looking for advice- about to replace an ergo

[emmaegbert]

So, I got an Ergo hand-me-down, which had been used for 2 kids for a total of about 4 years before it came to me. I've been using it for about 2 mos w/ my now 5mo baby, and I'm liking it. (though I still like other slings for other reasons).

Anyway- twice now the belt buckle has just come open. I looked at it and it looks a little bit permanently kind of bent in. I guess I need to replace at least the buckle... and I'm thinking it might be worth replacing the whole carrier, since we have probably 2 more years of using this. The friend who gave this to me said she didn't think it had much life left in it, and so is it even worth replacing a buckle when I'll have to replace the whole thing soon anyway?

I had hear about the Beco carriers but haven't really seen them. They cost quite a bit more- is it even worth considering or should I just stick w/ the Ergo? I want to make a mei tai but I think that I will still like the simple on-and-off of the structured carrier. (I like babywearing, I already have 2 ring slings, a wrap, and a frame backpack...)

I'm trying to start using a back carry. I know my baby might sound young but she weighs 18lbs6oz and she can grabs at EVERYTHING, can sit unassisted and is on the verge of crawling. So, for the sake of my back I am trying to get her used to that, at least for periods of time. Any one of these have some reason they'd be significantly better for a back carry for a large 5mo? an Ergo, Beco, or Mei Tai.

THANKS!

[Quirky]

What does the ergo look like -- i.e. color and decorations? Also, do you see any fraying or wear in the fabric or webbing anywhere? All fabric carriers will eventually wear out, but you might still have life left in it. I would give all weight-bearing parts a good solid tug and pull and see if you feel any give anywhere or any threads start to pop. If not, it's possible you can just replace the buckles and have a useful carrier.

The big differences between the Ergo and Beco are a) in terms of fit and b) the safety harness in the Beco. If you're already getting comfortable getting your baby on your back by yourself, and both she and you are comfortable in the Ergo fit-wise, that's probably what I'd stick with if you get a new one, as I do think the Ergo is more supportive for heavier babies, plus a bit less time-consuming to get off and on without the safety harness to deal with. And at 5 months/18 pounds, your dd is totally within the zone for starting to do back carries -- it doesn't sound too early to me at all.

HTH!

[emmaegbert]

Very helpful thanks! I am going to have DH do the safety inspection. He is a fabricator (theater props) for a living and is fixing broken stuff all day long. plus, he's not so attached to the carrier either. I think part of me wants a newer one b/c the chest strap deal looks better, the hood is improved, and it seems like they added a little leg-hole padding... I dunno, when I saw some other moms wearing them they looked more comfy. But still, I'm not sure if its, you know, $100 more comfy.

[Comtessa]

I know that some of the Ergo parts are replaceable - I lost a part of a friend's Ergo when I was babysitting and they were able to replace it - I think just by calling the company. Maybe the waist buckle is replaceable too?

IMO, you might be able to just bend the buckle a bit so that it fits more securely and leave it at that - as long as the elastic safety-strap going over the buckle is sturdy (which might be worth a few extra stitches to ensure), you're probably safe continuing with the same Ergo.

If you're determined to get a new Ergo, you may want to check gently-used ones online first - there are some folks who get them and never use them, and those will save you a bit of cash on a brand-new one.