Of course, as with any carry, there are safety precautions, but when followed, the Back Carry can become an indispensible tool in the babywearer’s toolkit–grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, dishes, trips to the farmer’s market, for example–all become so much easier with the Back Carry!  This is also an ideal carry for the baby to play or really observe the world around her.

Historically, Back Carrying has been an essential part of life in many parts of the world.  In many cultures, it allowed mothers to work while still tending to baby. Parents adapted the carry using a variety of materials, depending on the climate, the task at hand, and what was available to them.  Thankfully today, carriers such as the soft structured carrier  (SSC) allow a simple and easy way for the parent to practice this carry.

With SSC’s it is recommended that the Back Carry is the third carry you attempt, and only once the baby is able to sit up on his or her own.  Because Back Carrying centers the baby on the parent’s hips, the weight is easier to bear.  A soft structured carrier is ideal for a Back Carry, as it supports the baby’s legs in a natural seated position.

A few tips for Back Carrying with a soft structured carrier (SSC), such as the ERGObaby:

-  To avoid injury when learning to place your baby in the carrier, do so over a bed or other cushioned surface or with the help of another person.

-  Back carries should only be used when your baby has a strong and consistent head and neck control, and hips and legs open naturally into a spread position.

-  Tighten shoulder straps to secure baby close to your body.  If baby is hanging away from body or you feel it necessary to compensate for baby’s weight, then tighten shoulder straps more.  But be sure not to over-tighten, baby should feel snug but still be able to move.

-  Baby should be centered in the carrier.  Some bouncing up and down, while pulling carefully on one leg and the opposite side of the carrier, can be helpful in adjusting baby’s position in carrier.

-  If carrier seems to ride lower on baby’s back, pull up on shoulder straps and bounce slightly to encourage baby’s weight to fall farther towards the waist belt.  This is very important:  baby should be sitting fully in the pouch.

Ultimately, carrying your child will allow for extended bonding while allowing the parent the ability to manage and accomplish daily tasks, as well as venture to out into the world. Carrying your little one on your back, rather than on the front, at the farmer’s market for example, can be quite liberating.  Imagine how much easier it will be to pick up that bag of oranges with your baby safely and securely on your back, while she is still able to take in all the sights and sounds around her!  While babywearing allows for both closeness and mobility for the parent, the Back Carry can open up an entire world for both baby and parent.

This story, written by Ergobaby, appeared in the May/June 2012 official newsletter of Babywearing International, of whom we are a proud sponsor.  You can see the full version of the newsletter here.

From: Celebrity Baby Scoop.

ERGObaby Original Baby Carrier in Black/Camel 

Available in two colors:

Galaxy Grey

Mystic Purple

Now’s the time to introduce your little one to the wonders of baby (doll) wearing!

*Your shopping cart must contain only one (1) doll carrier only and no other items to qualify for free shipping.

For more opportunities to win an Ergobaby Outback carrier, check out their review of the Outback carrier and join BabyCenter Friday May 18th for an all-day party in the BabyCenter Community followed by a Big Day Out Twitter party from 9-10 pm ET via the hashtag #getoutside.

And pledge to get outside!

What will you do on your Family’s Big Day Out with an Outback carrier?

THE GIVEAWAY

One lucky outdoors lover will win an Ergobaby Outback carrier!  Entries will be open until Monday, May 21, 8pm PST.  Winner will be chosen at random.

FIRST ENTRY

Leave a comment below telling us what you would do in the great outdoors with your Outback Carrier!

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES (each additional entry must be entered in comments below)

• Like ErgoBaby on Facebook.  Leave your first name, last initial in comments below.  We will check these!
• Like BabyCenter on Facebook.
• Share this on Facebook.  http://ergoba.by/KqV5SN and leave link below in comments.
• Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link in the comments.
• Follow @Ergobaby on Twitter.
• Follow @BabyCenter on Twitter.
• Re-Tweet on Twitter ONCE a day, and leave the links below in comments: Get outdoors!  Win an @Ergobaby Outback Carrier as part of @BabyCenter’s #bigdayout  Ends Mon 5/21 8pm EST http://ergoba.by/KqV5SN 

Closes Monday, 5/21 at 8pm PST.  Open to US residents only.  Winners will be chosen randomly and announced on Ergobaby blog and Facebook page.

From:  Pregnancy & Newborn:

“Some may wonder why you’d want to buy a carrier that you would just have to buy an additional piece to, but for me this was a no-brainer. I knew that I would use my Ergobaby for at least two years (if not more) and being able to switch out the cover to make the carrier appear like it was fresh and new every couple of weeks (or days!) sounded great to me.”

Read the entire post here.

Comfortable, versatile, practical…use the Options Carrier on its own…or change the covers in a snap!

Our brand is evolving and we are excited about our fun and fresh new look, but it may take some time to fully transition.  In the meantime, you may be seeing both logos…so don’t be concerned, as long as you are purchasing your Ergobaby directly from us, or an authorized retailer, rest assured your carrier is authentic and supporting your baby in the correct and comfortable ergonomic position.

Here is the original logo:

Here is our new look, which we will be transitioning to over the next few months:

As you can see, the new look remains committed to our nautical origins, while moving into our fun and fresh future.  Our nautilus logo represents the evolution, flexibility and instinctive response your lifestyle requires.  And now we’re excited to have you with us as we evolve!

The Ergobaby carrier keeps your baby close, while leaving you free to move about your busy day. The ergonomic design is so comfortable, you can wear it longer because the baby’s weight is evenly distributed between your hips and your shoulders. And the carrier cradles your baby just the way you do when you hug, so you can hug everywhere, no matter what you are doing.

Keep an eye out for these new ads in your favorite parenting magazines…with more hugs to watch for!

Hug more. Hug longer. Hug everywhere.

Where will you hug your baby today?

There’s lots to talk about around here.  Last week, we delivered the Elegantly Reduced pricing on our Petunia Pickle Bottom Carriers, now for something brand-new!  Introducing our newest color in our Original Collection: Outback.

The first-in-line design that made our name, now in it’s third-generation, the Ergobaby Original Carrier has evolved to make it more comfortable than ever.  The Outback also features super-soft brushed cotton and the lining is 100% premium cotton sateen, making it extra soft for snuggles with your little one.

The Outback: durable, soft and lightweight for a trek across the globe or across town.

Where will Ergobaby take you today?

From: Celebrity Baby Scoop.

January Jones spotted, wearing the Ergobaby Original Carrier – Black/Camel.

From: Celebrity Baby Scoop.

Lindsay Price spotted, wearing the Ergobaby Organic Baby Carrier – Twill Navy w/Midnight Lining.