For somebody who is not yet committed to babywearing or interested in learning a baby wrap, my first choice would be a soft structured baby carriers. They are very easy to learn and somewhat similar in appearance to a Baby Bjorn. While soft structured baby carriers such as the Beco Baby Carrier or Ergo Baby Carrier look similar to the Bjorn, they keep baby in a seated position rather than hanging by their crotch. This is much better for babies developing spine and sacrum. Ergo Baby has a carrier made from a lighter weight fabric for better breathability. The Sport Ergo Baby Carrier also has a vented panel in the body of the baby carrier for extra air flow.

Pouches are another good choice for those not experienced with babywearing. They are a simple tube of fabric that you slip over your shoulder and place your baby in between the layers of fabric. They are small, compact, and easy to transport. The Hotslings Adjustable Pouch is a good choice for a gift because you do not have to know your sisters exact size. However, pouches do have some limitations. A pouch will not be as comfortable when wearing for longer periods of time or with heavier babies. It is also very important to get proper positioning when wearing a baby in the cradle position to prevent a baby

Parents that are interested in a forward facing carrier should consider why they want one. Is it because the parents assume a baby will want to see what is going on around them just as an adult does, or will a baby truly enjoy facing outward? Babies benefit from being able to make eye contact with their parent, watch their facial expressions, and social interactions. Babies that are forward facing cannot do these things.

Babies that are forward facing can also easily become overstimulated. A babies senses are raised and very aware. So much is new to them, and they still have a whole world to discover. What would seem to be a normal situation for us can actually become too much stimuli for them. Babies in forward facing carriers are unable to turn away from a busy environment and find the calming comfort of their parents face.

A baby can also sleep much easier by resting their head on your chest. A baby facing forward cannot find a stable position for their head, and their head will bob around limiting the quality of their sleep. So we cannot in good conscious recommend forward facing baby carriers. High quality baby carriers such as the Ergo Baby Carrier, Beco Baby Carrier, and BabyHawk do not support the forward facing position.

An alternative to wearing your baby facing out is using the hip carry which can be done with both the Ergo Baby Carrier, BabyHawk, and all baby slings. This is not as supportive as a two shouldered carry, but allows your baby a wider range of movement to observe the environment while still providing them the ability to turn away and find comfort from you.

We can’t wait to post a review.  The  will be available for shipment from La Stella Blu on 9-23-09.

What does this mean?  Is this a total redesign of the Ergo Baby Carrier where the infant insert is not needed?   Only a couple of weeks left until we have our answer.  Check back with La Stella Blu to see the Heart 2 Heart baby carrier.

The Ergo Sport also does not have a zippered pocket.  However it does have a few features sure to make it a real standout.  It is made from a light weight breathable fabric with a slight wicking feature.  This is a real bonus for anyone who lives in a warm climate.  The sleeping hood is completely detachable and can be stored in the pocket along the top of the baby carrier.  The waist belt extends an additional 5″ from 30″ to 48″.  The shoulder straps extend an additional 4″ from that of the standard ergo baby carriers.   

Let us know what your favorite ergo baby carrier is, and you will be entered to win a free pair of BabyLegs.  The winner will be randomly chosen on 1-31-08.

Hotslings now has two organic options; hemp and parisian blue.  Their hemp and organic cotton blend is not dyed or bleached, and it is soft as can be.  Parisian blue is on sale now, and supplies are limited.  

EllaRoo is an amazing company committed to sustainability.  All of their mei tais and mei hips are made with 100% certified organic cotton and recycled polyester batting made from soda bottles.  

Ergo Baby  introduced a new organic line in response to increased awareness for eco-friendly products.  Their organic chocolate baby carrier is very popular and often sold out across the internet. In the next couple of months Ergo Baby will be introducing a new blue organic baby carrier.  We can’t wait!

What changes have been recently made to the ERGO baby carrier?

The size and overall function of the ERGO baby carrier remains the same, however, there were a few updates made in June 2007:

1. CHEST STRAPS & RUNNER – The chest straps are now permanently attached to the shoulder straps with a “runner”, that keep the chest straps in their desired location. The chest straps won’t need readjusting each time the carrier is taken on and off. This new design also eliminates losing the straps when switching to the hip carry position. The runners are dyed to match the carrier and enhance the overall look of the carrier.Note: When using the carrier in the hip position, one chest strap may feel in the way. To alleviate: slide the chest strap out of your way, tuck the strap under the runner, or ask for assistance in connecting the two chest straps in the back (if you are not a yogi!).

2. HOOD & HOOD STRAPS – The hood straps are now shorter and snap directly onto the shoulder straps. Elastic has been added to the hood, to provide more length to make up for the shorter straps. The hood will now “cup” around your baby’s head. One single D-ring has been provided on the shoulder strap for your personal use.

3. NEW BOX – The carrier, front pouch, backpack and infant insert now come in a new ERGObaby box. The handle of the box denotes the color of the carrier, and there will be a color dot indicator on the box denoting the color of the carrier lining.

 Is it possible to use two waist extensions with the carrier?

ERGO baby recommends the use of one ERGO baby waist extension with a carrier, as two compromises the integrity of the carrier.

 How does the back pack attach to the carrier?

Click here to see full instructions for the use of the ERGO baby back pack.

 I am medium sized with a large bust. The chest straps seem very tight in the front or back carry position. What can I do?

First, make sure the shoulder straps and chest strap are loose enough for your’s and your baby’s comfort, but not so loose as to compromise the integrity of the carrier. Then try wearing the chest strap higher on your chest. If neither of these solutions work, it is possible to wear the chest strap under your bust line. Be aware that the shoulder straps can slide off of your shoulders much easier in this position than they could if the chest strap were at your chest. 

 Can I wear the carrier in the water?

It is recommended that use of the ERGObaby carrier in water be done infrequently. The carrier may fade the more it’s used in the water. We suggest hang drying afterwards out of the sun. Salt water is fine if you rinse well afterwards. In a damp climate, hang dry until it has stopped dripping and then put it in the dryer to speed up the drying process. It is also best not to completely dry the carrier in a hot dryer. We avoid using harsh chemicals to bond the dyes into the cotton so natural fading after washing sometimes happens. 

 How long will the extended sleeping hood last?

When a child reaches 24″ (61cm) in length, measured from the tailbone to the head, the hood will be extended to its fullest.

 What makes a baby carrier different than a baby sling?

A baby sling is a pouch that the baby hangs in to one side of the adult. The sling hangs off one shoulder and tends to throw the parent’s body out of alignment. A baby carrier evenly distributes the baby’s weight on the parent’s body. When using baby slings, one hand is often needed to support the baby, but baby carriers leave both hands free. Also, a baby sling can only be used for smaller babies, whereas a baby carrier can be used through toddlerhood.

  I’ve just purchased an ERGObaby carrier, and need your advice about making it work better for my daughter. She finds that the black straps dig into her thighs and cause her discomfort.

She may be sitting in too much of a pouch. The back of the carrier should be up as high as her shoulders or just under her armpits. Pulling up on the back of the carrier and tightening the shoulder straps will give more length in the body and bring the webbing straps higher up. 

 Have you experienced anyone wearing the ERGObaby carrier throughout pregnancy?

Yes, many women have safely used the ERGObaby carrier throughout their pregnancy. However, this is very much an individual preference and we recommend you consult your health care practitioner if you choose to continue to carry your toddler beyond your fifth month of pregnancy.

 What age is best to move my baby to the back carry position?

This is an individual developmental process for our babies. Usually around 6 months, a child will be happy moving to your back, however it is not unheard of that a 3-½ month old baby can be very happy on the back as well. If a child is fussing in the back carry position for the first time, bringing them to a mirror, where they find comfort in seeing themselves, will settle them. Also, bouncing and movement will help.

 I have a framed backpack carrier and wonder how your carrier compares with it.

The main differences between a framed carrier and the ERGObaby carrier have to do with weight distribution, comfort and ease. The ERGObaby carrier’s ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for the baby’s hip, pelvis and spine growth. It disperses most of the baby’s weight between the hips and thighs and helps prevent compression of the spine. This is a healthier and more comfortable seated position for your baby as opposed to being hung by the crotch. The ERGObaby carrier also alleviates physical stress for the parent by balancing the baby’s weight to parents’ hips and shoulders. Again, this is a healthier and more comfortable carrying position. An adults center of gravity is unchanged with the use of the ERGObaby carrier; in framed backpack carriers, the adults center of gravity is raised to mid to upper back. 

 I feel like I have to bend forward to feel like he is sitting upright…it feels like he could flip out backwards, what am I doing wrong?

The shoulder straps may be too loose. If you are in an upright ‘normal’ stance, i.e. not leaning forward or backward to balance the added weight of your child on your body, then you have the carrier correctly positioned. If not, tighten the shoulder straps so that your baby is being held closer to your body. With their legs down around your waist and their body strapped close to yours, your child is secure in the carrier. 

 Can I nurse my child in The ERGObaby carrier?

Yes, nursing is very easy with the ERGObaby carrier. Just loosen the shoulder straps so that your baby is sitting lower. With an older baby you will have to pull your breast up to their mouth level.

  If the carrier fits me will it also fit my husband?

The ERGObaby carrier is successful at fitting both husband and wife. The general range is between women slightly over 5’ and men up to 6’4”. The carrier adjusts at the waist, shoulder straps and chest strap, which allows for many size options. The waist belt can either be worn around the true waist or a little lower around the hips. This is mainly a personal preference but the general rule of thumb is shorter people do best wearing it around their hips and taller people around their waist. The ERGObaby waist extension extends the circumference of the waist belt of the carrier by 8 inches from 43 inches to 51 inches. We do not recommend using more than one waist extension.

 What is the weight limit of The ERGO baby carrier?

ERGObaby recommends a weight limit of 40 pounds for its carrier; however, the carrier has been tested up to 90 pounds. Our carrier will accommodate you as long as you would like to carry and/or your baby would like to be carried.

 I have a 3-month old, 15 lb. son. He has excellent head control for his age, but not so well when he’s tired. Do I need the infant insert?

Because your son is right on the cusp of needing the infant insert, it is probably not worth buying for only a month’s use. Try putting your son in the carrier and let him tell you whether it works for him or not. There are several ways of placing him in the carrier on the front without the infant insert. One way to carry him would be with both legs off to one side and his bottom still located in the center of the carrier. The other way, having one leg/foot tucked up in the carrier cross legged style and the other leg dangling down on the other side. Continue to try it every once in a while until he seems content sitting in the carrier.

 Why do I need the infant insert and how long do I need to use it?

The infant insert was designed for use with newborns to age 4 – 6 months. It supports your baby’s head and neck, as well as spine and hips during those first crucial months of development. Once your baby can hold her/his head up for long periods of time and is comfortable with her/his hips in a splayed position the use of the infant insert is no longer necessary. * The Infant Insert can be worn with your baby in the sling like position, with both legs to one side, or in the spread squat position facing you. * Note: These two developmental occurrences do not always happen at the same time, but do take place between 4 and 6 months. Since babies grow and develop at different rates, monitor your newborn’s development to decide when she/he is ready for the transition.

 Can the ERGObaby be used with twins?

We have had many parents of two or more children or twins send pictures of themselves wearing both of the babies in ERGObaby carriers, one on the front and one on the back. It is not recommended to use the infant insert in the back or hip carry position.

 Can I face my baby out when I wear her on the front?

The ERGObaby carrier is designed in compliance with the recommendations of Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis, and SHOULD NEVER BE WORN WITH THE BABY FACING OUT.According to Kirkilionis:”Infants in outward-facing orientations can’t turn away from surrounding stimuli. They can’t turn inward toward a parent’s body if stimuli become overwhelming. In this position the baby cannot make eye contact with his or her parent to evaluate facial expressions, social cues, and so forth to make assessment of the situation. Only choose a baby carrier that allows your child to face you … never out. There are too many events going on around your baby. A baby has no way to exclude himself from the environment by turning his head away and towards you. Healthy sleep is difficult for a baby who is facing outward. I am not a supporter of the outward facing method of carrying a child.”From – A Baby Wants To Be Carried by Dr. Eveline Kirkilionis (available in German) Dr. Kirkilionis is a human development specialist who has researched babywearing since 1985.

 Do I need to have someone help me get my child into the carrier?

You can get your baby in the carrier by yourself without the help of anyone or anything. However, we recommend you practice several times with the help of someone until you feel comfortable with the process. Older babies also become familiar and will help by lifting their leg and hanging on to your back. In the back carry position it also helps to practice in front of a mirror so both you and your baby can make visual connection with what you are doing.  If you are still having difficulty, please contact us for further assistance.