Ergo backpack: does mom need it? Review of popular models

Ergo backpack: advantages

Many women believe that an ergo backpack is a waste of money and there is nothing useful in it. In reality this is not the case. The advantages of an ergo backpack are as follows:

• can be used both from birth (0+) and after self-planting (6+);
• hands always remain free, and the child is next to the mother;
• some models are suitable for carrying twins or the same age;
• it is possible to breastfeed while the baby is in the ergo backpack;
• The device is absolutely safe and does not create stress on the baby’s back.

A distinctive feature of ergo backpacks from slings and kangaroos is that the device has a wide belt. Thanks to this, the load on the mother’s back when carrying the baby is reduced. If mommy still prefers a sling, a review of models and advice on choosing can be found here.

Or maybe slings?

If the backpack “doesn’t work”, you couldn’t fit your baby correctly, or simply the price for an ergo backpack in the middle and high price category doesn’t fit into your budget - try slings.

There is a budget and relatively simple solution - a May-sling. Instead of backpack straps, a May Sling has long strips of fabric that are wrapped around the baby several times. Of the scarf slings, the easiest to master are knitted ones.

Which is better?

It is best when you have the opportunity to come to us or call our consultant at home. We will show you, take you, teach you how to use it. Remember that it is not the name that is important - sling, backpack or something else. It is important to follow very specific rules for ergonomic fit. If you have any doubts whether you are using the carrier correctly, send us photos and we will help you understand what is wrong. Or, on the contrary, we will add self-confidence.

Ulyana Romanovskaya , certified sling consultant at the Trageshule school, basic course. When reprinting, an active link is required.

Does mom need an ergo backpack?

The question of whether mom needs an ergo backpack is controversial. If a woman constantly uses a stroller, does not experience the inconvenience of rolling it out of the house, and the baby remains unquestioningly in it during the entire walk and never gets capricious, then you can do without a carrying device.

An ergo backpack is definitely needed under the following conditions:

• the baby loves to be in his mother’s arms;
• during a walk, the baby often asks to get out of the stroller to go to his mother;
• a woman has difficulty taking the stroller out of the house;
• Mommy is mobile and likes to walk a lot;
• woman practices breastfeeding.

It is recommended to buy an ergo backpack for those who are going to travel with a child or often travel by public transport.

Ergo backpack: from what age?

Doctors do not recommend carrying a child in a standard ergo backpack before he turns 4 months old. Pediatricians are confident that it would be better to wait until six months and buy an ergo 6+. However, manufacturers of modern devices for carrying children make them as comfortable and versatile as possible. Therefore, you can carry a one-year-old child, a two-year-old child and a newborn in backpacks.

• From 0+ months, the ergo backpack must have a special insert. It makes carrying the baby as comfortable as possible and gives him a physiological position. Manufacturers usually indicate the recommended age on the packaging.
• From 4+ or from 6+, carrying is more comfortable for mom. The baby is almost sitting in it. At this age, the child holds his head well, which frees the mother’s hands from constant support.
• After a year, the ergo backpack should have a fairly rigid back, since the child can already sit well on his own. To save women, many manufacturers invent universal ergo backpacks from six months to 2-3 years.

Ergo backpack Cyber ​​First GO

Ergo-backpack for toddler (child after 1 year)

For children over 1 year old or weighing more than 10 kg, it is worth choosing an ergo-backpack with the ability to expand the back . These are Guslenok and Love&Carry with back extensions.

After one year, the child’s legs are quite long and in an ergo-backpack with a standard back width of 35-38 cm they begin to sag, like in a kangaroo.

To maintain the correct physiological posture of the baby (M posture, knees higher than the butt), you need a sling backpack with an increasing width at the back.

In the Guslenok ergo-backpack the backrest increases in width to 60 cm , and in Love&Carry up to 45 cm .

The best ergo backpack: review of popular models

Almost all ergo backpacks have an identical method of use. The straps are fixed on the mother's shoulders, and the belt is fastened on the thigh. To carry the child, you need to sit so that the lower part resembles the letter M - the legs hang down on the sides from the opening of the backpack, and the butt sags and is at a level below the knees. It is important to tighten the straps so that the baby is comfortable in the carrier and his back does not bend in the opposite direction. As you gain weight and grow taller, the tension should be less intense.

Popular models and manufacturers:

• Ergo baby 4 positions is a popular American backpack. The device is suitable for children from 4 months to 3 years. Allows you to carry your child in front and on your back.

• I Love Mom Simple is an inexpensive device. Suitable for children from six months to 4 years.

• Chicco easy fit - can be worn in a 360 position (facing the mother and on the back). Approved for use from birth, but not suitable for children weighing more than 9 kg.

• Baby comfort – allows you to carry a baby from the first days of life. Maximum child weight 18 kg. It is inexpensive, but does not have support for the baby's head.

• Sling mi - allows you to carry children from 0 months. Has a special retainer for the baby's head. Not intended for babies weighing more than 7 kg.

• Manduka New Style - acceptable for use in children weighing from 3-4 to 20 kg. A comfortable and beautiful backpack has proven itself on the positive side, but at the same time it has a fairly high cost.

• Ergo baby original - the device allows you to carry a baby weighing up to 20 kg. For children under 3 months, there is a special insert that provides additional support.

• Guslenok comfort - a carrier for children from birth. The Russian manufacturer provides a special cape for the baby’s head that protects from the vagaries of the weather.

• Teddy Lux – makes it possible to carry children from birth to 3 years. Made from natural fabrics.

Popular backpack manufacturers also have an offer for mothers of older children - a hipster backpack. This device is suitable for carrying children aged 2 years and older.

Hipsit: what is it and why is it needed?

There are many devices for carrying a child, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Slings are absolutely physiological, but they are often intimidating due to their complicated winding, especially if the child has to be moved more than just from point A to point B. In addition, in a sling, the baby is pressed tightly to the mother, which is completely uncomfortable in hot weather. Ergo backpacks are easier to put on, but when the time comes for the first steps, and the baby starts jumping on and off her hands 20 times a minute, they become completely non-functional.

Advantages

The term hip sit comes to us from the English language (hip seat), and means “to sit on the hip.” This type of carrier is a rigid small seat that is secured around the adult’s waist with a wide belt. The advantages of using it are the following:

• It takes literally a second to place a child on and off a hip seat, unlike a sling or a backpack.
• The load is removed from the arms and back, and, thanks to the wide belt, is evenly distributed on the hips.
• The child's movement is not restricted, there is no risk of squeezing, so the time spent on the hipsit is limited only by your physical capabilities.
• The baby is not pressed against his mother, so even in the heat, carrying him will not cause him discomfort.
• The legs remain wide apart, ensuring the correct formation of the hip joints.
• Freedom of movement - no need to worry about the presence of ramps along your route; you and your baby can easily get to any place.

photo from the site https://aguaga.ru

It cannot be said that hipsit is the only right choice among all carrying options. It has its own scope and tasks that it copes with better than others. Hipsit for a child will help you a lot in the following cases:

• The child has just started walking. By sitting him on your hip, you will quickly get to the playground, clinic or other destination where the baby can walk.
• A tame baby who categorically refuses to sit in a stroller. Mothers of such children use hipsit not only for going out, but also at home.
• Spinal diseases. In this case, you shouldn’t even put stress on your back for a short time, so hipsit will be a great help for both mothers and grandparents.
• Journey. At the airport or train station, such a carrier will free your hands, and in your luggage it will take up significantly less space than a stroller.
• Period of illness, teething. At this time, it is vital for the child to be closer to his mother more often, which greatly alleviates his condition.
• Help from relatives. Fathers, grandfathers and grandmothers most often refuse to master slings, while hips are treated quite favorably.

Contraindications

photo from the site medvoice.ru

At the same time, there are situations when you should prefer other types of carriers, since hipsit will be inconvenient and can even cause harm:

• Age up to 6 months. After this, the baby can be seated for transfer over short distances, and after 9 months can be used without restrictions.
• Pregnancy. Even though the belt distributes the load on both hips, there is still some asymmetry that can contribute to abnormal positioning of the fetus in the uterus.
• Scoliosis. Normally, hipsit keeps the spine straight or almost straight, but if a person with scoliosis wears it systematically, the curvature may worsen.
• Past abdominal surgeries. Lifting weights during the rehabilitation period is fraught with the formation of a postoperative hernia.
• Need to be carried over long distances. In this case, it is better to choose a method that provides back support in case the baby falls asleep, for example, a sling or an ergo backpack.

Hipsit: at what age is it possible?

Some manufacturers claim that this method of carrying can be used from 3-4 months, but pediatricians categorically disagree with this position. Medical recommendations say that at what age hipsit will be useful for your child depends on the timing of his development. This is a full load on the spine, which is only permissible when the baby sits confidently and does not fall over on his side.

Where to buy an ergo backpack?

You can buy a device for carrying children in regular children's stores or on manufacturers' websites. You can also order a backpack in the online store:

• wildberries.ru;
• akusherstvo.ru;
• edusmamoy.ru;
• detmir.ru;
• guslenok.ru;
• elleville.org and others.

Since this device is used for a relatively short time, it is profitable to buy used ergo backpacks. They are usually in good condition, since children were carried for no more than 2-3 years. The cost of carriers can be several times lower than in the store. To search for a suitable model and price, you can go to a local forum or use social networks. There are many backpacks at affordable prices and in good quality on Avito.

How to feed a baby in an ergo backpack

Breastfeeding and carriers such as slings and baby carriers are made for each other. The baby, located near the mother's breast, can suck at any time. Since children are close to the mother's body, they do not have the ability to perform complex neck turns. If the baby does not reach the breast, you need to help him. To do this, you can loosen the straps a little or pull the nipple towards the baby's mouth.

Feeding in an ergo backpack is very convenient. This can be done completely unnoticed even in a crowded place. It is important to take care of comfortable clothes for mom in advance, allowing you to quickly expose your breasts. If the manufacturer provides a cape for the child's head, it can be used as a screen.