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What is the weight limit of The ERGObaby carrier?
The ERGObaby carrier can be used from
newborn infant, with the infant insert up to 40 lb. While ERGObaby
recommends a weight limit of 40 pounds, the carrier has been
tested up to 90 pounds. The carrier will accommodate you as long
as you and your baby are happy using it.
Why do I need the infant insert and how long do I need to
use it?
The infant insert was designed for
use with babies from newborn to age 4 - 6 months. It supports your
baby’s head and neck, as well as spine and hips during those first
crucial months of development. Once your baby can hold her/his
head up for long periods of time and is comfortable with her/his
hips in a splayed position, the use of the infant insert is no
longer necessary. The Original Infant Insert can be worn with your
baby in the sling, or “cradle” position, while the Heart2Heart
Infant Insert supports the Natural Sitting Position, sometimes
called the "Spread-Squat Position", with baby facing you in the
carrier. The bottom pillow in the Heart2Heart Infant Insert can be
removed from the insert and placed inside the carrier, with your
baby sitting on top of it. This allows babies from around 5-6
months old, who may no longer need head and neck support, to be at
an optimal height inside the ERGObaby Carrier.
* Note: These two developmental
occurrences do not always happen at the same time, but do take
place between 4 and 6 months. Since babies grow and develop at
different rates, monitor your newborn’s development to decide when
she/he is ready for the transition.
Can I face my baby out when I wear her on the front?
The ERGObaby carrier is designed in
compliance with the recommendations of Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis, and
SHOULD NEVER BE WORN WITH THE BABY FACING OUT. According to
Kirkilionis:"Infants in outward-facing orientations can’t turn
away from surrounding stimuli. They can't turn inward toward a
parent's body if stimuli become overwhelming. In this position the
baby cannot make eye contact with his or her parent to evaluate
facial expressions, social cues, and so forth to make assessment
of the situation. Only choose a baby carrier that allows your
child to face you ... never out. There are too many events going
on around your baby. A baby has no way to exclude himself from the
environment by turning his head away and towards you. Healthy
sleep is difficult for a baby who is facing outward. I am not a
supporter of the outward facing method of carrying a child."
From - A Baby Wants To Be Carried by
Dr. Eveline Kirkilionis (available in German) Dr. Kirkilionis is a
human development specialist who has researched babywearing since
1985
For further information from a recent
study regarding outward-facing babies, please click on this link:
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/resources/2009/02/a-recently-published-study-sug.html
I have a 3-month old, 15 lb. son. He
has excellent head control for his age, but not so well when he's
tired. Do I need the infant insert? The Infant Insert Heart2Heart
is a fabulous accessory that grows with your newborn, so even if
he no longer needs the extra support of the insert, you can remove
the pillow and have him sit on that inside the ERGObaby Carrier,
propping him at an appropriate height without confining him in the
insert. This would be the best choice for your baby at this point.
What age is best to move my baby to the back carry
position?
This is an individual developmental
milestone for our babies. Usually around 6 months, a child will be
happy moving to your back. However, it is not unheard of that a
3-½ month old baby can be very happy on the back as well. If a
child is fussing in the back carry position for the first time,
bringing them to a mirror, where they find comfort in seeing
themselves, will often settle them. Also, bouncing and movement
may help.
Do I need to have someone help me get my child into the
carrier?
You can get your baby in the carrier
by yourself without the help of anyone or anything. However, we
recommend you practice several times with the help of someone
until you feel comfortable with the process. Older babies also
become familiar and will help by lifting their leg and hanging on
to your back. In the back carry position it also helps to practice
in front of a mirror so both you and your baby can make visual
connection with what you are doing. If you are still having
difficulty, please contact us for further assistance.
What makes a baby carrier different than a baby sling?
The sling hangs off one shoulder and
tends to throw the parent’s body out of alignment. The ERGObaby
carrier evenly distributes the baby’s weight on the parent’s body.
When using baby slings, one hand is often needed to support the
baby, but the ERGObaby Carrier leaves both HandsFree. Also, a baby
sling can only be used for smaller babies, whereas the ERGObaby
Carrier can be used through toddlerhood.
I feel like I have to bend forward to
feel like he is sitting upright...it feels like he could flip out
backwards, what am I doing wrong? The shoulder straps may be too
loose. If you are in an upright ‘normal’ stance, i.e., not leaning
forward or backward to balance the added weight of your child on
your body, then you have the carrier correctly positioned. If not,
tighten the shoulder straps so that your baby is being held closer
to your body. With their legs down around your waist and their
body strapped close to yours, your child is secure in the carrier.
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