Design and Features
Like the original, the ERGObaby Performance is basically the design of a proper hiking backpack. It features a pouch for your baby, two padded shoulder straps, a thick hip strap and clip that fastens across your front or back for stability. It also has a roll out head support for when your baby is sleeping.
It's made from a sport style fabric with breathable insert to maintain a cool comfort. It comes in two colours, grey & spring green; great colours for both mum and dad.
The ERGObaby Performance is suitable from newborn to 20kgs (4 years) but you need the Heart 2 Heart insert for babies up to 5 months.
Performance and Drawbacks
The ERGObaby Performance carrier is designed to be used in three ways; front, back and hip. Many parents find the ERGO design one of the most comfortable for use for longer periods of time as it's designed to distribute your baby's weight across both your hips, rather than your shoulders.
For your baby's comfort they sit on their bottom rather than suspended from their crotch; this takes the pressure off their hips, pelvis and spine.
The ERGObaby Performance is reasonably easy to put on with your baby. It's easiest to do when you are sitting down and as with most carriers it's more difficult to get your baby on your back. For the back position your child needs to be sitting independently (usually between 4 & 5 months) and it will take you a little practice to get the knack.
It takes seconds to adjust the ERGObaby Performance so it's easily swapped between parents. Also the Performance is slightly longer in the body and straps than the original for a better fit for larger parents, particularly dads.
The ERGObaby Performance is great for mums feeding their babies when they are out and about.
In my opinion the lightweight fabric is a real improvement on the original ERGObaby. In addition to it being cooler to wear in a warmer climate it also makes the carrier lighter and more compact to pack & transport. Also the lightweight material makes for a quick wash & dry.
The ERGObaby Performance is well made with the attention to detail which you find on well designed products. Features such as the adjustable baby head rest and nifty front pocket are really useful.
I find it amusing that one of the new accessories you can get for the ERGObaby Performance is a rear view mirror. I spy with my little eye ...
When we reviewed the ERGObaby original carrier our little baby tester was not so comfy with his legs spread apart. Generally we haven't found this to be a usual complaint but it's worth taking into consideration.
Our Best Buys tester for the Performance has had experience using an ERGObaby original with previous children. We'll be asking her to report back on how she finds the new design over the upcoming summer.
Conclusion
It's easy to understand why ERGObaby carriers are a parent's favourite. The combination of quality, design and longevity of use make it a great baby buy. I think that the Performance is the best of the range.
The ERGObaby Performance carrier is widely available online and in the larger baby chains. Keep an eye open for it on special.
About Ergo
Ergo is a mum-invented product produced by her family company located in Hawaii.
