- Good ergonomics
- Versatile
- Suitable for large babies and toddlers
- Can be difficult to use in the piggyback position
- Fabric is quite stiff
- Expensive
The Ergo Baby Carrier is highly regarded by parents, many of whom give it perfect ratings. As the name suggests, the Ergo Baby Carrier's standout feature is its exceptional ergonomics. Reviewers like the foam-padded straps at the shoulder and waist; they also praise its adjustability (it fits adults from 5 feet to 6 feet 5 inches in height). The design of the Ergo distributes most of the weight to the wearer's hips, reducing the back and shoulder strain common among baby carriers. Parents are also enthusiastic about its versatility: Babies can be carried up front, on one hip or piggyback style. However, a significant drawback is that your baby can't face forward when riding in the front, which is an option in the also highly rated and less expensive BabyBjorn Original (*Est. $100).
The book "Baby Bargains" is a reliable source when it comes to baby gear. The Ergo Baby Carrier gets good coverage from authors Denise and Alan Fields, who base their ratings on extensive research and parent feedback. The Australian-based consumer publication Choice magazine includes the Ergo in a roundup of a dozen baby carriers, although only four of the 12 models tested are available in the U.S. Parents.com covers the Ergo in its roundup, where Alisa Stoudt includes a useful amount of information. User reviews from Amazon.com, Epinions.com and Diapers.com are good for those who want to get a sense of how owners feel the Ergo Baby Carrier performs under real-world conditions.
Our Sources
1. Baby Bargains
"Baby Bargains" provides useful insight into a number of baby gear categories, including baby carriers. The Ergo Baby Carrier is compared to the BabyBjorn Original for ease of use, versatility and weight distribution.
Review: Baby Carriers, Denise and Alan Fields, Eighth Edition
2. Choice magazine
Australia's Choice magazine conducts formal testing of baby carriers by using both parent and professional raters in a formal rating system. Parents wear each carrier and provide ratings in terms of comfort and ease of use, while a chiropractor and physiotherapist weigh in with feedback on comfort, safety and suitability. While only four of the 12 models tested are available in the U.S., the professional nature of this review makes it very useful.
Review: Baby Slings Review and Compare, Baby Slings Review and Compare, April 10, 2008
3. Amazon.com
About 180 owners have commented on the Ergo Baby Carrier on Amazon.com, where it has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible 5. More than two-thirds give the Ergo a perfect rating. Most reviewers applaud the Ergo for its comfort.
Review: Ergo Baby Carrier, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. TheBabyWearer.com
TheBabyWearer.com has comprehensive information on baby wearing. There's a good user review section with ratings for dozens of models, including the Ergo Baby Carrier, which has nearly 150 owner-written reviews and an average rating of nearly 4.5 out of 5 stars. Owners say it's comfortable and versatile, but some say they'd prefer softer fabric. A few note that they can't find the optimal placement for the shoulder straps, resulting in some pain. This requires users to register in order to access the articles.
Review: Ergo Baby Carrier, Contributors to TheBabyWearer.com
5. Parents.com
Alisa Stoudt calls the Ergo Baby Carrier "great for toddlers" because of its 40-pound weight limit and its piggyback option. She does caution that wearing children this way -- as opposed to in front -- can take some practice.
Review: Mom-Tested Baby Slings & Carriers, Alisa Stoudt
6. Epinions.com
The Ergo Baby Carrier receives close to 65 mostly positive reviews, giving it a perfect average rating. The most common drawbacks mentioned are the cost and the fact that it can be difficult to get the carrier on and off when worn in back.
Review: Ergo Baby Carriers, Contributors to Epinions.com
7. Diapers.com
Diapers.com, the official store for BabyCenter.com, has less than 40 owner-written reviews of the Ergo Baby Carrier, and most entries are very short. Ratings and comments are similar to those on other user review sites.
Review: Ergo Baby Carrier, Contributors to Diapers.com
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