PLUMFISH LLC Introduces Step Caddy: The Ultimate Toddler Carrier for Active Families

PLUMFISH LLC, founded by engineer and inventor Nicholas Fishwick, is proud to announce the launch of the Step Caddy, a revolutionary toddler carrier designed to enhance outdoor experiences for families with children aged 2 to 5 years. This innovative and unique carrier addresses the needs of older toddlers, providing a comfortable and practical solution for both parents and children.

The inspiration for the Step Caddy emerged in 2014 when Fishwick sought a carrier for his then 5-year-old twin girls. Traditional framed carriers were bulky and unsuitable for the older toddler while existing slings and soft carriers placed undue strain on the shoulders and back. Recognizing the need for a compact, efficient, and ergonomic solution that protected the spine, Fishwick conceptualized a carrier that allows children to stand piggyback-style, distributing their weight directly to the parent's hips with a special load-bearing waist belt. Biomechanics Studies have shown this approach reduces spinal load and improves posture, balance, mobility, and overall stability.

Embarking on the development journey, Fishwick dedicated over two years to designing and refining the Step Caddy. He acquired sewing skills, attended industry trade shows, collaborated with industry experts, and worked with a group of families for product testing. The result is a carrier that seamlessly integrates into active lifestyles, ensuring safety, comfort, and convenience.

Key features of the Step Caddy include:

• Weightless Carrying – Step Caddy’s unique combination of a load-bearing waist belt, standing position, and stirrups create a very low center of mass and the optimal load-transfer point, ensuring maximum weight distribution to the hips, meaning reduced back strain, better balance, increased mobility, and less fatigue for the parent.

• Fast and Easy – Designed for independent toddlers, the Step Caddy enables simple, unsupervised mounting and dismounting, allowing parents to transition between carrying and walking quickly and easily.

• Secure and Comfortable – Magnetic safety buckles self-home and auto-lock, ensuring secure placement while being easy for parents to access. The patented stirrups keep the child's feet stable, eliminating the risk of slipping or falling.

• Compact and Portable – Weighing only 2.5 lbs (~1kg), Step Caddy is light and folds away small, making it convenient to stow in a day bag, car trunk, or carry-on luggage. It is ideal for spontaneous adventures, travel, or urban exploration.
  

Not Just For Hiking

The combination of Step Caddy's key features—packable, high vantage point, easy to climb on/off, safe, and hours of easy carrying—makes it ideal for many activities.

• Hiking—Exploring the great outdoors with a toddler is an incredible experience, but it can be challenging to carry them when they get tired. Step Caddy's ease of use and light, packable size makes it ideal for throwing into a backpack for use when needed.

• Theme Parks—A day at a theme park is full of magic, made even more so by avoiding the stress that comes with strollers. Fishwick says, "Pack a Step Caddy instead; the stress is reduced, and the day and its excitement are uninterrupted."

• Festivals—Taking your child to a concert or festival is an exciting way to share music and culture. The High vantage point of a Step Caddy means the child can share everything with the parent and be close and safe at all times.

• Sporting Events—Bringing your toddler to a live sports event can be an unforgettable experience. Like festivals, it is made even more magical if the toddler is not staring at the back of legs all day and has the elevated vantage point that a carrier like a Step Caddy provides.

• Long Days Out - Planning a full day out with a toddler can be challenging; it is hard to anticipate every turn. A portable, packable, and easy-to-use toddler carrier can make all the difference.

The Step Caddy stands out in the market by providing all the convenience and portability of a soft carrier combined with all the back protection of a unique load-bearing waist-belt solution.

While many products focus on infants or younger toddlers, the Step Caddy addresses the unique requirements of older children who seek both independence and occasional support.

In contrast to competitors, the Step Caddy eliminates reliance on shoulder and back strength, offering a sustainable and comfortable carrying experience. Its design acknowledges that as children grow heavier, traditional carriers become less practical, and the need for a solution that balances support with portability becomes paramount.

Early users of the Step Caddy have shared very positive feedback, highlighting its impact on family outings.

One parent noted, "Spent the afternoon at Laguna Seca watching the Grand Prix; with Step Caddy, we were both able to enjoy the sights and sounds. No fuss. No aches. No pains. Amazing day."

Another shared, "Carried my kid for hours with Step Caddy. Legitimately expected to be sore, but experienced nothing. It's great."

For more information about the Step Caddy and to explore purchasing options, visit the official website at https://stepcaddy.com/. Stay connected with PLUMFISH LLC through their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest

PLUMFISH LLC remains committed to enhancing family adventures by providing innovative, practical, and high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of parents and children alike.