What do you think about the ERGO carrier? - Page 2

[thyme]

I feel like a total moron because I can't get my baby into the Ergo in a back carry by myself. I have tried so many different ways and I just can't figure out how to manage it. Even when DH helps me get the baby in, it sometimes feels to me like it's not high enough up on his back and he could arch backwards out of it.

At this point we are using the pouch most of the time. I really wish I could get the Ergo to work for us, though.

[marnie]

Originally Posted by annethcz

I've found it virtually impossible to use as a front pack while I'm alone. The straps fall off my shoulders unless the back strap is clipped, but you can't reach the back clip on your own.

i extend the shoulder straps as far as they'll go, clip the chest clip, put the baby in place, flip the chest clip over my head and tighten the straps.

[marnie]

this is how i get maya on my back - i should say this gets easier as she gets older. it was possible when she was 8 months old (when i got the Ergo) but it's much easier now because she helps a bit.

i loosen the shoulder straps all the way. put the belt on so the carrier is over your left hip (or your right, but it's easier for me on the left). leave the belt a bit loose, but not too loose. bring your right arm behind you and loop it through the right shoulder strap. i leave the strap around my wrist at this point. put your baby on your hip, lined up correctly in the Ergo.

bend forward at the waist, and slide the right strap into place on your right shoulder while simultaneously using your left hand at the baby's waist to scootch her onto your back. flip the left shoulder strap in place and clip the chest clip.

Straighten up, make sure the baby is square in the carrier (if needed, stick your hands behind you and slide them under her bum, bounce a little, so she bounces up out of the carrier about an inch while you adjust it). tighten the shoulder straps.

it sounds more complicated that it is, now that i type it up, but it's really pretty much one fluid motion by now.

[Tupelo Honey]

You can also slide the chest strap down low to be able to reach it behind your back, I've learned. There is a good article on tbw.com about getting the Ergo on your back alone using the hip method.

The patapum is almost identical to the Ergo, but without the pocket and head flap, and it's less $$.

[emmaline]

Originally Posted by marnie

this is how i get maya on my back - i should say this gets easier as she gets older. it was possible when she was 8 months old (when i got the Ergo) but it's much easier now because she helps a bit.

i loosen the shoulder straps all the way. put the belt on so the carrier is over your left hip (or your right, but it's easier for me on the left). leave the belt a bit loose, but not too loose. bring your right arm behind you and loop it through the right shoulder strap. i leave the strap around my wrist at this point. put your baby on your hip, lined up correctly in the Ergo.

bend forward at the waist, and slide the right strap into place on your right shoulder while simultaneously using your left hand at the baby's waist to scootch her onto your back. flip the left shoulder strap in place and clip the chest clip.

Straighten up, make sure the baby is square in the carrier (if needed, stick your hands behind you and slide them under her bum, bounce a little, so she bounces up out of the carrier about an inch while you adjust it). tighten the shoulder straps.

it sounds more complicated that it is, now that i type it up, but it's really pretty much one fluid motion by now.

that is how i do it too, usually works fine but in public for some reason (performance anxiety lol) it sometimes goes awry

16 mos ds is a big boy and his back is not totally covered by the ergo (his arms and shoulders are above the top), I do wish the pouch bit was a bit bigger - though he sits there fairly still if he was back arching it would not be too safe

[loree]

My 8 month old son LOVES being in the Ergo. However, I was a bit disappointed with the comfort of the carrier -- I guess after reading so many glowing reviews I had high expectations!! I find it fairly comfortable -- but mostly I like the convenience of using it to go to quick trips to the store, around the house and for walks around the block. Getting him on my back too a lot of practice, but after about a month I found I could do it quickly without a helper or funiture spotter!

Although the Kelty is much bulkier, I do find it much better for any type of hiking. As a pp mentioned, everyone's body is different so each carrier will fit differently.

[hypatia]

I have an Ergo, but I mainly use my KKAFP to carry DS (12 mos). For the first 8 months or so of his life, DS screamed when he was in any inward facing position. It's easy to put him in kangaroo carry facing out in the pouch, but I don't know any way to do that in the Ergo. Also, it's so much easier to pop him in and out of the pouch.

Our plan is, and always has been, to start him on the Ergo when he gets too big for the KKAFP to be comfortable. We just haven't gotten there yet.