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The Ergo is somewhat of the gold standard of baby/toddler carriers. It is extremely well made, comfortable for parent and child and comes in a great range of colors. You can use the Ergo to carry your child on your front, back or hip. With a young baby, you would use the front position, and with an older child, the back position.

It also has a darling super-soft, cotton “hood” for younger babies, which can be used to keep off rain and sun, and to support a sleeping baby’s head. It’s a wonderful idea.

The Ergo costs $92, which includes shipping, and is completely refundable for 30 days. The people at Ergo are very supportive of adoptive families, and I’ve been impressed with everyone we’ve dealt with. The carrier is recommended for very young babies (with an insert, bought separately) all the way up to children who are 40lbs, so it is very versatile.

I have to say that my complaint with the Ergo is that it is very uncomfortable for me when using it in the hip position (carrying a child on your hip). The one strap that is used in this position digs into my neck, and the backpack like material (which is very durable and well made) has rubbed a raw spot on my neck just in “playing” around the house with this on. I’d never make it with any child in this position for long, as it is just too uncomfortable.

All three of my little kids LOVE being in it in the back position (wearing them on your back). I did find it very comfortable in this position, and could easily wear a child like this for several hours if necessary. They kids were very happy up there and they were very comfortable, as was I. I don't have a baby small enough to try the front position, but it seems that it would be just as comfortable.

I found it pretty awkward getting the kids into the carrier in the back position (lots of giggling), but maybe there is a better way. I imagine it gets easier with practice, too.

The back position is great for “doing things”. If you’re grocery shopping, cooking dinner, folding laundry or whatever, with your child on your back, you are “hands free” and they are up and out of the way. It is very convenient and the kids tend to love it up there.

However, with Belane, I really like the idea of the hip position for bonding…that position would have us chest to chest, with her face looking at me and close to me. We’ll be able to see each other and (try to) communicate. I will be able to smooch the top of her head, hold her hand…she’ll be right there to love on and bond with. I can see her facial expressions and how she is doing. I just don’t like the idea of strapping her to my back and not being able to see her, at least in the beginning.

The Ellaroo is a much simpler carrier than the Ergo. There are way less snaps and buckles. The material is softer. It weighs probably half of what the Ergo weighs, which not only makes it lighter on the body, it makes it very practical to roll up and put in a diaper bag or suitcase. I also found it a lot easier to get out of, and to get my kids out of, which would be nice on an airplane, in an airport, or other busy place.

I can get the Ellaroo on and a child into it in seconds. The best part of this carrier is that the strap is designed to cup your shoulder instead of digging into your neck, which I find brilliant! Your neck is free and clear, and the weight of the child is on your hips and shoulder. It is also a lot nicer for bigger children who want to sleep. With my bigger toddlers, I found that in the Ellaroo, if they wanted to sleep (or pretend!) they put their head on my chest, which was really nice and snuggly.

In the Ergo, (on my back) if the bigger kids wanted to sleep, their head ended up on my neck, which wasn’t very comfortable for either of us. A smaller baby (or taller parent!)wouldn’t have this problem, as their head would rest in between your shoulders (or chest, depending on position).

I found this carrier very comfortable and easy to use and my kids like using it as well. It costs $67 and comes in a variety of beautiful print and solid materials. It is recommended for kids up to 35lbs, but has been weight tested up to 100lbs.

The downside to the Ellaroo is that you can only use it as a hip carrier. It is reversible and can be used on either hip, but it is not a backpack style carrier or a front carrier. Also, since the hip position is not appropriate for babies until they have good head/neck control, this carrier could not be used with a baby under about five months or so. So it is not as versatile as the Ergo.

I found both of these carriers to be excellent products. Both would work wonderfully and be well worth the money. I think which one would be best would depend on what age of child you have (or will soon have) and what/where you plan on using your carrier.

There are lots of other good baby carrier products out there, but these are two that would work well for adoptive parents who are traveling, and they are also ones that I have very recent experience with. I do caution you against many of the “cheaper” ones out there. We have bought quite a few throughout the years and a cheap carrier often tends to be uncomfortable and unpleasant to use.

If you are traveling for your adoption, purchasing a carrier is probably something you want to consider. It is lighter and easier to travel with than a stroller, and much better for bonding (and will be practical once you are home as well.)

Best of luck! For more information on baby wearing, carriers, etc. you can visit the Babywearer.