What do you think - Ergo from newborn? Or wrap then backpack?

[legallyblond]

I am after a carrier that I can use from newborn all the way through to heavy toddler (and even for 3/4 year olds for walks etc). I was thinking of getting a Kari-me followed by a proper back pack (DH and I like walking, often out trekking for a full day), but I think its likely to be more cost efficient to get the Ergo from day one.

Also, much as I LOVE the idea of slings (my mother said it is the most important piece of baby equipment I can get..!), I really do prefer the idea of something more towards strapping a sling on rather than wrapping lengths and lengths of fabric round me (and DH may need some serious convincing re a proper wrap, whareas he would like the Ergo I think). But that might just be becasue I am a wrap virgin and not naturally earth mother-ish!

BUT, I know that, compared to baby bjorn etc, the traditional wrap slings (like Kari-me) win hands down for newborns because of the posture etc, so I am happy to get over my wrap fears. Is the Ergo alright for a newborn from that point of view? The website says yes, but they all say that!

Anyone here used the Ergo from newborn?

[Habbibu]

Kari-me is dead easy once you get the hang of it, and has flexibility in how you carry, which I like. Also you can use it as a blanket! Never used an ergo, I'm afraid.

[Habbibu]

Also the plus side of a wrap is you can adjust how it sits on your shoulders, therby really spreading the weight - not sure whether that's possible with an ergo. I have big babies, so that's an issue for me!

[bumpybecky]

I've used an Ergo and a wrap (Moby and Hugabub). I've not used the Ergo with a newborn though, I think you're supposed to have a special insert thingy.

Stretchy wraps are brilliant with newborns I only tried them with dc#4, wish I'd found out with the first baby, she only had a tomy baby carrier and it was terrible

I think the Ergo is more practical once they're a bit bigger, memory is hazy, but I'm thinking over 6 months old. Ergo will definately be OK for older child, when we got it our 7 year old had a go! she thought it was great, but her legs were a bit dangly....

[JFly]

I haven't used mine from newborn, but I will do with number 2 due later this year.

I bought a wrap sling, but found it hard to negotiate (even though I tried it on whilst pg - which is kind of pointless!) once DS was born. I'd also had a CS, so I was a bit afraid to use a sling/carrier. (In retrospect, shouldn't have worried.)

Anyway, bought the Ergo when DS was around 4/5 months old and really loved it. It is very comfortable (I have a bad back) and easy for both DH and I to use, even though there's a foot in height difference. I must confess I haven't used it much since he's been walking, but I will still take it with me on holiday and he's now 2.3.

I ran into an Ergo rep at a baby shop recently and he showed me how to do the newborn insert and it seems very easy and should allow for BF. It also supports baby's spine in a natural curve, which is supposedly better for them until they are slightly older.

Hope that helps!

[legallyblond]

Yes, you are supposed to get a newborn instert for the Ergo and I would get that: www.naturalnursery.co.uk/heart2heart-ergo-infant-insert-5764-p.asp

I just wondered if I could maybe skip the Kari-me style if I am going to be buying a more sturdy backpack later anyway...

I have no strong feelings either way - happy to be persuaded!

[legallyblond]

Yes, thanks JFly, that does help enormously!

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I have used the Ergo with DD (currently 6 weeks), pretty much from birth - you need to use the insert though. Have tried using a wrap sling around the house and didn't like it - I found that DD kind of ended up listing to one side, and has no head support (and DD did not appreciate having her head tucked under the shoulder bit!)

[bumpybecky]

to be honest I'd get a stretchy wrap or more than one....

they are so very, very snuggly with a newborn there is a bit of a learning curve, but it's worth it

you could pick up one second hand fairly cheaply

[DorotheaPlenticlew]

I have an Ergo and a 5 week old - she's only been in it twice so far but it seems great. We got the newer version of the insert ( heart2heart). It's simple to use and comfy. Def much better than the Baby Bjorn Active we had w DS, which all of us hated.

Have never used a wrap sling though so can't compare.

[thehairybabysmum]

See im the other way, i found the ergo v. uncomfy, the straps dug in too much and i couldnt use it for long. Loved the baby bjorn and used it loads. I do realise that on mumsnet that it is tantamount to child abuse to like a baby bjorn .

Also i think longer term that the reality is that the child is just too heavy to carry much in anything for any period so i would focus on your current rather than future needs. There is no way i would/could carry my 2.5 year old round never mind my 4 year old!