Question for Ergo lovers

[griergirl2]

We are needing a new baby carrier. Yes, we have a Bjorn. I know many hate them for various reasons, but we loved it when our little one was littler. Now she is 7 1/2 months and to heavy for the Bjorn and is killing my back. I have read nothing but good things about the ergo. I am wondering if the sport is just as good? Does it have any better/worse features? Or should I just get the tried and true original? Anyone able to tell me how it will compare with my bjorn? Is there even a comparison? We'll be taking DD to Disneyworld in May and would love to have a great carrier for her first Magical Trip!!

 

[jedijohn82]

What store sells these Ergo things anyway? I've looked at Walmrt, Target, Baby Depot, Baby's R Us and cannot find it. I want to try it out before I buy it.

 

[griergirl2]

They seem to only be sold by boutique baby stores. If you go to the ergo page here: http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/retailers/ you can search for local retailers.

 

[jedijohn82]

They seem to only be sold by boutique baby stores. If you go to the ergo page here: http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/retailers/ you can search for local retailers.

They must not be as good as everyone claims if a national retailer won't even carry them! Closest location to me is over 100 miles a way.

 

[griergirl2]

It seems that 99% of the carriers everyone loves and swears by aren't carried by the national retailers. Guess the retailers don't know what they are missing out on??

 

[rparmfamily]

Why does it have to be sold by a major retailer to be good?

Look at BOB stollers, they are incredible but not sold at mass retailers. Not because they aren't any good...they are the best on the market. You have to usually buy them thru runner's store, bicycle store,etc. Same goes for cloth diapers, though Target and Costco now sell cloth on their website. Or Robeez,etc. I think Ergo choses to not be sold in Walmart,etc. They are a Hawaii company, which I like.

Also, check Craigslist. I got mine from there, much cheaper and they are very sturdy.

 

[two-foxes]

We started out with a Bjorn Active and although it did great for DS when he was to about 3-4 months or so, the Ergo is the one carrier that will withstand the growing little one. First, it supports the baby much better (although I couldn't use it for DS until he was over 4mo old.) They are actually in a sitting position vs kinda sitting on their crotch. The carry positions are great. I prefered the hip carry when DS was 4-6 months, then the front carry after that, then the back carry when DS was even older. Although I never had any complaints as far as back pain with the Bjorn Active, I have none with carrying a 20-plus lb tot w/ the Ergo.

I am guessing, but I would bet Ergo is avoiding the national retailers. Perhaps they want to continue the good labor practices they currently have in China and India and in order to do that they keep production smaller...but I really don't know. We ended up buying ours at a popular boutique here in my city. It is their #1 carrier, and it is pretty obvious why. It is a great quality, adaptable and comfy carrier that will last for years and the wear and tear of more than one kiddo. You are spending the money on a great carrier!

 

[griergirl2]

Seems my OP has gotten a little OT I justed wanted to know if they truly are as great as everyone claims and if the Ergo sport was any better/worse of if I should just get the original?? Any advice?

 

[toesmom]

you might want to consider baby trekker.

completely comfortable

I thought the ergo carrier was ok, but the trekker was super comfy

I remember it was one of oprah's favorites few years back.

 

[griergirl2]

I'll have to check those out too. So many choices!!!

 

[two-foxes]

Seems my OP has gotten a little OT I justed wanted to know if they truly are as great as everyone claims and if the Ergo sport was any better/worse of if I should just get the original?? Any advice?

Sorry I thought I answered most of your question...as I don't have the SPORT, I can't tell you the difference on it or not. So, yes they truely are as great as everyone says and I would get the original. HTH.

 

[txloopnlil]

Ergo! worth every cent! In order to upscale production and keep price down low enough to be viable at the large stores, they would have to cut quality somewhere.

I was given the Baby Bjorn's etc and found them not very comfortable after the early infancy period. I used slings (maya wrap mostly) when my twins were born for ease of BF. When I joined thebabywearer.com I discovered the soft structured carriers like Ergo.

I found the Ergo to be the most comfortable for me. I double carried twins and used the Ergo for the heavier twin on my back. I also have a Beco and it is lighter & cooler, but not as comfortable for long periods or with a heavier child, so it was my front carrier with the lighter twin, when I double carried. I doublecarried twins well into their 2nd year and a total of 70 pounds!

I'm also a big fan of MT's (Babyhawk esp).

 

[griergirl2]

That is why I am inquiring I love structured carriers (just my preference) and I am not into tying it up (Connecta) so I am thinking either Ergo or Beco, leaning towards the Ergo. But still not sure about the original or the Sport

 

[rparmfamily]

I'm not familiar w/the differences, I just have a regular Ergo. I got mine off Craigslist for $40, which around here is a great price, usually they run about $70 on Craigslist. So maybe watch for one there?

 

[txloopnlil]

That is why I am inquiring I love structured carriers (just my preference) and I am not into tying it up (Connecta) so I am thinking either Ergo or Beco, leaning towards the Ergo. But still not sure about the original or the Sport

They didn't have the sport when mine were small - I'd check thebabywearer.com for reviews personally.

 

[tloveswdw]

Beco and Ergo are much more comfy for you and baby. Bjorn's put a lot of stress and pressure on the babies hips. The 'sit' more in a Beco or Ergo.

They are much more comfy and balanced for the wearer too. I have worn one on my front, with my youngest, and one on my back, a 2 1/2 year old...

We take our children everywhere, and Becos and Ergo's are the best for us.

 

[NotUrsula]

What store sells these Ergo things anyway? I've looked at Walmrt, Target, Baby Depot, Baby's R Us and cannot find it. I want to try it out before I buy it.

You can try it out before you buy it -- or at least, try it out before you keep it. Every online retailer of the Ergo that I know about offers a 90 day all-your-money-back-if-you-don't-like-it guarantee.

You can sometimes buy them at brick-and-mortar breastfeeding boutiques; I know of two in my city that sell them. However, I bought mine online -- MUCH less expensive, better color selection and I wanted that 90 day money-back trial period.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'll first say that I don't know about the Sport.

But the biggest difference for the typical Bjorn wearer vs a normal Ergo is that because they are interested in being ergonomically healthy for baby and wearer, is that if baby is on your front, baby faces YOU. There is no facing forward from the front, and that is because the bottom part of of the Ergo is wide, so that it really supports the baby's bottom, rather than the dangle-from-the-bits thing that happens with the Bjorn.

Now you can do a back carry once baby is old enough (or if you have a little one that doesn't mind having the head support on), and then baby is facing the same direction you are.

So that's the main difference.

But I bet that most people find having baby facing you is more comfy for the wearer's spine, and that won't be a big problem. Plus, baby gets to interact with you, along with people to the side of you, and can disengage if they get overwhelmed and just snuggle up against you. Awwwww.

 

[love3monsters]

We absolutely love the Ergo carrier. Our last son was in it from birth - he was a larger than typical baby - 10 lbs 5 oz and 23 inches - until now - he is 22 months and long. We used the infant insert when he was little and now he is great either on the front or the back.

Angela

 

[HGD24]

I love our Ergo too - we have the original. I like the hip-carry position best.