Ergo with Infant Insert

enigmasara

We are definitely sold on the Ergo carrier, but we are trying to decide if the infant insert is worth while.  When we looked at it at BRU I could have sworn that it had a 12# weight limit on it, but the Ergo site says for use up to 4-6 months, with variations in how you use it depending on baby's size/development. 

I would like to baby wear around the house while doing chores, but will mainly be using a carrier for walks/hikes/running errands.  I'm wondering if the Ergo is too bulky for everyday use & if a sling or wrap would be more practical, especially when baby is younger.  How difficult is it to load up an infant into the Ergo by yourself? 

MJC1116

I've been wondering the same thing about the infant insert. My friends said it was a waste of money, but I don't want to put baby in it early if there's no support. I definitely need a carrier from the beginning this time as I have a DD who is 4.
I started using the carrier with DD when she was about 3 months old. I didn't have much trouble snapping it by myself. I kept the shoulder straps looser and the waist strap tight and then once I had her in, I would reach up behind my neck, snap it closed and then tighten it. It was a bit more difficult to unhook it...

ncbelle

The insert serves two purposes:  fills out the carrier so that baby doesn't slump and boosts baby up to the correct height.  The problem with the ergo is that it doesn't really fit a legs out baby until more like 4-6 months (depending on baby's size) - thus the need for the insert.  I don't personally think it's the most ideal option for newborns.

That said, you can use a blanket to do what the insert does.  Once you are past the teeny tiny stage, having baby sit either on the pillow part of the insert or a folded small blanket works well to boost baby up and prevent them from overspreading their legs on the base of the carrier.

Chichigo

I didn't get an Ergo until LO was over three months, so I didn't do the insert.

I find its much simpler to get him into the Ergo than into a stretchy wrap. He is too impatient to wait for me to get the wrap on.

I like my ring sling, too but don't feel as comfortable with it. I'm afraid LO will somehow wriggle out so I'm constantly checking. It is my favorite for mealtimes because its easy to feed him and me and the same time.

SidraJedi

I found a moby more enjoyable for the tiny baby phase and I used the ergo when Dd was big enough to go without the insert. We had the heart to Heart infant insert and she hated it. She liked the moby though and when she could go in the ergo without the insert she liked that too.

meganengler

Ergo is great for everyday use, not too bulky. The insert was necessary for newborn stage but the baby gets very hot and can't stay in there too long...

DahliaFlower

I'm a lurker, not a regular on the board, but I wanted to share my experience.  I love (and DS loves) the Ergo carrier.  We had the infant insert which was handy for a very short time span when he was a little peanut.  I tried multiple times to get him into the Moby and the K'tan wraps.  He never liked being squished up, even as a very young infant.  He was better of in a more structured carrier.  He does really well with the Ergo now at almost 7 months old.  Last weekend I was on a 4 mile walk and carried 21 lbs of baby the whole time very comfortably.  He slept part of the way.

GL!

ivyreb

I've loved the Moby for when the babies are newborns, till they get too heavy for it. Then switch to the Ergo. I considered getting the insert this time around for the Ergo, but when I saw the 12lb or so limit I decided against it. Moby at the beginning is what we'll do, again.

Meganequine

I used the ergo with insert for #1 an now #2.  One baby got bigger used just the pillow part. If you're sold on the ergo I'd get the insert.  Both my husband and I like the ergo for the front carry.  It works for both of us (me at 5'1', him at 6'3'').  I like it for the back carry, but my son can't see over my husbands back so it doesn't work for him. 

I don't like the ergo for the hip carry.  I got  ring-sling for that.  I use it with my newborn #2 as well for around the house.

I tried the moby with #1 and he hated it.  I wasn't in love with it either.