at the directions, I thought there would be much more to it than there actually is. My was of summing it up? Fold (seam toward your face), twist, wear. It really is that easy.

Using the meeUp has saved me aches and pains and a ton of time. I can wear my girl around the house and actually get things done! It earns even more points for the fact that it's saved my back. I tried a front carrier and it put an incredible strain on my back and shoulders. The meeUp distributes my 16 pounds of baby evenly and is very comfortable. With no clasps, buckles, rings, or any hardware to deal with, it's on and the baby is in it in just seconds.

Of course, one of the first tests I did was to machine wash and dry it. I just tossed it in with a load of baby clothes and it came out beautifully. It retained its shape and as far as I can tell, didn't shrink at all. I should mention that the care instructions say that it's machine washable and that it should be line-dried. I had to put it to the dryer test because....well, because I don't think I've ever line-dried anything in my life. But really, my first recommendation would be to follow the care instructions.

MeeUps come in 4 sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. You can find helpful info on sizing here. If you have any questions, though, just drop them an email. They are easy to work with and will be happy to help you work out your sizing. Feel like the standard sizes might not fit you? You can get one custom made for your body, just drop them an email to get started.

I really think that if you try this carrier, you're going to love it! And at about half the price of most big-box store carriers, you'll save some cash, too. (Or you'll get two!) If you've never tried baby wearing, this is a great way to start. It's easy, simple, portable, and very chic!

Headed off to buy your own meeUp? Win a $15 gift certificate toward your purchase! Here's how to enter: (leave a separate comment for each way you enter, please!)

• Go check out the fabrics available and let me know what combo you'd like for your meeUp
• Follow my blog (in the sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (@HappyMomAmy, in the sidebar)
• Subscribe via email (also in the sidebar)
• Put my button on your site (again, in the sidebar)
• Blog about baby wearing and mention this giveaway in your post (leave a link, please!)
• *NEW* Tweet about this post/giveaway and leave a link back in the comments (if you don't leave a link, the entry can't count)

Giveaway runs from 6/1-6/14/09, 11:59pm EST.