Ergo Baby Carrier - Camel

Comment: I have never felt the need to review anything in the past, but I feel this product is terribly over-rated. As an avid backpacker I am well used to carrying 40 plus pounds for many miles a day for a week at a time, and understand the importance of a balanced pack that fits well and distributes the load correctly. No matter how much I adjust it, the Ergo just doesn't work for me. It has a nice wide hip belt, but unfortunately because the shoulder straps re-attach to the pack too high up toward your armpit, baby's weight sits not on the belt, but almost entirely on the point of your shoulder, which in the forward carrying position pulls your shoulders forward. In addition the pack is a full 13.5 inches wide at the bottom where baby sits, requiring the poor child to split her legs straight out sideways to get into the carrier, which my 4 month old finds unbearable. The infant insert deals with this by providing a little cushion for baby to sit on, however now the legs face forward straight into your just-had-a-baby sized tummy where they get squashed once the pack is done up. Its also very, very hot for baby and wearer alike, and I find it awkward to get baby in and out of safely - one clip is located directly between your shoulder blades! I tried my best to love it for a full 4 months, but it just doesn't work for me, my husband or my baby who screams every time I put her in it. I now have a BabyBjorn model with extra back support which we are thrilled with.

Comment: I borrowed one from a friend before laying out the dough for this carrier, and I'm sure glad I did. The Ergo did NOT work for us. My 9-month-old, 23-pound DD hated being smushed against my back. I found it uncomfortable to wear, even after many attempts to adjust the straps (plus it squished my chest in VERY unflattering ways -- not great for a still-nursing mommy). I found I had to take her out after 20 minutes of wear, and that certainly won't make this carrier last through a zoo trip or anything else. We're now shopping for a baby backpack with a proper frame.

Comment: My daughter has tried many carriers and she says this is the best, it's very comfortable and easy to wear and my 3 month old grandaughter loved it.

Comment: I haven't used it much but it works great. I don't feel the strain on my back like with other carriers. My 8 month old son even falls asleep in it if we are taking him for a walk which he doesn't do in strollers. I have only used it on the front - have not tried the back or side carry.

Comment: From word of mouth and what I've seen, I bought the Ergo because of it's great reputation for comfort during extended wearing sessions.

It DOESN'T fail to deliver.

I started wearing baby at about 3 weeks (he's now 13 weeks) and this has allowed for so much mobility while he's napping on me or simply wants to hang out on mamma.

In the beginning (and I've seen this with other users) I did NOT snug the straps properly and sometimes felt strains on my back...but once I realized what I was doing and corrected it, I had now problems.

I've worn him for up to 3-5hour stretches and feel as good as should be expected given I'm carrying a baby on the outside.

We ordered the Camel color because we'll be using this tons during the summer and didn't want the added 'heat' issue of having a black exterior. It does show spots a bit more, but that shouldn't be an issue given baby poop, food, and spit up are on everything anyway.

I do wish they had a better way of keeping the hood secure...the pocket only goes so far. Also, it might be better to have pockets on the waist strap rather than right behind baby's back.

Finally, be aware that the ends of the buckle straps are folded in under elastic bands when you receive this item. Make sure you fold them out all the way. I made the mistake of not doing that, so ordered the extension. After that, I realized I already had the extra two inches I needed.

Overall, great product.