Help: Older versions of the Ergo

[SuzyLee]

I have been given 2 Ergo's. Both are quite old- I described them below. If anyone has links to how I can figure out what versions these are I would aprpeciate it.

Question 1: the buckle is broken on one, but since it is so old I am wondering if Ergo would even be able to sell/give me a replacement.

Question 2: I want to keep one and sell the other. Which would you keep? What would you expect to sell the other one for?

Ergo #1: unknown age. The woman I bought it from has kids age 10 and down so it could have been bought any time in the last ten years. It is a dark blue denim, organic. The waist buckle is pretty big- maybe 1.5" wide. The hood is an actual hood- not the rectangle like the current version. The hood attaches to just one shoulder strap, not both.

Ergo #2: About 7 years old. Not organic. The hood is a rectangle like the current version, but just a flat square of fabric with no elastic on the edges, and smaller than the current hood. The hood attached to both shoulder straps with velcro. The buckle (broken buckle) is smaller- more like a regular sized buckle.

[Quirky]

Ergos are a bit less than seven years old -- IIRC, they first came out in 2003/04 (my ds was born in Aug 2002 and they came out when he was 16-18 months old).

Ergo #1 is going to be a New Generation, although an out of date version. Probably 3-4 years old. Organic blue denim is an NG Ergo. The hood should attach to both shoulder straps, with a long strap full of snaps that thread through the d-rings on each shoulder strap and snap together. This would be the one I would keep as it will be more comfortable, especially with the wider webbing on the hip belt and the more functional hood.

Ergo #2 is an original Ergo. It's blue, black, or terracotta with a ribbon decorative accent, right? The velcro hood straps are from the original Ergo, and the webbing/buckle on the hip belt are smaller.

Like I said, I would keep the denim organic one. You can contact Ergo to see if they'll replace the broken buckle on the older one, but that carrier is going to be no longer under warranty, so if they do do it don't expect them to do it for free. You could also get a high-quality buckle set (both halves, male and female) and take it to a tailor or dry cleaner where they have an industrial strength sewing machine capable of sewing through webbing, and have them replace it for you. If you get a high-quality buckle set that fits the webbing this shouldn't pose any safety concerns as long as the tailor reinforces with several lines of stitching.

I think it would be reasonable to sell the older Ergo, assuming it's in good condition and all of the sewing is still strong and viable, for $35-45. I don't think it has a huge amount of value in it left, certainly not approaching new prices, but it should have life in it and someone might want a good deal. Just be very diligent about checking it for structural integrity before you consider selling.

[SuzyLee]

Thank you thank you thank you!

#2 is blue, with the terra cotta, so that seems to match. I am actually a proficient sewer, so I can easily fix the buckle myself. It sounds like it might be easier to just buy a new buckle myself. I know local fabric stores only carry cheapy buckles- do you have any suggestions for where to buy a good buckle?

I will double-check the hood on #1 and see about the 2 straps thing. I would have sworn there was only 1 but maybe I missed it or maybe it was cut/torn off at some point.

Even 35-45$ would be fine with me! If I could sell #1 for that much I would be thrilled.

[OneLove]

Ita

My first baby was born in 2002 too also. I have the first Ergo and I HATE it. They came out with a newer version about 3 months after I bought mine. The original on is very uncomfortable for me (and doesn't fit dh) - mine is in mint condition, bc I never really used it.

I've used my wrap and mei tai much more. But, I am always wishing for a comfy carrier for dh. I noticed they have yet another new Ergo coming out this month...


Andee

[donutmolly]

How funny that Ergo#2 has a broken buckle -- I have the exact same one (bought 3rd hand off craigslist in 2005) and our chest strap buckle broke a couple of months ago. DH is an outdoorsy guy, he knew to go to a local outdoor store to find a good replacement -- used for backpacking stuff so very strong, but inexpensive. If you're planning on re-selling, please check the fabric along the waist belt... the fabric on ours is threadbare and so I am petitioning for a brand new one! I have worn my friends' newer versions and they are a huge improvement over my original...