The following product review was written by Tania Tod of TryingtoConceive.com.

Most couples who start trying to conceive have some idea about the products they think they are going to need for any future baby. For the vast majority of parents, the list of “must haves” include a stroller, a car seat, and a crib. But one item that I seriously could not have done without is a baby carrier. I did not buy a baby carrier while I was pregnant with my first child, but I certainly discovered the need for one very soon after my baby arrived.

While you are shopping with a big baby bump (while fighting pregnancy signs, like having to run to the bathroom every five minutes, of course!) it’s easy to get carried away by the big ticket items, and admire beautifully decorated nurseries and the latest strollers, that look like space ships. But look around you in the mall, and you’ll see that lots of new parents push a stroller in one hand, and hold their baby in the other. There are still plenty of places without stroller access. Using public transportation is, in my experience, a true nightmare with a stroller.

And then there is the fact that most babies simply prefer to be snuggled up close to their moms most of the time. When I discovered that my baby daughter liked being carried much better than riding in the stroller, and simultaneously concluded that I didn’t really love lugging a heavy stroller around with me, the first carrier I bought was a Baby Bjorn. Since then, I have tried practically every baby carrier on the market – from the traditional Korean podaegi, mei tai carriers, and slings, to soft structures carriers.

After carrying two kids in various baby carriers for more miles than I care to remember, both around the house and while out and about, I can say without a doubt that I like the Ergo baby carrier best of all. Like the Baby Bjorn, the Ergo baby carrier has the advantage of being adjustable and easy to use. You snap a bucket around your hip, put your baby in the carrier, and then buckle up the shoulder straps. And like the Asian baby carriers, the Ergo allows you to wear your baby on your front, back, and even on your hips.

What does the Ergo baby carrier have that other carriers don’t?

• Baby Bjorn type carriers put all your baby’s weight on the parent’s shoulders, as do slings. Because the Ergo divides the baby’s weight equally between your hips and shoulders, it is much more comfortable and can be used to carry your baby for much longer periods.

• The Ergo promotes a healthy spinal and hip position for the baby, while some other carriers actually put an unhealthy amnount of pressure on baby’s spine, and essentially have him or her dangling from the crotch.

• The Ergo is easy to use and doesn’t require you to learn how to tie your baby using long straps, like the Asian baby carriers.

• It comes with handy accessories including a back pack you can simply attach to the carrier. That has been a life-saver for me on many trips!

• Unlike “feminine” looking ring slings or pouch slings, the Ergo is also great for men and women who don’t like flower prints (me!)

• Finally, the Ergo baby carrier is sturdy, and can be used from the newborn stage (using an infant insert) until around three years old. Parents of all sizes and shapes can use the Ergo.

I have been using the Ergo baby carrier with much pleasure for over four years now, and it is the only carrier that I still love once my babies get to the toddler stage. We don’t use the front carry any more, but my two year old still loves riding on my back, and I love carrying him in the Ergo. Occasionally, even my four year old hitches a ride! I love it, and would warmly recommend it to any parent of babies or toddlers. A good baby carrier also makes a great baby shower gift, so if your friend told you she started trying for a baby and using an ovulation calendar, think about buying her an Ergo once she gets pregnant!