Getting the Right Fit with the ERGObaby Carrier

At what age can I use the carrier

From newborn with use of the infant insert, up to 40 pounds.

ERGObaby recommends a weight limit of 40 pounds (18 Kilograms) for its carrier; however, the carrier has been tested up to 90 pounds (41 Kilograms). Our carrier will accommodate you as long as you and your baby are happy using it.

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.

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.

The black straps dig into my thighs and cause me discomfort.

You may be sitting in too much of a pouch. The back of the carrier should be up as high as your shoulders or just under your 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.

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 at the appropriate position for nursing. You will need to adjust this position as your baby grows.

This video shows how easy it is to nurse your baby in the ERGObaby carrier in the front carry position. Slightly loosen the shoulder straps and bring your baby into a comfortable position. When nursing you can use the hood for privacy.

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.

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

For further information from a recent study regarding outward-facing babies, please click on this link:www.ergobabycarrier.com/resources/2009/02/a-recently-published-study-sug.html

Who Should Buy the ERGObaby Sport Carrier?

With the combination of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, the ERGObaby Sport is an ideal choice for parents in warmer climates. The vent below the hood pocket also keeps both parent and baby cooler.

Parents with larger frames love the ERGObaby Sport, since the shoulder straps extend an extra 4 inches (to 27 inches), and the waist belt extends an extra 5 inches(to 48 inches). The waist extension can also be used with the ERGObaby Sport. However, the ERGObaby Sport can also accommodate smaller parents, since the waist belt cinches to 30 inches, making it an ideal choice for families with babywearers of different sizes!

Will the ERGObaby Sport Carrier fit people with smaller frames?

For petite people with waists measuring 30 inches or less, we recommend wearing the waist belt around the hips. If the ERGObaby Sport Carrier is still too loose, we recommend one of our Standard or Organic ERGObaby Carriers.

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

The ERGObaby carrier is successful at fitting both men and women. The general range is between 5’ and and 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 generally, 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. The ERGObaby Sport Carrier has shoulder straps that can extend an additional 4 inches, and a waist belt that can extend an additional 5 inches, making it an ideal carrier choice for people of most heights and sizes.

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

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

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 the comfort of your baby and yourself, 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.

Buy an Ergo Baby Carrier in the UK