The aesthetics of this carrier were enough for me to give it a second look, and then a third look. But as a Bjorn user, I contemplated the financial wisdom of buying another carrier. Baby is now 9kg and carrying him in the Bjorn feels like being 9 months pregnant again. My knees ached and I felt tired and unwieldly. After a conversation with several moms, I decided to give it a go.

The purchase process through MummysMilk was fast and very pleasant. Lulu, the owner of the cool online establishment, herself an AP (attachment parenting) mom with 2 kids, was a delight to talk to. Her articles on AP are a must-read.

After I paid last night via Internet Banking, the Ergo arrived the very next day via courier. Mom was surprised how small it packed into (as a packing genius herself). It is light, comes in a clear A4 pouch, with clear instructions in print and in a DVD. I wasted no time opening it up.

Like kids under the Christmas tree awed by the lights, Mom, Jack, and I gathered around to have a look at it and oohed and ahhed. Visually it is as beautiful as it appears on the picture. No boring navy Bjorn or tired navy triangle hip carrier, this is jet black with a maroon trim. Definitely the epitome of cool.

While my Mom carried baby, I strapped the Ergo on and sat baby in it. I felt no weight at all! No sigh of weight like when I put baby in the Bjorn. Jack was rather amused by the new experience and beamed widely as I played with the straps. We danced around with it for a while. Then I decided to try putting the poncho on him. He brushed it off three times (okay, I put it on him 3x) and began to fuss.

Removing Jack from the Ergo (reach behind, unstrap + undo arm strap) is way faster than with the Bjorn, which is a three-action removal (undo button x2, undo long pin). I just undid the neck strap, undid one arm strap, and off he went chasing after the DVD box and the other papers in the pack.

For me, the Bjorn felt safer when baby was small and now, when bending over to pick up something while carrying baby. It gives better head support too without the use of a poncho (for fussy bears who hate stuff on their heads) and you can turn baby outwards. I'd been concerned about him being held by the crotch for a while on the Bjorn and am pleased that the Ergo carries him by the rump instead. The Ergo also allows back carrying and is certainly better for Mom's back.

All in all, highly recommended.

Ergo Carrier - Official Site
Ergo Carrier Black with Cranberry Lining at MummysMilk

Buying Experience at MummysMilk *****
Ergo Carrier *****

Legend:

***** Excellent and highly recommended
**** Pretty good
*** Acceptable
** Only if there is absolutely no substitute
* Bad beyond belief

Technorati: Ergo, Ergo baby carrier, bjorn, Bjorn baby carrier, baby, baby carrier, attachment parenting