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Ergo Baby Carrier

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#1 ·
I love it!!

review by puppypanties

After trying the moby wrap and the baby k'tan, this was the best! I love the fact that my 6'2'' husband and I (5') can both wear it. It adjusts easily and is easy to put on alone, it just took a day of practicing over a bed at home. DD loves it!! My daughter is 16.5lbs now and its still comfortable and displaces her weight nicely on me.

The only con is that this was an expensive carrier, but I figure we'll be using it for years to come. I bought the organic one because the material was more lighter and fit my daughter better at the time. She was probably around 12/13lbs and a month and half old when I got the carrier. We never used the infant insert since she was *just* big enough to fit the organic carrier, but not the regular one.

ProsCons
comfortable, easy to put on, others can use it Its a bit expensive

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
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#2 ·
my lifesaver

review by cherrybombmama

without the ergo, i wouldnt have survived my first two months postpartum. i can chase my toddler while my newborn sleeps soundly, and with the infant insert, he stays snug and i can be sure that he is properly situated. my first son loves watching me wash the new baby in the sink, but it was impossible managing a baby in the sink and a toddler on a chair by the sink, so i tossed the toddler onto my back in the ergo while washing and then getting the new baby dressed. it was so easy :)

when i wear the ergo, i feel as if i am wearing nothing, and as scary as this sounds, i have occasionally forgotten that my son was in there! that is how normally i can go about my life. i only wish it was a little bit easier to sit in. the padding on the bottom makes me just a tad bit uncomfortable.

i reccomend this to everyone!

ProsCons
easy to use, lightweight, for all sizes (w/ infant insert,) nice colorhard to sit in, although not impossible

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#3 ·
My go-to Toddler carrier!

review by justkate

I absolutely LOVE my Ergo, and if I had to choose only one carrier for a toddler, this would be it. We started using this when DD was about nine months old, and it really has made life easier. She prefers a front carry (still, at 21 months), and this makes it easy to stay warm when it is cold out. This is definitely one of the best baby purchases we made. I agree with another reviewer that the waist padding is comfy but bulky, so it is not easy to sit comfortably with your LO in a front carry. The straps are of the same weight, but they don't bother me.

I do think the price is a little high, but they are really well made, so I'm hoping mine will last through another child. Overall an excellent buy.

ProsCons
very supportive, easy on, great for toddlerssomewhat bulky when sitting or worn under a coat

Ratings
Overall5
Value4
Performance5
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#4 ·
Safe and verstile

review by aliy

I love my ergo. I had one that I was borrowing from a friend and just had to get my own. it was great for my clingy toddler who always wanted mom, especially when i had something to do. on my back i could cook dinner wash dishes and do the laundry. It's great when we are out and about casue even my then 3 year old could go in it and he was about 40 ish lbs then. I have gone hiking with my oldest in the ergo carrier. looking forward to using it with the new baby on the way. It is definatleyy cost more but it is worth it's weight in gold if you use it lots

ProsCons
great for many ages and stages, comfortablepricey.

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#5 ·
Great for moms and dads!

review by amii

I bought my ergo when my little one was 6 months old. I love it! For me it is way more comfy on the front than the back, I even have a hard time still getting my little one on to my back by myself. My husband likes it too, and he didn't like any of the previous carriers/wraps/slings we had tried before. He's a pretty large man, and could not use the Ergo until we got the extender, but at least they have them! Overall, my favorite carrier for older infants!

ProsCons
secure, comfy, machine washablehard to get on your back, not so great for fuller figures

Ratings
Overall5
Value4
Performance5
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#6 ·
I adore my Ergo!

review by poonico

I got this carrier when our youngest was just a couple of months old. I love that it is organic and has an organic infant insert option as well. It is so comfortable to use front or back. I can easily carry my now 1 year old, or almost 3 year old without issue.

These carriers are very obviously well made. The pockets are handy too. I can easily tuck a snack in it for the kids or my wallet and keys.

ProsCons
easy to use, comfortable, very well madenone

Ratings
Overall5
Value4
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#7 ·
Excellent carrier for babies & toddlers!

review by sarah21

I've tried a variety of carriers....more structured carriers, soft wraps, slings, backpacks, etc. The Ergo is very comfortable as your baby grows. I love the hip and back carry options for toddlers, too. Baby's weight is distributed evenly across your hips, not your back. Highly recommend this carrier!

ProsCons
Comfort for Mama, variety of positions for baby

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#8 ·
Great carrier! Just make sure you test it out to ensure that it works best for your body frame size.

review by carinmama

I loved this baby carrier, but found that no matter how I adjusted it the carrier shoulder straps would occasionally slip a little. Being an avid baby wearer I had to switch to a different carrier that better accommodated my narrow shoulders.

ProsCons
Baby can be worn on front or back; Can be used with an infant insert to begin wearing baby earlier; distributes weight of baby wellIf you have a narrow small shoulder frame you may have issues with the shoulder straps sliding occammsionally

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance4
Comfort3
Durability5
 
#9 ·
great all around carrier

review by mellosmama

After spending lots of $$ on three different carriers, I found that this was the one that worked the best for both me & my little one. I love the fact that it is so versatile, although, my son seems to like the front carry the most (he is almost one year old now).

ProsCons
versatile, easy to wash, ergonomic support, a bit bulky to carry around

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance4
Comfort4
Durability3
 
#10 ·
Comfy carrier

review by triskelion

I got this as a shower gift from a group of friends because it seemed to be a very popular choice. It's comfortable for the most part and very secure. I also have the infant insert and have used it with my 8 week old starting about about 3 or 4 weeks. Even with the insert, there's not the greatest amount of neck support for wee ones but that is becoming less of an issue as her neck strength gets better. It's hard to sit with it on (at least with the insert in) which was a bit of a disappointment because I got it thinking I could use it on public transportation. I am pretty happy with it so far and eager to see how it works with the infant once she's big enough.

ProsCons
durable, comfortableawkward at times

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance4
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#11 ·
So far so good

review by mosaic

I bought this in April for my newest LO, and I have to admit I'm still getting the hang of it. It was the most highly recommended among knowledgeable baby wearers, but I'm not a total convert yet. I think that this would be great for bigger babies who are a bit more difficult to wear in a stretchy wrap, etc. My DD is small for her age, and I feel like I just don't have the front carry down just right. That said, I see this being especially helpful and useful as DD ages, especially when traveling and when we graduate to some of the side and back carries. Also, it's easy for my husband to use, and the colors are "manly" as well.
smile.gif


ProsCons
Easy to use, versatileprice, still getting the hang of it

Ratings
Overall4
Value3
Performance4
Comfort4
Durability4
 
#12 ·
great carrier

review by theresa1

Good for us starting at 5-6months. Still using with my 3 year old. Great for nursing and napping out and about. Good option for getting a child to sleep when they don't want to. Think there are similar carriers made in the us, wish this was.

ProsCons
comfortable, durable, long lastingnot for a newborn, made in china

Ratings
Overall4
Value3
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#13 ·
great carrier

review by theresa1
They are sold in the US. Did you mean that they aren't manufactured in the US?

I love this carrier. I had my little guy in it at 2 months. I didn't bother with the infant insert since I thought it would make him to hot. I just wadded up a blanket and put it in the bottom to get his tush in the correct position.

I never did figure out how people breastfeed in it, though.
 
#14 ·
My daily lifesaver!

review by analisawarriner

I literally use this carry for hours and hours each day. My 13 month old loves to be a part of everything I'm doing and the Ergo allows me to include him easily. I nurse him in it and he naps in it when we aren't home. I live on the third story with no elevator, so we don't even use a stroller any more. It's the only carrier we have that my boyfriend can put on without my help. It adjusts sizes really easy, so we can switch between the two of us with no problem. The only thing that annoys me is that it is a little bit of a process to change the carrier from a front/back carry position to a hip carry. I love that there is a hip carry option though. I have a quite a few friends who have the same carrier and they love it too.

ProsCons
easy to use, comfortable, versatile, great looking, sturdy, easy to nurse instiff, hard to switch carry positions

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#15 ·
Love it for my toddler

review by artistmama28

This carrier has gotten a lot of use at our house. My husband and I both love it. It's comfortable to wear for long walks but also easy to keep in the car and slip on for a quick trip to the grocery store. Now that our daughter is almost two it is our preferred way of wearing her.

She's getting heavier, and it is definitely easier on our arms and backs to have the Ergo on hand. She also often wants to get up and down, and the it's pretty easy to get her in and out of quickly. I can put her on my back by myself with no problem. It's relatively cool in warm weather, and it can be thrown in the wash when it gets covered in peanut butter.

The straps have faded a little from washing and wear. It doesn't fold up well to carry in a bag, so I often have it hanging empty from my waist. And it is a little expensive for me, but the resale value is great, and the ability to have my daughter close and comfortable is well worth it. I love my Ergo!

ProsCons
easily adjustable for multiple wearers, quick in-and-out, comfortable, good resale valueexpensive, doesn't fold into diaper bag well

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#16 ·
Love the Ergo

review by sunpath8

We've been using our Ergo (with infant insert) since day one. Our son loves it and, especially now that he is wants to get down and run more, it's great that he pops in and out so fast!

We did have a period where he wanted to face out and the Ergo doesn't have an outward position, but otherwise it's been in constant use. He's napped in there through many all-day events (I mean, he takes his naps while in the Ergo) and we often had times where it was the only practical way to keep him close for long periods.

I recommend the Ergo to all my friends!

ProsCons
easy on/off, long term usecan't face out

Ratings
Overall5
Value4
Performance5
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#17 ·
My favorite toddler carrier

review by storiesinthesoil

I bought my Ergo when my son was just over a year old and about 30 lbs. It quickly became my go-to baby carrier. I strap the waist strap and then toss my child over one shoulder, pull the straps up, and buckle the chest clip and he is securely on my back in seconds. It is really exceptionally easy to use and the quality is superb. I highly recommend the Ergo carrier to anyone!

ProsCons
Very easy to back carry, very comfortable, cuteShort so not as stable for an older, larger toddler

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#18 ·
Great carrier overall

review by jassyp101

We really love this carrier. My husband is able to use it and loves it. I like it too but because I have a small build, the straps seem too wide to properly stay up on me. But I am still able to use it and our daughter loves it.

ProsCons
comfortable, soft, positions baby safelyfor someone with a small frame, it's too wide.

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance4
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#19 ·
Love my Ergo!

review by minneapolismama

I purchased an Ergo to use with my 27 pound toddler. We used a wrap when he was smaller and then transitioned to hip carry in a pouch sling. I found that I was starting to have back and shoulder pain from carrying him in the pouch sling. Enter the Ergo-- I can carry my toddler with no pain! It is easy to transition from the carseat into the Ergo and back again. And my baby absolutely loves it! I used to use the stroller for trips to places like the zoo, but now I prefer to use the Ergo. My little one can go from walking to riding as often as he likes because it is so easy to transition in and out.

ProsCons
Carry a toddler with no painful pressure points, super easy to load/unload, wears on front or backTook some time to adjust it at first, hard to do back carry without help loading

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#20 ·
Good bye back pain!

review by menucha

I've tried a few carriers but finally took the plunge for the pricey Ergo and am extremely satisfied.

My previous carrier gave me back pain, was hot and too much work.

The Ergo is easy to use, has a sun cover for your baby and POCKETS!! (no need to worry about my wallet) We've used it with our baby and our older toddler with no problems. Both love being in there, when my baby wanted to nap on me and I had work the Ergo saved the day.

Definitely a carrier you'll love!

ProsCons
comfortable, easy to use, great for traveling, newborn through older toddlers,infant insert is purchased separately

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#31 ·
Love it... mostly!

review by gretchen_pdx

We love our Ergo. Even without the infant insert, I've used it often since my son was just two weeks old. The weight is distributed really well, and I don't get back pains even when I wear my son on long-ish (2-4 miles) walks. The front pockets are really great- the pockets are big enough for a wallet and keys.

My only complaints are that the shoulder strap slips off. I have tried tightening it in a variety of ways and this still happens. Also the hip position is awkward to get the kiddo in and out of.

Overall- great carrier. Seems pretty durable. Very comfortable, even as my son is approaching 30 lbs.

ProsCons
Front, back, and hip positions; very comfortablestraps slide off; hip positions is awkward

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability4
 
#32 ·
Works great and looks good too!

review by devasma

This is a great carrier! It is very easy to put on and adjust. I like it better than the other carriers I have tried. I really like that it has the nap hood, and a front zippered pocket that I can put my wallet, cell phone and keys in when we go out. I bought this on Babysteals, hence the cheap price!

ProsCons
Easy to use, very comfortable.Short, so harder to use with toddlers.

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance4
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#33 ·
i LOVE my ergo!!

review by ryleeee

I honestly believe the ergo is the greatest thing I have ever bought...my husband and I wore our son constantly in it for years! We are so excited to be wearing our newest one again and have been given an infant insert...just waiting on the infant to put in it ;)

ProsCons
good for sore hips, can wear large babies, perfect for nursingabsolutely nothing.

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
#34 ·
i LOVE my ergo!!

review by ryleeee
Maybe I'm the clumsiest person ever, but I have the hardest time getting it on by myself (so does my husband). Our carrier is used only when we're together and one of us is available to snap the other into it - we tend to use it on walks. Personal problem? Maybe. :) Do you have any tips?
 
#36 ·
The Only Carrier that Feels Safe for our Newborn

review by tear78

We got our Ergo as a gift and it's the only carrier we feel good about with our infant, since all the others seem to leave her with her chin on her chest when she falls asleep. This is also the case with the Ergo when the infant insert is used belly-to-belly, but there is a side-lying option that works GREAT, and keeps her breathing free and easy. Once she has good head control we'll switch to belly-to-belly.

My only concerns with the infant insert are that my back ends up hurting, and I am very aware of her head as I work because it is kind of out and to the side. I think both issues will be resolved when we switch to the belly-to-belly or back position. I can adjust the straps to help my back, too. In addition, the infant insert gets very hot for baby and mama/papa.

I have seen the Ergo at work with my nieces, who are older. My brother-in-law straps my niece to his back in one quick motion, and then they both sweep and mop the floors. My niece is SOOOO happy to spend that time with her daddy. My sister carriers her around on her back when she walks around town or goes on hikes. My niece looks so comfortable and happy!

The carrier has a great zippered front pouch, too, to store her binky, burp rag, my wallet, etc. It also has a flap that can secure over her head to shield her from sun and wind.

I have heard that the Ergo is much better for baby's spine than other upright carriers, and it puts the weight on your hips/waist instead of shoulders.

I LOVE this carrier, and it will grow with our baby. Definitely recommend!

ProsCons
safe, durable, easy, practicalinfant version hurts back, hot

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#37 ·
The Only Carrier that Feels Safe for our Newborn

review by tear78
Hi Tear! :)

Have you found the Ergo waist belt digs into your lower back with a front carry? That is, the padded part goes in front, which is fine, but the non-padded buckle part is pulled forward into your lower back by the baby's weight? I have a Patapum baby carrier (very similar to the Ergo) and this is a problem for me carrying my now 17-lb DD.
 
#39 ·
Our go-to, from newborn to toddler!

review by julieinchicago

My husband and I are anti-"baby bucket." Everyone these days seems to carry their baby around in a plastic bucket with a handle, holding her at shin height and putting her on the floor for convenience. When I got pregnant, we swore we would never be "bucket people." We didn't know it at the time, but we were destined to become Ergo people instead.

Need to get your baby to sleep? Try the Ergo.

Need to get on and off a subway (translation: stairs!)? Use your Ergo!

Want to get through a crowded store? Ergo to the rescue!

Want a carrier your husband can figure out? Ergo it is!

Need to just hug your baby, but still get things done and have free hands? Yup, the Ergo.

Our only two issues:

Ho-lee-cow, does it get sweaty in there in the summer. I guess that's why they have the "sport" edition now that has mesh on the back, but plan on under-dressing your baby in warmer conditions.

And, yikes, using the heart to heart insert is a two handed talent at first. Juggling carrier, insert, and baby (esp as a sleepless new mom) is a feat. BUT take heart, you'll figure it out. We did! Our two-day-old made a nice trek through Target in his Ergo with insert, no problem!

In fact, here's 6-week-old Elliot with dad cheering on a bike race.

ergo.jpg

ProsCons
Comfortable, easy, dad-friendly, stylishHOT in warm weather.

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance5
Comfort4
Durability5
 
#40 ·
Love it still after a year and a half

review by mama1219

ergo.jpg

I got this when my little one was 6 months old and he has lived in it ever since. I walk with him in it at least three times a week and clean the house with him several times a week too! Easy to clean which is important with as much as we use it. It feels great for me and he loves it too. When he is cranky I use it to sooth him as well. Couldn't be happier!

ProsCons
Comfort for mom and baby, easy to cleanPositions can't vary that easy

Ratings
Overall4
Value4
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability4
 
#41 ·
Everybody should have an Ergo!

review by comtessa

This is the carrier I recommend to all new parents I know. If I could afford it, I'd buy one for every new parent I know!!!

Assuming that you already know the benefits of babywearing in general, let me point out the particularly nice parts of babywearing in an Ergo:
  • it moves easily from front-carry to back-carry. There's even a hip-carry, though I find it a bit too bulky to do this comfortably, and there's a little strap that can fall off and get lost when you do this (I did this once -- and it was someone else's carrier!! Oops!).
  • the baby sits higher on your torso than with other carriers, so I find it much easier to sit while babywearing in an Ergo than, say, in a Moby or a Baby Bjorn, etc. Also easier for vigorous walking because the baby's legs don't dangle in front of your legs -- they're up out of tthe way.
  • Also because of the higher-torso carry, you can go to the bathroom and keep the baby in the Ergo! Which is especially nice if you're traveling alone with your baby and don't have anywhere else to put her/him while you go to the bathroom.
  • You can use it for a LONG time. I use it with my 6 month old in a front or back carry, but I can still put my 2.5 year old in it in a back carry. And it's still comfortable -- even when carrying an older toddler.
  • The cozy padding and ergonomic design make it a perfect choice for wearing for extended periods of time. We went on vacation when our daughter was 5 months old, and I carried her in the Ergo all day while we went hiking and sightseeing. At the end of three days, my feet hurt from all the walking, but my back and shoulders were fine! And the baby was happy, too, from spending so much time sleeping against Mama's heart.
  • It's a good choice for men, too! This is the only carrier my husband will use. He thinks the wraps are absurdly complicated, and is convinced that he looks like a silly hippie in the ring sling. The Ergo is "sporty" enough for him to feel masculine while wearing his baby.

We love our Ergo! We bought it used on Ebay, and it is now on its third baby (at least), and still looks and feels brand new. It was the best baby purchase we have made.

Oh, and about the "cons" -- there are only 2 that I can think of. First, I really don't like it for the newborn stage. I never had an insert, though, so that would probably make a difference. It's a better design, IMO, for when the baby's a bit bigger -- we start using it at about 5 months. I prefer stretchy wraps and ring slings for littler babies. Second, while I love the back carry in the Ergo (so comfortable and makes cooking, etc. a breeze), the strap cuts across the waist in such a way that you end up with a big poofy "mama belly" muffin-top right above the strap. Short of a boned corset, I can't think of any way to avoid this, and perhaps it's a fair trade for the comfort and ease of carrying a baby on your back. I've managed to cover it up by wearing a loose layer on top that can pull down over the strap, but there's no way to avoid it altogether.

great pumpkin.jpg

ProsCons
Exceedingly comfortable even for long periods of time, baby well-supported and content, lasts foreverNot great for newborns, back carry emphasizes 'mommy belly'

Ratings
Overall5
Value5
Performance5
Comfort5
Durability5
 
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