Is the infant insert necessary for the Ergo?

[KatieRabbit]

I haven't used my Ergo with a newborn but have one coming (the baby, not the Ergo!) and just wondering if I need to buy the infant insert or if a rolled up wrap will do the same thing? I have a decent sized chest so not sure if this will make a diff! Just not sure whether to get one or not!

[kelebek]

i think if you think you can make up an insert type thing that it isn't going to hurt to try and save yourself some $$ if it does work. If not you know that is is available and can get one.

I bought the ergo when DS was about 3 and 1/2 mnths, I didn't know about the insert but he wasn't old enough or flexible enough to wear him frog legged so if I have anymore I will buy the insert, mainly cause I am not creative enough to make something.

[Olive]

i bought the insert second hand and never used it! i found it very awkward and bulky, i used a pouch for ages then moved to the ergo when DD was about 5 months

[tenar]

I found the insert really helpful. It is the right shape, and padded in the right way, to help DD fit into the carrier easily and be supported all along her back when in the sideways infant carry position. We also used it for a little while in the upright position, and it helped to support her head. I could never get a sling to work, but the ergo worked first thing for DD - she fell asleep about 5 minutes after I tried her in it the first time. For another baby I'd use it from Day 1.

If you make something to do the job instead, I think the key thing would be to make sure the edge of it is slightly stiffer and more padded than the body, so that it will do that job of supporting the baby's head well. Just a flat thing wouldn't work so well, I don't think.

It's actually also really useful to use the insert as a kind of a snuggly thing for the baby to be cuddled up in. You can transfer a sleeping baby, insert and all, into cot or bed or whatever, and they stay asleep because the insert is nice and warm around them when you move them. This worked for me, anyway. It also helped to keep her warm in winter when in the carrier - it's much more padded than a bunny rug or whatever.

Of course this will be different for every baby. We started using the ergo at 2 months (I wish we'd had it earlier, but I didn't know about it before then), and DD is a big baby (4kg at birth, growing very well). I think that the insert would have been even more important for her when she was younger, if we'd had the ergo then. It could be different for a tiny baby rather than a large one, as the problem we had was supporting DD's head when she didn't fit all of her inside the main carrier body and before she had the head strength to handle the upright carry position.

[KimmyF]

I used the insert and agree with tenar found it really helpful, it was great for keeping bub a bit warmer and easy when transferring sleeping bub from ergo to bed. My DS loved being in the ergo and he slept straight away as soon as he was in there.

If your creative and clever enough to make one go for it I say good luck xxx

[Ozziehoffy]

I used the insert which a lovely BB lady lent to me! I found it great! Really holds them in all tight and snug.

[Lee]

Another question re. the insert - is it too hot to use in summer for little bubs??