My toddler carrier preference!

We've gone through a lot of carriers since my daughter was born, including wraps, ring slings, pouches, mei tais, and backpacks. But nothing compares to the Ergo! I was lucky enough to find a brand new one for about $10 less than average, and as soon as I got it and tried it on with my daughter on my back, I fell in love! The Ergo is the most comfortable carrier I've used since my daughter was a tiny baby (and didn't weigh enough to cause discomfort anyway!). She weighs about 20 pounds yet feels weightless when she's in it! It's also the only thing she'll actually let me pack her in- she's never enjoyed being worn, but doesn't complain much when in the Ergo.

I find the Ergo very easy to put on and slip my daughter into, whether in the front or on my back. Wearing a child on your back takes practice, period, but I've found that having the Ergo snapped around my waist and just leaning over and scooting her onto my back is all it takes. Then I put my arm through one strap (left connected instead of unlatched) which holds her tight enough to me to be able to reach back and hook the other strap underneath my arm. It's so easy to tighten the straps while in use (including the waist band).

The front pocket has been more than handy! For quick trips into the store with a sleeping baby on the front of me, I can just stick my credit card, keys, and phone in the pocket without worrying about packing my entire purse in. I also really like the sleeping hood, as my daughter is a light sleeper so covering her head to keep some noise and light out definitely works for our benefit.

One of the other features about the Ergo that I love are the elastic straps that help ensure the buckles stay snapped together. Once I was wearing my daughter on my hip and didn't realize that I hadn't completely buckled one of the straps together, yet it never came loose because it was held tight by that extra elastic strap. Very handy and reassuring!

We have the Ergo in solid cranberry. I really like the color- it's not too read and definitely not a purple/pink color like some pictures make it seem. It's actually a very gender neutral color tone and my husband feels comfortable wearing it around. It's been used out in the sun and the color isn't faded at all. I've also had it for a year and never had to wash it yet.

While it's not as small as other carriers and doesn't roll/fold up as compactly, I'm still able to roll it up and buckle it so it fits in the diaper bag. I've yet to use it with a tiny baby but I look forward to doing so with our next one. I've read about using rolled up recieving towels in place of an Ergo infant insert, so if we don't end up buying one I may give that a try. Lastly I was comfortable paying a higher price for this specific carrier because of how well the Ergo's retain their resale value!

Because the Ergo is such a comfortable, secure feeling carrier, I'm sure it'll be wonderful to pack a small baby around in as well!