KoalaKin Review – Hands Free Nursing Pouch

 Price: $90

Where to buy: Amazon

My Overall Rating: 8 out of 10

Why I Love the KoalaKin:

There are times that I come across a product and I think to myself, “why, didn’t I know about that?!” The Koalakin is one of those products.

I remember nursing my first baby and how I had the luxury of planting myself on the couch for hours on end while he grazed at his leisure. With my second baby, I was not so fortunate. With a second child (and I imagine the same for any number after the first) the issue is that you now have an older child (or children) to care for.

In my house, the second I sit down someone needs a glass of water or help in the bathroom or they are hungry. The list goes on. Trying to nurse an infant who could be at the breast for an hour or more at a time seems nearly impossible.

That is why I love the KoalaKin.

What Makes the KoalaKin So Awsome?

So the KoalaKin is NOT a baby carrier. (I know, I was confused too at first.) It is made specifically for breastfeeding. Yes, you can get up and walk around while breastfeeding but it is not made to wear your baby in when not feeding.

Per KoalaKin’s website, that is because the safest position for your baby is in an upright position when in a carrier. So after nursing, you should remove your baby from the KoalaKin.

The KoalaKin really has the feel of a soft carrier rather than a sling or wrap. It is made with 100% breathable cotton canvas on the outside for durability and 100% soft cotton on the inside for added comfort for your baby.

It is designed with three different straps that adjust to fit the shape and size of the user. I really liked the fact that there were only three straps.

It made taking it out of the box and using it right away simple. There was no need to fiddle with it or hunt for instructions.

The KoalaKin also boasts ergonomic back support by evenly distributing your baby’s weight among both shoulders. This was a big plus to me since I always suffered from back and shoulder pain from hunching over my baby for hours at a time.

Another feature I love is the sling portion of the KoalaKin easily clips from one side to the other. So switching baby to the other breast is as simple as picking him up and putting him to the other breast. Then clip the sling strap back in place and you are good to go! No taking it off and moving it around. Super simple!

How do you Use the KoalaKin?

Using the KoalaKin really is quite simple. But for those of you who (like me) are visual, here is a video so you can see exactly how to use the KoalaKin. 

It really is that easy!

What are My Options with the KoalaKin?

The Koalakin comes in 2 different colors – Chocolate Brown and Black/Green.

There are different sizes for both the pouch (which holds your baby) and the vest (which goes around you). Here is the sizing chart so you can see the various sizes.

My boys were not huge babies but they were not small either. They were both around 8-lbs and about 19 inches at birth. I didn’t discover the KoalaKin until my youngest was about one-month-old. I got an M/L size pouch and a Small vest. That size worked great for us.

I do think though that for the first 2 months of using it, a small pouch would have better suited us. In the beginning, I was rolling a blanket and putting it underneath him to make him slightly higher but once he grew a little, the pouch fit him perfect.

I would recommend a small pouch for the first few months.

One common complaint you will see in customer reviews on the KoalaKin, is that users felt it was too big even when using the smallest size. I did not purchase the small size pouch but I did have that problem like I said for the first few months.

I attribute that to using the wrong size in my case. Make sure you follow the sizing chart and understand that the product may run slightly big. But I felt the straps adjusted well and never had to adjust them to their max.

You can purchase just the pouch separately which is great! That way you can have both sizes to grow into without spending the money for an entirely new set.

Pros and Cons of KoalaKin

I really like the KoalaKin but like all products, it has its drawbacks.

Cons

• Complaints that it runs big
• It is not a baby carrier, so pricey for an item with one specific use
• Pricier than a standard nursing pillow

Pros

• Allows hands-free nursing
• Even though it’s pricey, it is an item that will be used multiple times per day and that’s worth it in my book!
• Gives your arms and back a rest from supporting your baby’s weight while nursing
• Allows you to be mobile while nursing which helps when you have older children
• Easier to nurse in than a baby carrier or sling

Overall, I think the KoalaKin does a good job of providing a product that solves a big issue for nursing mothers which is how immobilizing nursing can be.

If you have struggled with nursing in a sling or carrier but still need a hands-free option, then the KoalaKin is a must have.

I wish I had known about it with my first baby!

Have you tried the KoalaKin before? Share your thoughts here!

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Click here to read more about the KoalaKin!

 

 

 

 

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