The Piggyback Rider ~ Review & Giveaway

Although Kaelyn walks many places we go, there are times she wants to be carried. My husband usually puts her on his shoulders or gives her a piggyback ride which she loves. In fact, she often begs for him to carry her longer, but his shoulders and back can only take so much. That's why I was excited to learn more about The Piggyback Rider.
With six kids between them, the Lifshitz brothers realized the need for a carrier that was simple, lightweight and could be used with older children as well. Something that would replace bulky backpack carriers and strollers. It was at that time they set out to invent a unique carrier to solve these common issues, reduce strain and extend their paternal bonding time, and The Piggyback Rider was born.

Features/Benefits:

• For children ages 2 1/2 to 7 (and up to 60 pounds)
• Weighs less than 3 lbs
• Size of rolled towel
• Built strong and sturdy
• Made with high quality climbing buckles, webbing and a tempered aluminum bar
• Comes in a convertible multi-purpose storage bag/mudflap
• Compact, durable, lightweight
• One size, fully adjustable
• Four secure hand holds
• Wide foot bar for stability
• Child safety harness
  
• Padded shoulder straps with chest strap

I thought The Piggyback Rider seemed like a great alternative to more clunky, heavy backpack child carriers and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one.

When The Piggyback Rider arrived, I was already impressed with how compact it is. It stores in a convertible multi-purpose storage bag that can also serve as a mudflap or small pouch when using this backpack-like child carrier.

As I pulled everything out of the bag, I was happy to see that the Piggyback Rider is not only incredibly lightweight (less than 3 lbs), but also great quality and extremely safe (our top priority)! I can tell a lot of time and thought went into making sure this would be a well-made, sturdy product. It's made with durable, high quality climbing buckles, webbing and a tempered aluminum bar. I can definitely see this being something that lasts us a very long time!

When it comes to any children's gear, I always look for ease of use. I need something that doesn't take a lot of time and isn't confusing. Thankfully, The Piggyback Rider couldn't have been easier to put on and use.

First, my husband tightened the shoulder straps until snug and adjusted the buckle chest strap. Once he had the carrier on and foot bar adjusted (which is super simple), Kaelyn put her Harness on. She slipped her arms through each loop and we tightened them until snug.

At that point, we were all ready to attach the safety tether on her harness, to the carrier so she could start piggyback riding! I will be honest, this is the part I thought might get tricky. Could one person really do this on their own without the help of someone else? The answer is yes! My husband simply squatted down, secured the safety tether hooks to each attachment ring and pulled forward on the safety tether to make sure she was secure.

She then grabbed onto the looped handles, stepped onto the black ends of the footbar one at a time and they were ready to go (she's barefoot in the pictures, but had shoes on once we left the house :)).

As you can see, Kaelyn absolutely loves it! She smiles from ear to ear whenever she gets to ride in The Piggyback Rider. She really enjoys the 'birds-eye view' she gets from riding up so high. I love that it encourages bonding between children and parents and allows the child to be engaged in active transport (rather than simply sitting and eventually falling asleep).

I had no question whether Kaelyn would love it, but I did wonder how well my husband would like it and if he'd find it to be comfortable. He said he found it to be very comparable to carrying a backpack which wasn't bad at all. Functioning like a backpack, it utilizes a shoulder-mounted foot-bar to distribute Kaelyn's weight at the core, which enables a natural upright walking posture. We both really appreciate that it allows us to stand much straighter than if we were carrying her directly on our backs, hunched over.

With The Piggyback Rider being so portable, simple and lightweight, I can see us using it in many different situations. Whether it's a trip to the mall, the zoo, or a walk to the park...it seems to be a mutually enjoyable way to carry Kaelyn around. No more sore shoulders and back or choking with Kaelyn's arms wrapped around our necks while we carry her!

Having had the chance to test and review The Piggyback Rider, I would definitely recommend families with children ages 2 1/2-7 check it out. It's extremely well made and best of all, the high quality material and integrated safety features make it very safe and enjoyable for both parent and child. We have been very happy with it, and as the weather continues to warm up, look forward to using it even more.

Buy It: You can purchase The Piggyback Rider for $79.99.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a Piggyback Rider of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Leave a comment letting me know one place that you'd use the Piggyback Rider. You can visit ThePiggybackRider.com for ideas!

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry - Like The Piggyback Rider on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow The Piggyback Rider on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and The Piggyback Rider) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

The portable, simple and lightweight backpack-like child carrier! #Win a Piggyback Rider! http://bit.ly/dP17vP #momsbalancingact Ends 4/8

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway (you can do this once a day, for an extra entry every day).

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end April 8th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by The Piggyback Rider. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own.**