In short, the Chekoh Forward Clip is a very supportive carrier, it’s easy to put on by yourself, and the design is beautiful. I’ve been using it consistently for the past month with my 15-month-old son, who weighs 13kg, and so far I haven’t found a downside.
Chekoh sent us the Grey Stripe Forward Clip to review. All opinions are my own.
Chekoh Forward Clip at a glance
| Detail | Chekoh Forward Clip |
|---|---|
| Price | $279.95 (some colours $299.95) |
| Colour we tested | Grey Stripe |
| Weight range | 3.2kg to 20kg, newborn to toddler |
| Carry positions | Inward-facing, forward-facing and back carry |
| Safety | Endorsed by the Australian Babywearing Association, follows International Hip Dysplasia Institute guidance, tested to US standard ASTM F2236 |
| Fabric | Bamboo 68% Linen 32% OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified |
| Extras | Free video fit consult with a certified babywearing educator, 1 year warranty |
| Tested with | A 15-month-old toddler (13kg), over one month of regular use |
| Our verdict | Supportive, easy to use on your own and lovely to look at |
Finding the right baby carrier
As a mum of two, I’ve tried a number of different baby carriers over the years, trying to find the right one. On paper they can all look much the same, but you really only find out if it suits you and your baby once you’re wearing it.
Before Chekoh, I’d tried carriers from several other brands. One had fabric that was pretty rough on the skin, and it just didn’t support my son or me when he was in it. Another was a wrap carrier, which I found a little bit complicated to use. I also had a newborn carrier from a different brand that I loved, but it only went up to 11.3kg, so we’ve outgrown it. Because I’ve tried so many different brands, I know what to look out for in a good or bad carrier, and I can tell pretty quickly when one is great. For me, it comes down to how well it supports both of us and how easy it is to use on my own.
Chekoh is a Brisbane-based brand. Founder Krystal Tupi started it in 2014 at her kitchen table with a sewing machine, after she couldn’t find a carrier for her first son that was safe, comfortable and nice to look at. Her approach is to “make it safe and then make it beautiful”, and after a month with the Forward Clip, I can see both in this carrier.
Support and comfort in everyday use
I’ve been testing it very consistently for the past month, so this review is based on real, everyday use rather than a quick try at home. I’ve used it for short periods on our outings, like a grocery shop and a trip to the beach. I also wore it when I took my older son for a bike ride, which is exactly the kind of outing where a carrier comes in handy, because it meant we could all head out together with ease.
Across all of those outings, the support is where the Forward Clip really stood out for me. I felt it most in my lower back and through the waistband.
My son is 13kg now, so weight distribution is really important. The straps are padded and cross over at the back, which Chekoh says is designed to spread the weight evenly. I felt very comfortable carrying him in it, even at his weight.
He was very comfortable too, which matters just as much. If he isn’t happy in a carrier, it doesn’t matter how good it feels for me.
How easy is it to put on?
It’s easy to put on by yourself, which isn’t always the case with baby carriers. The clips and the way the carrier is made make it simple, and the straps are really easy to adjust, so getting the fit right doesn’t take long.
The fabric is super durable, so I felt secure putting him in. Chekoh also says it’s adjustable to fit a wide range of body types, from women’s size 6 to 24, and it’s suitable for breastfeeding too.
The design
It’s a beautiful carrier. A lot of baby gear is designed to be practical first, but this is one I’m happy to be seen wearing.
The Grey Stripe is one of Chekoh’s unisex designs, finished with gold logo buttons. The fabric is a bamboo and linen blend, which Chekoh describes as naturally breathable, soft and lightweight, and it’s machine washable, which is a must with babies and toddlers (dribble and snacks included).
Carry positions
The Forward Clip can be worn three ways: facing in, facing out, or on your back, so it can change as your baby grows. I used it forward-facing, because my son likes to see the world, and facing out lets him take in everything around us.
Chekoh recommends inward-facing (chest to chest) as the most supportive, ergonomic position, and suggests keeping forward-facing to 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Our outings in it have been short, which fits with that guidance.
Chekoh only launched a forward-facing carrier recently, because Krystal chose to wait until clear safety guidance was in place. That says a lot in a category where so many carriers are designed with looks in mind first. It’s a good example of the approach she started Chekoh with: make it safe, and then make it beautiful. As a mum, knowing a brand was willing to wait rather than rush a product out gives me a lot more confidence in what I’m carrying my son in.
Babywearing safety tips from Chekoh’s founder
Krystal shared a few tips for anyone new to babywearing. They’re worth a read even if you’ve used carriers before.
- Look for a carrier that’s been certified or endorsed. All Chekoh carriers are endorsed by the Australian Babywearing Association.
- Follow the T.I.C.K.S. rule for safe babywearing. Chekoh recommends checking these when you first put your baby in, and throughout your wear.
- T: Tight. Your carrier should hold baby snugly against you.
- I: In view at all times. You should always be able to see baby’s face.
- C: Close enough to kiss. Baby should be positioned high enough that you can easily kiss the top of their head.
- K: Keep chin off chest. Baby’s chin should remain clear of their chest to help maintain an open airway.
- S: Supported back. Baby should be held securely against you with their back comfortably supported.
- Never cover your baby’s face.
- Keep their feet out of the carrier. It helps their circulation and hips, and stops them slumping.
- In summer, count the carrier as a layer. A light singlet is usually enough, and breathable natural fabrics help.
- Practise with a teddy in front of a mirror first, and pop your baby in when they’re fed and happy.
If you’re not sure about the fit, Chekoh offers a free one-on-one video call with a certified babywearing educator.
Who it suits
- Parents of bigger babies and toddlers, as it carries up to 20kg.
- Anyone who often wears their baby without a second pair of hands to help.
- Families who want one carrier from newborn through to toddler.
- Parents looking for a breathable carrier for warmer weather.
Final thoughts
After trying a lot of carriers, the Chekoh Forward Clip is the one I’d direct other mums to. It’s supportive, it’s easy to put on without help, and it’s beautiful.
At $279.95 it’s an investment, but it goes from newborn right up to 20kg, so it’s a carrier you can use for years rather than months. Unlike some carriers I’ve had, we won’t outgrow it any time soon. You can find the Chekoh Forward Clip on the Chekoh website.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use the Chekoh Forward Clip with a newborn?
Yes. It suits babies from 3.2kg up to 20kg, so you can use it from newborn through to toddler.
Is the Chekoh Forward Clip good for toddlers?
Yes. I’ve used it with my 15-month-old, who weighs 13kg, and found it very supportive, especially through the lower back and waistband.
How long can a baby face forward in a carrier?
Chekoh recommends keeping forward-facing to 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and using the inward-facing position for longer carries.
Is the Chekoh carrier safe?
It’s endorsed by the Australian Babywearing Association, follows International Hip Dysplasia Institute guidance and is tested to the US standard ASTM F2236.
Can you put on the Chekoh Forward Clip by yourself?
Yes. The clips and straps are easy to do up and adjust on your own.
