Ergo carriers can be used from newborn (with separate infant insert) til they refuse to be carried anymore. The carrier is rated to 27kg, although most people prefer to carry only up to 19kg (by which most children prefer walking).

• Weight is carried on your hips, not your shoulders, thanks to the wide, padded shoulders straps and supportive waist strap.
• Folds up to take less space in the car or nappy bag, unlike frame backpack carriers.
• Handy zip pocket on the outside fits a spare nappy and a couple of wipes.
• Sleep hood provides extra support for sleeping, or shade from the sun. Tucks away in a pocket on the front of the carrier when not in use.
• Made from breathable, comfortable cotton. Organic cotton Ergo carriers are also available, reducing the environmental impact of cotton production.
• Dads love being able to bond with baby by wearing them in a baby carrier, and mums can even feed baby without having to take them out of the carrier.
• The Ergo comes with an instruction DVD showing how to carry your child on front, back, or hip.
• Machine washable. Just pop it in a pillow case to prevent the straps tangling or clips banging against the tub in the washing machine.

Ergo baby carriers and accessories are manufactured in China, and quality tested in Japan, under sweatshop free conditions. The following information has been provided by Ergo about working conditions in their Chinese factory:

• All workers are over 18 years old.
• While some workers are from Northern China, the majority are from the city and surrounding area. They are reimbursed for transportation expenses, and those who rent lodgings receive housing assistance.
• Workers are paid minimum wage for normal hours of 9am til 5pm Monday to Saturday. They break for lunch and a one hour nap at midday. They also receive overtime pay, bonuses, cash incentives during the Spring Festival, and holidays.
• Workers wear protective clothing. Machines and equipment are checked weekly by technicians.

The Ergo carrier underwent some design upgrades in late 2007. Differences in the new model include:

• Chest straps are permanently attached tot he shoulder straps with a runner. This means they do not need to be removed for wearing in the hip carry position.
• Hood straps are now shorter and snap directly onto the shoulder straps. The hood is elasticised to provide extra room and comfort to baby now that the straps are shorter.

The instruction DVD and box packaging are in the process of being updated to reflect these changes.