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 borrowed my friend’s Ergo when T was tiny and it was the first structured carrier I used. I loved it! Great review x
Donna recently posted…8 Perfect Presents For Mums To Be
i love babywearing, but cant seem to find the right ergonomic carrier for myself, some say that even body shape can be one of the obstacles
Victoria recently posted…Review: Baby Banz Adventurer Sunglasses
Thanks for the review. We went with the baby sling for our first baby, but it never really quite worked out. We’ve a second on the way now, and we’ll need our hands free even more to push the buggy, etc., so maybe this carrier will be the way forward..
I absolutely loved carrying my daughter round in a baby carrier when she was little. A friend was asking me the other day which make I had and I can’t remember but now I’ll send her your review 🙂
#triedtested
Catherine recently posted…The Magical Snow Garden by Tracey Corderoy & Jane Chapman
I never tried baby wear with my first two children but now that Piglet is coming along soon I have been billed looking at different slings and the Ergo is one that keeps being mentioned time and time again
It does look comfortable, for both of you. I always wanted to try a carrier with my two but they were both so refluxy, I didn’t fancy being sick on the whole time! x
Author
We have actually found being in the carrier helps with the reflux, must be the upright position!
Great review. We’re big baby wearing advocates and joined our NCT Sling meet. My mummy used to wear me all the time but now I’m walking and running everywhere I’m not so keen to be strapped to her back! 😉 #TriedTested
Baby Isabella recently posted…My witchy costume from Sainsbury’s
Oh I really like the look of this one, would be perfect for my teeny man 🙂 x
Great review! Looks so comfy. I just didn’t get on with carriers. Could have tried harder though! Max is getting so big now! #TriedTested
Jo @sitstillmonkeys recently posted…Nothing But – Review & Giveaway
This looks great Kate. I have never used a baby carrier before but if I had a third it would definitely be needed to get around. Love baby snuggles. Great review. Thanks for hosting. #triedandtested
Jenny recently posted…Letters to Him & Her ~ #33
Great review!! I have heard of this baby carrier before but I bought the Manduca which is great!! You should review it as it is really good!! It is German if I’m not wrong! Thanks for hosting, 🙂 xx
A Moment with Franca recently posted…M&S Tatty Teddy Slanket Review & Giveaway
This looks really user friendly. I really wanted to try baby wearing yet my daughter i think is the only baby in the world that doesn’t seem to like it! Maybe i’ll give it another shot now she’s a bit older. #triedandtested
I use to love taking one of my twins out in the carrier, it was a chance for me to have some lovely one on one time with them but having my hands free to deal with my son or the other twin. You could also hide a twin in the carrier whilst the other was in the pushchair! It meant a quick trip out could be a quick trip out as they wouldn’t stop me to ahhhh over the twins, as there was only one in the pushchair! This one looks really comfy and easy to put on too.
Stephanie recently posted…Spooky family games night
Looks really comfy, we always keep a couple in reception as buggies are not great on the farm, this one looks really good. #TriedTested
I loved baby wearing when A was younger but my moby wrap couldn’t hold him past 1 (he’s heavy and a squirmer) so for next time I’d like to try something different and may try the ergo! #triedtested
Kaye recently posted…What’s inside the Japan Candy Box? Sept 2015
Really useful review – my go to carrier has always been the baby bjorn and I have a couple of different ones. #triedtested
Oh this looks great! Certainly a carrier I will look into purchasing when baby number is on the cards 🙂
Jenna Parrington recently posted…Decathlon Oxelo B1 Scooter – Review
I never had the courage to try one of these baby carriers because I always though that it would be very hard to put these on. #triedtested
Janine recently posted…A DIY Halloween Photo Session
I’m all for baby wearing – this looks really sturdy but still cosy #triedtested
I couldn’t have survived without my Ergobaby in the early days – I found mine on eBay too so it was a bit cheaper x #TriedTested
Crummy mummy recently posted…How do you pick the perfect baby name?