ERGObaby Sport Baby Carrier (Black)

by Ergo

Product Features

• Baby can be worn on the front, back or hip
• Can be used from newborn (with infant insert) until 4 years old.
• Ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for baby's hip, pelvis and spine growth
• Balances baby's weight to parent's hips and shoulders, making it comfortable for even the longest hi
• Compact design for parents on the go

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B001PDLHNK
• UPC: 845197011015
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,120 in Baby (See Top 100 in Baby)
  • #40 in Baby > Gear > Backpacks & Carriers
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)

Product Description

This new concept in ERGObaby Carriers is one of our best sellers! Made of a blend of 35% cotton and 65% polyester, the lighter, more-breathable fabric helps to keep babywearers more comfortable. The carrier's body features a vent for extra breathability, keeping both baby and parent cooler. The waist belt can extend an additional 5" further than our Standard or Organic carriers, and the shoulder straps can extend an extra 4", providing comfortable fit for babywearers of all sizes. The Sleeping Hood is completely detachable and can be stored in the pocket. Though this Carrier does not include the zippered pocket, the matching Front Pouch is a perfect place to store any necessities, including keys, a cell phone, a diaper and wipes, keeping all items easy to reach, and leaving you completely HandsFree! ? Waist belt extends an additional 5 inches from 30 inches to a maximum of 48 inches ? Shoulder straps extend an additional 4 inches compared to the Standard carrier (to 27") ? Sleeping hood is detachable, and can be stored in carrier pocket ? Zippered pocket replaced by pocket with easy Velcro closure for sleeping hood storage ? 400 threads per inch cotton poplin lining and hood ? Body of carrier is 35% cotton and 65% polyester ? One inch, high density foam in shoulder straps ? Quarter inch high density neoprene foam in waist belt ? High Quality buckles tested by SGS ? High quality webbing, matched to carrier color ? Reinforcement stitching used at all fabric intersections ? Interior rip-stop reinforcements at critical intersections ? Machine washable - cold, gentle cycle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

159 of 162 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best For You, Best For Your Baby, April 29, 2009

By 

poundofturtle (IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ERGObaby Sport Baby Carrier (Black) (Baby Product)

After reading many online reviews, asking other baby-wearers, and trying four other baby carriers, It is my opinion that the Ergo is the best carrier for my baby and for me. I will tell you what I love about the Ergo style in general, and then what I like specifically about the Ergo Sport, followed by the things I don't love about the carrier. Finally I will talk about how I think my 7month-old daughter feels about the Ergo.

First, what I like about the Ergo in general: I like that the Ergo baby carrier puts most of the baby's weight on your hips, making it much more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It also has very nice padded shoulder straps. Next, I love that my baby is in a healthy seated position,(and as far as I can observe, she is also more comfortable.) I have read that carriers offering the front carry position (this one doesn't) are not good for your baby, because instead of being seated, they are just kind of hanging from their crotch and that it puts too much pressure on their spine and hips. Versatility--I really appreciate that the Ergo offers three different carry positions: Back, Front, and Hip (your baby faces in toward you in each of these positions.) A good carrier should carry your baby like you would--close and high. This carrier does that. Also, the Ergo has a "sleep hood" which I can pull over my sleeping baby to keep her head from bouncing around. It can also provide privacy for your baby to nurse in the carrier if you choose. Lastly, because of how it is designed, you can carry heavier children in it (it's rated for up to forty pounds), so you can use the same carrier for your baby, or your toddler. The Ergo is to be used only when a child can support his own head well, but there is an infant insert you can buy to use before that. I have not comment on the insert, as my daughter was 6 months when we got it, so we did no purchase the insert.

I cannot compare the Ergo Sport to the original Ergo, because I have not tried the original, but these are the reasons I chose the Sport: First, it claims to be made of a more breathable material for more active and outdoor use--summer is coming, and my baby gets grouchy when she's hot. Second. The straps are longer and I want a carrier that will fit my husband (who is a bigger guy) as well as myself. I have not yet tested the breathability in hot weather and sunshine, but the carrier is VERY comfortable, and seems to be super-durable and well-made. I'm pleased with my choice.

These are the things I don't really love about this carrier: It does take some practice to become good at getting your baby into and out of it. The back carry position has been particularly tricky for me, but we are improving. Kind of along the same lines, some of the positions seem to put the straps and buckles kind of out of reach, so that I have to really strain to get everything all strapped and adjusted. I know I'm not as flexible as I used to be, but at thirty-two, it really seems like it shouldn't be so tough. I'm confident that over time I will find what works best for my baby and for me, in getting her in and out of the different positions. Those are my only complaints, but I'm willing to live with them, because I don't believe that the carrier could be made easier to use, without making it less comfortable and safe. Also, I know that some will object to the price. I personally think that a good baby carrier is something worth investing in, and I feel like the Ergo's price is justified by it's high quality, comfort, and safety.

Finally, if my baby could tell you what she thinks about the Ergo Sport I think she would say something like this: "I like that I am more comfortable for longer, and that my mommy is more comfortable so she lets me stay in it for longer. I like that I can nurse while Mom is making dinner. I do wish that the Ergo would let me face out instead of always facing in. I am not yet tall enough to really see well over the straps of the Ergo, and I like to be able to look straight forward, see everthing, grab everything, and kick my legs. I think as I get taller I will like it more."

The Bottom Line: Most baby wearing enthusiasts will tell you that they use different slings, wraps and carriers for different purposes, such as slings or wraps (like "Hot Slings" ring slings or the "Moby Wrap") for newborns; and more structured carriers (like the Ergo) for older babies, longer outings or hands-free housework. The Ergo offers quality, comfort and safety for you and your little one, at what I consider a fair price. I would definitely say it's a good choice in baby carriers.

67 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saves your back! Better than Bjorn, worth the extra $, July 8, 2009

By 

Y. R. Wu "The will to win is nothing without ... (Ann Arbor, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ERGObaby Sport Baby Carrier (Black) (Baby Product)

We have a Baby Bjorn, a Snugli and an Ergo Baby. The Ergo Baby is the one we use, the other two we donated to the salvation army.

The big advantage the Ergo has is the waist strap. This shifts a significant amount of weight to your hips. Otherwise the entire weight is held on your shoulders, which gets to be quite uncomfortable after a while.

By putting the weight on your hips, the Ergo Baby makes it possible to carry a child who weighs more and for a longer period of time. I wish we'd found this with our first child, as it would have saved us money (for the other ones we bought) and our aching backs!!!!

There's also a couple of pockets - one with a zipper. Good place to put your cell phone, wallet, etc. The Snugli had a pocket with snap, while the Bjorn had none. The Ergo is not as sleek and attractive as our navy blue Bjorn. Our Ergo was a gift and it came in a pale turquoise. I think the black Ergo looks better, but it's still not as sleek and stylish as the Baby Bjorn. Frankly, after a few weeks of a newborn crying at all hours, looking hip comes way down the list after comfort, convenience and sleep.... Just saying...

The only complaint would be that it takes some practice to use the side carry and rear carry positions. The DVD does show how it's done, but it really helps to have someone who is familiar with the process or have someone spotting you the first time you use it in these positions.

If you've found this review helpful, please let me know!

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Baby Carrier- Hands Down, July 29, 2009

By 

B. Peay (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ERGObaby Sport Baby Carrier (Black) (Baby Product)

We purchased this carrier after a recommendation from a friend (parent of twins living in NYC). They highly recommended the Ergo as the most comfortable carrier for infants and toddlers. I tried a few others before buying, including the Bjorn, and chose the Ergo Sport. We've now had our Ergo for almost 6 months, and anytime parents ask me about it I give them my sales pitch. Here are my pros and cons:
Pros:
-When worn correctly, it puts the weight of the baby on your hips instead of your shoulders and back. This allows for a longer period of wearing without sore shoulders and back. The thick padded shoulder straps are also nice, and the backpack-like structure distributes weight nicely in the front or back positions.
-Versatile. With 3 carrying positions and a weight range up to 40 pounds it will be the only carrier you need with an infant or toddler. I didn't purchase the infant insert, but found that by folding a blanket and using that as the infant insert my baby could sit comfortably. We also put him in sideways, with both feet out one side until he was big enough to straddle comfortably. At 4-5 months we felt that he was big enough to straddle and sit in the carrier without stretching his legs. He loves sitting so close to me while I do things around the house, as well as grocery shopping, sitting in the front position. We recently began putting it on our backs and he enjoys this also, as he can look around while we walk. I don't prefer the hip position, because I feel like it throws my balance off, but the front and back positions are great.
-My husband even offers to wear it, and it fits both of us well. It's easy to adjust the straps to each individual.
-Being in the Texas heat, you are going to sweat no matter what carrier you use, but we've found the Ergo to breathe pretty well.
-The soft-shell form packs nicely into it's little bag, and is really easy to stuff into a suitcase or bag for traveling.
-When it gets dirty, just throw it in the washer. My son loves to suck on the straps while he is in it, so this is nice. It's also made of a very soft material- comfy for baby's skin.
-The sleeping hood is adjustable to fit any height of child and works as a sunshade/privacy shade as well.
-Durable construction. Reinforced stitching at tension points ensures that it is safe and stable for your baby. I feel like it will last for many years.
-Our baby loves to be in it! The first few times he squirmed while I got it adjusted, but once he was settled he usually fell asleep within 30 mins. Now he is much more aware, but still can be lulled to sleep by the movement and security of being close to mom or dad. As mentioned before, he likes to suck on the straps and just looks very content when sitting in it.

Cons:
-A little pricey, but worth the investment.
-The sleeping hood is tricky to put on by yourself, if you are wearing the carrier. Usually my husband can help me attach it, but once or twice I've had to ask someone else for help.
-It takes a few practices to feel comfortable putting the carrier on, and putting the baby in, without help. I practiced over the couch or bed until I felt sure of myself, and now it takes me less than a minute to put him in and adjust everything (no matter where I am). My husband, who wears it less often, always has me help him load our baby in. The instructional videos on the ergo website are extremely helpful in showing how to correctly position the baby and adjust the carrier.
-There is no zippered pocket on the Sport version for your keys or cell phone. I purchased the little bag that attaches to the waistband and that works when we don't want to bring the diaper bag along.

Overall, this is a fantastic product. We're very satisfied with our purchase. It is a great baby carrier and a nice alternative when using a stroller isn't convenient.