My Favorite Baby Carrier's Blog

Like a lot of Moms, I tried several carriers before finally finding one that works for me. I immediately shared my find with my friends and they are thrilled with it as well. During my carrier discovery process, I feel like I learned a lot. And since I wish I knew then what I know now, I thought I would share my experiences with you. Because it was these learning experiences that led me to the carrier that I love – The Ergo Baby Carrier.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Not All Carriers Are Comfortable to Wear

I learned that even a tiny baby can seem pretty heavy after carrying her around for a while. Personally, I didn’t think that carrying my daughter in a sling, with all her weight on just my one shoulder, was very comfortable. And by the time she was 16 lbs. I found that carrying her in the Baby Bjorn was causing pain in my shoulders and upper back and even a tingling sensation in my neck. I now realize that a truly comfortable carrier, like The Ergo Baby Carrier I now use, has two padded shoulder straps and a padded waist/hip belt. This configuration distributes the baby’s weight in a way that our bodies can handle it. When you think about it, it is not unlike what a hiker would look for in a good back pack.

2. Carriers That Have Your Baby Hanging By His Crotch May Be Unhealthy

I had heard that jumpy seats and walkers can be bad for babies’ developing bodies, but now there are claims that certain carriers can cause spinal stress. A friend of mine told me about this concern and once I started reading about it, it made sense to me. Apparently the main concern is using a carrier which has your baby dangling by his crotch, e.g. in many of the front infant carriers and even some back framed carriers. Apparently this position can put stress on the spine affecting the development of the spinal curve and possibly spondylolisthesis (slippage of the vertebra). Most of the ones that allow the baby to face forward in front, e.g. the Baby Bjorn, have them dangling this way. Even though this doesn’t seem to be a widespread concern yet, it does make sense to me that this position is not a natural position for a baby to be held in. And that’s why I like that Ergo Baby Carrier positions newborns in a sling-like position, until they are able to control their own heads, then in a natural seated position.

3. Carriers Should Be Easy to Use

I just assumed that if I had a popular carrier that everyone else seemed to be using, I should be able to figure it out too. To be honest, I probably just didn’t get enough practice with the sling, since my baby didn’t like it. And I did find the Baby Bjorn fairly easy to put on and take off. But the Tough Traveler framed back carrier was another story. It just always seemed like such an event to load and unload my daughter. First of all, she didn’t have a lot of patience while I was buckling her in and that made the process take even longer. Then, once she was in, I had to heft the whole thing up onto my back which was sort of tricky, especially when we were traveling and I put everything under the sun in that massive storage pouch. Once it was on my back, I was okay, but as she got older, my daughter wanted to get in and out more often and that became rather frustrating for me. I love my Ergo front/back carrier, made of soft fabric with no frame, because I can load and unload my daughter quickly and easily without ever taking the carrier off. And when she is not in it, I can wear it like an empty knapsack – very light.

4. Carriers Should Accommodate a Range of Ages and Sizes

For the longest time I just assumed that there were infant carriers and then toddler carriers and you just had to buy both. I had no idea there were carriers out there, like The Ergo, that can be used for BOTH infants and toddlers. Not only does that mean you only have to buy one carrier (quite a savings), but if you have two kids, you can use the same carrier for either of them and the other can either walk or sit in the stroller – I would much rather push a single stroller than a massive double one.

5. A Carrier’s Size and Weight Can Make a Big Difference

I can certainly understand why avid hikers might want to consider purchasing a serious framed backpack baby carrier – they have very comfortable shoulder and waist/hip belts as well as considerable storage areas. But what are the rest of us doing walking around the mall with a big old framed backpack carrier on? My guess is that, like me, most people aren’t aware that there are other options – namely frameless front/back carriers like the Ergo. I will never forget the day I took my framed back carrier to Sea World. My toddler wouldn’t get in the carrier even once. So there I was, lugging that bulky thing around in the humidity, chasing her, picking her up to look at things, and then, sitting in crowded bleachers at the shows, with no place to store the thing. No longer do I have to make the big decision whether or not to bring my carrier. If she doesn’t use it, it’s no big deal, because The Ergo is not only light (about a pound) but way less bulky (it folds up to easily fit in a knapsack or in the bottom of a stroller).

6. Carriers Should be Adjustable to Fit Adults of Varying Sizes

My husband and I are not that different in size, but he has a rather long torso and I am all legs. Though our framed back carrier would adjust to accommodate both of us, it was not a quick and easy adjustment. Now, on the occasion that my sister, brother, or a friend watches my daughter, it’s nice to be able to easily adjust my Ergocarrier it to fit their bodies which differ greatly in size.

7. Carriers Should Allow Your Baby to Sleep Peacefully

When my daughter was an infant, she fell asleep in the front carrier all the time and it was never a problem, because either she was in a position of leaning into me comfortably, or I could easily hold her head steady. I really didn’t give the sleeping issue much thought when I purchased my framed back carrier, but soon learned it was a problem. I walked quite regularly with friends and though all of us had different types of framed back carriers, we all faced the same dilemma – when our children fell asleep, their little heads got bounced all around, often waking them up and making them cry. We tried using little pillows, rolled up blankets and towels, blow up airline pillows, and nothing worked to stabilize their heads for any period of time without constant readjustment. And, though we could try to help each other’s child to sleep more comfortably, it wasn’t something we could do on our own. So, if I was shopping alone and my daughter fell asleep, I would often have to solicit the help of a friendly looking soul to stabilize her head with a sweatshirt or jacket. The sleeping baby hood that is part of Ergo Baby Carrier is probably my very favorite feature. It cradles my daughter’s head so it doesn’t wobble around and she can sleep peacefully. Best of all, I can attach it without assistance!

As you can tell, I am thrilled that I have now found what I feel to be the best baby carrier out there. I like it because it is comfortable, Ergonomically designed for a growing baby, light and easy to use, adjustable to fit any size adult and any size baby or toddler, and it allows the baby to sleep comfortably while in it. It even has the added perks of allowing the baby to nurse in it, it’s washable, and it has storage compartments. Until I stumbled upon it, I didn’t even know that frameless front/back carriers like The Ergo even existed. Now, as you can tell, I am rather enthusiastic about my discovery – I like it and believe in it so much that I even began selling it!

If you are interested in learning more about Ergo Baby Carrier or in ordering it and trying it out under our 90 day money back guarantee, check out the information I have on my site on the Ergo Baby Carrier — Including my video on Why I Love The Ergo. I hope you will be as pleased with the Ergo as I am.

I hope that the information I have shared with you has been helpful.

Yours, Jane

I came across a thread in a forum today from a woman who wanted ideas on losing the baby-weight she had gained during the pregnancy (Tips on losing baby weight?). I know that it must be difficult trying to exercise when you are taking care of a newborn. So, I thought that I would offer a couple of ideas on easy ways to work some activity into your daily routine.

Learning Yoga can be a great way to stay fit. If you don’t have time for classes you can purchase a beginner Yoga DVD and learn the moves at home. Yoga is great for strengthening core muscles and increasing flexibility. Core strength and increased flexibility will help you avoid back injuries as you are picking up your child. Yoga also teaches you calming breathing and mental techniques that will be invaluable when you are dealing with a crying infant. There is no equipment needed so you can learn and practice in your own home. If you are just getting started check out some of the videos on youtube.com, search “yoga for beginners”.

Baby wearing is an excellent way to get out and be active as a new parent. The Ergo Baby Carrier keeps your child close so you can go for a walk and not worry about a cumbersome stroller. You can discretely nurse while wearing your child in the Ergo Baby Carrier. The Ergo Baby Carrier is a hands free baby carrier. If your baby falls asleep in the Ergo Baby carrier all you need to do is pull up the Sleeping Hood to secure her head and you can continue on with your activity.

We offer a 90 Day Money Back Trial Period on the Ergo Baby Carrier and Accessories.

If you find yourself stuck inside due to bad weather be prepared with a assortment of winter children’s books. You can find a list of great winter themed kids books at apples4theteacher.com. Remember to plan in advance and have a ready supply of books available before bad weather hits. If you don’t mind heading out in the weather you may want to think about taking your kids to your local library or bookstore. I can remember when I was a kid and my mom would take us to the local library on bad weather days, I could sink into a bean-bag and read for hours.

The Ergo Baby Carrier can offer you a lot of great options on family outings. You can discretely nurse while wearing your child in the Ergo Baby Carrier. The Ergo Baby Carrier is a hands free baby carrier, allowing you to be reading or playing with your older child while keeping your baby close to you. If your baby falls asleep in the Ergo Baby Carrier all you need to do is pull up the Sleeping Hood to secure his head and you can continue on with your activity. The Ergo Baby Carrier and Accesories come with our 90 Day Money Back Trial Period.

When I was first pregnant, my sister, who already had two kids, told me not to bother to get an infant car seat, because they are only good for one year and they are way to heavy to carry around anyway.  I took her advice and bought a regular convertible car seat, which served each of my kids up through 40 lbs. (so that was a cost savings!)  Also, instead of carrying my infants around like luggage, I would take them out and stick them into my Ergo Baby Carrier.  It is such an easy carrier to use, I could just slip the baby in and head into the mall (or wherever).  I usually never even took the carrier off – I’d just keep it on me till my next stop.  In the winter, I had a big cape-like coat, so my baby could be taken out of her snuggly car seat sleeping bag thing and go right into my coat with me.  Much easier than bundling the baby up in her own winter outerwear.  Most of my friends, instead, carried their kids around in their car seats.  I never envied them for lots of reasons:  (1) Those things weigh a ton!  I carried them a few times to help my friends and man those things are awkward and heavy.  In fact, Consumer Reports recommends that the only safe way for moms to carry them without hurting themselves, is to use both hands.  What mom EVER has two hands free when they are leaving the car?  (2) I wanted to be close to my infant and let her see my face and talk to and smile at her.  Why would I want to carry my infant like luggage and put her on the floor in a restaurant by my feet?  (3) I also don’t think it’s good for a baby to be in one position all the time.  Many moms put their infant in the car seat, take them to the car, drive them around, carry them in the car seat or put them in a stroller in the car seat, and when done with their outing, they drive them home in the car seat, take them inside, and if they are asleep, leave them in their car seat till they wake up.  I have read, in the past, that some infants develop flat heads from being in one position like this.  Even if that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t sound like much fun. (4) And besides, my kids were always so used to being taken in and out of their car seat and put in the Ergo Baby Carrier that I could usually perform that manuver (taking them out or putting them in) when they were asleep and they wouldn’t wake up!  Most of my friends were not able to move their kids into or out of their car seat, once they had graduated out of their infant car seat.

I went to a presentation by Susan Stiffelman, author of Parenting Without Power Struggles and was so impressed by it and her book (which I bought there and later read) that I wanted to share it with others.  I like the premise that one of the most important things you need to pay attention to is having a connection with your children.  If you don’t have that, it’s unlikely that they are going to be very interested in listening to you or, more importantly, talking to you when they have a problem.

Doesn’t it always seem to be the couple that has “grown apart” or the kids that “are more into being with their peers” that have the issues?  I know my kids are still young, but I feel so good that they want to snuggle with me and come to me when they have concerns (by age 8 – my oldest daughter’s age – I am pretty sure I was seeking council from my friends on a lot of issues).  One of the things that I think started us off on the right foot, was babywearing.  I used to carry my kids in my Ergo Baby Carrier all the time – when I cooked, when I cleaned, when I shopped, when I walked, when they napped, when they nursed, when they were awake.  They loved being physically near me and the Ergo made that possible.

Would you like to be able to send your child’s grandparents or aunts and uncles a one of a kind card for Valentine’s Day? I happened across a site giving wonderful instructions on how to sew your own Valentine’s card and envelope (Something Special Card + Envelope Tutorial). The instructions were very easy to follow and they offer pictures to help guide you through the process. The instant I saw these wonderful handmade cards I knew I just had to share this site. If your older child is learning to sew this would be a wonderful easy to do Arts & Crafts project for the both of you to do together.

Baby wearing can be an asset when you are trying to do craft projects or just do some cleaning around the house. The Ergo Baby Carrier is a hands free carrier so you have the ability to keep your child close while you are busy doing other things. Another great advantage of the Ergo Baby Carrier is that you can nurse your child while wearing him so you needn’t worry about taking him out of the carrier.

Learn more about the Ergo Baby Carrier and our 90 Day Money Back Trial Period.

I recently heard that Vitamin D deficiency was a growing problem in the United States but until I read this article “Millions of U.S. Children Low in Vitamin D” I had not realized how widespread this health issue is.

“The authors recommend that pediatricians should routinely screen high-risk children for vitamin D deficiency, and that parents should ensure that their kids get adequate amounts of the vitamin through a combination of diet, supplements, and exposure to sunlight.”

I was a especially surprised to learn that the use of sunscreens that block UV-B rays plays a role in Vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Melamed one of the co-authors of the study recommends that you should send your kids outside for about 15-20 minutes a day and only put sunscreen on after about 10minutes.

Taking your children for daily walks is a great way to get them outside. If your child is too young to walk on her own you may want to try using a baby carrier.  The Ergo Baby Carrier offers comfort, security, and is a hands free carrier. If your child is older you can let her walk on her own and use the carrier if she becomes tired.

Learn more about the Ergo Baby Carrier and our 90 Day Money back Trial Period.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, February 14th for those of you that, “ahem” forgot. Many of you are probably struggling to think of a gift to give your spouse, instead of the stand-by of chocolate and flowers. As an alternative think about a gift like the Ergo Baby Carrier. What better gift can you give your spouse than one that allows them to keep your child close, comfortable, and secure. If you are the parents of more than one child the Ergo Baby Carrier will free up their hands allowing them to spend more active time with your older child(ren). While the price may be a little high for your average Valentine’s gift, remember, The Ergo Baby Carrier is going to last you from infant through toddler. The Ergo Baby Carrier is a an item that will help you and your spouse grow a loving & nurturing bond with your child, instead of flowers and chocolates that are gone all too quick. My Favorite Baby Carrier offers a 90 Day Money Back Trial Period, so your spouse can test the Ergo Baby Carrier out and see if it is the right fit for them and your child.

Learn more about the Ergo Baby Carrier

For those of you that are nature lovers, having a baby can sometimes curtail your outdoor adventures. I came across a blog post yesterday that had some really great advice on camping with a baby “How to camp with an infant“. I thought their idea of bringing a play mat was very inspired. If you are headed to an area with the potential for bugs you may want to bring along a mosquito net which you can hang over the play mat then tuck any extra material under the mat to keep the little critters out. I was a little surprised they did not talk about baby wearing as it is almost as essential as food on a camping trip with an infant. The Ergo Baby Carrier is fantastic for outdoor excursions – it is a hands free carrier leaving you the ability to set up camp and prepare food (NOTE: Do Not cook over an open flame while you are wearing your child on front). You can also use the Ergo Baby Carrier for hiking as it is both comfortable for your child and you on long treks. If you are in need of extra storage space on hikes the Ergo backpack or carrying pouch can be purchased separately.  Both items can attach to the Ergo Baby Carrier or they can be carried separately.

Learn more about the Ergo Baby Carrier and our 90 Day Money Back Trial Period.

Parents Magazine lists some fun and easy to do Arts and Crafts projects that you can do with your kids when you’re stuck inside on those cold February days (Things To Make and Do for Arts & Crafts Time). I especially liked the Easy to Make Valentine Card Photos. It seemed like a great way for you and your child(ren) to get together and make an awesome personalized Valentine’s card at a very low cost.

If you are the parent of more than one child, and one of them is an infant, you can often find yourself not spending enough quality time with your older child(ren). A great way to be able to keep your little one close and still be able to play and have fun with your older child(ren) is the Ergo Baby carrier. The Ergo Baby Carrier keeps your child close to you and is a hands free carrier so you don’t need to worry about their safety and security. If your little one falls asleep in the Ergo Baby Carrier you can just lift up the Sleeping Hood to secure his head and continue on  with your activity.

Learn more about the Ergo Baby Carrier and our 90 Day Money Back Trial Period.