Ergo carrier...what's so good?

[ladypop]

I am currently using a borrowed Close Parent Caboo sling which DS2 loves to sleep in (currently 4 months) an also a borrowed babybjorn, which DH happily uses (wouldn't wear a fabric sling!) However, it kills my shoulders and I want something else that would suit us both, as well as for my mom who will be looking after him 1 day a week soon.
I have read great things about the Ergo; what age can they go in them from? Can they face in and out?
Thoughts and experiences please!

I started with an ergo and loved it. DS was in it from birth, it was winter so the insert that you have to use for a newborn worked really well. The quality was very good and the fabric was super soft (I chose an organic cotton). It was easy to use and at 9 months or so DS went on my back. At about 20 months I bought a larger sling but tbh I have friends who have used a standard size sling for longer.

Orlando Bloom used to be seen using and Ergo (not sure if that would change your DH mind or not!)

They don't face out but for lots of reasons I didn't really want one that did (it's not so good for their hips and if they get overwhelmed by stuff they can't turn their head away, plus they are harder to carry facing out, I used to carry all day sometimes so this was a factor for me).

The only downside for me was that I couldn't get the shoulder straps quite tight enough and they used to slip off my shoulders, I am about a size 12 so not not really tiny, I have read they some people think that they fit men better. I bought a Tula carrier (among others) and that was pretty near in shape to the ergo but the straps fit a smaller frame better imo, that meant I could get DS up really high on my back so he could see loads.

I'd add that the Ergo rather benefits from being the most well-known carrier of its style - I don't think it's the best, but it's among the most expensive. For a similar price you can get something slightly better designed like a Manduca or a Beco. Or for substantially less money (70ish rather than 100ish) you can get something like a Connecta or Rose & Rebellion.

It is worth trying a few before buying if you can. Some sling libraries do postal loans.

At 4 months, your baby may currently be at a bit of an 'in between' size, too big for the insert but too small for no insert. Depends on size though. DS was a 75th centile baby and he fitted the Manduca fine without insert from 16 weeks.

The baby can only face you. Either, front back or side. I prefer the caboo though.