Buying guide for best ergobaby carriers
Move over, strollers: baby carriers are becoming ever more popular with parents of babies and toddlers. If you want durable, reliable options, consider an Ergobaby carrier. The majority of these carriers are extremely easy to use, requiring only a few clips and buckles to secure your baby to you. Not only are Ergobaby carriers great for use out and about, you can also use them around the home if your little one likes to be close to you at all times; the Ergobaby carrier will leave your hands free to do other things.
There's plenty to consider when choosing an Ergobaby carrier. First, you’ll need to decide whether you want a classic soft-structured carrier or one of the company's newer wrap carriers. You'll then need to consider what position you want to carry your baby in, how comfortable the carrier will be for you and your baby, and how easy it is to adjust. Check out this complete guide to Ergobaby carriers to discover more information, including our top picks.
Key considerations
Carrier type
You can find two varieties of Ergobaby carriers: soft-structured carriers and wrap carriers. Which is right for you?
Soft-structured Ergobaby carriers are tailored correctly to fit you and your baby. Simply attach the clips and adjust the straps, and you're ready to go. They're comfortable for the wearer and the baby, and it’s easy to position baby correctly. You might say these are essentially “foolproof,” though they cost more than wrap carriers and are less versatile.
Ergobaby wrap carriers are essentially one long piece of fabric that you can tie in different ways to carry your baby. These can be adjusted to fit people of any height and weight, and there are loads of different ties to carry your baby in various ways and positions. The downside is that you'll need to learn how to tie your wrap carrier properly, which can be tricky.
Carrying position
You can carry your baby in four main positions using an Ergobaby carrier:
- On your front with your baby facing inward
- On your front with your baby facing outward (in the direction of travel)
- On your back facing inward
- On your hip
Notably, not all Ergobaby carriers can be used in all positions, so you'll need to choose one that will accommodate the carrying positions you want to use. We’d also like to point out that some positions aren't suitable until your baby reaches four or six months of age.
Comfort
It's important that both you and your baby are comfortable using a carrier. Luckily, Ergobaby carriers are designed with comfort in mind. All soft-structured carriers have wide seats for your baby and other comfortable features, such as headrests. For the person who's wearing the carrier, the most important factor is weight distribution. Ergobaby carriers either have extra-wide shoulder straps to distribute weight over a large area or highly padded shoulder straps to provide cushioning. They also tend to have wide waistbands to offer lower back support.
Features
Storage
For such small humans, babies need a huge amount of gear. We're talking diapers, pacifiers, bottles, bibs, hats, toys, changes of clothes — the list goes on. Any parent or caregiver will tell you that you can never have too much storage space. Some Ergobaby carriers feature either a built-in pocket or a detachable storage bag to provide you with storage space that's convenient and easy to reach.
Air mesh
Standard Ergobaby carriers are made from cotton, but you can also find air mesh options with several mesh panels. These are designed for use in hot weather to help keep your baby cool.
Color or print
Of course, you can buy Ergobaby carriers in sensible neutral shades, such as black, gray, and navy blue. You can also choose some much more adventurous colors and prints. Some of our favorite prints include Starry Sky, Herringbone, and a special edition Hello Kitty print.
Hood
The majority of Ergobaby carriers feature a hood that offers UV50 protection as well as providing some shelter from bad weather. These hoods can be folded and zippered away when you don't need them.
"All Ergobaby carriers are machine washable, so keeping them clean is easy. "
STAFF
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Ergobaby carrier prices
Soft-structured Ergobaby carriers cost between $80 and $180, depending on the model you choose. A versatile product with more carrying options or other special features (air mesh, storage pockets) will cost closer to $180, whereas a more basic option with limited carrying positions, storage space, or other extras will cost closer to the $80 mark. Ergobaby wrap carriers cost around $50; price may vary by a few dollars depending on color.
Tips
- Check whether your chosen Ergobaby carrier is suitable for your child's age and weight. Some models are suitable for newborns, though they still have a minimum weight requirement of seven pounds, which won't work for small babies or preemies. Others have a higher minimum weight unless used with a newborn insert. All Ergobaby carriers also have a maximum weight limit.
- Learn how to use your Ergobaby carrier before putting your baby inside. While these carriers are fairly simple to use, we highly recommend learning how to adjust and secure yours properly before you carry your baby for the first time.
- Pay attention to baby carrier safety suggestions. Your baby's face should be angled upward toward you and in view at all times, with her chin off her chest and her head close enough to kiss. The carrier should be tight and supportive, so your baby isn't slumped.
- Consider who else will be using your Ergobaby carrier. If it will be regularly used by another parent or caregiver, check that the carrier you've chosen will work for them, too, so you don't need to purchase a second option.
FAQ
Q. Do newborn babies have any specific carrying requirements?
A. To avoid hip damage, all newborn babies must be carried with their legs in the natural M position (legs spread widely and knees higher than the bottom) and their spines with a gentle C curve. If used correctly, an Ergobaby carrier will support your baby in this position, but it's always wise to check your child’s position before you get going.
Q. Can I nurse my baby while she's in an Ergobaby carrier?
A. Yes, it's fairly easy to lower your baby in her carrier to nurse her, and you can even make use of the hood as a privacy cover if you feel more comfortable that way. However, you must pay careful attention to your baby while she's nursing and return her to her original position as soon as she's done.
Q. Can I adjust my Ergobaby carrier to fit my height?
A. You can adjust both soft-structured Ergobaby carriers and Erbobaby wrap carriers to suit wearers of different heights. However, soft-structured carriers are more limited in their adjustability, as they can only be adjusted as high or low as the straps allow. Therefore, some parents who are taller or shorter than average may not find them as comfortable as they'd like.
