Reviews

Evaluation of the ERGO
Danielle Kagan, OTR, CHT   
Director of Hand Therapy
STAR Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

All in all, my feedback is positive.  As far as backpack carriers go,it is one of the most comfortable and convenient carriers to use.  As some one who is only 5'1", I found many of the framed carriers awkward to put on.  I am able to get my son in the ERGO without assistance as a backpack or forward carrier - and as a side carrier. Clearly the best part is that the weight of my child is down in the lumbar region with close surface area to my back.  Myself and other people I speak to have loved it because it is easier to take with them than any other backpack carrier.  The only negative is that the baby has to look to the side since they are below the level of our shoulders - a small trade off (since most kids don't seem to mind) to take the stress off the parent’s back.

The ERGO Baby Carrier is true to its name. It offers three different positions: Front-Tummy to Tummy, Back and Hip, which will support both baby and mom/dad in an ergonomic position. It is lighter than a backpack and was designed with safety in mind. Correctly worn, the Ergo will support baby in an ergonomic position by placing baby in a seated position with abduction of the hips (knees apart) with the weight off the spine with hip flexion greater than 90 degrees (baby's bottom is lower than knees). This position looks similar to a "squatting position" which toddlers assume throughout the day! For the adult, the well-padded wide shoulder straps and the supportive waist belt and (to be worn on the hip for shorter people) help to distribute baby's weight evenly. This aids in minimizing shoulder and back pain. As ERGO notes, even the most well designed and constructed carrier must be worn correctly, to reap the benefits. Our veteran engineer commented that the ERGO Carrier is superbly designed and constructed, is streamlined in design and offers quality finishes and components. The carrier is built for safety and features additional safety components not found on other structured carriers. The back position requires some practice to hoist baby onto your baby, but can be easily mastered by having a spotter, bed and mirror close by for the initial few times. The ERGObaby Carrier, inc is committed to fair trade practices in their factory and we commend them for this.