Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best For You, Best For Your Baby, April 29, 2009
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.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Saves your back! Better than Bjorn, worth the extra $, July 8, 2009
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!
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
best baby carrier for active parents, March 29, 2009
If you walk a lot and want to bring your baby this one is for you.
Some folks prefer front facing position when carrying in front of you, but this one does not do that. You have to use the rear carry position.
The key to this one is the fact that when properly worn, all the weight of the baby is on your hips, just like a good trecking backpack.
Other carriers leave your shoulders dead after an hour, but we can walk forever with this one. If you backpack and want to have the same technology that your pack has (aka waist belt) then this is for you.
we love it!
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