Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier Review

Lenny Lamb Review

Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier Review
I received this item at no cost to facilitate my review. All opinions remain my own.

Oh, Lenny. Yes, I’m on a first-name basis with my carrier. First name Lenny, last name, Lamb. My first impression of Lenny Lamb carriers was that I adored their logo. I have a soft spot for all things ovine, so their enthusiastic sheep mascot has been beckoning me with open arms ever since I decided I needed to #TryAllTheCarriers.

lenny lamb logo



Jennifer at Lollypop Kids, ever the enabler, sent me this baby size (11-45 lbs) “Power of Hope” wrap conversion soft structured carrier, and it is magnificent:mamanloupsden_img_2378.jpgIf you are new to Lenny Lamb, let’s start off with a peek at this glamorous carrier’s features:Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier ReviewRather than a removable hood, the Lenny Lamb hood is attached to the carrier. The toggle closures on either side allow you to cinch it into an actual hood that can sit on baby’s head, even if she’s not napping. (It looks adorable.) The elastics can also attach to the plastic tabs on the shoulder straps, allowing the hood to support a sleeping baby’s drooping head.mamanloupsden_img_2385.jpgLenny Lamb’s shoulder straps can be fully unbuckled, allowing the user to cross them in the back if this is the preferred carrying method. Personally, I prefer using the straps uncrossed, but it’s great to have the option. The straps can be tightened in two directions at the base and can also be tightened at the shoulder, allowing for a snug fit that adjusts to most body types.Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier ReviewThe Lenny Lamb’s waist belt is thick, wide and contoured:mamanloupsden_img_2377.jpgThe front panel of the carrier features deep seat darts and padded leg openings.mamanloupsden_img_2373.jpgThe waist belt is secured with a sturdy safety buckle: my first carrier to have this feature. You need two hands to unbuckle the waist: one to press down on the safety button and one to press down on the sides of the buckle. I’ve never had a problem with my waist buckle accidentally unbuckling, so I actually found this a bit annoying. I like being able to do things with one hand! There’s also a safety elastic to hold the buckle in place if ever it did accidentally unbuckle.mamanloupsden_img_2376.jpgThe structure of the front panel creates a very deep and obvious seat for baby. Little Miss Cub doesn’t fill it out just yet. (She’s likely about 18 lbs.) I hold the top of the panel and kind of shimmy-shake her deep into the pocket.mamanloupsden_img_2379.jpgWith a heftier build and maybe about two pounds heavier, you can already see that her buddy, Petit Prince, fills the seat out a bit more:mamanloupsden_img_2380.jpgAnd just in case you want to see those cute butts side by side:Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier ReviewI take my baby carrier testing very seriously: Lenny has been our primary carrier for well over a month. (That might not sound like a long time, but I wear Little Miss multiple times per day, every day.) He’s come to the grocery store, on walks to the library and hikes (I use the term “hike” here lightly) in and around Calgary. He also gets a lot of use at home, as carrying her is the way I normally get her down for her naps. As with any carrier I’ve tested, there’s the initial “learning curve,” figuring out just how to adjust it perfectly for me and Little Miss. The three-way adjustable straps mean there is more to fiddle with, but this is, in the end, an advantage because you can get the perfect fit!mamanloupsden_img_2387.jpgAt first I thought the attached hood would annoy me, but honestly, I love it! I love how it looks when it’s not on baby’s head, I love how it can sit on her head as a hat even when she’s not asleep, and I like being able to hang the carrier up by its hood in our entrance way.

For back carries, the deep seat of the Lenny makes it tricky for me to get Little Miss properly seated. She is still such a lightweight that it’s hard to get her to sink deep enough without a bit of help. I’ve been practicing, though, and I can hip-scoot her onto my back in the grocery store parking lot now! If she falls asleep, reach straps help me get the hood up. My Mom made me a set!mamanloupsden_img_2383.jpg

Now that Little Miss is big enough for back carries, I am loving the freedom of movement, both at home and on the go. Cub is super into helping me to the dishes, which we can do together when his sister is riding on my back.

mamanloupsden_img_2386.jpgYou might wonder what’s so great about a carrier that’s made from a woven wrap, rather than canvas. I swapped back and forth between one of my canvas carriers and my Lenny to try to put my finger on it. Having now experienced wrapping (also thanks to Lollypop Kids), using a wrap conversion carrier like Lenny gives me the cuddle-factor I so enjoy about wrapping without all the… wrapping. My Lenny is softer, more flexible than my canvas carriers, and that’s thanks to the luxurious wrap fabric with which it is constructed. It’s my favourite structured carrier for pre-naptime snuggles.

What I love about the Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier:

  • Thick, padded, contoured waist belt;
  • Three-way adjustable shoulder straps;
  • Ability to cross straps at the back if that’s how you roll;
  • Attached hood that is adorable and functional;
  • Ethically manufactured in Poland with high-quality, fair trade materials;
  • Contoured front panel for a deep and ergonomic seat;
  • Padded leg openings.

What I love less about the Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier:

  • There’s no storage—I’d love a small pocket on the waist belt;
  • The safety button on the waist belt means I need two hands to unbuckle (safer, but less convenient);
  • The price point makes this a luxury product for most families: Lenny Lamb carriers, depending on the fabric, retail for between $200-$300 Canadian. I don’t think the price is unjustified: it reflects the high standards of production, high-quality wrap material and the fact that each carrier is handmade. Bear in mind that like Tulas, Lenny Lambs resell well, so you can expect to recoup up to 80% of your initial investment. (Sometimes more, depending on the fabric and its desirability!)

Shop & Connect

Jennifer at Ontario’s Lollypop Kids is your go-to destination for all things Lenny Lamb! And guess what? Lenny is on sale in her FIRST Anniversary sale!

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27 responses to “Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carrier Review”

  1. Nicole Golder

    God I love your reviews!! “Lenny” is also on a 1st name basis at our house lol! My hubby loves Lenny but I tend to go to our Tula more often, unless LO is in a snuggly mood and then I definitely go to Lenny. I find that Lenny almost “hugs” our LO more than the Tula does. I think my main complaint with Lenny is that darn safety buckle! I’m also a big fan of being able to do things one-handed!!

    1. Lindsay

      I LOVE that you love my reviews! Little Miss is in her Lenny as I type. And, agreed, the safety buckle is… too safe?!

  2. We love our Lenny! Hoping to add another one to our stash that our local baby boutique is having custom made.

    The only thing I don’t like is how long the hood is… It’s so much fabric. I didn’t know you could attach it to the straps though. Good to know!

  3. Laura

    I like the hood on this carrier. Too cute! I also like the color of this particular one!

  4. ellie

    This is really helpful for making my decision about what carrier to get!!

  5. How does the ll compare to the chimparoo trek? I’m debating between the two!!

    1. Nicole

      Me too!!!

  6. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  7. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  8. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  9. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  10. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  11. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  12. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  13. Nicole

    Hi I was wondering how different the chimparoo trek and the Lenny lamb were? If you could only purchase one, which one would it be? And which one is softer? Which one is easier to use? Have you tried an Emeibaby carrier???

    1. Lindsay

      Hi Nicole! I have never tried or heard of Emeibaby, but I’m intrigued! So Lenny and Chimparoo are really quite different on a lot of levels, and it’s going to depend on your priorities. Softer? Well they’re both very soft and cuddly, being made of lovely woven fabric. I like the hood on my Lenny a lot better than on my Chimparoo, but I find it much easier to get my daughter on my back and deep enough in the seat when using my Chimparoo. I like that with the Chimparoo I was able to use it when she was a newborn because of the built-in insert, but now that we don’t use the insert I find it comes untucked and that bugs me a bit. I love that Chimparoo is made in Canada, and the newer model now has the same dual adjustment on the shoulder straps, like the Lenny (mine doesn’t). I find I reach for my Lenny more overall. but my husband prefers the Trek. Feel free to PM me on Facebook if I can help more!

      1. Nicole

        Thanks so much for the feedback!!! It helps, but I’m stil not sure which one I will go with.

        1. Michelle

          Nicole! I am in the same position as you! I have no idea which one to get! Did you ever decide?
          Lindsay, which one is better for support? Did you find the waist band on the chimparoo very stiff? Do they have the same dimensions – mainly in the seat length and back height. I am petite but I make bigger kiddos! Not sure which way to go?!
          Thanks in advance!
          Michelle

          1. Michelle

            Oh, and which could have the better resale value?!

    2. Lindsay

      Hi Michelle! Okay so firstly, the price difference between a Lenny Lamb and a Trek is significant: about $100. Lenny Lamb is, in many ways, a “luxury” carrier when you look at the price tag! Lenny’s have a better resale value simply because the brand has a big following and is very well known. Chimparoo is not as well known and doesn’t have the kind of following of Tula/Lenny. I just put the two one on top of the other (Trek and Lenny), and their dimensions are very similar in terms of seat width and panel height. I can send you pics if you message my FB page! The waist bands on each are quite different: the Lenny’s is super squishy and soft, the Trek’s is very firm. I’ve never disliked the firmness of the Trek’s waistband, however. The Lenny has very defined seat darts that really hug baby’s bum, as you can tell from my pictures. The Trek’s panel does not, it’s more like a Tula. I dislike the hood on the Chimparoo and love my Lenny hood (although it’s not super supportive for naps.. I like it as a hat, lol). My husband prefers the Trek hands down and refers to it as “his” carrier, I do find I reach for the Lenny as my first choice every time. Price difference aside, I wish you could try both to see! I have likely not been that helpful….

      1. Michelle

        Thanks so much! I am still torn. Price is important, but if the LL has good resale then I can stomach the $$. Do you find the floppy waist band of the LL too soft? That is, not supportive enough? It also looks rather wide as it scoops downwards. Does this look or feel awkward? I am trying to get my hands on one from the local lending library this weekend (unfortunately they don’t have a chimparoo). Conveniently I can get one the same day I am doing a 5k was for leukemia and lymphoma (light the night) around Stanley Park!
        Did you ever use the big front pocket in the chimparoo? And which one would you say has the more padding in the shoulders?
        I’ll msg you about the pic.
        Sorry for so many questions!! It’s so hard when you can’t compare side to side.

  14. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

  15. daykam_aram

    Ever since I stumble upon babywearing, Lenny Lambs were one of the first ones I wanted to try. However due to cost, I could not do so. Great review.

  16. Laura

    I’m so glad that I found this review! I’m currently on the fence between a Lenny Lamb toddler sized ssc or a toddler Tula. I know this is an older review post but any advice would be so very welcome right now!

    In your opinion, did you find the LL to be/feel larger than the canvas ssc that you mentioned also having? I keep hearing how large the LLs feel in comparison to the Tulas (particularly when comparing toddler Tulas and toddler LLs).

    We currently own a standard Tula – which we love. However, our little one not so little anymore and we’re wondering if it’s nearing the time for us to get a toddler sized carrier. I’ve always been interested in trying a LL and thought this might be the time. I love the concept of a softer fabric but I’m unsure if a LL would be the right fit (pun intended) for our needs.

    Firstly, it’s been recommended by my physiotherapist to try and carry our little one on my back as much as possible . With this in mind, I want to make sure that we get the right carrier for this – not just for my comfort and support but to ensure that my little one isn’t doing any back flips;). I’ve not done much back carrying yet but our little one is very keen on getting her arms out and arching her back during front carrying. Safety and peace of mind is at the top of mind here.

    Secondly, I’m having a hard time determining if it is indeed the right time (or nearing the right time) be to make the switch to a toddler size. I’ve heard that little ones can remain in most standard carriers until they reach 2T sizing, Our little one is just 12 mths old but is a very tall baby already wearing 18-24 mth sized clothing. She seems to still fit well in her standard Tula and Boba but my guess is that she will need something in a toddler size fairly soon. She’s already just over 31 inches tall, weighs approximately 23 pounds and is with very long legs that – while seated in her carrier – measure approximately 17 inches from the back of one knee to the other.

    From these measurements, it seems like she is close to being a good fit for the toddler sized carriers, with the exception of the back panel maybe being a little too high right away. But here is where the breaks get put on…it’s the conflicting information that I keep hearing about Lenny sizing. The main comment being that LL carriers fit larger – that most parents never need to switch – and that the second generation toddler sized versions are particularly HUGE .

    It’s all so confusing! Any help would be sooo appreciated!

    Thanks!

    1. Lindsay

      Hi Laura! Okay, so that’s a lot to answer, and I am sadly not well positioned to answer most of your questions. While I have both a standard Tula and Lenny, I only have a Toddler Tula and have never used a Toddler Lenny to offer any insight or comparison. That said, I find it interesting that you have heard that Tulas are smaller than Lenny Lambs, as I would say the opposite. At least for the baby size (standard), I consider my Tula to be the larger carrier! As for when/if your child is ready to upgrade to a larger size, I am also not an expert on that. I would recommend talking to a Babywearing Educator, especially given your particular concerns related to physio.

      1. Laura

        Yes, sorry…that was a lot! Your answer was really helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to address what you could. Before asking my questions here, I had reached out to two of the educators in our area about fittings. Unfortunately, only one was currently offering appointments and was booked up for the next three weeks. I was, however, able to sign up for a baby-wearing meeting this week and I’m hoping to get more of my questions answered there. Thank you again!

  17. […] both the wear-er and the wear-ee. Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent’s […]

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Welcome to my Wolf Pack!

My name is Lindsay and I am a 40-year-old mama of four trying to live an eco-friendly, budget-friendly life! I am a substitute teacher and Child Passenger Safety technician in Calgary, Alberta. Join me on my adventures!

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