Traveling with Kids: ERGObaby Carrier

Every now and then I come across a product that is too good to be true. And every time I use the product, I feel compelled to write once again how great and valuable it is. (Hmmm.. CARES harness???)

In this case, I am referring to an amazing baby/child/toddler/preschooler carrier! The ERGObaby carrier is multi-functional and with the option to use it from birth to the school years – this carrier is a great investment.

Why? Well, if you have carried around a child for any length of time – you understand the strain that even a little bit of weight can put on your back and entire body.

I first found the ERGObaby carrier a couple years ago when looking for something to carry my son in (then 2 1/2 years old) during our Europe trip. Although I was bringing my stroller along, I knew that there would be times that a carrier would be ideal including the times we would be hopping on and off trains or walking up the many stairs (see photos below of stairs – at the Vatican and again on the island of Malta. Note the parents behind me that are carrying a very heavy large European stroller. They were NOT happy, sweating, and pretty much arguing with each other by the time they reached the top. I had left my carrier on the cruise ship by mistake and paid the price myself!) Also consider the cobblestone streets that are uneven enough to break a wheel on a stroller (see photo below), or just getting around town easier through narrow stores, crowded subways, or busy streets.

I admitted in my first review of this product that I was skeptical a carrier would easily handle my 30lb. child. I was even more skeptical that my back would not pay the price.

As you can see from these photos below, I used the carrier in London – and LOVED it! You will also notice that many of the photos were taken at night. And also many were of my husband wearing it as well as our “improve the ratio” friend.

The ERGObaby carrier allows you to carry a child on your hip, your front, and even on your back.

This photo is of my son and I in the Underground in the early morning hours as we headed by train to Heathrow airport. I was able to put him in the carrier with his pajamas on – still sleeping – and he comfortably slept on my chest. I put my coat on and it was added comfort and warmth for him as he was wrapped up close to me.

Now for the best features of the ERGObaby. Child comfort! We all know that if our child is not comfortable – the product is worthless.

ERGObaby was designed by a mom who was unable to find a carrier with all the features she wanted to carry her own child. So she designed ERGObaby!

First of all – notice how with some baby carriers the baby is suspended by his/her crotch. With the femoral artery/vein located in the groin – it is no surprised that it can be uncomfortable for little ones when their legs fall asleep from lack of circulation.

ERGObaby is ergonomically correct! I believe this to be a major reason the carrier is so effective in keeping kids happy. Note how the child is “sitting” as if in a chair. This supports proper development of the hips, legs, and spine as well.

The next problem I have found with carriers is when the child falls asleep, their head just dangles back or to the side uncomfortably over the edge of the carrier.

My husband and I didn’t realize that our son had fallen asleep until we took this photo! We then applied the ERGObaby’s head support and our son slept comfortably and snuggly while we explored London and had some time for ourselves.

 

So- now my son is older- and 41lbs. Does it still work? YES! I think you will not truly believe how well this carrier is made until you try it. ERGObaby recommends using the carrier up to 40lbs. However, it is has been tested up to 90lbs. (not that you would want to carry a 90lb. child on your back – but it does show how sturdy it is!)

My son is tall – and yet, he can sit in the carrier on my back and comfortably ride around and see the sites when his little legs are too tired to walk.

I have found this carrier to be a necessity for travel as well as an asset around town. Karin Frost, the inventor, also realized that a good carrier would have space to carry essentials-snacks, keys, diapers, etc.

She really got creative when she designed the ERGObaby backpack. This backpack can be hooked right onto the carrier and you have everything you need for a day trip! She even added the little front pouch that can either be attached to the front of the carrier or worn separately as a small purse. I have not reviewed these two products yet, but will let you know as soon as I get the chance to!

ERGObaby is a fantastic gift for friends who have small children or are expecting.

I wanted to include this in my blog today to give you a chance to order one before the price increases. ERGObaby has announced that they will be increasing the price of their carriers on July 1, 2008!

So take advantage of the advance notice and order your carrier now! Karin didn’t miss a beat – she made a carrier for everyone – check out the variety of fabrics and even organic carriers available.

ERGObaby is environmentally aware and offers an eco-friendly product in their organic carriers. Softer to a delicate baby’s skin these carriers are good for everyone and very popular items at ERGObaby!

And she designed accessories for all your baby needs! Check these out:

Sucking Pad – yes, my nephew needs a set of these. He has from day one drooled and sucked on anything in sight.

Backpack (attaches to carrier)

Pouch

Changing Pad

Infant Insert: This soft insert allows your newborn to fit comfortably and snuggly next to you in your carrier.

Waist extendors and replacement chest clips are also available.

This carrier can be used for newborns (infant insert required), toddlers, and preschoolers. That really covers all the years that you will be needing or wanting to carry your child. There are not many children’s products that last throughout these early childhood years.

These carriers are also sturdy enough to be passed on to friends/family when your child has outgrown them.

So you can see why I feel compelled to write about this carrier again. As we travel with my 4 year old son and my 4 month old nephew, I am always appreciative of products that can be used for them both as needed. For parents of multiple children – I would think this product is a necessity!

Photos property of ERGObaby.com and JetWithKids.com

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