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?

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.

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!

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....

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!

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!

Yes, thanks JFly, that does help enormously!

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!)

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

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.

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!