ergo carrier question

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I recently bought an ergo at the advice of many moms on this site, but I have to say I am not finding it that easy to use. Am I just not used to it? I am having a tough time getting my DD onto my back...it seems really awkward. Anyone have any tips or have a similar experience? I figured since everyone recommended it so highly maybe I am doing something wrong.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

i returned mine after thinking i'd pull my back out hoisting my kid into it...lost money on the shipping charge...bummer

[Anonymous]

Practice over a bed many times in a row until you get the hang of it. Yes, getting DC onto your back can be a little challenging at first. How old is your child? As long as your child is a bit older, you can just kind of "toss" them around onto your back (you should be leaning forward) and just pull up the straps over the child and then your shoulders. You do need a certain amount of flexibility in your shoulders and arms to be able to do it. I find now that it is extremely easy to use, but my DH literally does not have the flexibility in his arms to ever be able to put it on by himself.

Have you watched the DVD? That might be helpful too. Hmmm....maybe I'll make a youtube video of how I do it, because I really do find it easy now. Or maybe search on youtube - probably someone has already posted something.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps the ergo works better on older children. Because it received accolades from so many moms, I also bought mine with the infant insert when my son was 6 weeks. I squeezed the poor into the ergo like he was a little taco and he shrieked loud enough to wake the dead. I figured neither he nor I were used to it so perhaps we just needed to acclimate. I tried the ergo again everyday for a week, and my son was so scared at the sight of it that I think had he been able to walk, he would have just run away from home. What is more, when I did manage to get him in the taco position, poor baby was simmering in it. The insert definitely was not breathable. Instead of him looking all cuddly and comfortable, it really looked like a twisted version of Ann Geddes' nightmare calendar pose. So I watched the DVD that came with the packaging again hoping that perhaps I was doing something wrong. Funny how in the video, the dad inserts the happy into the ergo with such ease; or how the mom on the video demonstrated the contorted bouncing-child-to-the-back with such grace. Maybe it's because I'm horribly uncoordinate and my son is an overactive child who swings his arms and his legs all over the place, but I think the only way I can get my baby to look as content as the kids in the video is if I sedate him with laughing gas before I place him in the ergo. When all was said and done, we ended up returning the ergo and purchased the Baby Bjorn active vent carrier; pricey but we've been really happy with it.

[Anonymous]

I never did the "bounce around onto the back" thing with my baby. Then again, I didn't start using the ergo until DC was 10 months old. I always do a thing where I sort of flip my DC onto my back, usually up over my shoulder. I know it sounds crazy, but it lands DC squarely on my back in the perfect position. It takes me about 20 seconds to have DC in there perfectly....I can even do it while walking. I do think it is more difficult with a younger baby. So, I use a sling for the newborn phase (new native), then I move on to the Mai Tai for about 2-10 months (and as a backup beyond that), and then wind up using the Ergo up through toddler hood. Yep, I'm a baby carrier junkie! But it all works and with three kids I'd say I've gotten my monies worth.

[Anonymous]

did you watch the dvd that came with the ergo? I bet if you really don't like it, you could get your money back real quick on this board or craigslist. good luck

[Anonymous]

It just takes a little bit of getting used to. Any back carrier is a little tricky getting on, but it's so much more comfortable to have the child on your back than in the front.

[Anonymous]

ergos do sell for close to retail on ebay, or at least they did when I was shopping for one, if you decide it's not for you.
you may want to find some kind of babywearing meeting to try out different carriers or get hands on help

[Anonymous]

I just got an Ergo, too. I have been able to do the back carry thing, but I did what a prior poster recommended and practiced quite a few times over a bed. I find that once my 15-month old is in it, it is much better than other carriers. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I fond the Ergo very comfortable and easier for the parent.

[TwinsinAdMorg]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps the ergo works better on older children. Because it received accolades from so many moms, I also bought mine with the infant insert when my son was 6 weeks. I squeezed the poor into the ergo like he was a little taco and he shrieked loud enough to wake the dead. I figured neither he nor I were used to it so perhaps we just needed to acclimate. I tried the ergo again everyday for a week, and my son was so scared at the sight of it that I think had he been able to walk, he would have just run away from home. What is more, when I did manage to get him in the taco position, poor baby was simmering in it. The insert definitely was not breathable. Instead of him looking all cuddly and comfortable, it really looked like a twisted version of Ann Geddes' nightmare calendar pose. So I watched the DVD that came with the packaging again hoping that perhaps I was doing something wrong. Funny how in the video, the dad inserts the happy into the ergo with such ease; or how the mom on the video demonstrated the contorted bouncing-child-to-the-back with such grace. Maybe it's because I'm horribly uncoordinate and my son is an overactive child who swings his arms and his legs all over the place, but I think the only way I can get my baby to look as content as the kids in the video is if I sedate him with laughing gas before I place him in the ergo. When all was said and done, we ended up returning the ergo and purchased the Baby Bjorn active vent carrier; pricey but we've been really happy with it.

LOVE THIS POST! Thank you for helping me realize I am not a complete buffoon. (I gave mine away...supposedly out of generosity, but actually out of shame.)

[Anonymous]

OP here, Thanks for the replies. My DD is 12 months old, so I don't think the size is an issue. And FWIW , I love the ergo in the front, I do find it so much better than the Bjorn. I watched the DVD, but I guess I just need to practice. Will get on it tomorrow!