Type of carrier: sling
Cost: £89 from Spirit of Nature (or it is available on ebay)
Suitability: Birth (with additional insert, otherwise from around 5 months) to 40 lbs (or as long as you want to carry your baby).
MoorMum Ruth from Otley says:
I bought the Ergo carrier after my little boy became too heavy for the trusty BabyBjorn and it was beginning to pull on my upper back and shoulders. I particularly wanted a carrier that could be used on the back as well as the front and the Ergo seemed to be highly recommended on the internet. As a front carrier it differs from the Baby Bjorn in that the babies legs are wrapped around you rather than dangling and it feels very cosy and cuddly. My baby was about 5 months old when I first used it and could only just get his legs into position at that point – younger than this you need to buy a separate insert.
I’ve really enjoyed using the Ergo carrier and my little boy has been content in it. It’s very comfortable as much of the weight is taken on your hips via a thickly padded waist strap – I can happily walk around with baby on board for 2 hours and more. It is very useful for shopping as there is a zip pocket on the front which is big enough for keys, wallet and phone and a nappy. The carrier comes with a (very cheesy American) DVD about the benefits of baby wearing as well as instructions and demonstrations of how to put on the carrier in the front / hip and back positions. I’ve found it very easy to put on my front on my own although the back and hip positions may need a little more practice.
I have only used the carrier on the back twice and although it was comfortable my only (rather trivial) grumble is that the thinner strap that goes around your tummy when baby is on your back has a tendency to make those postnatal wobbly bits bulge rather unflatteringly! I get round this by making my partner use it if we are out all together – he is much taller and also finds it very comfortable.
In summary I’d highly recommend the Ergo Carrier, especially if you liked the BabyBjorn type carrier and want to keep using a sling as your baby grows.
Main advantages – very comfortable and can be worn for long periods, light, easy to use and versatile, handy storage pocket, build in hood for use when baby is sleeping or as a sunshade
Disadvantages – need to buy a separate insert if your baby is under 5 months, back position a bit unflattering if you have a wobbly tum, baby is quite low down on your back and can’t see over your head as with framed back carriers.
