Front Carrier Product Review: Ergobaby Original Baby CarrierFront Carrier Review: Ergobaby Original Baby Carrier

Web: ErgoBabyCarrier.com

Price: $115 to $140 depending on fabric.

Weight Range: 7 to 45 lbs. (7 to 12 lbs. with optional newborn insert, priced separately)

Front Carrier Review: Ergo Original Baby Carrier. Made by Hawaii-based Ergobaby, the Ergobaby Original carrier has won kudos on our boards for its ease of use (you can wear it in front or back or on the hip) and less strain on the back. While most front carriers put the strain on your shoulders and back, the Original comes with a padded hip belt that takes the strain off your upper back.

Best of all, you can use it from birth (with a newborn insert, $24 to $37) up to an amazing 45 lbs. (toddlers)—most front carriers can only be used for a short time (the Bjorn limit is 26 to 33 lbs.). And the Original can be used as a hip carrier. One important caveat: you cannot face your baby out when wearing it in the front position; baby always rides facing you. On the plus side, Ergobaby offers three versions: Original, Cool Mesh (special light-weight mesh fabric and firmer padding in shoulder straps; $108 to $124), and Organic Cotton ($130).

Feedback on the Ergobaby Original is mostly positive. In fact, the only negatives parents note are a bit of a learning curve and the fact that you have to buy the infant insert or wait till baby is 12 lbs. Ergobaby is selling some of their original carriers as a bundle with the infant insert (called the Bundle of Joy, $120 to $140). Another issue: the carrier can be quite hot for babies in the summer months with its cocooning fabric. Otherwise, they praise the lack of back pain and comfortable straps and belt.

Rating: A-