Help with ergo front carry!

[MittensKittens]

I just received my new ergo, and I love it for back carries, which is what I wanted it for. But front carries have proven to be a bit of a challenge. The ergo website shows videos with instructions on how to close the "little buckle" by reaching over your head to your shoulders, and then closing it.

This isn't something that works for me - if I have the little buckle high up, so that I can close it in the way shown, the front carry is uncomfortable for me, and the weight goes to my shoulders. If the little buckle is lower down, the front carry is nice and comfy, however getting the buckle closed is nearly impossible.

Any experience with this? Tips? How do you do it?

[fruitfulmomma]

I loosen the strap most of the way so I can grab it by reaching around my back rather than over the shoulder, then I pull it tight after getting it closed. Still not great but the best I can do if I am alone. It really works best if you have someone with you to help.

I've also buckled it in front of me a couple of times and then wiggled it over my head.

ETA: I have an older version, about 4yo, so I am not totally sure how the newer straps work.

[MittensKittens]

Thanks for your quick reply! Yeah, I figured out that I could buckle the strap first and then somehow get it over my head. I will try the other way you suggested too. Hope I'll get the hang of it!

[Asparagus78]

I like having the strap positioned high, so I can reach it easily, but DH ties it from behind without going over his head. He has it set at the lowest so he just has to reach his arm under his shoulder blade. He swears it's comfortable for him!

[Pumpkin_Pie]

I buckle the back buckle first, loosen the arm straps as far as they will go, plop baby in and then tighten the arm straps. I couldn't reach behind my back like that either, especially with DS in there. I could reach the arm straps to tighten them though, so it worked pretty well for us.

I did think it was funny that the front carry was so much harder for me to get on than a back carry though. Most people were much more impressed at a back carry.

[ElaynesMom]

I make sure the shoulder straps are loose and put baby on my front. I clip the buckle by making sure it is positioned just at my neck with the shoulder straps too loose. The I tighten the shoulder straps and the buckle moves lower into a better position. I find it easier than clipping the buckle first and trying to get it over my head. Does that make sense?

[Magelet]

yup, I agree a back carry is way easier in the ergo than a front, because of that strap. What I sort of managed (I only wore the ergo maybe 2 days a week for a month or two, while I was babysitting a little boy. none of my own yet) was loosening the back strap most of the way, then I could get it closed, and then yank on the strap to tighten it again. not easy, but it worked.

[MittensKittens]

Haha, I asked a friend about this, and her reply was "What do you want to do a front carry for?" Apparently she has no problems going on public transportation with her babe in the back carry. That made me think... perhaps this is possible?

I did pull the straps all the way down to the lowest position, and I find that makes the ergo quite comfy, and more like a mei tai. Thanks for your help!