The age-old adage “it takes a village” has never been more true than when caring for a newborn. Babywearing, or carrying a baby close to the body in a carrier, is one of the most beneficial ways to help a new parent navigate the early days of parenthood.
Ergobaby is one of the leading brands of baby carriers, offering a wide range of carriers for different stages of development. Ergobaby’s carriers provide parents with comfort, convenience, and safety for their little one.
Whether you’re a new parent or looking for an upgrade to your existing baby carrier, Ergobaby offers a range of options to suit different needs, preferences, and budgets. Remember to consider your lifestyle, your baby’s age and weight, and your personal comfort when choosing your perfect carrier.
Key Takeaways
- Versatility and Comfort: The Ergobaby Omni 360 and Adapt models offer versatile baby carrying options, accommodating front (facing in), hip, and back positions. They come with lumbar support, ensuring comfort for parents during extended use. The Omni 360 includes a detachable pouch for convenience.
- No Infant Insert Needed: Both the Omni 360 and Adapt models are designed to accommodate a seven-pound newborn without the need for an extra insert, adding to their convenience and versatility.
- Padded Support: The Adapt model, despite its smaller and lighter design, doesn’t compromise on comfort. It features padded shoulder straps and a padded lumbar support strap for maximum comfort during use.
- Budget-Friendly Option: The Ergobaby Embrace model provides a budget baby carrier for parents. It’s a lightweight, adjustable wrap-style carrier that’s comfortable for both parents and babies.
- Climate Consideration: The Ergobaby 360 is similar to the original model, offering multiple carrying positions and a safe hands-free option. Importantly, there’s a mesh version available for use in hot climates, highlighting the brand’s consideration for different weather conditions.
Quick Run Through Ergobaby Carriers
| Model | Key Features | Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Ergobaby Omni 360 | – Lumbar support – No infant insert required – Detachable pouch – Stylish, comfortable, safe design | – Front (facing in only) – Hip – Back |
| Ergobaby Adapt | – Lumbar support – No infant insert required – Smaller, lighter design – Padded shoulder straps – Padded lumbar support strap | – Front (facing in only) – Hip – Back |
| Ergobaby Embrace | – Lightweight – Low-cost – Wrap-style design | Adjustable |
| Ergobaby 360 | – Similar to Original Collection – Mesh version available – Safe hands-free option | Multiple |
Ergobaby baby carriers offer a variety of features and benefits, including adjustable, comfort-oriented straps, a variety of colors and styles, and recognition from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Ergobaby Omni 360 are the most popular carriers, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The Omni 360 is stylish, comfortable, and safe, but it does come at a higher price. It fits newborns without the need for an infant insert, and it also includes a detachable pouch.
The Ergobaby Embrace, a lightweight and low-cost wrap-style carrier, is recommended for those on a budget. It is adjustable and comfortable for both parents and baby, but it does not allow the baby to face outward.
All Ergobaby carriers are recognized for their safety, comfort, and convenience, making them a popular choice for babywearing.
Ergobaby 360 – 9.2/10 – BEST OVERALL
Embrace Exploration in Comfort!
Designed for the active, exploring baby and their adventurous parent, the Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is your passport to freedom and shared discovery. With a weight range of 12-45 pounds, this carrier supports your child from the early months well into toddlerhood. Crafted with cool and breathable air mesh in a stylish carbon grey, this carrier promises comfort while ensuring all eyes are on you and your little explorer.
Overall Rating: 9.2/10 – The Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is a fantastic investment for parents who value versatility, comfort, and sustainable choices. Although it’s not ideal for newborns or very small babies and has a higher price point, its outstanding features, quality, and the brand’s buyback program make it a highly recommended product for families.
Pros
- All Carry Positions: The Ergobaby 360 offers four carry positions: inward, front outward, hip, and back carry. This versatility supports your baby’s curiosity and developing mobility, allowing them to engage with the world from various perspectives.
- Cool and Breathable: The 360 carrier features a soft, lightweight, and durable mesh that promotes superior breathability, keeping you and your baby cool during your explorations.
- Comfortable for Parents: With a padded lumbar back support and shoulder straps, this carrier ensures weight is evenly distributed, relieving stress on your shoulders and back and allowing for extended comfortable wear.
- Premium Features: The carrier includes a UPF baby hood for sun protection and privacy, perfect for easy breastfeeding or a quick nap. It’s also machine washable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Sustainable Option: Ergobaby’s unique buyback and restoration program, Everlove, allows you to sell back your used Ergobaby carriers for new families to enjoy. This sustainable option ensures that your carrier continues its journey even when your child has outgrown it
Cons
- Starts from 12 Pounds: Unlike some other Ergobaby carriers, the 360 model is designed for babies starting from 12 pounds, which means it may not be suitable for newborns or smaller infants without an additional infant insert.
- Cost: The 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is on the pricier end of the Ergobaby line, which may make it a less appealing choice for families on a tight budget.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Review – 9/10
Versatility Meets Comfort for Every Stage!
The Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to carry your baby from newborn to toddler (7-45lbs). Uniquely tailored for all your baby-carrying needs, it’s the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and style. This best-seller model in pearl grey combines Ergobaby’s renowned ergonomic support with a cool and breathable Air Mesh fabric, delivering both style and comfort for your on-the-go adventures.
Overall Rating: 9/10 – With its superior comfort, ease of use, and the adaptability it offers as your child grows, the Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier proves to be a smart investment for new parents. The high price point and potential color fading are minor issues when compared to the wealth of benefits this carrier provides.
Pros
- Versatility: This carrier adapts as your baby grows, fitting babies from 0-48 months. You can face your baby in or out, and wear it on the hip or back, making it truly a carrier for all situations.
- Cool and Breathable: The carrier is crafted from a soft, durable, and cool Air Mesh fabric, keeping your baby comfortable and ensuring breathability.
- Unmatched Comfort: The padded lumbar support waist belt and extra padded shoulder straps offer superior comfort for the parent, crucial for extended wear. The belt can be worn high or low for added post-C-section comfort.
- Ergonomic Design: Endorsed as “hip healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, the adjustable bucket seat supports your baby in a natural “M” position in all carry positions, promoting proper hip development.
- Easy to Use: Quick, one-handed slider adjustment lets you swiftly switch your baby’s direction on the fly. This feature makes it convenient for busy parents who are constantly on the move.
Cons
- Price: While it offers great features, the Ergobaby Omni 360 is a bit on the expensive side compared to other models on the market.
- Cleaning: The carrier is machine washable, but frequent washing may cause the color to fade over time.
Ergobaby Adapt – 8.5/10
Stay Cool and Connected With Your Little One!
Meet the Ergobaby Adapt Ergonomic Multi-Position Baby Carrier, a winning combination of versatility, breathability, and comfort. This award-winning design evolves with your child from newborn to toddler (7-45lbs), ensuring a secure and comfortable bond at every stage. Donned in a sleek Onyx Black and featuring Cool Air Mesh fabric, this carrier promises ultimate breathability while adding a dash of style to your parenting journey.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 – The Ergobaby Adapt Ergonomic Multi-Position Baby Carrier brings a comfortable, breathable, and versatile solution for parents. The absence of a front-outward carry option and a slightly high price point slightly dim its shine, but its overall design and premium features make it a solid choice for parents seeking a reliable baby carrier.
Pros
- Adaptability: The Ergobaby Adapt allows you to bond with your baby as they grow, fitting from newborn to toddler (0-48 months). With three carry positions – front inward, hip, and back carry – this carrier adapts to your baby’s growth and changing needs.
- Cool and Breathable: Thanks to the soft and durable mesh, the carrier offers optimum breathability and airflow, ensuring your baby stays cool and comfy throughout the day.
- Enhanced Comfort: The carrier boasts a padded lumbar back support and extra padded shoulder straps, which can be worn in two ways – regular or crossed. This design provides superior comfort for parents during prolonged wear.
- Ergonomic Design: Like its peers, the Ergobaby Adapt is acknowledged as “hip healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, supporting your baby in an ergonomic position conducive to their hip development.
- Premium Features: This carrier comes with a UPF baby hood for sun protection and privacy, facilitating easy breastfeeding. It’s also machine washable for your convenience.
Cons
- Limited Carry Positions: Unlike the Omni 360 model, the Adapt model offers three carry positions instead of four, lacking the front-outward option.
- Price: Despite offering fewer carry positions, the Ergobaby Adapt is still priced relatively high, which could be a deterrent for budget-conscious parents.
Ergobaby Embrace – 8/10
Simplicity and Comfort Rolled into One!
With the Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Baby Wrap Carrier, stepping into parenthood is a little more cuddly and a lot more manageable. Designed specifically for newborns and infants from 7 to 25 pounds, this soft ponte knit wrap in pure black keeps your baby snuggly secure. The perfect combination of a traditional baby wrap and a more structured carrier, the Embrace offers you simplicity, coziness, and an effortless way to stay close to your little one.
Overall Rating: 8/10 – The Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Baby Wrap Carrier is an excellent choice for new parents seeking an easy-to-use, cozy, and compact carrier for their newborn or small infant. While its weight limit and carry positions are more restricted than other models, its comfort, simplicity, and certified safe materials make it a great option for the early stages of parenthood.
Pros
- Soft and Cozy: The Embrace carrier is made from a soft ponte knit material, ensuring ultimate comfort for you and your baby while on the go.
- Perfect Fit: This carrier is designed to fit most body types. The waist belt adjusts from 22 to 54 inches, and the straps are also adjustable to accommodate your height, ensuring a comfortable fit.
- Easy to Use: The Embrace takes the complexity out of babywearing with its easy buckle system – no complicated wrapping or tying. Its adjustable straps and supportive waistbelt allow for comfortable baby carrying.
- Lightweight and Compact: The Embrace carrier is designed to roll up easily and store in a diaper bag, making it the perfect choice for on-the-go parents.
- Safe and Certified Materials: The Embrace is made from Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified Fabric (79% Polyester, 17% Rayon, 4% Spandex/Elastane), ensuring your baby is wrapped in safe materials.
Cons
- Limited Weight Range: This carrier is specifically designed for newborns and infants up to 25 pounds, so it may not be a long-term solution as your baby grows.
- Limited Carry Positions: The Embrace offers fewer carrying positions compared to other Ergobaby models, which could be a drawback for some parents.
Babywearing Basics
Babywearing is a popular method of carrying and bonding with a baby that has been recommended by organizations like Babywearing International. It has numerous benefits for both parents and babies, such as increased closeness and bonding, improved mental and physical development, and greater comfort for the parent.
When choosing the right carrier for babywearing, there are several factors to consider, including the type of carrier, the age and size of the baby, and the comfort of the parent. Ergobaby offers a variety of carriers that are designed to provide maximum safety, comfort, and convenience.
Each carrier is recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, making them an ideal option for parents who want to ensure their baby’s safety while enjoying the benefits of babywearing.
How to Wear an Ergobaby Carrier
Regardless of the model, using an Ergobaby carrier is generally straightforward. Below, we provide a basic guide, but remember that it’s important to refer to your specific model’s instruction manual for complete instructions.
- Adjust the straps: Before placing your baby in the carrier, adjust the waist belt so that it sits comfortably on your hips or waist. Then adjust the shoulder straps so that they are a comfortable length.
- Position your baby: Once you have adjusted the straps, position your baby in the carrier. The exact position will depend on the age of your baby and the specific model of your Ergobaby carrier.
- Secure your baby: Once your baby is positioned, secure them by fastening any buckles or ties. Make sure to always ensure that all buckles and straps are secure before you start moving.
- Check your baby’s position: It’s important to check your baby’s position once they’re secured in the carrier. The baby should be high enough to kiss, with their face clear to breathe freely. If your baby is newborn, their neck should be supported.
Remember, safety is paramount when using any baby carrier. Make sure you follow all manufacturer’s instructions, and if you have any concerns, reach out to Ergobaby’s customer support or consult with a child safety professional.
Ergobaby Carrier Maintenance and Care
Taking care of your Ergobaby carrier will ensure it stays in great condition and lasts as long as you need it. Here are some general care tips:
- Cleaning: Most Ergobaby carriers are machine washable. Use mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle. To dry, it’s best to air dry your carrier to maintain its shape and integrity.
- Storage: When not in use, store your carrier in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing in direct sunlight as it can cause the colors to fade.
- Regular Checks: Regularly check the carrier for any wear and tear. Ensure all the buckles, zips, and straps are functioning correctly and are not damaged.
Note: Always refer to the specific cleaning and care instructions provided by Ergobaby for your specific carrier model.
Final Thoughts Ergobaby carriers are a great choice for parents who value comfort, versatility, and quality. Whether you choose the Omni 360, Adapt, 360, or Embrace, you’ll have a carrier that’s safe, comfortable, and built to last.
Though they’re more expensive than some other brands, the added features and longevity of these carriers make them a worthwhile investment for many parents. And with the Everlove buyback program, Ergobaby carriers continue to deliver value even after your own child has outgrown them.
