We've compiled the most frequent questions we are asked about choosing and using Ellaroo baby carriers. If you have a specific question that isn't answered here, please feel free to contact us by email.

Choosing a Carrier

There is no single perfect baby carrier for every person or every situation. But we believe that our selection of carriers can meet anyone's needs. Following are specific recommendations for common situations.

Q: What kind of carrier is easiest to learn to use?

A: The Mei Tai and Mei Hip are, for most people, among the easiest baby carriers to learn to use, then the Ring Sling, then the Wrap.

Q: What kind of carrier is quickest to put on and get baby into?

A: The Ring Sling is the very definition of pop-and-go, but there are some Wrap carries that, while they take a bit more time to put on, are quick and easy to "pop" baby into and out of. A perennial favorite for this is Front Cross Carry, but Hip Cross Carry and Wrap Cross Carry can also work wonderfully. Mei Hips and Mei Tais, while a bit more involved to get on than a ring sling, are generally faster to put on than the Wrap. However, there are some carries with the Wrap (rebozo carry, rucksack carry, strap carry) that can be much faster with practice.

Q: What kind of carrier is most comfortable for long carries and heavy babies?

A: We suggest two-shouldered carriers for the most comfort during long carries and with heavy babies. Using a Wrap in Wrap Cross Carry or Back Wrap Cross Carry is probably the most supportive and comfortable way to carry a heavy child for a long time because the Wrap, if spread well, distributes the weight of the child across the wearer's entire torso. The Mei Tai would be the next most supportive (which distributes the baby's weight to both shoulders and the waist), then the Mei Hip (which distributes the baby's weight to one shoulder and the waist), and then the Ring Sling (which distributes the baby's weight to one shoulder).

Q: What kind of carrier is most versatile in terms of age of baby and carrying positions?

A: All Ellaroo baby carriers except the Mei Hip are suited for babies from infancy through toddlerhood. As far as carrying positions go, Wrap carriers are by far the most versatile. There are innumerable ways of tying a wrap. Ring Slings are probably second most versatile, allowing the wearer to carry the baby on her front or hip or even on her back, for short periods. Baby can be reclined, semireclined, or completely upright, facing sideways, in towards the wearer, or out facing the world. The Mei Tai is primarily used for carrying the baby upright facing towards the wearer on the front or back (though the Mei Tai can be used as a hip carrier as well), and the Mei Hip is designed to hold baby upright on the wearer's hip.

Q: What kind of carrier packs up smallest?

A: The Mei Hip and Rebozo-length Wrap pack up smallest, then the Mei Tai, and then the longer Wraps, which pack to about the size of a warm sweater.

Q: What kind of carrier is easiest to nurse in?

A: Most people find the Ring Sling or Wrap easiest to nurse in as both allow baby to be held in virtually any position and provide excellent coverage. The Mei Tai can work well for nursing an older child with good head control, but doesn't provide as much coverage. The Mei Hip can also work well for an older child with good head control, but, since the baby is carried on one hip, nursing from the opposite breast can be difficult. Particularly large-breasted women tend to have more difficulty nursing in the Mei Tai and Mei Hip and usually find a ring sling somewhat easier to nurse in than a wrap because it's generally quicker to get baby into a low, reclined position.

Using Your Carrier

Baby carriers generally take a little getting used to. Following are some pointers to speed you along your way to babywearing nirvana.

Q: How can I learn to use my baby carrier?

A: First, look through the instructions we send with each carrier and check the links we've compiled under Wearing Instructions. If you still need help, The Babywearer is an excellent resource and has a page of links to instructions for many types of baby carriers. For in-person help, you could locate the NINO group (a babywearing education organization) nearest you, check to see if there is a babywearing consultant near you, or post on the Babywearers Near You forum.

Q: How big a child can I carry in an Ellaroo baby carrier?

A: We suggest a weight limit of 35 pounds for all our carriers because most parents find that children heavier than 35 pounds are difficult to carry for long periods in any sort of carrier. However, there are many parents who continue to carry much larger children, though often for shorter periods at a time. We suggest you listen to your body about how heavy a child is okay for you to carry; all Ellaroo baby carriers have been tested to 100 pounds with no signs of stress. /dd>

Q: How can I carry twins/two children?

A: The most common option is simply to use two different baby carriers - one for each baby. The most popular option, especially for little babies, is Ring Slings or pouches - one worn on each shoulder, so one baby ends up on each hip, or one ends up a bit more to the front of the wearer and one a bit more to the back. VERY little babies can be carried together in the same Ring Sling or pouch, but at some point they do run out of room. Babies can be carried upright, facing in or out, and reclined in Ring Slings and pouches. Most slings and pouches support at least 35 pounds.

More Options for Carrying More than One Child

Another option is to use two Mei Tais; one baby would be carried on the wearer's front, and one on her back. I wouldn't recommend carrying two babies in one Mei Tai. Babies are carried upright facing towards the wearer, and the weight of the baby is distributed to both shoulders and the waist, so many people find them a comfortable option for long carries even for heavy babies and toddlers. These carriers can be used from newborn through toddler and are relatively easy to get the hang of.

One final option is to use one or two Wraps. Wraps are incredibly versatile and are generally found to be the most comfortable baby carriers as they distribute baby's weight across the wearer's entire upper torso, giving an almost "weightless" effect. However, they take a little longer to figure out how to use, especially when dealing with two babies rather than one.

Here are a few links with more information:

• From mamatoto.org, an article on slinging two babies at a time.
• From Storchenwiege.com (a maker of wraparound slings), some pictures of slinging two babies at a time in one wrap and in two (pics of twins and multiples at the bottom of the page).
• And finally, TheBabywearer.com has an article on wearing twins and multiples, and a forum (free registration is required to read the forums) in which members discuss tips, tricks, success, and failures of wearing twins and multiples.

More Information About Ellaroo Baby Carriers

Q: Where can I order an Ellaroo baby carrier?

A: Ellaroo baby carriers are sold in brick & mortar retail stores, online stores, and by individual reps around the world. View our comprehensive list of resellers.

Q: What size carrier should I order?

A: The Podaegi, Mei Tai, and Mei Hip come in one size and fit up to a 48" waist size. The Ring Sling comes in three sizes (S, M, L). Most people will use a Medium sling. Very petite people, e.g. 5'2" and 100 lbs, may use a Small. Larger moms and dads, e.g. size 20, will use a Large. The Ring Slings are all the same width (about 27"), but they vary in length by about 6". The Wrap comes in six sizes, with sizing as follows:

• 2.7 m Rebozo-length (Good for hip/cradle carry, hot weather, and quick trips!)
• 3.6 m Extra-Small (Good for short wraps: short cross, rucksack, hip cross, etc.)
• 4.2 m Small up to 130lbs and 5'4"
• 4.6 m Medium up to 160lbs and 5'8"
• 5.0 m Large up to 190lbs and 6'
• 5.4 m Extra-Large over 190lbs and 6

Q: What kind of fabrics are used, and how are they grown and processed?

A: As of 2007, all new colorways of the Mei Tai, Mei Hip, and Ring Sling are made of 100% organic cotton, with recycled polyester batting. Any products and colorways introduced earlier than 2007 are made of natural fibers, with specific content varying from one colorway to another. Your reseller contact will know about their particular carriers in stock. The Wrap is hand woven in Guatemala of conventionally-grown cotton and the dyes used are free of toxins and heavy metals.

Q: How can I keep my Ellaroo baby carrier in excellent condition?

A: We suggest washing all Ellaroo baby carriers in cold water by hand or in the gentle cycle of the washing machine and hanging them dry. When tying your Wrap baby carrier, avoid yanking on the fringe. Like any handwoven fabric, the Wraps are vulnerable at the fringes. If one part of the fringe is pulled hard away from another part, it may tear.

Q: What do I do if my Ellaroo baby carrier is defective?

A: We guarantee all Ellaroo baby carriers. Period. Your reseller contact will be happy to exchange any defective carrier. If you are unable to return to the point of purchase, please contact us.