ERGO Baby Carrier FAQ

Please note that this FAQ is my knowledge and opinion only, not that of the ERGOBaby company.

email if you have a question... email jackie@first-signs.com

Technical Overview of the ERGObaby Carrier

HEALTH & NURTURE
The ERGObaby Carrier ensures carriage in the ergonomically correct spread-squat-position. This position avoids bruising the genitalia or straining the baby's spine, which can arise with baby carriers that do not guarantee a spread-squat-position. The ERGObaby Carrier is NOT designed for the front position with the baby facing outwards since, in this position, the spread-squat-position is not possible and there are additional negative aspects. The ERGObaby Carrier does not have a metal frame and thus ensures close and direct body contact between the carrier and the child. This physical closeness is very important and the key to your child growing up to become a confident, open, and happy person.

WAYS OF CARRIAGE
The ERGObaby Carrier enables you to carry your child in front, on your back, or on your hip, thus giving you and your child freedom of movement as well as the closeness your child needs.
Front position:
More than anything babies love body and eye contact with the mother. They want to feel the mother's warmth and smell - this makes them feel supported and protected - which is very important for the baby's mental and social development.
Back position:
As soon as the neck of your child is strong enough to support the head for any length of time, your child can be carried on your back. When going for a walk, shopping, or every day just at home - your child is by your side, or rather: on your back. This gives you more freedom in everyday life, and at the same time strengthens the vital mother-child-relationship or father-child-relationship.
Hip position:
This position is perfect for the temporary carriage of bigger children since your child can see everything and have close body contact at the same time. Carrying a child on your hip is the most natural way to carry a child and makes the spread-squat-position possible.

DESIGN
The design of the ERGObaby Carrier supports a comfortable, secure, and healthy way of carriage. These are some important design features:
- no rigid frame
- small pack size and small weight (600 g / 21 oz)
- cushioned leg cut-outs and optimized design for the bum area for very comfortable sitting
- ergonomically formed shoulder straps for a better fit and less pressure in the armpit area
- wide strap and wide buckle in the belly area for less pulling strain
- an extra wide waist belt balances the weight of the child from the shoulders onto the hip - for extra long carrying without back pain!
- the unique security elastic chest strap allows you to put the ERGObaby Carrier on absolutely safely and quickly
- front pouch with zip -(Not available on the Heartrose or SPORT carrier)
- buckles and clasps are cushioned
- a flexible and fixable headrest holds your child's head when he or she is sleeping in the ERGObaby Carrier
- the ERGObaby Carrier is available in many different colors
- waist circumference from 25'' to 45'' (65 cm - 115 cm) and with the waist extension to 53'' (135 cm)

MATERIAL
All ERGObaby products are made of 100% cotton, except parts like buckles, nylon straps, compartments of the diaper bag and the Papoose Coat. With products for babies and children, using harmless materials is vital. For this reason, all materials used in the ERGObaby Carrier and the accessories are tested regularly by independent testing centers. These tests always produce a very good result regarding the absence of contaminates and carcinogenic substances. Moreover, the ERGObaby Carrier has undergone a series of standardised tests.

The ERGO seems expensive...

Well, I agree that ERGO's are not exactly cheap, but then, do you want a cheap carrier or a really good one that will be comfortable and last for years? Let's discuss... When I tried my friend's Ergo on for the first time, I knew that it was a really good carrier and that I wanted one, but the pricetag did put me off. I ended up buying a really inexpensive, second hand, framed backpack instead, and finally forked out the money for the Ergo a year later (oh, the wasted time!). So, when I finally bought one, my "baby" was already nearly two, but it was still REALLY worth it! At that time, I used it mainly for shopping, walking, and days out. Well, then my second child arrived 16 months ago, and I tell you no lie that it has been with me wherever I go with either of my children. When I don't have it, it is because I have forgotten it, and I am probably panicking! :)

So, the cost that I paid for my Ergo 2.5 years ago seems insignificant, considering that it has been a reliable, practical, comfortable, and best -used of all the baby products that I own. I have probably gotten more use from the Ergo than our children's car seats, and definitely more use than our pushchair, all three of which cost about the same initially!!) Beyond that, I am still using it to carry my 4 year old occasionally and have no intention of giving up wearing my 16 month old anytime soon... I reckon I still have another 2+ year of Babywearing with my trusty, old Ergo ahead of me, not to mention any more children which may appear in the future!

One final thought on the price vs. value of the Ergo is that the cost is also reflected in the quality of the carrier itself. It is really well made, with sturdy materials and webbing, as well as extra little safety features and excellent quality buckles, which some companies may have downgraded to keep costs low and profits high...

I have an infant front carrier (Baby Bjorn, Tomy), how is the Ergo better?

Well, I do like the infant front carriers and I have used a Baby Bjorn myself with both of my children. Using the Baby Bjorn was my first babywearing experience and I loved it. The problem was that I didn't know of another carrier to use as my baby got bigger... so I continued to carry her in the Baby Bjorn until she was WAY too heavy... and it was really digging into my shoulders and hurting my back. I tried on a friend's Ergo and wanted one (the pricetag put me off) but used a framed backpack for a year instead. When I finally bought one, I loved it...

With my second child, I used the Baby Bjorn (because I already owned it) from birth until 3 1/2 months, when she was able to spread her legs around my waist. From that moment until today, she has been in the Ergo carrier. So, this time, I have enjoyed babywearing with no sore shoulders, back pain, or problems with my baby outgrowing the carrier.

Two benefits that the Ergo definitely have over the infant carrier is how long you can use it (birth to 5 years) and also that you can carry different aged children in the same carrier. When I am out and about, I know that I can carry either of my two children in the one carrier. I love its flexibilty. These make the Ergo a much better investment (Ergo with longevity of use versus five months of comfortable usage with an infant carrier).

Infant carriers are great... the problem is that the mass market isn't aware of comfortable ways to babywear once babies have outgrown them!

My Baby likes to face forward in her carrier... but the ERGO doesn't let her!

Well, it is true that we parents and our babies can get quite attached to the way an infant front carrier lets our child have a commanding view of the world while dangling from our fronts... but I am afraid that the ERGO does not let you face your child forward. I think that this is a good thing for the child's development. Firstly, they are sitting comfortably in the ERGO, not dangling by their crotch. Second, they can look up and see YOU, their most loved parent! When a child wants to look around in the ERGO, they simply have to turn their heads to see, and invariably, the wearer will help the child see what is directly in front of the wearer by turning sideways now and then. Remember, you CAN use the Hip carry if you want your Baby to see forward.

I have a framed backpack, how is the Ergo different?

I did use a framed backpack with my eldest daughter for a whole year before I invested in my Ergo. I am sure that I was the only one using a framed backpack to walk down the high street... Needless to say, once I purchased my Ergo, I have not used my framed backpack again.

Firstly, a framed backpack holds your child higher and further away from your body than in the Ergo, which means that your centre of gravity is thrown off much more than when you are carrying with the Ergo. As my daughter got older, she was able to stand up in the framed backpack, as well as lean out to the sides when she wanted to see something, which put my balance out even further. The Ergo holds your child just as close to you as when you hold them in your arms, and with their weight resting at the same level as your waist / hips, your centre of balance is preserved.

Secondly, you can't carry the same wide age range in a framed backpack. You can't put an infant or very small baby in a framed backpack due to their neck stability, and, due to their weight, I doubt that anyone can carry a 4 / 5 year old, either. The Ergo (with the infant insert) offers you and your baby comfortable babywearing from birth, and because of the weight distribution and closeness of the carrying position, you can really carry your child when necessary until they are 4 or 5 years old...

Thirdly, children can't sleep very well in a framed carrier, as their heads aren't supported and if / when they do fall asleep, their heads bob all over the place... which is awful and inevitably makes any nearby adult offer to help you prop your sleeping child's head with a nappy, jumper or other suitable objects. In the Ergo, babies simply rest their heads on either your chest or back, both very comfortable for them. In addition, using the sleeping hood, you can keep their heads from lolling about, while covering them from the sun.

Fourthly, the Ergo is much more portable than a framed backpack. It takes up less space and is easy to take along with you even if you are unsure if you will use it. We have all seen Dads at the zoo carrying empty framed backpacks around while their little ones walk... and it takes up lots of space in the boot of the car.

Lastly, the Ergo is a much more flexible carrier than a framed backpack... I never used my framed backpack to carry my child in the house, while making dinner, hoovering, or grocery shopping. Additionally, you can breastfeed your baby when you are wearing them in the Ergo.

My ERGObaby Carrier isn't as comfortable as I had hoped....

The golden rule regarding ERGO's is... adjust, adjust, and re-adjust!

If your body is not perfectly comfortable when you are carrying your child, then let us look at some ideas which should make it much better. Firstly, is your carrier fastened snugly around the top of your hips? Making sure that it is snug will help. Next, put your baby in the carrier. Now, can you fit your clenched fist in between you and your baby's chest? It may well be that your baby is too far away from you (making you lean a bit forward or backward to keep your centre of gravity). So, pull your shoulder straps tighter, to bring your baby closer to you and even out your centre of gravity. You should not really feel that you are leaning forwards or backwards if you have your carrier adjusted properly. Lastly, check that the chest strap is located half way between of your bra and the nape of your neck. If it is too high or low, it will be uncomfortable... and you will need your chest strap to be relatively snug, so it keeps your two shoulder straps from sliding off your shoulders.

Again, you will have to keep re-adjusting the carrier straps each time you put it on... one day you will be wearing a thicker fleece, or baby will be wearing a jacket, and the next time you will both be in a T-shirt... so keep re-adjusting for maximum carrying comfort!

What is the difference between an ERGObaby Sport and a normal New Generation ERGObaby Carrier?

An ERGObaby Sport carrier is a new version of the ERGObaby carrier offered from Feb 09. It is built to be lighter-weight, more breatheable, and with an adjustment range to fit a wider range of sizes, from normal sized mums all the way up to big and tall dads. The special features for men are longer shoulder straps and a wider padded waist belt. Made from the softest material ever chosen by ERGObaby (65% cotton, 35% polyester), this makes it comfortable, lightweight, breathable and sporty. The Sport shares the same unique features as the whole ERGObaby Carrier range, like the ergonomic design, the 3 different carrying positions and the smart padded waist belt. The ERGObaby Sport does not have an integrated pocket (as the New Generation Carriers do), but still accomodates the use of the Front Pouch and Backpack accessories.

Is the Heartrose different to the other carriers?

Beyond being an amazing shade of every girl's favourite colour, the Heartrose includes all but one of the ERGObaby carrier's features: It does not have a zipped pocket on the front, as the other colours do. The Heartrose will accomodate the Front Pouch and Backpack accessories (but they don't offer them in a matching colour... doh!)

What is an Infant Insert?

An Infant Insert is an accessory which swaddles your baby from the age of birth until they are old enough to spread their legs around your body and be carried in the normal Ergo position (around 4 months old). With the insert, you carry your baby facing sideways in the carrier (feet both sticking out one side). It is basically a padded, thick peice of quilted cotton, which is used to support your child's head and neck, and to give your baby's body some added girth and rigidity for being carried in the Ergo. There are instructions below on how to use the insert, which will give you more of an idea what to expect. I usually have Infant Inserts in stock.

What other accessories are there for the Ergo Carrier?

There are many different accessories for the Ergo Carrier. There is the infant insert (see discussion above), additional front pouch ( bum bag that attaches to carrier), Backpack (also attaches to back of carrier), Diaper bag, tote bag, waist extension (for the larger waisted wearer), a coat that covers you and your carried baby to keep you both warm, a bib set (ok, now they are really trying it on!), sucking pads (attach to carrier exactly where your baby will suck and chew the carrier straps), and even a rear-view mirror that attaches to the carrier to let you see your baby on your back (this mirror is not made or sold by Ergo, but by another baby carrier manufacturer, to my knowledge). They even sell a Heartrose Doll Carrier, which is such a cute gift for a new big sister or brother! So, if you are interested, I can order these accessories (all sold seperately, I might add) and I normally stock the popular ones!

Can I read the Ergo Baby product user guides?

Sure! Use the following link to see the ERGObaby Carrier User Guide, Infant Insert User Guide, and Sleeping Hood Instructions or watch the DVD instructions. Enjoy!

What other carriers do you recommend?

A great infant carrier I recommend is the Kangaroo carrier for birth up to 6 months. It is really comfortable and holds your child in several different positions and is highly recommended by my three friends who have used it. (I would have loved to use it, but learned about it after my baby was already old enough to go in the Ergo... next time!)

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or contact:

Jackie Fewtrell
01733 221242

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