Mini Monkey TWIN Mesh Carrier review

Since I originally reviewed the Mini Monkey TWIN carrier back in 2018, Mini Monkey have updated it to replace the soft denim chambray panel with an even softer, airy mesh fabric. So I thought it was high time for a fresh review!

The first thing to say is much of the carrier remains the same. In terms of how long it fits, how it can be used, who it fits etc..... is all unchanged and still covered in great depth by my orginal review (which you can find here). So I won't repeat this in the text here, and instead I will focus on the differences and what make this newer version, quite frankly better, than the older model.

But first, for those who prefer a video review, you can see and hear my full thoughts on the Mini Monkey Twin Mesh and see it in action here;

So what has changed?

First and foremost the main change is the fabric.  I did actually really love the old denim chambray.  It was so soft - like a really soft denim shirt.  And it coordinated with everything.  But it was kind of hot.  And let's face it - carrying twins is a hot affair. Even in the winter!  So switching this panel over to mesh is a really welcome change.  And not only is it mesh, but it is really ultra soft, ultra breathable, ultra lightweight mesh.  It is the same Mesh they use on the Mini Sling, which always absolutely flies off the shelves come summer because it is unbeatable in terms of how thin, cool and light it is. Making this a fabulous option for sprint, summer and actually all year round.  Plus this mesh fabric is extremely fast drying, which is great because slings do get dirty (sick, spit, nappy explosions) and something that can be washed and dried quickly is a big big pro!

The second main change is that Mini Monkey have redesigned the back part of the carrier.  On the older denim version the back part moved and would annoyingly sometimes get stuck in the plastic clips when attempting to loosen or tighten the carrier and as a result I have got stuck in this sling more than once!  On the newer Mesh version this has been completely redesigned.  Now the back part is sewn into place and the buckles for loosening and tightening are lower down on your back which makes them easier to reach than before.  Additionally they've added a sizing thing that allows you to adjust where this crossover is on your back to allow for different parent shapes and sizes.  It is definitely an improvement.  However, it is still a bit of a source of frustration because;

1. While the buckles are much easier to loosen off than before, they are still not that easy to reach!  And it's still a bit tricky to do!
2. Likewise while it is much easier to tighten than before, it's still quite stiff and really can be quite hard to firstly find the right angle to pull the strap at and actually get it to move!  This is something that you get better at over time but it is a bit of a knack and still not super easy.
3. While it does adjust to fit different size backs - I am finding it doesn't go small enough for very petite parents.  There are 3 settings and Mini Monkey have labelled them suggesting they fit XXS, S and M-XXL respectively.  I am size 12 and 5ft7/170cm and definitely wouldn't describe myself as an XXS and yet I am using it on the XXS setting.  On anyone significantly smaller than me, say UK8 and below (or in mens sizes shirt collar size of 14)... I am really struggling to get the straps anywhere near tight enough.  Particularly when babies are smaller.   Consequently, I don't think this carrier works well on more petite parents.  For everyone else, including plus sized parents, broad shouldered parents and everyone in between there is loads of adjustability - it's just the very petite that its not work for.  

However, those niggles aside, I do think this back panel panel is vastly improved and combined with the new mesh fabric I really do think that the Mini Monkey TWIN mesh carrier is one of the best dedicated Twin carriers out there.  It is fairly intuitive to use, it folds down really very small and works really well for babies aged between 8 weeks and 8 months (ish!) - so really plugs the gap before babies are ready for the one front one back options like the TwinGo.   

The Mini Monkey Twin carrier currently costs £115 and can be purchased through Sheen Slings here.  I also have 2 available to hire and offer discounts to those who hire first to ensure you can try before you buy and be completely sure it will work for you before you invest.  Or if you'd like to talk through your options and whether this verses something else (like 2 singleton carriers or a woven wrap) might work better for your family feel free to get in touch!

-Madeleine