Ergobaby Embrace

Thread: "Looking for evidence or expert opinions on Ergobaby Embrace (conflicting info)"

What better way for an influencer to get a lot of engagement in the comments than to act like a very commonly purchased and well-recommended brand is a danger to babies?

Thread: "Which one is better for a newborn"

Ergobaby embrace. Hands down. We love it.

Thread: "Just buy the expensive baby carrier"

I love the Tula. The Ergo baby Embrace for her first months was also just right. The ergobaby omni is just too much for me. It feels so bulky. We kept it for husband but her never uses it anymore. Husband liked the babybjorn mini for the newborn times. The moby wrap was also nice for the newborn times but was a pain to wrap and unwrap when I was a sleepless zombie. Also the momcozy/tush baby hip carriers are nice in toddler days for when baby wants to be held but not confined.

Thread: "Going to be a new dad! Which carrier do I get? I've seen a lot of people recommend Mabe Monarch Carrier & Ergobaby Omni 360. So many options its stressful."

If you want to wear from birth you'll need something newborn-focused. The Omni 360 will likely be too big for a month or so (unless your baby is quite large), and the Monarch is very large and will fit at 3+ months for most babies. A *lot* of carrier brands advertise their carriers as being usable from 7lbs, but for most that's an over exaggeration to sell more carriers. If baby's head is covered or hips are overextended then it's too large. You'll need a stretchy wrap, woven wrap, ring sling, meh dai, or a newborn specific carrier like an Ergo Embrace for the first few months. My husband and I are similar heights (I'm 5'5", he's 6') and we easily shared a Tula Free to Grow. >The Omni 360 seems to win in a lot of polls. Major review sites you'd typically turn to for other products (like Wirecutter or the Bump) only review big box store/mainstream carrier brands like Ergobaby and Baby Bjorn. This is a big field of bulky, utilitarian carriers without much nuance or comfort IMO. Online reviews are even worse to filter through, as most people don't really understand how a carrier should fit or feel. Their 5 star review is glowing, but the photo they post of themselves babywearing shows a baby a peril of suffocating or falling. An Ergobaby is a safe, serviceable carrier. I would choose it over the Mabe. Are there better, potentially more comfortable options out there-- yes, absolutely. In general, carriers made from breathable natural materials are much more comfortable and temperature regulating (for both baby and wearer). Carriers that are padded all over are stuffed with polyester like a winter coat. They're hot and bulky. LennyLamb, Oscha, Happy Baby, Sakura Bloom, Hope & Plum, Integra, Didymos, Stokke Limas, etc all make nice lightweight carriers. Tula's Free to Grow is the less bulky cousin to an Ergo carrier, they have lighter fabrics but still have padded shoulder straps which I personally find comfortable. If you want my list of things to avoid while purchasing a carrier: - carriers made by carseat manufactures. They're largely terrible. Infantino, Graco, Chicco, Nuna, Diono, etc. They all make overcomplicated, poorly designed, bulky, hot carriers. I would include Baby Bjorn on this list as well. - most Lillebaby carriers. They're bulky and only have two seat widths (very narrow, and very wide) which leaves a ton of time (months!) where neither setting fits baby well. - buying a carrier on Amazon. There are a mountain of counterfeits out there, especially Ergobaby branded ones. Most (if not all) carrier manufacturers have their own websites and offer discounts and free shipping which tend to be a better deal, and you know you're getting an authentic product. - carriers without a waistband, like a Baby Bjorn Mini or Tactical Baby carrier. These are poorly designed and uncomfortable, all of baby's weight is on your shoulders and upper back. It's not a carrier design you can wear for any length of time. Edit: Thanks for the awards!

Thread: "Looking for evidence or expert opinions on Ergobaby Embrace (conflicting info)"

Is this person a babywearing educator? Or is she mostly a physiotherapist who knows a bit about babywearing? I’m not an expert, but a babywearing enthusiast. I could see issues with Ergobaby models if not fitted correctly. When fitted and positioned correctly, you can get a C shape and an Ergo Embrace. Without a pelvic tuck and if straps are overtightened you would get improper posture. Most of their carriers also don’t fit newborns without an insert. It’s possible she’s making that statement about the Embrace without understanding how it’s supposed to properly fit. Also, does this person have affiliate links for Neko or other carriers? I also notice a distinct lack of US brands. I can’t really blame rational people for trying to avoid American brands right now for a host of reasons, but she may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater with Ergobaby carriers if she is trying to discourage American brands.

Thread: "Best carrier for a newborn?"

Skeptical is good. Most structured carriers don’t fit newborns even if they are 7lb+ because height also plays a big role in carrier safety. Stretchy wraps are great for newborns; the Ergo Embrace is also lovely if you do want something more structured. Ring slings and woven wraps are also good options if you’re wanting to use the carrier past the newborn stage.

Thread: "Super easy soft structured carrier for newborn?"

I feel like it really doesn’t get much easier than the ergo embrace as far as soft structured newborn carriers. What are you finding challenging about the embrace?

Thread: "Newborn carrier that can be used from birth?"

I really enjoyed my ErgoBaby Embrace for newborns 7 pounds and up. It’s easy to use and really hugs you into baby. It’s softer than other structured carriers. It’s reasonably priced as well!

Thread: "Is the ergobaby embrace worth it?"

There are normally plenty of ergo baby embraces available used, so you could probably pick one up for like $30 to $40 and at that price point it's not a huge loss if you don't end up loving it? Try marketplace. I used the embrace with my newborn and I think around this stage I started finding it less supportive because it is stretchy, but it was definitely workable and yes, very easy to use.

Thread: "Looking for evidence or expert opinions on Ergobaby Embrace (conflicting info)"

As far as I can tell she is not a BW educator but mainly a pediatric PT. Also judging by her post showing how she puts on a ringsling, I wouldnt take her knowledge of babywearing as an expert opinion tbh. There is nothing wrong with the Ergobaby Embrace as long as its put on correctly (which is true for every ergonomic carrier or wrap that exists). I say that as an educator that has used it (and many other carriers) with her own newborn. I wouldnt be doing that if I had my doubts with a carrier.

Thread: "Best baby carrier for newborn?"

Wraps are the most ergonomic and customizable way to carry newborns (can be done from day 1 even with tiny babes). What is it you don’t trust about them? A lot of buckle carriers won’t fit tiny babies and are actual suffocation risks if too big. Lennylamb Light, Didymos, Tula FTG are some that adjust down rather small and fit from around a few weeks old. The Ergobaby Embrace is a buckle carrier for newborns but will stop to fit after a few months. Take a look at the automod safety and automod wiki, they have plenty of useful information.

Thread: "Help! Osprey Poco Soft"

If you want some suggestions, Ergobaby’s Embrace and Boba’s Bliss are both newborn focused carriers. They’re stretchy and will last until baby is around 15ish lbs. Stretchy wraps like Solly and Boba are also appropriate, as well as ring slings and woven wraps.

Thread: "Best carriers for newborn and babies?"

From what I have read, most of those carriers won’t actually fit until your baby is 3-4 months old! I would personally start with the stretchy wrap and a buckle carrier like the Ergo Embrace. While both are meant for newborn only, they are a great starting point into the baby wearing world! These are the two carriers that I first started with. From using these two carriers, you can get an idea of what you really want in a carrier once your kid is a few months old (for example, you like wrapping and want to try a ring sling, mei dai or woven wrap, or you love buckle carriers with an X strap, or you want a carrier with an H strap instead, or maybe you need a thicker waistband like a waterfall style carrier or you like the minimalistic nature of an apron style carrier, etc).

Thread: "Ergobaby embrace vs baby Bjorn mini, which one would you choose for first 6 months?"

The embrace is stretchy and could get uncomfortable around 15 pounds but there are people that have it worked for longer. The embrace is super ergonomic (when adjusted properly). The mini won't last you for more than a couple of weeks, max. Your child will outgrow it by the next couple of weeks. Your concern about the hip issue is right. It's never proven that a narrow based carrier causes hip problems but it can worsen an existing condition. It's also hard to get a good position for the child overall and it'll definitely become uncomfortable when the child is around 3 months old. Keep the embrace. Post a fit check in it to see if there's something that can be done about the head (babywearing a newborn without head control is almost always never hands free and you need to support the head when bending forward or bouncing).

Thread: "Fit check: ergo embrace vs baby bjorn mini"

Agree with the Embrace being rolled the wrong way. The fit will be much different when it’s rolled the correct way. When you roll the wrong way it makes the panel super short and their legs end up going around a wider part of the panel vs further down where it’s slightly more narrow and designed for their legs to be

Thread: "Opinion on ergobaby embrace"

I loved my Embrace. I feel like his head was supported fine, especially if he’s seated correctly. It only became an issue as he grew out of it

Thread: "Best infant carriers?"

Streachy wraps are great. Ergo Embrace is awesome for birth-6 months ish. Ring Slings can be great for NB but have a learning curve so most who love them find them somewhere along the journey with their first and then sling their second NB.

Thread: "What’s your favorite baby carrier?"

We've loved our ergobabys, the embrace is great for napping little ones

Thread: "Going to be a new dad! Which carrier do I get? I've seen a lot of people recommend Mabe Monarch Carrier & Ergobaby Omni 360. So many options its stressful."

How much learning curve do you want to deal with. Low, medium, or high? The higher the learning curve, the more comfortable the carrier. Do you want a thin carrier, something with thick straps (thick straps aren’t necessary for comfort), etc. there are a lot of wonderful baby carrier brands, most of which the average person doesn’t know about, so may not show up in these polls. Personally not a fan of ergo baby (the embrace is a great newborn carrier, though, you usually need a separate carrier for the newborn stage).

Thread: "Does anyone have the ergo embrace?"

I don't have one but I have fit ppl with them. It is an excellent newborn carrier, but because the fabric is stretchy, most people find it uncomfortable when their LO gets heavier, usually between 3-6m. I would recommend a more robust carrier for a 5 month old, ergo original or 360, tula, naked panda. Lots are able to cross in the back which can be more comfortable than the clip.

Thread: "Looking for evidence or expert opinions on Ergobaby Embrace (conflicting info)"

Any carrier that is improperly tightened can be detrimental to a baby in some way or another. Ultimately the Ergobaby Embrace is a great carrier like many others, if used properly.

Thread: "What’s the best wrap/carrier for a newborn baby?"

Lots of people like the Ergo Embrace for newborns. No carrier is completely hands free though until they are able to hold their head up independently.

Thread: "Best carrier for a newborn?"

Seconding the ergo embrace, I baby wear for many hours a day and it is great for those early weeks! Pretty easy to get on and off and so cozy and comfy. My babe sleeps in there every day and seems to love it. I’m getting a H&P Lark for when she is bigger!

Thread: "Super easy soft structured carrier for newborn?"

Except for a ring sling for a buckle carrier for an itty bitty one you can’t get too much simpler than the Embrace. Because their airways are so tiny and they don’t have the core/torso strength to maintain their airway it’s difficult to find something with “less steps” that is also going to be safe enough to hold them securely. Babywearing is a skill and it does get better (and faster) the more you practice. My husband STRUGGLED with the Oscha Bairn (buckle carrier like the Embracd) over and over, but he practiced daily and now he’s so quick to throw it on and get our 8 month old up anywhere and everywhere, like it’s nearly muscle memory to him.

Thread: "Toddler slings?"

Ring slings do have a learning curve, but I think you would find it easier to learn with a toddler that can support their body than a floppy baby. To me, the issue with the carriers pictured here are that they aren’t hands free or even stable for the toddler to sit. I think even a Tush Baby (bulky, I know) would be more stable. A hip carry in a ring sling can be hands free with a baby that can support their body, like your toddler would be able to.

Thread: "Is the LILLEbaby carrier actually suitable for newborns or do I also need Ergo Embrace?"

I did not realize how expensive Lillebaby is! Good call on noticing the pictures are unsafe. Along with the head rest, they also have babies leg tucked in the carrier which is generally not considered best practice anymore now that carriers are coming more adjustable. The lillebaby only has two panel width which means there is a while where the panel will be too narrow but the wider setting is too wide. If you want a buckle carrier “newborn and up” (depending on how big baby is you will probably need a newborn option like stretchy wrap, ring sling, etc for the first little bit but you can often find them second hand for cheap.) I would go with the Tula free to grow or Lenny lamb Lenny light instead.

Thread: "Wrap or ergo embrace for newborn?"

I had both, and I preferred the wrap at home and the Ergobaby Embrace while out and about because fiddling with the wrap in public is annoying and I got in my head about the straps touching the floor. I know you didn’t ask about it, but I found that the ring sling took the place of the Ergobaby Embrace for my baby because it was good for quick ups and lasts a lot longer than the Embrace which is only comfortable for about 3 months.

Thread: "Fav baby carrier?"

Keep in mind a lot of soft structured carriers are not suitable for newborns. Ergobaby Embrace is. Other Ergobaby carriers are for larger babies. Artipoppe Zeitgeist is another one that claims to be newborn appropriate but really is too large until around 3 months. Stretchy wraps, woven wraps and ringslings are all newborn appropriate. But all come with a learning curve.

Thread: "What newborn wrap do you guys recommend? [bc]"

Look for used wraps and carriers on FB marketplace! I used a Moby wrap in the beginning which I liked and found a Lenny Lamb carrier at around 4-5 months which I adore <3 Ergobaby Embrace also has a good reputation for the first few months if you don't want to wrap "manually"

Thread: "Baby carrier advice - babybjorn mini or ergobaby embrace for newborn?"

Get the Ergo Embrace. The BB Mini is a crotch dangler and r/babywearing is very against it because it doesn't get baby into an ergonomic position.

Thread: "Thoughts on Ergo Embrace carrier?"

I really liked it! Exactly what you said - a stretchy wrap with the ease of a structured carrier. My only caveat with it was that we couldn’t use it for long, we had to stop when she was around 4 months because the seat wasn’t going knee to knee anymore. So if you do go for it, try FB Marketplace or something first, since you won’t be using it long!

Thread: "What’s the general consensus on baby carriers recommended here?"

It also goes in waves. Like ergo embrace is a perfectly decent newborn carrier but you’ll get a month where no one seems to be able to get it on rigjt, even sometimes with multiple fit checks. Also stretchy wraps there was a couple of weeks where clearly social media was serving up videos where the third pass barely covered baby’s butt and is only on the legs (which is wrong. The third pass is to stop the x from being pulled apart from the top of the baby’s back). Even I got served it and YouTube knows which channels I like. So it’s not surprising there was a lot of dangerous fit checks. That being said, infantino is mostly bad. Some new bjorn are good(not great), particularly for specific needs. But imo overpriced. Evenflo is mostly bad. Graco and chicco are 50/50 but their bad ones are often hilariously bad Smaller lesser known brands can also be good. Just make sure they’re certified unless they’re a traditional carrier like a wrap, meh dai, onbuhimo, podegai etc then you’d maybe want the textile certified (like oeko-tex) but use your best judgement on stitching and fabric strength. Even the much maligned cradle boards have their place and when used appropriately are safe.

Thread: "Is the ergobaby embrace worth it?"

I found it stopped being as comfortable around 15 lbs, so if you're already at 12, may not be worth it. might be more worthwhile if you're hoping to have another baby you could use it for. IDK what the length is on your solly wrap, but there's no reason a ring sling wouldn't fit a broad frame- if it's put on right, it will hug any frame. it is also, i found, an easier place to start learning than a wrap. understanding the rails and strand by strand tightening on that was easier than on a wrap, and then i was able to progress to wraps.

Thread: "What’s your favorite baby carrier?"

Whatever carrier you decide on, just check for baby’s hip/seat position. There are lots of resources on this online. With that said, I love my ergobaby embrace and ergobaby Omni 360 mesh.

Thread: "Wrap or ergo embrace for newborn?"

I couldn’t figure out the stretchy wrap during the newborn phase lol. I was so tired it just frustrated me. Baby loved the ergo embrace and it made sense to me so we used that until he got too big

Thread: "Babybjorn vs ergobaby?"

Definitely the ErgoBaby Omni. The BabyBjorn Air only has two panel width positions and incorrectly promotes a “legs in” position with baby’s face covered for newborns. Neither carrier will fit until your baby is around 3mo. In the meantime, a stretchy wrap, ring sling, or newborn-specific carrier like the Ergobaby Embrace will work better.

Thread: "Baby carrier advice - babybjorn mini or ergobaby embrace for newborn?"

The Mini is a poorly designed and outdated carrier that goes against all best practice for comfort and safety. The Embrace is one of the best carriers on the market for newborns up to 6 months.

Thread: "What is the best baby carrier?"

I used solly wrap the most with newborn. I also used the ergo embrace, but didn’t like it too much until my core healed more. Now that he’s bigger and can forward and back carry I like ergo aerloom

Thread: "Ergobaby Embrace or Babybjörn Mini?"

I can’t speak for the babybjorn, but I have the ergobaby embrace and I love it! I like that I can easily put it on and adjust it by myself.

Thread: "Best, easy carrier for a newborn?"

I’ve liked ergobaby embrace with mine. I’ve never used a ring sling with any of mine as newborns but have gotten into them recently and really wish I’d have done that when they were tiny too. I had a solly with my second and it was just not my jams

Thread: "Going to be a new dad! Which carrier do I get? I've seen a lot of people recommend Mabe Monarch Carrier & Ergobaby Omni 360. So many options its stressful."

I definitely recommend trying to find a babywearing group near you (most of them can be can be found on Facebook) to see if you can try on some! Carriers are like a pair of jeans, everybody likes something different. The ergo embrace is pretty universally beloved for newborns, but you’ll want something else once baby hits 13-15 lbs.

Thread: "Ring Slings….WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?!"

Ahhh, solidarity…I gave up on mine and fully embraced the Ergo Embrace. Ring Sling returned to Target.

Thread: "Just buy the expensive baby carrier"

Agreed! I picked up a Tula Signature Free-to-Grow on Mercari and love it! I use it every day. For the people who don't want to spend too much, there are a ton of secondhand carriers out there. It's worth buying one of the nicer carriers imo.

Thread: "Hope & Plum Meh Dai"

Maybe unpopular: I have it and never use it. We wear a lot and my LO is 17mo. I feel like the waistband has to be pretty tight and that isn’t comfortable. It’s hard to get as much of the slack out as I think I need to in the wrap part. Fabric is great, agree there. Between a SB onbuhimo, Wildbird Aerial, woven, ring sling, and an ergo embrace, the HP meh dai… it’s the last one I pick and I just couldn’t ever get into it. Our top two are the onbuhimo and wildbird aerial.

Thread: "Newborn carrier that can be used from birth?"

I think you've all convinced me to give wraps a try! I don't know anyone to borrow from but the benefits seem to outweigh the overwhelmingness so YouTube will have to do lol. Now I just have to decide which wrap (he's due in July) any favorites? I hear Moby, Boba and Solly thrown around a lot I'll probably also get the ergobaby embrace or the boppy comfyfit for when he's a little bigger (I've read good things about the ergobabys back support)

Thread: "Best carrier to minimize back pain?"

I have found the ergo baby embrace to give good back support. I haven’t tried the other ones you listed, so I’m not sure how it compares. My husband is a similar body type and it fits him comfortably as well.

Thread: "Opinion on ergobaby embrace"

You’re not wrong. I have the ergo embrace and I do think it’s a really nice, soft and easy to use carrier and good alternative to a wrap. However, they kind of just need to rest their head against your chest but there’s nothing to support it. I used it with my first and it wasn’t as much of an issue because I wasn’t chasing around a toddler, but with baby #2 I used it a few times and ended up getting the baby bjorn mini which I love (in the jersey fabric which is similar to the ergo embrace). I know baby bjorn isn’t loved on this sub but he’s still small enough that I feel I can get a decent m shape in his knees. What I love most about it is there’s absolutely no adjustment needed because everything just clips together so it’s the easiest carrier I’ve ever used and so easy to quickly put on by yourself. It also has excellent head support with the option to flip it down. I have the ergo Omni breeze which I love but now seriously considering the baby bjorn free because I love the ease of clipping in and not adjusting straps each time.

Thread: "Be honest: what is your opinion of the Artipoppe carriers?"

Just as you can find diaper bags on both ends of the spectrum (well priced all the way up to ones from luxury design brands) AP is your luxury brand carrier. I originally got an ergobaby embrace which is awesome in terms of the support it offers both the baby and the wearer (don’t forget about yourselves! You won’t be using the carrier often if you’re in pain wearing it!) I was also inundated with ads on Instagram for the artipoppe and finally caved and got one. (Dang their advertising strategy worked!) I can say that it is just as easy to use as the ergobaby and offers really good support as well. The shoulder straps are really padded, and so is the belt around the waist. it is slightly easier than the ergobaby to put on by yourself because you fasten one shoulder strap in before you put the baby in. The carrier appealed to me because as a FTM trying to adjust to life with a 3 month old...I have no time to shower, sometimes I don’t brush my teeth until 3pm, and this carrier is the only thing that makes me feel somewhat put together when we go out for our afternoon walks :)

Thread: "Wrap or ergo embrace for newborn?"

We had both and vastly preferred the embrace. Far quicker and easier to handle. The wrap was way too much of a fuss when we were already exhausted and over it most of the time.

Thread: "Is the LILLEbaby carrier actually suitable for newborns or do I also need Ergo Embrace?"

Piggy backing here to say that lennylight is one of the only ones to actually fit newborns. Granted my babies weren’t born super small (around 7 lbs) but I was able to get a safe fit when I tried it with my second at a couple days old. It’s my all time favorite carrier. I also like the Tula FTG, pretty inexpensive if you’re open to second hand but it most likely won’t fit for at least a month. Lillebaby isn’t my favorite, the straps were too long that I could only get it to fit X-back which I’m not a fan of and the fact that the panel only adjusts to 2 positions left a lot of time when it wasn’t an optimal fit for my baby. You can get a safe fit with the lillebaby once baby is big enough (maybe between 1-3 months depending on baby size) but it’s lack of adjustability can make it not the comfiest. If money isn’t an issue or you can find one cheap on something like Facebook marketplace I do think the embrace is good to have. Super easy and comfy for little babies. But if you only want one I vote for lennylight.