Ergo usage tips

[2CheekyMonkeys]

when i first put DD2 into the ergo she was really low and pretty much all of her head was underneath the material. the second time i put her in her head popped out the top. i dont know what i did differently or which was is the correct way to use it.

also, i just googled some pictures of ergo in use and one of the pics is of a baby inside the ergo but its legs are not hanging out either side. is this a safe and ok way to use the ergo? cause i do feel that DD2's legs are getting stretched pretty wide apart.

also, in another pic they had both of the babys legs coming out the same side.. i think in a breastfeeding position. would that be right?

oh, and where are their hands supposed to be? cause when i put DD2 in with her legs spread around me her arms and hands just seem to hang down and are sorta level with the inside of the arm straps. its kinda like she is pinned down.. am i doing someting wrong there?

[Ginger]

i have waited till both my sons were 5 months old (and they're both big boys) before putting them in the ergo.
i think that's where you're going wrong. i think your dd is too young.
otherwise could i sugggest trying the infant insert?

[Olive]

i agree with rainy i waited til DD2 was 5 months, she didnt like her legs spread either

[aimz78]

Yes, My DD was too small at that age, i waited til she was 4-5months before the ergo worked here too.

[suse]

I used an Ergo from when my DS was three and a half months old, but he was very tall for his age so had the length in his upper leg to be able to be carried legs out comfortably. He was also sufficiently tall in the torso to be able to be carried comfortably. If your DD is not particularly tall, she may still prefer being in the infant insert, which can be used from birth.

An SSC like the Ergo has a heavily padded, structured waist and is worn non-apron style. A mei tai can be worn apron style as well which creates a pouch, making it suitable to be worn froggy style (ie: with legs tucked up next to their body). Although I know people who have successfully and comfortably carried their babies froggy style in SSCs (including in the Ergo), it is not recommended, because if the waist band is not tightened sufficiently, there is the possibility that the baby could slip out through the bottom of the carrier. In truth, it is highly unlikely to happen if you exercise caution and ensure that the waist is well tightened, but no manufacturer would make themselves liable by recommending it, especially in the litigious US.

The reason that you have noticed a difference in where her head sits is because her bum is further down or up in the seat each time you put it on. When you are tightening the shoulder straps, bounce her up and down in the carrier a bit (you may want to do this one handed and support her neck whilst doing so at her age). This will drop her down into the seat a bit more (bum should be lower than knees), in turn bringing the top of the carrier lower in relation to her body. Alternatively, if she is too low in the carrier, when you jiggle, tug the top of the carrier to bring it higher up (more of an issue when she is older).

Arms are usually in at her age, so what you are doing is correct. Once she has sufficient torso control she may enjoy being worn with her arms out
(some kids do, some don't). The Ergo has a relatively short body compared to some other carriers, so this is an option at an earlier age.

HTH!

[2CheekyMonkeys]

thanks for your tips suse. well DD doesnt seem to have a problem with her legs spread its more that i think it looks uncomfortable and was wondering if it was ok for her little body to be in that position. we went to the markets yesterday and she slept pretty much the whole time in there so i guess she is comfy, it just seems awkward to me. LOL

i tried tucking her legs in friggt style but she kept trying to stretch them out and it just wasnt working for us. LOL. (even though you arent supposed to do it)

[suse]

Some babies just don't like having their legs froggied. Mine didn't either. Having their legs extended in a wide, legs out position may seem awkward, but is much better for them because it mimics a natural sitting posture, so their weight is being supported by the bum and legs rather than the pelvis. If she is uncomfortable, she'll let you know! The main problem is if their legs are too short, you can tell because the edge of the carrier will rub up against the backs of the knees. The only SSCs (well, buckle-tais really) that allow you to narrow the width of the seat for smaller babies are Connectas and Pikkolos - these can be used legs out from newborn. But anything with a heavily structured waist cannot be cinched - and most are more suitable from 3-4 months onwards, and really come into their own as toddler carriers.