This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Andrea Toman for winning an ERGObaby Carrier!
I am happy and proud to describe myself as a baby-wearing mom. A lot has been written about the benefits of wearing your baby (Benefits of Baby Wearing from LLL and 10 Reasons to Wear Your Baby) and my desire was to be a ‘baby-wearer’ from the time my first was born, so I dutifully asked for and received a baby carrier and tried to wear my sweet baby from the beginning.
While I did use the baby carrier a lot, but I would not have classified myself as a baby wearer because that first carrier and others that followed, (you know the ones that you find at the local baby stores) just weren’t comfortable enough to allow me to wear my baby for long periods of time day-in and day-out.
8 1/2 months pregnant wearing 2 year old Nick
That continued until I was expecting our 8th baby and my mom purchased me an ERGObaby carrier. I was 7 1/2 months pregnant when I first wore one of my children in the ERGO and Savannah (then 16 months old) spent 2 1/2 happy hours while we shopped. No tired shoulders or sore neck, just a completely content little girl who enjoyed being so close to her mommy and a mommy who had discovered that baby wearing could be comfortable.
What is an ERGObaby Carrier?
An ERGObaby carrier is a soft frame baby carrier designed for use with babies with good head control (4-5 months) up to children around 40 pounds. (ERGO does provide an infant insert that enables you to wear your baby from birth through 4-5 months. I will be trying that accessory and telling you about it after our little one is born in July.)
The carrier has been tested safe up to 90 pounds, so really it’s for as long as both you and your baby are happy using it. We still wear our 3 1/2 year old and our 2 year old and yes, I am still wearing them even though I’m 8 1/2 months pregnant. However, I might encourage them to ask one of their siblings or their daddy to “ERGO” them.
The ERGO is designed to enable you to carry your baby in three different positions front, back or hip carry.
The ERGO is also equipped with a sleeping hood that supports the baby’s head when they are sleeping. Trust me, this is a wonderful and important feature, because the ERGO is one of our boys favorite places to nap when we are on the go.
What makes an ERGO different?
The ERGO was different from the other carriers that I had used in that the weight of the baby is carried on your waist, not your shoulders, back or neck. This is amazingly comfortable and Mark and I have carried our babies on 6 mile hikes over rocky terrain quite comfortably.
In whatever position you are wearing your baby, the baby faces you and conforms to the shape of your body. This not only makes the ERGO more comfortable, it also allows you to interact with your baby. Even when I’m wearing one of our boys in the back carry position (and can’t see their face) the interaction is sweet, they will rub my back, ask me to rub their legs and point out different items of interest as we walk along. And of course, when they are tired they will lean their head up against my back and go to sleep.
“The ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for the baby’s hip, pelvis and spine growth. It disperses most of the baby’s weight between the hips and thighs and helps prevent compression of the spine.” This is much better for the babies growth and development than other carriers that dangle babies by their crotch.
Why we love our ERGO.
Need I say anything more? Our two youngest children, whom we call our ‘ERGO babies’, have had this reaction nearly every time we pull out our ERGO. Until just before his third birthday Colby would bring me the ERGO or ask me to “ERGO” him during that” tough-for-little-kids-time-of-day” while mom is getting dinner ready.
After 7 children I was finally a baby-wearing mom and our family has been reaping the benefits ever since. We no longer use our stroller, or have to leave a store because the baby is screaming. Our babies have been much more portable and adaptable to going and doing in different places at different times. Because they are able to comfortably nap in the ERGO it’s much easier to have a more flexible schedule without having a miserable little one.
We even used the ERGO to train one of our boys to sit still during church. From the time he was just a few months old we would simply put him in the ERGO at the beginning of the service and our hyper active, overly stimulated little one would calm down and eventually take his morning nap in the ERGO.
Isn't it beautiful?
As a mom of soon-to-be 10, there are very few things that I consider “necessary”, a good, quality baby carrier is one of those things, don’t settle for less, baby wearing doesn’t have to be painful or uncomfortable. It really is worth it to find a baby wearing product that you love, for our family the ERGO is one of those products.
Buy an ERGObaby Carrier.
You may purchase an ERGObaby carrier from between $105 and $148 at ERGObaby carrier.com.
Don’t forget to check out their infant inserts if you want to use it with a baby younger than 4 or 5 months, their practical front pouch, perfect for camera, keys and cell phone and other accessories!
Win an ERGObaby Carrier.
I’m thrilled that ERGObaby has offered to give one of my readers their very own ERGObaby carrier. Our family LOVES this carrier, we recommend it all the time and we firmly believe that it’s completely worth the investment.
To enter:
- Leave a comment on this post telling me about your baby wearing experience (or lack thereof).
Additional entries: (Please leave a comment for each additional entry.)
- Share a link to this giveaway on your Facebook page.
- Tweet about this giveaway and leave your Twitter ID.
- Post about this giveaway. (3 entries, leave a separate comment for each entry)
- “Like” or become a fan of Raising Olives on Facebook (or let me know that you already do).
Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents and will end at midnight on Thursday, June 24th.
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Hi, I'm Kimberly. 
I’ve got to get one of those. I want to be a baby carrying mom, but could never do it with our old Baby Bjorn. My shoulders always hurt too bad. I will be getting one of these before we have our next. If you can do it 8 months pregnant, then it must be better than the usual carriers!
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I am expecting our 3rd child, due July 16th, I have not ever worn my babies, but I would like to try it, especially with our middle child, who is now 20 months old it will give him extra closeness with us as we are all getting used to our new baby!
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OOh I try to be a baby wearing mama but haven’t really succeeded, maybe this carrier would do it for me as it did for you. I only have 4 children 4 and under right now but I could use it for my 3 month old or my 18 month old and any future babies the Lord has planned.
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I already have one…..my mom got it for me with my 5th child. I have continued to enjoy it with numbers 6, 7, and 8. If I win I will happily give it away!!!
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Hrm, I am done making babies now, my youngest is 18mo. Both of my boys were 22lbs at 6mo so they were heavy very early. I did try to wear them but had injured my back when my oldest was 2mo old so nothing could make me comfortable. I wonder if this carrier would have been better.
I do have a baby niece though who might appreciate it.
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I wore my first in a typical storebought carrier. Good for moments when I needed to be hands-free, but not great on the back for longer periods.
My second was almost always in a sling. She was colicky, and it was the only thing that kept her chilled…and it was REALLY effective at doing that. It was more comfortable and much more portable than the front carrier I had used previously, but still strained my neck/shoulder after long periods.
With my 3rd (just 5 days old) I expect to use some sort of carrier, and I was just looking into the Ergo thinking that it made sense with my 21-month old as well as the new babe. I’m glad to read your review…super helpful!
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Also, I am a FB fan already
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I have tried several cheaper brands of baby carriers with my 4 kids and none of them have I ever liked !!! I would love to try the ERGO with my 5th due on August 14th. Or even my youngest who is one and a half would probably enjoy it!!
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I have wanted an Ergo for a few babies now, but after all that I have invested in carriers that have gotten rave reviews I just can’t see spending the money on one only to discover that I *don’t* like it! I would feel truly blessed to win one, and if by some chance I didn’t like it I could always share it as a gift to a friend… Thanks for your honest reviews, Kim, and thanks also to Ergo for letting you give a carrier away! ; ) I know whoever wins will be blessed!
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My adventures in babywearing came with trying many different carriers out and being subject to so many different comments from others. With my first we tried the hotsling and he hated it. Maybe it squished his head too much. I’m not sure. We finally settled on the Ultimate Baby Wrap which is similar to the maya wrap. With our second baby, I bought a beautiful sling that we have absolutely adored. He loves it. He can lay and sleep cocooned in or he can sit up and look out. He is in it everywhere we go. I am in love with the ergo but cannot justify getting one right now after spending $100 on the sling!!! Maybe next baby?! It is so lightweight and breathable. I REALLY want one for our next baby!!! Living in a community that is very mainstream, car seats e babies being worn. Carried around in car seats is more the typical sight! So when I go out places I either get, “Wow! That’s really cool. I wish they had those when I had kids,” or “Is that a baby in there?” But then sometimes I get comments like, “That child will never learn to walk with you carrying it all over the place,” or “That baby is obviously spoiled.” I see babywearing as not only a benefit for my baby and I, but also for my community. It opens doors to speak to people that I may not otherwise have the chance and it shows people the bonding that can happen when babies are more involved in the things you do each day. Often people tell me how smart my children look/are and how and I attribute it all to wearing them as babies and early toddlers.
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I have tried several baby carries and the one I’ve finally liked enough to use a lot was my Moby Wrap. I would love to try the Ergo! It looks easy and fast, which is one downfall to the Moby- it takes time to put on.
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We are an ERGO family!! My sisters and I all use them for our babies tiny to big. This is the best carrier hands down! I have lots of friends who could benefit from this and would love to bless them with one if I win this giveaway! Thanks for your thorough review and happy baby wearing to you!
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I love to carry my little ones. My 22 month old gets super excited when he sees the carrier too. My 4 week old seems to love it too now. Great for a fussy baby.
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Oh, I’ve wanted one of these for YEARS! I’ve tried two cheapy carriers that I got at consignment that were just awful- painful to wear. I’ve always eyed Ergos and wished for one- Seriously, I think I’m on the verge of coveting! I’ve recently had our 4th baby (Lyra is 2 1/2 months old) and this carrier would be such a blessing to me- we’re going to visit Luray Caverns in July and going shell hunting at the beach in August- both times where I will need to carry her! We’d use it in the fall too when we go on some homeschool field trips. I really hope I win!
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My little guy is 13 months, but I would love to be able to carry him when we are out and about. I have scoliosis, so this might be the answer to my baby wearing woes!
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I have a sleepy wrap (similar to the moby) for my daughter (3 months) and I love how I can go shopping with her and not have to fool with the carseat/stroller. It is a little time consuming to put on and take off (and kinda hot in the summer) and I would really like to try an ergo. I think it would be wonderful for church use as well. =)
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I just tweeted about your give away (entry #2!)
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I posted this give away as my Face Book status. (Entry #3)
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When I was pregnant with my second, I made a ring sling which I LOVE. I have super-sized children, so the sling was amazing to help me hold them.
A friend of mine’s husband just lost his job and has wanted a ERGO for a LONG time. She’s got cancer and can’t hold her 1 year old for long periods of time, so if I won, this would be going to her!
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I’m a facebook fan!
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I also ‘like’ Raising Olives on face book… (Entry #4)
Actually I don’t just like Raising Olives, I love the blog and all things to do with it… Kim, you are so honest and so down to earth. Your blog is a true blessing to me and to many, many others, I am sure. Keep shining your light in your family and on the web… God is using you.
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I have always heard such wonderful things about the ergo baby carrier! I would love to have one, but the price has held me back. Right now my boys are approaching 20 months and 8 months and I have used a few different carriers with them. When I was pregnant with my first I bought a Boppy sling from the store, but it was just not working out once he was born, it was so bulky and it felt odd when I had it on, not to mention my little boy just hated being in the position it held him in. When he was one month old we got a sleepy wrap and I have really loved that. We use it around the house and he also napped well in it when he was really little. I sometimes would use it for walks, but in the summer heat it is just too much to have something wrapped around your body plus a hot baby right up against you! Also, I always had to put the wrap on first if we were going out because I didn’t want to be standing there in the parking lot of a store wrapping the wrap around me. I would love to have something a little easier to work with for going out places. We also have a snugli backpack which my husband sometimes uses with our littlest one, but it hurts my back! When I was pregnant with my second son a friend on ours made me a sling and I have been using that with him (although my older one sometimes asked to be carried in it as well) now that I can carry him on my hip with it.
Something that I really would like about the ergo is that I would be able to carry the boys on my back! That would be really nice and I have always wanted a carrier that would do that (I actually think I could with my wrap, but I haven’t figured it out yet
Thanks for the opportunity to enter a great giveaway!
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I also like Raising Olives on facebook- I didn’t realize you were on there until now! Great to be connected over there too!
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#2 Shared a link on facebook.
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#3 Fan of Raising Olives on facebook.
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I have 4 kids and am expecting #5 in January. My baby wearing is limited to trying to use a sling a few times with #4. I found the sling to be awkward and incredibly uncomfortable. The one thing that I really want to get for baby #5 is an Ergo. I have heard SO many good things about the Ergo carriers. Would love to win your contest!
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I started carrying my baby with a home-ade sling, a really long piece of cloth with semi-intricate tying methods(can’t remember the name) and really had to do it while I lived in guatemala with my 2 month old until he was 1 year. I loved the security of having him right there as I did things, I didn’t have to keep mental tabs on him.
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My little girl is 20 months, 26 pounds. I just bought an ERGObaby last month from HeavenlyHold.com. I LOVE it. I did not like wearing her around in the carrier we bought at Target because her thighs were chunky and we were both uncomfortable. I bought a few wraps and they were fine for awhile but did not give me, or her, the support we needed for a long outing.
I am entering this contest hoping to win one for my SIL and her 5 month old. We give them as many hand-me-down as we can however there is NO way I am parting with my carrier for a long time!
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I posted a link on both my personal page and business page: http://www.facebook.com/SuburbanTreeHugger
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I am already a FB fan. That is how I found about this giveaway today.
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I love to baby wear! I like to have my little one close to me and she likes it too.
annastulogan@hotmail.com
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shared the link on fb
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Hi! I have been reading your blog for several months now and have really enjoyed it! I love how real and loving you are. I have always used a big bulky and not to comfortable backpack while shopping with my babies. It really is not a fun experience. The ERGO carrier sounds like a dream come true! I would love to have one! I am currently expecting our fourth baby in early August. I would love to be a baby wearing mama… I just need a comfortable way to do it!
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fan of raising olives on fb
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Retweeted your tweet plus when I post about this in a bit on my blog it will go out on FB and Twitter again!
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My experience is very similar to yours. I wore my baby hiking and doing active things where a stroller wouldn’t work. I wore my baby during the dinner-making hour when nothing else would work. I tried slings, but could never get me or the baby comfortable. I tried various other brands of front packs, and loved the Bjorn, as it was the best and most workable for me. But, like you, I couldn’t stand it for more than an hour or two, as my shoulders and low back would ache.
I’m on baby #6, and would love to wear him more and more.
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When we adopted our oldest, we knew how important it was to have him close for attachment reasons, so we bought a carrier… it was terrible. I had to contort in awful ways to get him into it, then it wasn’t comfortable for either of us. Sadly, our second (also adopted) baby didn’t get to be worn either because of that bad experience. With our third (a foster child), we borrowed an ergo from one friend and a good sling from another and it made a HUGE difference!! We would love to have an Ergo of our own.
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I love to babywear! With my second, I would put him in our Maya-type wrap & talk a long walk every day. He loved it!
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I too had one of those “other” carriers for our first two children until I started using a sling (hip carry) for our third. I just purchased a wrap for our 1 1/2 year old and new baby due in the fall too!
I’m kind of kicking myself about not knowing about the Ergo sooner, but have read sooo much good about them lately! It is a bit taxing to wear my toddler in the wrap with my tummy growing bigger now. (Have to figure how to put it on with back-carry…) My husband would think I was crazy if I wanted another babywearing thing now, though! 
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I love to babywear – more importantly my baby loves it too. I have a loan of a carrier right now, and would love to win an Ergo for us!
Thanks so much
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I love to win the Ergo. I made a sling for my last baby… but I just couldn’t seem to make it work.. espically with a newborn baby in there just scared me and when they were older i was worried they would jump out. I would love to win
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I’m a facebook fan!
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I love love love my ERGO. I haven’t worn it as my little guy got older, but I had the infant insert and used it a lot. I had a really fussy baby and it was one of the only things he liked. I could swaddle him all day, take him to the grocery store, hiking, etc. I only wish I had one with my other kids. I would love to give this to my friend that is expecting and already has 18 month twins. She could use some free hands.
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I have used a sling with my last two babies ( ages 1 and 2)… it is great for them, but uncomfortable for me. After awhile it hurts my neck. I tried making my own MaeTie (similar to Ergo), but it just wasn’t quite the same. Thanks for such a great blog! I love reading about big families and hope to have my own.
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I have tried slings and other carriers, but never found them comfortable. I can wear them for short periods of time, but always ended up in pain. So I ended up being a baby carrying mama. I have looked at the ERGO often, but just couldn’t afford to get one. This carrier would be a huge blessing to our family! Four of our kids weigh between 21-31 pounds and the ERGO would sure help with carrying them.
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#2 ~ shared the link on fb.
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#3 ~ liked on fb.
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I WANT to be baby carrying mom! But alas, at the moment, I am not
. I have not liked anything yet (slings, front packs, etc)… we do have an old school backpack (like the one my dad carried us in when we were little), and I like it. I have frequently drooled over the Ergo’s but have never actually bought one.
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I have not been a baby wearer before, simply because I have not had a carrier. I am expecting baby #5 and would love to try it!
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I have used a sling for all 6 of mine, but after awhile, it gets hard on your shoulders and back. Very nice to nurse in though!
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