Ergo Baby Carrier Black with Camel Lining

I started out with a Baba sling, which up until my bouncing boy became 9kgs at 5 months was just about okay for short trips out the park and town centre. As he surpassed the 9kg mark my back and shoulders really started to ache and I feared that I would either have to give up carrying him when out and about or that I would have to opt for one of those bulky 'mountaineering' looking devices with the rigid frame. Either way I was unhappy.

Then I was given a gift from my son's great-grandparents. Typically one might expect a bear or a cute little outfit from great-grand-parents, but they, being the clever sorts that they are bought me something I had never seen before, the Ergo Baby carrier. It was a surprisingly practical and stylish gift, but at the time I had no idea what a fabulous item this really was. So, below I will try to outline in 10 concise points why its such a fabulous carrier.

First, its light and portable without any of those mountaineering qualities I was on about above-- no rigid frame and its not huge, in fact, Id describe it as quite a discrete bit of baby kit.

Second, it is stylish and expressive. I have the black retro design and love it-- its unique, and in fact the entire line has a design which probably suits most stylistic preferences.

Third, and most importantly, it is safe. There are cross-straps which have recently been added to the constantly improving design to further ensure its safety. It also meets and even beats the European safety standard.

Fourth, its guaranteed. It comes with a two year guarantee, which means its good value for money and can be used for a child up to the age of 5 so you can get literally years of use out of your carrier.

Fifth, its versatile, both in style of wear and parents. It can be worn out in front, on back and even side-saddle. When worn out front it is easy to loosen one of the straps to breast-feed. My husband didnt wear our son when I had the sling as it was he saw it as too feminine looking, but now, with the Ergo Baby carrier, he easily straps our son on his back and then they're off for a walk to the shops or park--so even Daddy's will use this carrier.

Sixth, its healthy, for you and baby. The exercise you receive from totting baby around is excellent cardiovascular, but much more fun in my mind than going to the gym. What a wonderful way to lose the left over baby weight and promote bonding at the same time! Its better for your baby's lungs as they are up above the 'pram line' where all the car exhaust fumes linger too. Another hue point is that it evenly distributes baby's weight-- and that is no easy task when you have a heavy child to carry. I have worn my son walking 3 miles and then all around the town, in and out of shops for 4 hours of shopping with no pain the next day-- its absolutely BRILLIANT. Finally, its ergonomically designed to promote good hip alignment for baby. It encourages your baby to sit in the proper and natural 'frog position' which is healthy for infant and baby hips when at rest.

Seventh, its convenient. As it is only thick canvas, it folds away neatly to fit in along with everything else in your baby's nappy bag. Even if I do take my son out in the pram, I always take the carrier 'just in case' he fusses and wants to be closer to one of his parents-- the carrier could be renamed the 'baby whisperer' since Ive used it so many times to comfort and calm my son when overstimulated/tired from outdoor activities/sights/sounds or people.

Eighth, its practically minded. It has a nice little zipper pouch that just fits my change purse, a nappy, a 20 pack of wipes, a small muslin cloth and my mobile. So, in other words, when I take my son out to the shops in his carrier, I have everything I need right there-- no need to take a nappy or hand bag with unless you really want to!

Ninth, its considerate to baby and to others. Its considerate to baby in that it has a head support hood, so that when baby falls asleep they do not suffer from wobbly sleepy head, which would typically wake them up. I also use the hood to block out the hussle and bussle for him when he seems overwhelmed by it all. Its also considerate to others in small spaces, like crowded footpaths in town, and small shops as you can leave the pram or stroller at home. Baby is much easier to navigate in just about all outdoor situations, and enjoys seeing all that you do from your 'birds-eye' perspective.

Tenth and finally, it is excellent for learning and development. There has been plenty of research done recently (especially by Dr. Sears, a US paediatrician www.drsears.com) which indicates that a baby who is held in a carrier or a sling develops better social and auditory skills. Because they are nearer your face, they can see and hear with better clarity how to pronounce their words, how the mouth must move to perform these sounds and so on. Socially, they learn the nuances of facial features and expressions which help them to be more expressive and articulate as they gain the ability to express themselves, typically during toddler-hood. Many people believe that toddlers who are difficult to manage are simply frustrated by their inability to express their wants, needs and desires, thus it can be reasoned that an early start at socialising in a carrier can help them with future developmental growth and their ability to express themselves in toddler years.

I hope this review helps you to decide to go for the Ergo carrier. In my opinion, its a brilliant item which I would not be without--its money well spent.

I have carried my baby since he was born in various carriers and slings and all have been great but as he's got bigger and heavier I've noticed that carrying him has become harder and more uncomfortable. A friend recommended I get an Ergo and I am so pleased. The waist belt means that the weight of the baby is spread over the back and hips so it relieves strain on the shoulders. Spreading the weight means that no one area of your body takes the strain. I can now carry my 6 month old son for long walks and for several hours at a time without feeling uncomfortable or being stiff as a board the next day. I use the Ergo every day and wish I'd had one sooner.

Converting the Ergo to a hip carrier isn't easy the first few times but swapping between a front carry or carrying the baby on your back is dead easy. For a young baby you need the infant inset which isn't included. The version of the Ergo I received is a slightly different design to the one in the instructional DVD so be aware that some versions fasten the sleeping hood via poppers direct to to the shoulder straps and not self poppered through a D ring as shown on the DVD.

I bought it for extreme situations. It is perfect for anyone, fits perfect to everybody, light weight, holds the back straight, the baby feels great and most important you can wear it so easy while you have the baby on your arms. I recommend it.