How to tell a fake ERGObaby Carrier

We've just received another email from someone who had purchased a cheap ERGObaby Carrier on Trade Me, that is being sold as a genuine ERGObaby (left), and has asked us to check whether it's a fake or not - it was.

How can you tell a fake ERGObaby Carrier?

The first rule of thumb is this: anything that is claiming to be new with a DVD is a FAKE (ERGObaby carriers were sold with DVDs in the past, but have been phased out some time ago).  There are other tell tale signs too but this is the easiest for a carrier claiming to be new.

Other tell tale signs:

• The fabric is different and doesn't feel as weighty as it should
• The body of the carrier is narrower in fakes (which can be quite hard to spot in photos)
• The lining colour and in some cases the carrier colour often look similar to the real thing but are different shades.
• The waistband and shoulder straps are thinner and also don't have as much padding
• The fakes I've seen have more hood snaps

I know everyone wants to get a bargain, but some of the cost involved in putting together a carrier like ERGObaby and why it sells for what it does, is all the testing, safety accreditation and quality control that the fake ERGO's simply do not have.

Imagine putting your child into a carrier that hasn't had to undergo any of those things and having the untested buckle or strap snap - it really doesn't bear thinking about.  Danger aside, there is of course no warranty protection offered with counterfeit products either - genuine ERGObaby Carriers come with a full 12 month manufacturers warranty.

Our current ERGObaby carrier special includes the free Heart2Heart Infant Insert (RRP $55) and we delivery the carrier free NZ wide* so the fakes aren't even all that attractive cost wise anyway!

Belly Beyond is an authorised ERGObaby stockist and we are NZ's number one Ergo retailer!   Please read the warning below and checkout our authorised range of ERGObaby products here 

Here is the official warning from ERGObaby Head Office:

IMPORTANT ERGObaby WARNING

Over the past few months, increasing numbers of counterfeit ERGObaby Carriers are being offered for sale on eBay and Trade Me. Authenticity can usually be determined by comparing auction site pictures with those on our website. Additionally, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is a fake. Counterfeit products are exempt from any manufacturer’s warranty policy, and we would caution anyone thinking about using counterfeit products about their safety, comfort and reliability.

Counterfeit ERGOs are:

· made with inferior material and parts – particularly the buckles!

· not product tested against safety standards

· not covered by any Product Insurance

· not covered by Product Warrantee

· not likely to comply with US lead-free criteria

We strongly suggest that all purchases of ERGObaby products be through authorized ERGObaby stores and webshops such as ourselves. To verify that we are an authorized retail stores, please visit: http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/retailers/

* Stewart Island and Waiheke Island not included in Free delivery offer.

A Year in the Life - ERGObaby

Would never have imagined living through 2 big earthquakes... 

1st one being woken to the wildest roaring and shaking I've experienced, 2nd hanging on to my husband and baby for dear life while trying to dodge 100kg rolls of falling lino in a flooring shop. I still haven't decided if I preferred being asleep or awake when they happened.

Life has definitely changed since Feb 22nd - not just the fact that 7 weeks later we are still shoveling liquefaction from our yard out to the kerb... ( oh the places it managed to find it's way into!!) and constantly discovering new cracks in the walls, but life has changed for our kids. Today my 4.5yr old son was quite happily playing with a block puzzle, when all of a sudden

I heard him yell "EARTHQUAKE!!!!" - his new game you see is to build up towers and 'shake it down'... just like the broken buildings we see all around us. My poor wee
son experienced far too much for your average 4 year old on Feb 22nd. After hiding under the table at his kindy to dodge the falling ceiling heaters, they sought safety outside, only to watch the outside area flood and fill with volcanoes of liquefaction. They had to then all move & sit outside by the gate on a narrow concrete path. The carpark and road was torn apart ( seriously.. some major damage) and the worse part was all the other kindy parents rushed to get their kiddies within 30 mins... and My hubby and I didnt make it to school and kindy till about 4.45pm. So my poor son was the last one to be collected, cold hungry and frightened when we got there. My hubby dropped me off at the cnr near the school & I had to run thru raw sewerage to get to my daughter - those are memories and moments I'll never forget.

But we got off easy, we still have a house to live in. Sure we lost an enormous amount of personal belongings, because unlike our house ( being built on piles) our double garage has a concrete floor and is/was a huge storage area... and yes so that got filled and flooded with liquefaction... 2 FULL heaped caged trailer loads so far of our special things are now residing at the dump. We are thankful our house was spared, even tho currently it still has a mass of icky wet liquefaction underneath it, the flooding under the house has subsided but the silt remains. Worried about the winter and a crawling baby with all that muck under the floor. We still have to use a chemical toilet, but at least its not an outside longdrop

So after about 2.5 weeks of trying to do the bare necessity to repair damage, clear pathways thru the house to get to rooms and clean up as much broken glass as we could find we decided... no we made 'sure' we went away. It was far too stressful to remain at home. We actually couldn't live there for quite a few days until we made it safe for the kids. Thank goodness my eldest 2 fully understood what was safe and what wasnt.. and more importantly, I couldn't be happier that my 7month old ( at the time) was no where near crawling!!! At least I could control the situation when we spent hours cleaning and sorting. I set up a rug in the middle of the lounge with toys, books and games and told the kids they weren't allowed off the rug!!

A family member generously gave us some money to help, so we used that for petrol and food while we were away and some other wonderfully kind and generous other friends offered us their house in Queenstown. It was wonderful to go to Queenstown again and more importantly, the kids have been there before and so going to this house was very familiar for them and they settled in within minutes. The old familiar board games and beds... it was normal!

We had a fantastic time away, so relaxing and strangely surreal to be out of the 'war zone' We managed to get a few 'deals' while we were away too and had a great time on a boat cruise - Perfect Ergo moment if ever there was one! It was the 1st time the kids had been on a boat and we also spent hours at the local pools zooming down the hydroslide - another 1st for them too!

William is getting bigger by the day - he still comfortably snuggles in the Ergo. I'm sure at some stage I can start rear carrying him... but I dont want to! I LOVE him in the front or in the side carry position, and he does too. He is 9 months old today.... nine months!! Yikes soon he'll be a one year old.

xx Gill

ERGObaby Year in the Life - Performance

 Where has the time gone? Having 3 now certainly keeps me very busy! I think I blinked and 2 months went past.

We are amidst the 1st milestones phase now with William... 1st Christmas, 1st tooth, 1st camping trip, 1st swim, 1st word ( ok - does 'Dada' count as Daddy?) 1st fundraiser...

So I'll start where I left off last time - Christmas!!

We had a great time with all 17 of us my husband's side and 12 on my side including us! Our wonderful Ergo Performance got a great work out by lots of us, including one of Williams' Grandmas (my Mum, who will be 70 this year) when she carried William on Christmas Day.

She lives in the Mona Vale Gatehouse, so it was a lovely idea to take an early Christmas morning walk through the Mona Vale gardens, with the kids while they rode on their new presents. She thought it was great and was very impressed at how comfy and light it was. She was so proud to carry her youngest grandchild around.  I kept asking her if he was too heavy but she was so happy she carried him for ages, stopping every now and then to let him smell the roses.  It was wonderful to celebrate William's 1st Christmas together, there is something sweet about having a new baby to cuddle under the Christmas tree with only the fairy lights glowing.

During New Years we usually go camping but with family here we postponed it but managed to fit a day trip into Peel Forest where we walked down to a river and the kids had fun building dams.  It was so great to have William in the Ergo so we could walk up the riverbed and climb over the rocks- plus he always enjoys the view, fresh air and being able to look around.  We had stick races down the river and since it was such a hot day the kids loved a splash in the cool river water.

After our guests left we managed to squeeze in a quick camping trip to our old spot in mid Jan at Woodend beach.  It was such a nice relaxing time - and 5 of us this time!  William's 1st camping trip and also he cut his 1st tooth on his 6 month Birthday! (which was interesting to experience in a tent!!)

It's a bit of a walk to the beach across the dunes there, so the Ergo was our only option.  I used the sleeping hood for sunshade most of the time which came in really handy.  (It was quite windy most days and his hat kept on flying off!) Once again I found it so easy to feed him too, just carried him sideways.. so easy!  There are amazing 'forest' areas to at the beach and hubby enjoyed going for a walk with William in the shade.  It's funny when I carry him I always hold on to his feet... especially love it when they are bare!  There is nothing better than baby toes.

We have had quite a few adventures in the last couple of months (somewhere in the midst of it all we celebrated 9 years of marriage) and our Ergo performance has been with us everywhere.  I used to bring it inside and hang it on the back of the bedroom door, but now it permanently lives in the car by his carseat so I can grab it anytime.  My daughters school is raising money for a new gym, so together with 2 families we had a sausage sizzle at the local Hardware store.  William 'helped' me take the money as the others cooked and served the sausages. I have also found the fabric of the performance to be really good in the rain!! Not that I make a practice of getting wet, but on the 1st day back at School I had to take all 3 kids into school. I was thinking of putting him in the stroller while we were at school ( not sure why now), but it was raining.  So a quick decision was made as I was trying not to get soaked on the footpath.  The Ergo was a faster and warmer choice for us both, and so easy to cover us up with an umbrella (which I ended up giving to my daughter). So I pulled over the sleeping hood and we all ran like mad!

I know I've said it before but its also so easy to put on - I had a lady stop by my car and ask me if I needed help the other day - "No thanks, I'm fine" I said as I clicked the buckles up. The back/chest strap is so easy on the performance as you just slide it up or down on the guides/rails.

I know William is probably old enough to carry on my back now, but I LOVE carrying him on my front.  He loves it as well, and I always catching him looking up at me with a big smile.  My baby is getting big!  Hard to believe he'll be 8 months next week. I'm also holding him extra close ( and my 2 other children) due to the 6.3 magnitude earthquake here in my hometown Christchurch, 2 weeks ago. It's been a very difficult time for everyone.  Thankfully our home is ok, damaged but we can still live in it.  But 2 weeks later we are still cleaning up silt outside & inside our garage.  Our large garage was our storage area and we lost a lot of our things from the liquefaction breaking through the concrete floor. It's been heartbreaking filling up the trailer with all our things to take to the dump.  The aftershocks keep shaking us all, and we live near to Lyttleton and the hills so they are pretty strong here!  But hubby has been working tirelessly to clean up, fix up and secure our property so we can get away for a breather next week, to have some stress-free days and nights.

So once again - we are off out of town with the Ergo - my first choice!

Take care x Gill

SPOTTED: Orlando Bloom wears ERGOBaby Carrier

One of our favourite actors was spotted wearing the Navy Organic ERGObaby Carrier while taking son Flynn out and about.

Makes perfect sense that the couple, who released the gorgeous image of Miranda Kerr breastfeeding her newborn son, would choose the ERGObaby Carrier - it's the ultimate carrier for those wanting a ergonomic and enviromentally aware option.

We assume he's got the Heart2Heart insert in, can't tell under the sleeping hood!

Belly Beyond had the largest ERGObaby range in New Zealand and we offer a same day dispatch service if you order before 3pm - check out the full range of carriers here and all the accessories.

Please excuse us while we take another look at Orlando, uh, I mean the ERGObaby in action.


Photo source

ERGObaby Year in the Life - Christmas Update

The other day I got an email, one of those weekly updates about your baby... and it was the 22 week update!! I couldn't believe it, time feels like it has flown by. He certainly looks and feels like as 5 month old baby tho :-) He is quite a solid baby and so I found myself unpacking the 6-9 month old clothes as he is just squeezing into his clothes now. Nice to see his big brothers baby clothes once again. He is not moving about too much yet, quite content to just 'be'...extremely chilled out wee bubs. He gets a good giggle going when his big brother entertains him- not quite sure what it is about silly faces and monster noises, but he loves it!

Our ERGObaby has been at the Markets!!. I have recently become a WAHM and had a stall at a local craft market a couple of weeks ago. I was so pleased to know I had the ERGO as there was no room for anything at all- only a seat. My hubby brought him to me for a feed and then he just hung out with me as I chatted to the locals. The ERGO sucking pads work a treat... no more slobber on my arms and shoulders & straps now. He made great use of them that day too. He has no teeth yet, but big brother got them at 4 months so I'm expecting them soon- all the signs are there. I had forgotten how much babies dribble - and William especially likes to dribble a lot and blow dribbly raspberries - so those pads are fantastic! You can just throw them in the wash -easy! A must have for your ERGOBaby to keep it clean and dry.
I have been trying the side carry but need a bit practice adjusting it - But what a great way to carry your baby, he can see more of his world around him as well. I have another market this weekend - I couldn't do it with out the ERGO to have him with me.

I also cant believe it's Christmas...like next WEEK!! Its going to be great! All my Hubbies side is going to be here, traveling from Holland, Australia and Wellington. Big family reunion -8 Adults and 9 Kiddies (including William and his new Cousin born just before him!) So it will be great for everyone to meet the new babies and for the cousins to catch up. We'll be out and about for sure- hopefully a few days at the beach or the school pool. I'm sure my Sister in Law will love trying it out for her new baby too!

ERGObaby Year in the Life - 4 months old

Feels like it's been ages since I blogged - probably has!

I can't believe my wee baby is now 4 months old. I sooo wanted to hold onto that itty bitty baby stage, but alas my newborn is now chunky and super heavy baby! He is absolutely gorgeous and the apple of my eye. He is super cuddly and giggles and grins like no other.

He still continues to love his ErgoBaby, altho he really doesn't fit in the Heart2Heart insert anymore. :-(
Sometimes he grizzles when I put him in it, but within a minute he is happy. I still use the Heart2Heart insert if we are going out in the wind and I want some more buffering and wind protection. But he has to have his legs out the side - which is new for me! I liked it when he was tucked away, but now its fun to hold onto his legs and tickle his feet! So many people comment on it and love the design of how baby sits in there, rather than hangs out! I am always quick to mention how fantastic it really is and how it supports baby from Newborn! I cant sing its praises enough!

For my Son's 4th birthday we all packed up and went on the Weka Pass Railway for an adventure. My sister came along with her 5mth old daughter ( dragging her pram behind her) and her Son is a few months older than my 4 year old- so it was a great time with 5 kiddies and 3 Mamas ( Grandma included there too!) I had not been on the Weka Pass train, so didnt know what to expect at any stage of the journey. There were beautiful old carriages and a lovely black steam engine. Funnily enough the carriages were the same as the ones my sister and I used to catch the train to school in - way back in the 1980's! So it was fun being able to choose our red leather seats and flipping them back and forth to get the best view. The kids loved the ride and having William in the Ergo was great. So easy, hands free, no fuss. I sat him on the insert cushion so he was a bit higher up - perfect for snuggling and kissing his wee head. I fed him while we were on the journey and then he slept the rest of the way. When we arrived at the end of the line, we had a birthday picnic lunch. My sister had her pram but it was such a nuisance as it had to be stowed away in a separate area and in the end she never used it! Once again,I was so thankful for our Ergo and how easy and portable it really is!

This past month has really flown by, so much happening with School and Kindy, a new phase of our life as parents. William is growing so fast, its lovely to hear his chatter and laughing. He is so easy too - like most 3rd babies I hear! He is happy where ever we go and just slots in. The Earthquakes have still been happening- in the weekend we had 2 more big ones... a 4.7 and a 4.9 - I really dont like them and they still make my heart race.

My daughter turned 6 on Guy Fawkes day - she loves it that every year on her birthday she gets fireworks! This year it was a bit miserable and we had planned to go to a display at her school but it was raining and postponed till December. And because of the rain the New Brighton Pier display was rescheduled for the next day. Thankfully it was fine so we decide to take the kids to that! At about 8.30pm ( an hour past bedtime) we set off for the beach. Of course... the Ergo was the only choice for bubs. For 3 reasons, 1/ We would be trekking across sand dunes, 2/ It was really,really cold and I wanted him cosy, 3/ I wanted him extra close because of all the noise and bangs from the fireworks.

So perfect really! He had his legs out and so I wrapped a blanket over the outside of the Ergo and tired to keep his little legs warm. He didn't make a peep and fell asleep despite the massive booms as the Fireworks exploded off the Pier. Nearly forgot a photo of me as I was so busy taking photos of the magnificent display.

I'm really looking forward to some great warm weather - I'll have to brave the sun with my white arms andlegs - but what a great excuse to go out for some walks on the beach with William in the Ergo! I'm sure he will love the fresh air and view as well.

:-) Gill

Babywearing Week - Carrier Showcase

Starting this Wednesday it's international Babywearing Week!

To celebrate we will be bringing you a showcase of all our fantastic ranges of carriers, their specific features and who should use them and why.

In the meantime you can familiarise yourself with our carrier ranges here:

• ERGObaby Carrier (new Performance Carrier in stock now)

• dulce&zoet Baby Slings

• Unido Baby Slings (new colours just added)
  
  
• Breeze Baby Slings
  
  
• Popit Wraps

and our new addition

•  BabyBjorn Baby Carrier

ERGObaby Performance - NZ Preview

Squeeee!  Our exclusive NZ preview of the ERGObaby Performance has arrived!

Here is Master almost 3 and I testing it out this morning.  This is the Lime colour which is AMAZING!!   It's also available in Grey if you'd rather a more understated look ;)

You can pre-order yours now from Belly Beyond for priority delivery when our stock arrives to us at the end of September.

Will do a full review very soon!

p.s. the wall decals in the back ground are from our brand new range Chocovenyl.  I had some to do a review and as soon as the kids saw them they went nuts over them.  We've ended up owning 2 sets!!

And below is the Back Carry video we just recorded and uploaded!

Ultimate Product Review - ERGObaby A Year in the Life

Guest Blogger: Gill, our Year in a Life Winner

 9th August 2010 - 3 weeks old

So far, so FABULOUS! I just love my ErgoBaby, so does my son William. He is so settled and sleeps well when he is snuggled in the Heart2Heart. Since William is only a few weeks old, we haven’t been out that much, but when we have the ErgoBaby is my preferred choice of carrying him. The 2 times I have used the old stroller has just been annoying, cumbersome and baby doesn’t settle well. Also the weather has been so miserable, our journeys have just been limited to inside venues such as the mall. Not very exciting outings, but so easy when going in and out of the shops.

The other day I also got to use the rain hood to keep baby dry! I loved it, just being able to pull it out to shelter him as I dodged the rain– its great! He stayed warm and dry and completely covered up. Also I love the front zip pocket – perfect for cell phone, tissues & a muslin facecloth.

We also went out to dinner at a Restaurant and I just unclipped the straps and held him in the Heart2Heart, even managed to breastfeed him – all while he was still snuggled up. The Heart2Heart also provided a bit of privacy while feeding him, which was a bonus.

All in all, I really love the carrier. It’s comfy, great quality and feels very secure. It’s easy to use, even on my own to get William in and out. Tomorrow he will be 4 weeks old – the adventure is just beginning.

15th August 2010 - 1 month old

I can't tell you how much we love the carrier! It is so perfect for me. I love carrying my baby and he loves to be snuggled in and falls asleep with in minutes. Life this time around with our newborn is completely different in a great way. I was so sick for a long time after my other 2 babies and could barely hold them or lift them up. So this time around I'm not sick and I'm not putting my baby down!! So thank you again so much for this opportunity :-) I'm very grateful! Hubby & I feel very blessed.

We went to Sumner beach on Tuesday and I climbed all over the rocks, went in a cave and hubby took lots of photos, we went out for dinner and I held William in the Heart2Heart only - plus at the end of the week we are going to Queenstown to stay in a family house, and all we are taking is the Ergobaby - no stroller!!. So its going to be great not having to fit a stroller in the boot and also when we are up in the snow and around the lake etc. There will be a ton of photos for your blog (this time with Mike wearing the Ergobaby) Might even try and carry our 3yr old son - he is just over 18kgs.

Create your own ERGObaby

The wonderful team at Babes in Arms are running the coolest promo at the moment and it's open to everyone in Asia Pacific area so definitely worth a looksee!

It's a chance to create your own stylish ERGObaby carrier and if you have the winning entry you will win a brand new ERGObaby Performance Carrier!

Check out the Babes in Arms blog here for entry details and you can see and comment on the entries to date on their Facebook page here

The ERGObaby Performance

Coming to Belly Beyond at the end of September 2010 ...

The all new ERGObaby Performance Carrier!

The ERGObaby Performance Carrier is durable, lightweight and breathable - ideal for the active Mum and Dad. Designed for use in the great outdoors, the streamlined design offers a smooth supportive fit for parents and babies, with a longer body and waist belt than the Standard ERGObaby Carrier. A breathable mesh lining and 'CoolMax' panel keeps you and your baby cooler and more comfortable, whatever the weather. The Performance Carrier is suitable in all climates and can even be carried through water when it’s time to cool down. This is thanks to the high performance, quick drying fabric and lack of batting in body of carrier.

The revolutionary ERGObaby Carrier redefines babywearing. Attracting a multitude of international product awards, it offers hands-free closeness like no other and is perfect from birth to pre-school, up to 18kgs. The ERGObaby supports your child in three easy-to-use positions - front, hip and back - and adapts to your child's growing needs.

• Perfect for active parents in all climates
• Offers premium support from newborn to preschoolers up to 18kgs
• Features high performance fabric
• Durable, water repellant outer layer ideal for outdoor sports
• Keeps Baby and Parent cooler
• Breathable mesh lining features ‘CoolMax’ panel for extra wicking
• Lightweight and compact
• Sleek, streamlined design is 1/3 lighter than ‘Standard’ carrier range
• Offers typical ERGObaby versatility and longevity
• Perfect from birth to 18kgs with 3 carry positions – front, back, hip

You will be able to pre-order these carriers from Belly Beyond for delivery at the end of September 2010.   If you can't wait until then, check out the current range of ERGObaby carriers which are still the best carriers in their class.

RRP is going to NZ$239 approx

ERGObaby A Year In the Life - Day 1

An ERGObaby Life

‘Babies’ the movie was released in June 2010. This movie follows four babies from four corners of the globe over a twelve month period. It captures their first smile, first taste of food, first steps – a whole plethora of ‘firsts’ in fact.

In the spirit of observing a little one over a period of time, Belly Beyond wanted to explore a ‘Year in the Life of an ERGObaby’…..what does the life of a baby and their parents look like when they enjoy the freedom of the ERGObaby Carrier? What do parents get up to when they aren’t tied to settling their babies in a cot? What adventures do they go on when they don’t have to lug a bulky pram? How much easier can life be with an ERGObaby?

We put the call out for one lucky family to be chosen to join the Belly Beyond team so that we could follow their journey for 12 months, from welcoming the birth of their little.

Introducing...

Congratulations to Gillian and her family, we are really looking forward to learning about your babywearing journey over the coming year!

Day #1 - 25th July 2010

Hi, We live in Christchurch & have 3 great children, aged nearly 6 & 4, & a brand new baby born on the 13th July 2010.

We live only 10 mins away from the beach and the Port Hills. We love spending time outdoors as a family, taking the kids to ride their bikes down near Sumner & Scarborough Beaches while we stroll down the esplanade, spending time up in the Port Hills and down at the local playgrounds & parks.

We are very excited to be able to use the ErgoBaby Carrier, its going to be great when we are out and about & even when we travel out of town, not having to pack the big stroller into the car, we can just go anywhere we want at any time. We go camping each year and it will be so easy when we go for walks and exploring. For me (Mum) I'm looking forward to holding my wee one close to me, and even being able to feed my baby in the carrier will be so great. I'm so impressed with the quality of the ErgoBaby carrier & cant wait to start this journey.

Equipment

Gillian is currently using the ERGObaby Standard Carrier in Black along with the Heart2Heart Infant Insert

BACK TO ERGObaby Carrier section

ERGObaby - a year in the life competition

We showed you a sneak peek of ‘Babies’ the movie in January this year. This movie follows four babies from four corners of the globe over a twelve month period. It captures their first smile, first taste of food, first steps – a whole plethora of ‘firsts’ in fact.

In the spirit of observing a little one over a period of time, Belly Beyond would like to explore a ‘Year in the Life of an ERGObaby’…..what does the life of a baby and their parents look like when they enjoy the freedom of the ERGObaby Carrier?  What do parents get up to when they aren’t tied to settling their babies in a cot? What adventures do they go on when they don’t have to lug a bulky pram? How much easier can life be with an ERGObaby?

These photo montages below are all of Heidi and I and our families living the ERGObaby life - it's fair to say we walk the ERGObaby walk!

 

So what's in it for you?

We are calling all pregnant mums (or soon-to-be-dads) or new parents who have just welcomed their little one into the world who would like to share their ERGObaby journey with us over the next 12 months through monthly blog updates.

To get started, we will provide one lucky winner with a new award-winning ERGObaby Carrier and a ‘Heart 2 Heart’ infant insert. Throughout your journey, you will receive regular new products to use with your carrier which may include ERGObaby accessories, BabyLegs, and even a Rearview mirror. And, around the sixth month date, we may kit you out with a new release carrier (but shhh…. that product is still a secret). The total value of products gifted throughout the year will be worth over $500.

What's the catch?

In return, you will need to provide monthly updates with a babywearing flavour of your baby’s journey, plus some images and/or video to use on the Belly Beyond blog and Facebook page.  Writing doesn't have to be your thing, we can look after that part, but we will need you to share your feelings and experiences with us on a monthly basis. 

Interested? 
Leave us a comment telling us why you would love to use an ERGObaby with your new arrival and how it could make a big difference to your family life. Please also note your approximate due date or current age of newborn baby.   You can also comment on our Wordpress Blog if you don't have a Blogger account.

Please share this with your pregnant friends or those that have just welcomed a newborn!


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ERGObaby Carrier Sienna Sunset

This stunning new limited edition ERGO baby Carrier now available at Belly Beyond.

Made of Organic cotton twill, for a more elegant look and feel. This exquisite Organic carrier features delicate floral embroidery across a dusty Sienna background. The lining and hood pocket also display the embroidery with a background of various shades of orange, pink, blue, and green stripes - reminiscent of the most brilliant sunset.

ERGO Baby Carrier Heart 2 Heart Insert - It's a definite yes from the experts!

Check out this amazing letter from an ERGObaby fan who knows her onions!


Dear ERGObaby,

I am a prenatal chiropractor in Los Angeles who you sent a Heart to Heart insert and ERGObaby carrier to. I am so very excited about your new insert and so excited to tell you about all of the success I’ve had in spreading the word about your awesome products!

Regarding the new insert, I cannot say enough good things about it! The spinal support that it provides to newborns/infants is superb, with the focus being on the sacrum, pelvis and even hips where they need it the most. I really appreciate that baby can be snugly supported against the parent so as mom or dad is moving around the baby’s neck and spine are comfortably held in place – no flopping like with other carriers, and even so much better than the old insert. Another feature that is so very important for developing infants is that they can be placed into the carrier in their natural “frog legged” posture until their hips are ready to spread on their own.

I am frequently applauding new parents for wearing their babies in whatever carrier they have chosen, and then find myself gently discussing why specific features of their carrier could be better. Now I find myself pulling out the ERGObaby carrier while I have this discussion so that the parents can visualize and even test out this healthier choice for both baby and parent. All too often it is not until babies have developed lumbo-sacral or hip trouble that parents think about the various postures their babies have been in that may have caused it. It has been my mission for some time now to support the use of wraps and carriers that do not force a baby’s hips to be externally rotated and excessively spread prior to when the baby is developmentally ready for this posture. I am so happy to say that you have successfully designed a product that enables parents to use one carrier throughout the development of their baby!

An interesting trend that I have observed in my practice is that parents seem to be happy with the less “body-friendly” carriers until their little ones reach about 15 pounds. Time and again moms (and sometimes dads) will come to me with back and shoulder pain that started during a walk with their baby in the carrier. More often than not the carrier in question is the Bjorn style and the parent will explain that it is no longer comfortable to wear their baby for more than thirty minutes to an hour. After I let them test out the ERGObaby I hear the same quote come out of so many parents mouths “I should have just bought this in the first place!”

So thanks to your generosity in giving my office the ERGObaby and infant insert I am able to educate more parents early on – as in during pregnancy – about the benefits of a carrier that grows with their baby. This has certainly helped to create much healthier and happier new parents.

On a personal note, I have a four month old daughter Geneva who I walk daily in the ERGObaby carrier with the new insert (though I think she is soon to outgrow it). Many of my patients have seen me walking around town and into the office with her in the ERGObaby carrier and if we haven’t already discussed it as an option for them, we suddenly have new motivation to. Many friends of mine have converted to your carrier as well after hearing about the long walks and adventures both my husband and I have had with Geneva in her carrier. In particular we went to Berlin, Germany when she was 10 weeks old and your ERGObaby carrier was a life-saver! We would walk the city from early morning to late evening with her bundled in a snowsuit sitting cozily in her carrier. She’d come out to nurse or stretch while we rested for coffee or meals, and then she would happily settle back in for another nap. I am happy to report that I carried her for days like this with no back pain or fatigue whatsoever! I have attached a photo from this trip as it was such a special time for us that was made even more enjoyable with ease of the ERGObaby carrier.

It has been such as joy to speak with ERGObaby users who haven’t seen the new insert yet…or until they see me with it. At least once a week I am stopped at the farmer’s market or on a hike and parents will tell me about when they used the old insert and how it was more cumbersome for them. I happily tell of the developmental benefits of the Heart to heart and people seem so happy and eager to try it with their next baby or to tell a friend.

Thanks again for creating such a fantastic product, and for sharing it with me and my patients! I look forward to a continued relationship with your company.

Sincerely,

Lalanya Bridges

Reprinted with permission

Whats the difference between the ERGO and the ERGO Sport?

I get asked this question a lot. They are the exact same concept in carrier with a few minor differences:




1) The ERGOsport (pictured on the right) is slightly lighter than the standard ERGO. It's made from 35% cotton, 65% polyester blend which makes it lighter in weight and feel. The standard is 100% cotton.

2) The ERGOsport carrier has a vent which is great for extra breathability in hot weather

3) The ERGOsport waist band can be extended a further 10cms. The standard ERGO still fits relatively big people (XXL) and there is always the extender belt that can be used with both carriers which adds an extra 20cm.

4) The ERGOsport shoulder straps can be extended an extra 12cms

5) The ERGOsport does not have the pocket the standard ERGO has. It's only a small pocket but very handy for phone carkeys, or small wallet. You can always use the Front Pouch add-on of course too

6) The ERGOsport hood can be detached.


Which one is better?

Both of them! They really are both great baby carriers and it's just personal preference. I have both the ERGO Standard and the ERGObaby sport and use them almost every day. (one's in the car, one's in the house)

Check out the full range of carriers at www.bellybeyond.co.nz

Organic Chocolate ERGObaby on sale

Yummy!! Who can ever say no to Organic Chocolate???

Not us, and here's a fab deal on the brilliant ERGObaby Carrier in glorious chocolate with coffee lining.

Don't eat it all at once.

Check out the special on www.bellybeyond.co.nz

"Snuggle" Ergo Baby Carry

This the "snuggle" Ergo Baby Carrier. It's just another way to get your little one into the back carry position.




Watch the look on Miss 4's face as she sneaks down the side to get in behind the camera, classic!

Crazy Week

To say our Womama sale was quite successful would be like saying Usain Bolt is quite fast. We were absolutely inundated and are working full speed ahead to get the remaining orders out this weekend. I think we processed somewhere in the vicinity of 900 items. That's a lot of undies!

Childcare has been a huge issue for both Heidi and I as we juggle the massive growth of Belly Beyond and our young families. We often rope in friends and family to mind the kids and here is Miss 11 helping out by taking Finn for a walk around the farm with Mum (Heidi's sister) so that Heidi can get some work done.

Shows how easy the Ergo Baby Carrier makes carrying little ones. They walked for over an hour and Miss 11 said she didn't feel the weight at all. Go ERGO!

The Littlest Babywearer

Oh I know, parents just shouldn't be allowed to blog about how cute their kids are ESPECIALLY on a business blog but I can't resist. Words simply cannot describe the cuteness of my little fella this week when he brought me his sisters Ergo and his favourite Bubba and tried to put it on.

I gave him a hand and he wandered about like this for a good 30 minutes - possibly the longest he's ever done anything!! (except breastfeed and sleep) :)

18 Months old and already a babywearer - altogether now AWWWWWWWW.

If you want to know more about this thing Babywearing that I'm constantly banging on about check out more carrier options here or our resources section for why it's so great!