As much as I am a pushchair addict, sometimes a carrier is so much more practical, especially if you have a toddler to hang on to. If we are planning a quick pop round the shops or heading off for some park play, a baby carrier is so much more practical. It leaves my hands free to hold onto Max when crossing the road, or push him on the swings. But choosing a baby carrier can be just as confusing as choosing a pushchair – there are so many different brands and types it can be hard to know where to start.
We have recently been trying the Ergobaby Original carrier from the NCT shop. If you have joined any type of babywearing forum or sling library you will likely have heard of the Ergobaby – they are raved about. Having never actually tried one for myself I was keen to get going and see what all the fuss is about!
Putting it on:
Some baby carriers can have you pretty perplexed with confusing instructions and lots of straps and buckles. The Ergobaby isn’t like that – it’s pretty straightforward, especially in a forward carry position. Simply buckle the waistband around you, hold your baby in a carrying position and pull the shoulder straps up and over them – this will position the seat section correctly. Buckle the straps behind you and away you go. A back carry is slightly more fiddly as you would expect, but with practice it becomes second nature. Buckle the waistband around you again and slide the carrier around on to your hip. Pop your little one in as you would for a front carry and then reach round to grab the shoulder straps and pull the carrier and your baby around on to your back before fastening the buckles across your chest.
Using the carrier:
Using the Ergobaby as an everyday carrier really does give you back your hands! You do forget just how tricky it can be to push a pushchair and hold onto a toddler. Using the Ergobaby has given me the freedom to play with Max more, I can hold his hand as we go for a walk, I can push him on the swings without trying to rock a pram with my other hand, I can take him to places pushchairs can’t go, such as the beach or a country river walk. Even things in the house are a lot easier – if Eliza is fussy I can pop her in the Ergobaby and carry on with the housework – she will either settle and watch what is going on or she will fall asleep!
The Ergobaby Carrier is suitable from birth (with the infant insert) right up to 40lbs which is usually 3-4 years. There are many different carrying options – several front carry positions, a hip carry and a back carry, so you really do get value for money – this carrier will see you through from tiny tot to toddler. I could easily carry Max in the Ergobaby back carry (if he would let me!)
The Ergobaby carrier is designed for comfort – both for baby and parent. The wide, padded waist and shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly, and the wide seating section ensures Eliza’s legs are in the anatomically correct position – wide, frog legs rather than dangling down. There is a support hood for younger babies, which is especially useful if they fall asleep in the carrier. When not in use this can be tucked into the front pocket of the carrier.
I have tried a few carriers over the years, and have found a few that I now love and use regularly – my other favourites are the Beco Soleil and the Papoozle. The Ergobaby Original has now joined my list of go to carriers, and has been used on a regular basis since we got it. If you want an easy to use, supportive and comfortable carrier that will last you from day one through to toddler-hood then this is the one for you.
Have you tried babywearing? Do you have a favourite baby carrier?
I never tried a babywear product when I had my 2 many years ago. They seem to have come on in leaps and bounds from when my oldest was a baby 13 years ago. Great review #TriedTested
Tracey Williams recently posted…The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
I tried babywearing with my daughter, but she hated every sling we tried. I am really hoping the next baby is more receptive as it would make my life a lot easier! This one looks great x
#triedtested
Mummy’s Blog recently posted…Carun Body and Skin Hemp Oil Review
I use to love my sling when mine were little so much easier than a pushchair #TriedTested
Gina Caro recently posted…Clocks Going Back and Young Children
I loved my sling and used it more with Baby #2 so that my hands were free to cope with Baby #1!
I agree about the ease of putting it on. I initially had a Bjorn but the complex nature of putting it together put me off – you need to find a barrier that’s easy to use
#triedtested
Tracey @ mummyshire recently posted…Winning A Gold Medal
I only ever tried the Baby Bjorn when my boys were babies but I think that the ErgoBaby is one that our local NCT sling library stock, so great to try before you decide what to buy #triedtested
Yet Another Blogging Mummy!!! recently posted…The Blackthorn Key – book review and giveaway
I wish I’d found a carrier that I was comfortable with when N was a baby. We just had a Tomy cheap one, and it was ok, but not great once he was a few months old and too heavy to make it comfortable. There’s so many options around, it’s just a case of trying them and finding a sling library (or friends with them) to do so.
Emma T recently posted…My Little Pony Friendship is Magic DVD giveaway
I liked carrying Clara in a carrier but now she is too heavy. This looks like a very similar style to mine but I found it hard to put on when I was on my own. It’s lovely when they fall asleep all snuggled in to you though. #triedtested
Kiri recently posted…Comment on Celebrating 50 years of Tiny Tears by Nicky Kentisbeer
We didn’t use our carrier much first time round, but I can imagine on your second or fourth 🙂 they would be really handy and this one looks very easy and straightforward which is always a plus!! xx
Mudpie Fridays recently posted…3 Stunning Beaches in Wales
Sounds like a great carrier! I’ve heard consistently good things about the Ergo over the years. Handy that it’s easy to put on as that is my bugbear!
#TriedTested
Sian recently posted…Seren turns 4!
I do so love a carrier – especially when you need extra hands for the other kids! Ours was a lifesaver when Amy was younger (and I still use it now occasionally!)
#TriedTested x
Colette B recently posted…Asda Wooden Nativity – Review & Giveaway
this is the carrier brand I wanted to buy for ages, so worth the money if you know how to put it on correctly
Victoria recently posted…L’s teething essentials
This looks great, I wish we had got on better with a baby carrier in the earlier days, we didn’t try this one which is a real shame as it looks great!
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…Muddle Puddles Scampsuit Review
When I have a baby .. im sure getting one of those
Kisses,
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