Ergo or Baby Bjorn Synergy?

[angel1976]

I already have a close baby carrier which has been great for DS but looking to get something more supportive and structured for about 4-5 months onwards... Was going to get the Ergo but am I right in thinking there's no baby-facing outwards option??? That's crucial as DS at 2 months already love being carried facing outwards! Was looking at baby bjorn synergy as well as that definitely has a baby-facing outwards option... Any views? Thanks!

Glad you're enjoying carrying your DS.

You're right about the not facing outwards option with an ergo, however,

• there is some medical advice out there to suggest it's not a great position, as there's not much support for dangly legs and the Bjorn-style type carriers are quite slim in the bum area, adding to the lack of support issue.
• the ergo allows more space for looking around a it doesn't come as high up the child's body as a baby bjorn, so not facing out might not be so much of an issue
• the ergo is much more supportive around the bottom
• you can carry your babe for years longer in an ergo than a baby bjorn, so value for money wise wins hands down. You may find you don't ever need to go for a backpack-style carrier if you really get on with an ergo.
• it may be possible to try a kangaroo carry in the ergo (although I'd need to check that out for safety, never tried it myself) where your babe basically sits crossed legged in it, but facing out.
• you can use an ergo to carry on your hip and on your back, and at 4-5 months, depending on back and head control, you could start doing it that way.

If you're not sure, I'd recommend you borrow or hire one to try it out, cos neither are cheap and it would be a bummer to find you didn't get on with whatever you chose!

Can I just ask if the extra support is for your back, or for your babe? Cos fabric carriers are fab for older ones too. Not trying to push the lentil weaving route if it's not for you, but I was surprised by just how great a woven wrap, for example, was right into toddlerhood.

All just IMO, obviously. Hope some of that helps.

How about a MeiTai ? You can do a hip carry which is great when you don't quite want to move to a back carry, and they are very versatile and last for ages. Super supportive too - I carry my large nearly 2 year old in a Toddlerhawk (larger version of the BabyHawk linked above) for hours at a time.

Gosh it's not easy is it? I like my close baby carrier but find it slightly a pain to get in and out of (especially if we are out and about!). Also, DH is alright with the close carrier at home but not out. I also find that with the close carrier, it tends to sag after a while no matter how tight I tie it.

I will have a look at all your suggestions. I think I really need one to face out as DS likes being carried that way already! Thanks!

Beautiful fabric choices for the babyhawk!

You can do facing out with a Meitai, by twisting the body so that its thinner at the bottom. Never done it myself as DS wanted to be on my hip before he was too heavy.
The fabrics are gorgeous, and they look fab irl.

If theres a Slingmeet near you, you can go along and try some slings - or if you are north Gloucs/Worcs I'd be happy to let you have a go with mine.

Thanks cmotdibbler. Unfortunately I am in London. Thanks for the kind offer though. I will have a serious look at the mei tai if it can do facing outwards.

Theres some instructions for doing front facing here and other variations are discussed on www.thebabywearer.com forums (you have to register to view them).

If you look on the Slingmeet website, theres also info on the Summer Sling Show where you can see just about every sling on the UK market.