Long before I had kids, I was in a car accident that caused major back issues. I did months of physical therapy followed by years of yoga, followed by three pregnancies… and then even more yoga. I tried everything– short of surgery– to strengthen my back. And if you have children, especially multiple children, you know that pregnancy is not friendly for a healthy back, let alone a damaged one.
Even with all my back drama, I never thought twice about using a carrier with my kids.
As a little girl, I had a “front pack” for my baby dolls and proudly carried my plastic babies around the house.
As a teen, I noticed moms all over the place toting their tots on their fronts and backs.
As a mom-to-be, I added a carrier to my baby registry.
Once my first little nugget was born, I valued having two hands free (and not having a numb left arm). I also valued the moments of closeness, contentedness and quiet as my child loved nothing more than being as close as humanly possible to my skin, breath, boobs and heart. As he grew, he enjoyed seeing the world from myeye level and it became a perfect place for those overstimulating toddler moments– or even a place for a quick nap on the go.Which one is one of my top pick, you ask…
ERGObaby was born in 2003 and I heard about them shortly after– Boy #1 was already into toddler-hood by the time I bought one. The Original ERGObaby Carrier was the only structured carrier I used at the time. I had no problems carrying my child (up to age four) on my back (or front) wherever I went. Miraculously, my back never hurt as a result of using the ERGObaby. In fact, my back hurt more without it.
ERGObaby’s baby carrier design supports a natural sitting position for babies, eliminating compression of the spine and hips that can be caused by unsupported suspension. The baby carrier also balances the baby’s weight to parents’ hips and shoulders, and alleviates physical stress for the parent.
For me, it’s very important to use a carrier that properly proportions my baby’s weight. Especially when I’m wearing a 22-pound 10-month-old for hours at a time. As I have mentioned before, I have a variety of carriers and although I still rotate through them, I pick the ERGObaby quite often. For years I have owned The Original ERGObaby Carrier. Recently ERGObaby sent me an ERGObaby Performance to try out.
I have a long time love for my Original but after a few weeks of using the ERGObaby Performance, I’m totally cheating on it.
Why I like the ERGO Performance:
- So lightweight. This carrier weighs in at just a smidge over a pound total. I have no problems toting it wherever I go– in the diaper bag, under the stroller, in and out of the car…
- The fabric. My 3rd is a hotbox. I’ve never had a baby that heats up as quickly as he does. Mix a non-stop, hormonal mama with a 22-pound “heater baby” and that creates a lot of unnecessary warmth. I’m not exactly a Mountain Mama but I am active… and Baby is sweaty.
Made of durable, lightweight, and breathable fabric, the ERGObaby Performance carriers are made to accommodate all active moms and dads. The Performance carriers feature a high-performance polyester exterior, ideal for outdoor activities in all climates; a breathable mesh lining, keeping babies and parents cooler and more comfortable; and a cooling panel for extra wicking.
- The sleeping hood. The sleeping hood in this model is now hidden in a front zippered pocket. I really like this new feature. I mess with the sleep hood on my Original ERGO way more than I’d like to. I’m constantly tucking it back in it’s pouch when it falls out.
- The waist strap length. The waist strap is 5″ longer than the Original. This is nice because you don’t have to buy the extension when using it between parents.
- The chest strap. Definitely one of the best improvements is the chest strap. On the Performance it’s on a slider! Not only is it a streamline design, it’s super functional. While using my Original, and while carrying the baby on my front or side, I often fight with this strap. On the Original, it’s a buckle that (not so easily) slides up and down the shoulder straps. When I put on my Original (with baby in the front carry position), I buckle the chest strap behind my head and then slide it down my back into the most comfortable position. I always forget to slide it back up to the top position when I am done using it. This? Makes for a circus-contortionist-like performance by yours truly in every parking lot I frequent. Getting the baby back out of the carrier to slide the strap up is not an option once he’s in. If you have a hard-headed baby like I do… you know what I mean. Now, when he’s on my back, it’s not an issue since the strap is across my chest. Basically, It’s really nice to have the slider on the Performance. Even when I forget to slide the strap to the top most position, I don’t have to do Carrier Gymnastics to get it buckled.
- Comfort and security. I feel like the Performance “hugs” my baby more than the Original (which is made of a stiffer material). The taller body of the carrier keeps my baby from arching his back (which he does when he gets antsy) and this makes me feel like he’s more secure.
- The shoulder straps. The shoulder straps on the Performance are contoured with a light padding. I think I will like the fact that they are not as bulky as the Original as time goes on but I had some difficulty getting used to the straps the first few days (that is really my only qualm about the Performance carrier).
At first, I couldn’t figure out why I was having a hard time adjusting the fit of the Performance…
It wasn’t until I placed my (black) Original on top of the (grey) Performance that I figured it out.
(I unbuckled the shoulder straps from the side-body of the carrier and laid both completely flat for this picture. You can see the height difference and how the shoulder straps fall when rested flat.)The Performance has a slightly larger body (length and width) and because the straps are contoured, the fit is not as customizable as I am used to.
Light bulb moment!…
I have a very short torso.
My short torso mixed with the contoured straps would definitely make the fit different than what I am used to. To fix this, I adjusted the chest strap as well as the tightness of the shoulder straps (making them way tighter than I normally do with the Original) and then it was much better.
I do love my cushy shoulder straps on the Original but I have to say, ERGObaby did a great job with the fabric changes, simple additions and slight improvements.
Disclosure: ERGObaby sent me a Performance Carrier to conduct my review. I was not paid to write a review and all my opinions are my own.
I’ve been called “maternal” since the day I could hold a baby doll. I’ve become a pregnancy, baby and parenting resource since having my first child almost 10 years ago. This is my blog and where I share my journey through parenthood with you.
Oooh, I want one! A always arches her back and I worry that she will fall out. I know she won't but still I worry. I never put her on my back because she has a long torso and it just doesn't feel like it comes up high enough on her back.
I have mixed emotions about the fact I don't need one of these anymore. : )
Wow, that sounds like what I needed w/my son when he got a little too big for me to carry on my back in my Moby.
Maybe I'll get to check them out one of these days.
Great post!
Thanks for following me on twitter, it's nice to "meet" you
I love my Ergo too. I'm actually reviewing a new carrier by a well known company that rivals the Ergo. I think I"m going to cheat on my Ergo with this new carrier! I'll let you know when the review goes up.
I do like the changes that Ergo made though. Very well thought out.
S- you will love this one for a back-carry!
Mary- you can borrow mine anytime!
Becky- You really should, huge improvements especially for larger or older babies.
Charis- thank you! Nice to "meet" you, too!!
Morgan- Love your new review. I like that these companies are listening to consumers and making improvements