Ergo backpack, kangaroo, sling, May-sling. Which one is right for you?

Is an ergonomic backpack suitable for carrying newborns?

Recently, many parents prefer a sling backpack rather than a kangaroo. And this is easy to explain, because it is more convenient and takes into account all the physiological characteristics of the baby.

Often in the description of goods, especially imported ones, you can see that they are suitable even for newborn babies. But experienced doctors do not agree with this point of view. Indeed, in this case, manufacturers are more likely to take advantage of the lack of state standards regarding backpacks and baby carriers. Therefore, you should not trust these dubious records too much.

An ergonomic backpack can even be dangerous for a newborn for the following reasons:

• There is no necessary spinal support. The shape of the product is always fixed by the manufacturer. It is impossible to change it. It is always too big for a newborn baby. Due to the size of the slings sewn into the middle of the back of the model being too large for him, the upper and lower sections of the spine are not sufficiently fixed, which can lead to serious problems in the future.
• Excessive burden for mom. Doctors recommend that women during the postpartum period avoid excessive pressure on the pelvic floor (see the link for exercises that will help strengthen the pelvic floor, which are very useful for women). When carrying a newborn in the backpack under discussion, many mothers complain of increased discharge, discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, as well as hemorrhoids.
• The appearance of lumbar deflection in the baby ahead of time. The formation of lumbar deflection should begin during the period when the child learns to sit. Because of the sling backpack, this process may begin earlier, since mothers have to tighten the slings harder for their newborn baby.
• Excessive spread of the legs, which is affected by the width of the back of the product set by the manufacturer.

In children's goods stores today you can find special versions of the backpacks discussed, which are equipped with special inserts for carrying newborns. But they only create additional inconvenience for both the girl and the baby.

If you prefer a sling with rings instead of an ergo-backpack, then you should carefully study the basic techniques for carrying your baby.

Ergo backpack

An ergonomic carrier will be a wonderful analogue to slings for children who have begun to sit independently. Therefore, if you see the wording “ergo-backpack for newborns” in the description, then it is better to hold off on purchasing it due to the fact that it will not be able to provide the necessary safety to the fragile skeleton of a baby in the first six months of life.

The ergo-backpack features a wide belt that is fixed on the mother’s hips and takes some of the load off the shoulders, and the fabric pocket holds the baby under the knees, which allows him to be in a safe “M-position”.

It is important to note that physiological carrying does not have a “facing the world” position, since in this position the child puts the load on the spine and perineum.

If you want to try a good carrier, then pay attention to the Love & Carry ergo backpack . It meets safety requirements; thanks to the sewn-in hood, it supports the child’s head if he falls asleep, and is designed for a weight of up to 18 kg! The kit includes a storage bag, which is especially nice.

Ergo backpack Love & Carry is made in Ukraine from high-quality materials of domestic production, and now its cost is 1050 UAH. Buy!

Aliexpress offers Mochila , an analogue of the Ergobaby ergo backpack, even the colors are the same. The seller states that this carrier can support up to 20 kg of child weight.

If you read reviews about this ergo backpack, you will see that parents are very happy with this purchase - for only 555 UAH. Buy!

And for your baby’s older brother or sister, you can also choose a carrier for your favorite baby doll! After all, children love to imitate adults, right?

80 UAH - and your child, like you, will join the ranks of babywearing parents.

From what month can you carry a child in an ergo-backpack?

You can start using any sling backpack no earlier than 4 months. This is the minimum age for cases where the mother is critically unable to cope with the baby, and she does not have the opportunity to carry him in any other way. If there is no such need, then it is better to wait until the time when the child begins to sit independently. This is on average 6-8 months. Just at this time, his weight reaches approximately 7 kilograms, and his height exceeds 65 centimeters.

Features of the sling backpack

A backpack for carrying a baby has many names - ergonomic, physiological, sling backpack. Its peculiarity is that it allows you to carry a child in a position that is the most physiological for the baby. We will list the main structural elements of the carrying case, the presence of which is mandatory for the correct accessory:

• wide straps covering mother's shoulders with sewn-in elements of strength;
• reliable and soft back, which provides the most comfortable position for the baby;
• a strong belt that tightly covers the mother’s waist or hips, the task of which is to take on the main load.

Use options - 3 positions

An ergo-backpack is an indispensable item for parents of a baby; it allows you to travel or do household chores without putting too much strain on your back. An ergo-backpack, unlike other similar devices, allows the baby to be in the correct physiological position. There are three main options for using the backpack under discussion, which you will learn about below.

The first is face to face

In this case, the child sits in the backpack in such a way that he is face to face with mom or dad. It is very important in this case to use a neck insert. Otherwise, the baby will quickly get tired and feel uncomfortable. After all, he will not be able to rest his head on his mother; there will be free space behind him. Such inserts, as a rule, come complete with the product.

It is especially good because the youngest children in this case will not be scared and look for their mother. The baby will be able to look at his parents all the time. And it will be easier for mom or dad to monitor his mood.

Second - facing forward

In this position, the baby is positioned with his back and head towards his mother, and his face forward. Its main advantage is that the child can look forward and explore the world around him. In this case, he will not be bored sitting in a sling backpack. In addition, if his back or head gets tired, he can always lean on his mother or just snuggle up to her if he gets bored.

The third one is on the back

The child is placed behind the mother's back. The sling backpack is worn just like a regular backpack. The baby is positioned with his back to his mother. He can turn his head one way or the other and hug his mother.

This is the least convenient method, but it is relevant for those cases when a woman’s hands are busy with shopping or other things. Advice from an orthopedist on choosing the correct position for a child in a backpack by month.

To ensure that being in a sling backpack does not harm your baby, you should listen to the advice of an experienced orthopedist in this regard. As mentioned above, an ergonomic backpack should be used from 4 months. If the parents decide to start this process earlier, then the child must be in a horizontal lying position. If we talk about weight, then approximately up to 6 kilograms. This will prevent the baby from possible problems with the spine in the future.

As soon as the baby turns 4 months old and gains the specified weight, you can begin to accustom him to a new position - vertical. It is best to have it facing mom or dad. This will provide better visual and physical contact. This position is recommended for up to 6 months (up to approximately 15 kilograms).

In addition, from three months it is allowed to transport the child in a special backpack slightly to the side, but also facing mom or dad.

After six months, you should start repositioning the baby in the backpack facing forward. This will allow him to begin to actively get acquainted with the world around him and study it. The last third position behind the mother's back is recommended only from 6 months.

May-sling

The second safe and physiological type of slings is the May-sling. It can be wound up as easily as possible: the lower straps are tied at the waist like an apron, and the back is secured with wide upper straps on the back of the mother and the back of the child - they cross and tie behind the back.

In a May-sling, it is quite clear how to carry a baby. And here are examples of good May-slings.

May-sling Love & Carry

An excellent option for those who want to master this type of carrying. It is intended for children from 2 months (4.5 kg) to 2 – 3 years (15 kg). Its straps are adjustable in height and width, which means the sling is suitable for an adult of any size. Along with the May Sling you receive instructions that clearly describe and show you how to carry your baby on the front, back and side.

The price of a May-sling is 780 UAH , and the convenience of carrying a child is priceless. Buy!

Also a good option would be the Vasilinka May Sling . It is made of 100% cotton, no synthetic materials.

355 UAH – and this beautiful sling will carry your baby. Buy!

What is the difference between a kangaroo backpack and an ergo backpack?

Some parents believe that there is no difference between them. Actually this is not true. They just have similar designs.

The main difference can be called the safety of the child. Unlike a kangaroo, in a sling backpack, the baby's legs are spread apart and slightly raised. The knees are raised higher, and the butt is lowered lower. This is exactly the orthopedic correct position for a small child recommended by experts.

In addition, in the backpack under discussion, the child is held tightly to mom or dad, so his weight is distributed correctly and evenly. A dense soft belt and wide straps allow you not to shift the center of gravity and carry your baby with ease. Mom will probably be able to take a long walk.

But in a kangaroo, the baby’s legs hang down a lot, the knees are located in line with the butt or below it. The entire weight of the child falls on the perineum and butt. This is unacceptable for babies who are not yet able to sit confidently on their own. This can be painful and uncomfortable for both children and adults.

Ring sling

This type of sling is approximately 2 meters long. Rings are sewn into one of its ends, into which the other end is threaded and held in place. And the baby fits in a pocket that is formed in the front.

Slings with rings can be used from birth until “sling retirement”, when the older child himself refuses to get into it.

How to carry a newborn in a ring sling?

There are several provisions for this:

• Horizontally, in the “cradle” position. But it requires constant monitoring of how the baby lies so that the chin does not press against the chest.
• Vertically, facing mom. This position is safe, physiological and allowed for carrying babies from birth.

How to carry babies in a sling with rings after 3 months?

The next two positions are more suitable for older babies, when the baby confidently holds his head and back.

• Vertically on the hip.
• Vertically behind your back.

Choosing from a large assortment, we decided on the Vasilinka sling with rings . A wonderful option made from 100% linen, thick enough that it will not stretch from constant wear.

And the price for such a sling is very affordable - 406 UAH. Buy!

As an alternative, consider the EGMAOBABY sling . The manufacturer provides a safety certificate for its products. The length of the sling is 1.85 m. Breathable fabric made of 80% linen and 20% cotton is perfect for any baby at any time of the year.

With a 40% discount, this sling with rings in any of the 5 colors you like will cost you 290 UAH. Buy!

Rating TOP 7 best kangaroo backpacks for babies

Finding the perfect baby carrier backpack is not an easy task. The carrier should be spacious enough, easy to use for parents, beautiful and, of course, affordable. It is necessary to apply many strict requirements to an ergo backpack and only in this way to identify the best model. And we did it. Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of the seven best models:

• Globex Kanga;
• Baby Style Babycomfort;
• Chicco Easyfit;
• I love mum Simple;
• Baby Bjorn One;
• Ergobaby Four Position 360;
• Manduca Newstyle.

Let's talk about each of the selected models in more detail.

The model is especially popular due to its excellent characteristics. The back provides reliable yet soft support. The holes for the legs are adjustable - this will allow you to adjust them to individual parameters and not be afraid of chafing. However, some buyers have questions about the quality of materials. However, it’s worth looking at the price and everything becomes clear - the cost fluctuates around 900 rubles.

Price: 900 rubles.

• widespread in stores;
• easy to care for;
• convenient (according to customer reviews).

• designed for small children up to 8 kg.

We bought it shortly after the birth of the child, but started using it about half a year later. The child took a long time to get used to it, but in the end everything was fine. I like the “face to face” position - this way the baby behaves much calmer. Nice price, since the period of use is short due to the small maximum weight. The backpack is easy to wash.

A convenient and practical carrier that can be used from the first months of your baby's life. The maximum permissible weight of a child for carrying is 18 kg. This was made possible thanks to the use of a liner, which can be detached if necessary. It is also possible to adjust the size of the backpack to your parameters.

This model allows the child to occupy 3 positions: on the back, on the stomach and on the hip, facing the parent. This was done so that the baby could take a pose with legs wide apart. Thus, the baby is securely secured in the seat facing the parent in the correct and comfortable position.

Price: 2,000 rubles.

• Suitable for babies weighing up to 18 kg;
• the ability to carry a child on the chest, back, hip;
• several colors to choose from (black, terracotta, blue, khaki);
• natural composition (55% linen, 45% viscose).

• there is no support for the child's head;
• the material easily absorbs dirt.

A kangaroo-shaped carrier is great for visiting shopping centers or just walking. The “babycomfort” model was purchased because of the maximum permitted weight of a child - 18 kg, which means it can be used longer than competitors. I am completely satisfied with this backpack, except for one thing: in the summer it is not very comfortable to carry a child - it gets hot between the baby and the parent.

The presented model is more focused on babies up to 9 kg. The main feature of the backpack is the practical and clear adjustment of all the straps the first time. Another advantage is the convenient placement of the baby in a backpack. This model is approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as completely safe for carrying newborns.

The backpack allows the child to sit facing both the parent and the outside world. The seat itself is wide and practical.

Price: 2,800 rubles.

• the child can take several positions (facing or back to the parent);
• wide seat;
• adjustable straps...

• small maximum weight of a child - only 9 kg.

This model attracted my attention due to its quality and design. First of all, I wanted the child to take the correct position (to prevent joint dysplasia). This model turned out to be ideal. We flew kangaroo with our baby twice and both times he felt comfortable, and I didn’t feel the strain at all. The child at that time already weighed 6 kg. Nice backpack, I recommend it.

A practical model of a kangaroo backpack in which your baby will sit in the correct position with his legs spread to the sides. This position allows you to take the load away from the sacrum and direct it to the baby’s hips and butt. The recesses at the bottom of the backpack are made to seat the child as deeply as possible.

The manufacturer also thought about the parents. An additional layer of isolon on the straps makes them soft, and crossing on the back allows you to relieve the load on your shoulders. All this turns into comfort for parents and child.

The ergo backpack can be worn on the back, on the stomach, and on the hip. In all positions, the baby will sit facing the parent. The model is designed for the growth of, as they say, a baby. The straps and waistband are adjustable for greater comfort.

Price: 1,900 rubles.

• nice design;
• Crossing straps reduce the load on the shoulders;
• correct M-shaped position of the baby;
• Children up to four years of age can be carried.

• not found.

Absolute delight from him! Seriously. Comfortable, easy to use, anatomically correct. And also the ability to be worn in different places (back, chest, thigh). There is no need to wrap anything around, as is the case with slings. The manufacturer has made a large pocket, long straps and safety elastic bands. The model is very worthy.

Product made in China. Which, however, does not mean the quality of the product is poor. The design of the model allows you to customize the straps and straps individually for each user.

The backpack creates excellent conditions for a small passenger. You can use the carrier when the baby reaches a height of 53 cm and weighs from 3.5 kg. The back is soft and supports the newborn's head. Head support is also implemented here. Transferring the seams to the front surface eliminates the possibility of chafing.

The ergo backpack itself is made of hypoallergenic high-quality fabrics and complies with the Oeko-Tex 100 standard. The only thing that can scare off buyers is the cost of the product. For a backpack they ask about 14 thousand rubles.

Price: 14,000 rubles.

• Sturdy design with head support;
• suitable for children up to 15 kg;
• seams outward prevent chafing of the skin;
• high-quality materials - 100% cotton, meeting Oeko-Tex 100 standards.

• cost (14,000 rubles).

Our baby was 5 months old when we tried the Baby Bjorn carrier for the first time. If the baby can’t stand being in a stroller, then in an ergo backpack she feels very calm. All our walks take place in silence, tranquility and with my satisfied smile. I would like to note the high quality of the model, ease of use, and, perhaps, practicality. But the price tag, of course, is too high.

Although the model seems old - released in 2014 - it has not lost its relevance to this day. The carrier provides parents with all sorts of ways to position their baby: face-to-face, outward-facing, on the hip.

The implemented wide harnesses and belt provide unprecedented comfort in using the ergo backpack. The “frog” position, which all manufacturers of kangaroo backpacks strive for, is possible in any of the child’s positions. Thanks to this approach, it was possible to achieve maximum comfort for the child for a long time.

The backpack is 100% cotton. One of the features worth highlighting is the hood. It perfectly protects the baby from rain and sun, and also supports the head.

Price: 2,100 rubles.

• unusual design;
• an abundance of different colors;
• the chair follows the anatomy of the child;
• 4 baby positions;
• light weight of the backpack - only 660 g.

• not detected.

The “Ergobaby” backpack is about the correct posture of the baby. If you have a very small child, I advise you to purchase an additional insert. The presence of a hood is very pleasing - you can cover your head and prop it up. Kangaroo is cool, I'm happy. I give it a solid 5.

At the top of the ratings are ergo backpacks made from natural cotton (45%) and hemp fiber (55%). Manduca Newstyle is suitable for both very young children and children under 5 years old. Buyers have several colors to choose from: red, blue, chocolate, black, sand, turquoise, olive.

The inner surface of the backpack is made entirely of cotton. With adjustable straps and a waistband, the kangaroo backpack can be customized to fit any body type. All fastenings have additional elastic bands that increase the reliability of the entire backpack. The developers also took care of protecting the child from weather conditions - a special cover has been introduced here.

Price: 10,000 rubles.

• special degree of protection;
• use of natural ingredients (55% hemp fiber, 45% cotton);
• pad to protect and support the child's head;
• many colors to choose from;
• Suitable for children up to 5 years or 20 kg.

• high cost (about 10 thousand rubles).

Definitely the best ergo backpack. Everything is adjustable, everything is customized. The child sits confidently and correctly in it. Plus the use of only natural ingredients. I’ve been using it for three months and haven’t found a single complaint about the backpack yet. If you buy it, you won't regret it.

Checking the baby's position

If the fit is not ideal, you can try to raise the baby's legs so that his buttocks sag a little. If the situation repeats, you should lift your legs each time you put on the backpack, pushing your heels up.

Next, we will list the nuances that will help make sure that the baby is comfortable. So, you need to check:

These criteria will help parents determine the correct position of the baby in the backpack. In addition, they make sure that the baby has already grown enough to use the product.

We hope that our advice will help you choose the right and comfortable ergo-backpack and learn how to use it according to the recommendations of orthopedists. This useful accessory, just like the sling and kangaroo, has a lot of fans - perhaps its use will benefit you too.

A kangaroo backpack or, as it is also called, an ergo backpack, is an indispensable tool in the arsenal of any parent who keeps up with the times. It is ideal when taking a stroller is impractical, but there is a need to go with the child to the store or go on a trip, or just go for a walk. Yes, there are other types of carriers, but it is the baby carrier that meets the highest standards of child protection. And besides, it is incredibly easy to use.

Features of winter use

Is it possible to wear an ergo-backpack in winter? If walks are planned during the cold season, it is necessary to dress your child well. Remember that the upper part of the body is in direct contact with the mother, which means the baby will not freeze in the insulated overalls. At the same time, the child’s legs will be more open, so they may freeze at sub-zero temperatures. In this regard, in winter you need to not only wear warm shoe covers with fur, but also be sure to wear socks under them.

An important nuance: when placing the baby in a backpack, the pants often wrinkle, exposing part of the legs. In winter, to carry it in a backpack, you need to select longer trouser models for your baby, and make sure that the trouser legs are straightened. You can insulate the backpack itself - there are special baby warmers on sale.