TOP 7 Best Ergo Backpacks

Which is better – a sling or an ergo backpack?

A sling is a device for carrying babies made of fabric. It is devoid of a rigid wall and straps, thanks to which the child feels relaxed inside. The ergo backpack is made of denser materials, thereby securely fixing the baby in the hands of the parent. In this case, the newborn sits with his legs apart.

Name	Advantages	Flaws
Sling	The baby does not grow out of it for a long time	No wide straps for secure fit
	Movement is not hampered by anything	Sometimes transparent fabric
	Frees mom's hands	May stretch over time
	Easy to tie	Depending on the model, you may need to untie it
Ergo backpack	Reliable spine support	Expensive
	Low strain on the neck	To carry babies under 4 months you need a special insert
	Baby can hug mom's hips	Baby can't lie down
	Convenient to feed baby	Little space in front of the face

Ergo backpacks and slings are not equivalent in their functionality. If you have no experience in handling such devices, a backpack will certainly be easier to use.

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Rating of ergo backpacks

Manufacturers offer backpacks for newborns and for children older than 4-6 months. Quite often there are universal models that can be used from birth until 3-4 years. Taking this into account, the rating was divided into several subsections. This also includes a category with a wider waist belt (hipsets).

The choice, in addition to the age of the baby, was largely influenced by the following basic characteristics:

Type – classic model or hipset;
Maximum permissible load;
Wearing method: on the back, stomach, hips;
Options for positioning the baby – facing an adult or away from you;
Baby pose;
The number of straps for fixing on the shoulders and their sizes;
Manufacturing materials – fabric and fastenings;
Uniform load distribution;
Possibility of feeding the baby without removing the backpack;
Adjustable length range;
The presence of pockets for small items and their volume;
Weight and dimensions of the product.

Using the comparison method, models that rub the skin and cause allergies in children, causing discomfort in parents during long-term continuous use, were excluded from the list of nominees for the title of the best ergo backpacks. A key factor was also the price-quality ratio of the products.

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Ergo backpacks for newborns

It is recommended to wear such backpacks from birth with a special insert. It is these models that are presented in the rating. If necessary, this element can be purchased separately. The following describes the 3 safest, most convenient and functional options.

Chicco Myamaki

The carrier is designed for children weighing up to 15 kg. This model can be used from birth. It can be placed on the chest in the case of newborns, on the hip and back when the baby reaches 6 months. But the baby in any case sits facing the parent. While walking, both he and the adult are comfortable due to back support and proper weight distribution.

Ergo kangaroo backpack "Chicco Myamaki" has soft shoulder straps that do not put pressure on the skin. If necessary, the height of the carrying can be adjusted. This model eliminates the incorrect position of the baby's back and provides neck support, which is very important in the first months after birth. The product has a wide seat to reduce the load on the baby's hip joints.

Advantages:

Weighs 0.42 kg;
Wide waist belt;
High quality fabrics;
The presence of a hood for protection from the sun and rain;
The baby is in a sitting position.

Flaws:

Not detected.

According to reviews, children respond normally to moving in a carrier and can even sleep in it while walking.

Cybex my.GO

The universal kangaroo “Cybex my.GO” is designed to carry children weighing from 3.5 to 20 kg. Therefore, it can be safely used until the age of 5 years. Depending on age, it is possible to change the location of the product - on the chest, hip, back. All this time, the baby sits facing his mother, spreading his legs to the sides. This reduces the load on the baby’s spine and secures him in the “chair.”

Ergo backpack for newborns from 0 years “Cybex my.GO” has a special insert that provides them with additional support. It's easy for parents to move with their baby thanks to the soft shoulder straps and wide hip straps that properly distribute the load on the adult's shoulders.

Advantages:

Multiple ways to wear;
Natural cotton fabric;
No back pain;
Weight 1.2 kg;
2 year warranty.

Flaws:

The cost is above average.

Reviews note that all the locks and fasteners on this model are of high quality and comfortable, easy to open and close.

Manduca Bellybutton

The model is designed for children from birth and is relevant until the child is 3 years old. This wide age range is explained by the maximum permissible load of 20 kg. To carry the baby in a sitting position, there is a special insert under the legs. The baby is secured inside with a rigid backrest that prevents him from falling backwards.

Manduca Bellybutton is attached to the mother using a wide belt (12 cm). Thanks to its adjustable length in the range of 79-147 cm, this model is suitable for women of different body types. Also for fixation there are straps that are threaded over the shoulders. They are quite dense, but at the same time narrow (7 cm), do not pinch or rub the skin.

Advantages:

100% natural cotton;
The child is positioned facing the parent and is easy to follow;
3 ways to wear – on the back, chest, hip;
High quality zippers and fasteners;
Safety of fastenings.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Reviews note that the carrier has compact dimensions (35 x 22 x 12 cm) and weighs a little - about 600 g.

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The Best Ergonomic Carrying Backpacks

An ergo backpack, which looks like a kangaroo bag, is used to carry small children. It intelligently redistributes the load from the parent’s shoulders to the hips and provides the baby with the correct anatomical position. A high-quality product has a simple, reliable design and is absolutely safe for children.

Babybjorn One Air Mesh Navy Blue

For big kids

The ergonomic Babybjorn bag was developed with the participation of pediatricians, therefore it guarantees safety for the child and comfort for parents. The model holds the baby in a natural position and is suitable for use from the first days of life to three years.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

wide seat;
ability to adjust the size;
sophisticated security system;
excellent moisture-wicking properties;
strong fittings.

The new backpack from Babybjorn is made of breathable soft material. Between the lining and the fabric there is a layer of filler that provides the product with a good fit to the child’s body.

The comfortable headrest guarantees maximum protection while sleeping. The fasteners are firmly fixed.

The design provides for carrying the child on the back and on the chest - facing forward or towards the mother. The model provides the baby with the correct fit with wide legs.

Before use, you must carefully study the instructions. To clean the model, machine washable at 40 degrees without vigorous wringing.

Ergo backpacks from 6 months

Ideally, in the absence of a special insert, you can use an ergo backpack only after reaching 4-6 months, when the head no longer needs additional fixation. It is these models that are analyzed in this section of the rating, which includes the most reliable options made from high-quality and safe materials.

I Love Mum Light

The ergo carrying backpack “I Love Mum Light” is characterized by high-quality fastenings and locks that are easy to use. The baby sits deeply due to the dart on the back in the buttocks area. The “frog” pose he takes is safe for the spine even during long walks. If necessary, the slings can be adjusted to suit the height of the baby and the parent.

The ergo backpack is designed to be worn on the hip, chest or back. It allows you to place the baby facing the parent and monitor him while moving. For fixation on the shoulders, the product has straps with pads that eliminate unnecessary pressure on the skin. The model is aimed at ages 4-48 months and is not very relevant for newborns.

Advantages:

Can be washed in a machine without consequences;
Small dimensions – 38 x 34 cm;
Long back that completely covers the baby's spine;
Good selection of colors;
Breathable fabrics.

Flaws:

Lacks a deep pocket at the back.

The back of the backpack is made using mesh, making it easier to ventilate. A hood is provided to protect the baby from the wind.

Ergobaby 360

Another model in the rating for children aged 4 months to 4 years. The straps and straps, adjustable to the child’s weight and height, allow it to be used for such a long time. A baby under six months old is placed facing his mother, which allows him to be breastfed without removing the kangaroo. Older children can be seated with their backs to themselves. The fabric is made of 100% cotton, which is non-allergenic and pleasant to the body.

Ergo backpack “Ergobaby 360” provides maximum support for the parent’s lower back, which eliminates pain and discomfort in the back area. The kangaroo has a protective hood that does not let in the sun's rays. The main material of the product is soft and breathable, which eliminates sweating. The safety of wearing is due to reliable safety bands.

Advantages:

Wide range of belt adjustment;
Can be used at any time of the year;
Does not allow moisture to pass through;
Withstands up to 20 kg;
Close fit of the baby to the mother.

Flaws:

The head is not fixed.

This baby carrier provides neck and head support, which is especially important for newborns. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it until they reach 5-6 months.

Mum's Era Jeans

A budget-friendly carrier for babies over 6 months, which can be used up to 3-4 years. Unlike a kangaroo, the weight here is distributed evenly, thereby reducing the load on the spine of the child and parents. Low blood pressure is also due to the wide belt, which relieves the load on the lower back. In this sling, the baby can be both awake and asleep due to the presence of a headrest that fixes the head. If necessary, the hood can be adjusted in length using 4 buttons on the strap.

Ergo backpack "Mum's Era Jeans" has a back with foam inserted on the sides, which prevents chafing of the skin. He can be breastfed directly in the carrier due to the presence of removable suction pads. If necessary, they can be detached and washed. This model is distinguished by a comfortable back, tailored with darts that guarantee the correct position of the baby.

Advantages:

Large pocket for small items;
Strong clasps;
Does not slip off the shoulders due to the presence of a connecting sling;
3 positions;
Withstands weight up to 15 kg.

Flaws:

Cannot be worn on the back.

The child can be placed in the carrier lying down, sitting with his back or facing an adult. Thanks to this, he feels comfortable even when he sleeps.

Ergo backpack I Love Mum Light

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

An ergonomic backpack ensures the correct position of the child in an anatomically correct M-shaped position with legs wide apart, in which the load is redistributed from one point of the sacrum to the butt and hips. The deepest fit is ensured by darts at the bottom of the back. An easy wear for the parent is ensured by special straps with a layer of light and soft isolon 0.5 cm thick, crossing on the back to maximum relieve the load from the shoulders and redistribute it. You can sit the child facing you or on your hip (side); if desired, the ergo backpack can be put on your back. All straps and belt are adjustable as the child grows from 4 months to 4 years, taking into account the characteristics of the figure of the wearing parent.

Ergo backpack I Love Mum Light

Advantages:

blue color of wear-resistant material
cross straps
anatomical position of the child
The ergo backpack is suitable for carrying children up to 4 years old
low price

Flaws:

not detected

Ergo backpacks hipsit

This is a model with a wider waist belt, which transfers the main load from the shoulders and back to the hips. This reduces the likelihood of discomfort and pain during long walks. For the rating, one best option was selected based on parent reviews, which meets the criteria of safety, convenience and functionality.

SlingMe HipMe 010

Hipsit "SlingMe HipMe 010" reduces pressure on the mother's back, transferring the weight to the hips. Sitting in a backpack, the baby hugs the parent around the waist, which imitates being carried in the arms. The model is quickly put on thanks to only two straps and one belt for fixing on the lower back. They do not stretch over time, and therefore the baby is in an even position.

Ergo backpack for children from 3-4 months SlingMe HipMe 010 can withstand weight up to 20 kg and can be used up to 3 years. The seat is located at a slight angle, which reduces the load on the child's spine. The baby sits facing his mother while walking. If necessary, the belt and straps can be adjusted based on the baby's height. The considerable length of the back of the product guarantees support for the neck and head.

Advantages:

Waterproof fabric;
No allergies in the child;
High-quality tailoring;
Comfortable position for babies;
Low load on mom's back.

Flaws:

The straps must not be crossed.

The straps of the backpack are quite long, but if you connect them crosswise, they will shorten significantly and wearing the carrier will not be very comfortable.

Ergo backpacks that are suitable from birth

Manduca

In the Manduka sling backpack, the baby is placed in the M-position and is fixed in it using an insert resembling panties. In such “pants” he does not have to spread his legs wide. This type of fixation also helps to position the child as level as possible.

Tips for an ergonomic fit

The Manduka backpack has an adjustable backrest height - adjust it so that the spine and head receive full support.
Be sure to tighten the upper edge of the backrest using special straps on the straps.
It is better to wear the straps crosswise - the attraction of the baby to the mother is more uniform.
For better support of the baby's back, you can use a special ellipse-shaped insert in the zipper, which is called ZipIn Ellipse.

If you did everything correctly, the baby will be in the correct position and supported by the back, and not sitting on the butt.

It is important to ensure that the child does not rest his feet on the belt of the backpack - the stepping reflex is triggered, and the child actually stands on his feet. This creates unnecessary pressure on the infant spine at such a tender age. Usually the baby’s legs begin to rest on the belt at 2 months, sometimes earlier. From now on, it is better to use the Size-It back width adjustment strap.

Emeibaby (EmeiBaby)

AmeyBaby is a hybrid of a sling and a backpack. From the backpack, he adopted wide straps and a padded belt with fastex. From the sling he got “scarf” fabric and rings that allow him to adjust the tension of the back literally by centimeter.

Due to its clever design, you can put a small child in the Ameybaby backpack with minimal adjustments and settings and without additional accessories. But, unlike a sling, there is a “minimum volume”. If the backrest is tightened to the limit, and the child is still dangling, alas, you need to either choose another backpack or grow up a little.

The back width can be easily adjusted by tucking the required amount of fabric into the waistband. The upper part of the backrest is attached using special slings on the straps. Uniform support for the spine is provided by a special “scarf” fabric. This fabric hugs the baby better. As the child grows, you need to adjust the width of the back by wrapping it in the belt and the uniformity of attraction using rings.

ERGO Baby Carrier with insert for newborn

The idea is that the child is first placed in the insert - a thick envelope, and the insert is already fixed in the backpack. When placing a child in the insert, it is important to monitor the M-position of the legs. If necessary, fold the bottom edge of the insert. There are disadvantages: the design is quite cumbersome. In winter, it is difficult to properly place a child in thick clothes, and he and the insert may simply not fit under the babywearing jacket. It's hot in the summer, the child feels like he's covered in a thick blanket.

UPD: starting from 2021, it is difficult to find original Ergo Baby in Russia; fakes are more common.

How to choose an ergo backpack

The main requirement is a comfortable position for the child - the “frog” pose, when his legs are spread apart. This ensures the prevention of scoliosis and hip dysplasia.

Type

The classic type of ergo backpack is intended for children who can already sit up and hold their head up on their own – over 4-6 months. In them, the baby is in the M-position, with his legs apart. It is characterized by a wide belt and shoulder straps, a headrest and a relatively soft back.

The second type of ergo backpack is hipsit. It is a wide belt worn around the waist. There is a “shelf” on the side that acts as a seat for the baby. Thus, during movement, the child is located on the adult’s hip. More expensive models have a backrest. This option is recommended for long walks, as it significantly reduces the load on the spine.

Wearing method

It is most convenient when the carrier is secured on the shoulders using two straps. In this case, the weight is evenly distributed and the load on the mother's spine is reduced. However, if you plan to feed the baby on the road, then the most practical thing would be to place the backpack over your shoulder, on your hip. But in this case, you will have to support the baby by the buttocks or back.

Child's location

The first method is to place the baby facing the adult. In this case, a neck insert is required to avoid rapid fatigue and discomfort for the child. This option is preferable for restless children who need constant attention from their parents.

The second carrying method is to place the child in the ergo backpack facing forward and with his back to himself. Thanks to this, the baby will be able to look around and explore the world around him. He won't be bored, and the walk will bring pleasure, not discomfort. Also, if he has a headache or back pain, he can lean on his mother.

The least convenient way is to carry the child on your back, like in a regular backpack. In this case, he will be able to rest his head on his mother, turn in different directions and walk with interest. This option is relevant when visiting shops and markets when your hands are full.

Maximum child weight

Ergo backpacks are designed for children under 3-4 years of age. During this period, the child’s weight usually does not exceed 14-15 kg, so the baby can be easily carried. Premium models can withstand up to 20 kg. However, such endurance is possible only if you have high-quality cotton or other suitable fabric, strong and thick belts, reliable locks and fastenings.

How to check if your baby is positioned correctly in a backpack

Ergo-backpacks are created taking into account the physiological characteristics of newborns. The design is designed to fix the baby's body in a position as close as possible to a natural one. However, you can get the opposite result if you use the carrier incorrectly. Therefore, you should check that your baby is sitting in a safe position before each walk.

This is not difficult to do; just put on the device in front of a mirror to more accurately position the child in the M-position.

If the position resembles a wide and sweeping letter M, you need to adjust the position by bending your knees and unloading the newborn’s spine. The second way is to raise your legs a little, thus promoting the descent of the pelvis downwards.

What else you need to pay attention to:

The newborn's pelvis should sag above the fastening belt; under no circumstances should it be allowed to sit on it.
The fabric along the back should not gather in folds or have empty areas. It is necessary to ensure that the material tightly covers the entire surface of the baby’s back and neck.
The hip joint is fixed with the legs apart and bent at the knees, the shins are freely positioned.
The level of the child’s shoulders coincides with the upper edge of the back of the backpack; older children are allowed to free their hands for movement by lowering the backpack into the armpit area.
The symmetrical position of the child in the ergo-backpack is also important.
If a child sits in the carrier with his legs apart but straight, then the device is not the right size. It is better to buy a backpack with a larger back.

Which ergo backpack is better?

The right ergo backpack is one that securely holds a child, evenly distributes the load on the spine and does not cause fatigue in an adult, even with prolonged use. It should be made of breathable and waterproof fabrics to avoid allergies.

Each model in the rating has its own characteristics:

The manufacturer of the device, Chicco Myamaki, offers several ways to carry a baby (on the back, hip, chest).
Until the baby reaches 6 months, the Cybex my.GO model with a special insert will help provide additional protection for the neck and head.
For parents who spend a lot of time traveling with their child, we can recommend Manduca Bellybutton with minimal stress on the spine.
If the baby is active and likes to watch what is happening around him, then I Love Mum Light will be just right. It provides freedom of movement and is safe at the same time.
In the summer, a newborn will be comfortable in the Ergobaby 360 with protection from the sun's rays.
If your child sleeps a lot, then it will not be a mistake to choose Mum's Era Jeans, where he can do this without discomfort.
For the prevention of hip dysplasia, the SlingMe HipMe 010 carrier is best suited.

When choosing an ergo backpack, it is more correct to focus not so much on its appearance, but on the ease of wearing, functionality and safety for a newborn and an adult.