My Ergo is back! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am. It’s been out of order for the past 6 weeks, sadly due to my pure stupidity. (Ugh!)
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You see, a couple of months ago I was trying to figure out how to set up the Ergo straps correctly for the side carry position. I decided to go ahead and watch the instructional dvd that it came with, so I wouldn’t end up doing it the wrong way. (Who knew that would be the least of my worries, haha.)
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On the video, they give an example of the different positions just fine, but they are using an Ergo that has since been upgraded. The one on the video has removable straps, but mine does not. I spent about 10 minutes trying to dismantle the straps, until I finally realized that they didn’t come off. Frustrated, I went on to set it up how I wanted it, with all the straps still intact. (Apparently, that didn’t register in my blonde mind, though, because I later thought I had lost them…)
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We had been using the side carry position for awhile, but it soon became too uncomfortable for our backs. When Patrick asked how he could put it back to the front carry position, I told him that I would have to put the straps back on first, which were at home at the time, or so I thought. (That stupid video was playing in my head, so I was convinced I had removed them!)
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I had been feeling pretty down lately about the whole thing. I LOVE my Ergo carrier, and I’ve hated not being able to hold Axel as much as I like to. Two days ago, though, we were at Central Market, and I decided I would carry Axel in the side carry position, and just deal with the slight back pain. I picked it up from the back of the van, and glancing at it, I realized it looked like the straps were connected. It took me roughly 2 seconds to realize what was going on. Wow. Talk about feeling like an idiot. I explained to Patrick what had happened, and , of course, being the positive being that he is, just laughed and said, “well, at least we can use it now!”
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That is true, at least we can use it. The Ergo is an amazing carrier, and definitely my favorite of all I’ve tried (Bjorn, and some other off brands). It is perfect for wearing around the house, to the grocery store, or up a mountain. (Awesome for hiking!) We’ve really enjoyed it so far, and it’s great because both Patrick and I can wear it without adjusting it much. It’s very comfortable in the front carry position, but as I mentioned, the side carry can be a strain on the back. (For us, at least.) We have yet to try carrying Axel on our backs, as he hasn’t really been stable enough to do so. We’ll test that out soon.
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One downside was that we couldn’t use it until he was three months old. Before then, he was just too little, and wobbly. However, the Ergo makers have come up with a solution for this, called an infant insert. It’s basically just some padding to put inside the carrier, around the baby, to make him/her more secure. We didn’t personally try it, but we’ve heard good things about it. (I’ve also heard that receiving blankets can do the job just as well, and are less expensive.)
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Before Axel was 3 months old, we used the Moby Wrap, which I also highly recommend. It was indispensable for us when he was itty bitty. If he was getting sleepy, or just mentally over stimulated, I would wrap him up close to me with the Moby. He loved it, and almost always fell asleep within a few minutes. This enabled me to be near him, while still allowing me the freedom to do things around the house. I doubt I would have gotten anything done without it. (<— not that I got much house work done anyway, but a little is better than nothing!)
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Both carriers are great, but if you are only looking to purchase one, I’d go with the Ergo, as you will be able to use it for longer. (Axel is really too big for the Moby at this point- he’s 20 pounds.) However, the Ergo is 2 1/2 times the price, so if you are on a very limited budget, the Moby is a great buy. It’s $40, but considering it’s just a long piece of stretchy cloth, you may be able to make one yourself. The point is that you find something that is comfortable for you and your baby. That way, you can both enjoy the bond you create by being close to each other. Babies love being near their mommies and daddies!
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Hiking with Axel in the Ergo!
Patrick with Axel in the Moby!
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