Baby Stories

June 4, 2007

You may remember sending me a sample ergo baby carrier back in April.  I am writing to thank you again for the sample for my research.  I have been demonstrating the use of this carrier over the past month and a half with great pleasure.  Here are some of my preliminary findings.

• The ERGO Baby Carrier is by far the safest, easiest design I have reviewed thus far.  I have only tried the front and hip carry position at this point, as I am more in contact with infants and young toddlers than the older children.  The front carry position is definitely the most comfortable way of carrying.  From my experience, hip carriers are ALL more likely to fatigue the parent and put more strain on the neck/shoulder.  However, I was able to wear the ERGO much longer than other hip carrier models.
• The design of this carrier is extremely innovative with a quick in/out access that is definitely a plus, especially with a sleeping baby.  One recommendation might be to simplify the transition from front to hip carrier position.  There were a few too many steps for the average individual to make this transition "user friendly".  I must say that I really liked the design of the finished transition, though. 
• The fabric of the Ergo Baby Carrier was a great surprise.  I was very impressed with the durable fabric, vibrant colors and comfortable feel.  I don't know if this has already been researched, but I would suggest you come out with a summer model and/or fabric option.  I started using this carrier in April (spring) when the weather was still cool.  It is now June and I must say that this carrier will definitely make both parent and child a little hotter in the summer heat.  Due to the design and padding, there is a little more coverage than other carrier designs.  This is a plus, but in the summer, not the greatest for air circulation.  I started using this carrier with a 5-month-old infant, so I did not demo the infant insert.  However, I imagine the design would pose even greater problems for parents of newborns.  I had concerns from the pictures about the amount of air circulation around the newborn's face while in the carrier.  If the insert is a quilted pad, I would imagine it be even warmer in the summer heat.  I know you all are in beautiful tropic Hawaii, but for those of us in the dry heat where summers reach over 100, it's a little too much. *smile*   If you had some fabric options or new design for summer, I'm sure it would be a hit in the states.  Good luck!

 
Lastly, if you have any brochures about the carrier, I would love to have some to circulate.  I am quite frequently approached when using my sample carrier and I only wish I had some paperwork to give them about your product.  Great job on the design and craftsmanship!  I am proud to recommend your carrier for older infants and toddlers.  Thank you again for the opportunity to review your product in conjunction with my research.  This project is ongoing, so I will gladly forward any more commentary as it arises.  Should you develop any other products or materials and would like healthcare professional feedback, please do keep me in mind.  I love to help designers like you create products to make parents lives easier.  Happier parents raise happier babies!
 
Sincerely,
 
Dana C. Adams, MSN, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Labor/Delivery Nurse