Gotta Have It: Carry Your Baby in Comfort

An ergonomically correct carrier makes toting your tot stylish -- and pain-free.

By Becky Mollenkamp

Every new mom quickly discovers that raising a child requires amazing upper-body strength. Until your little one can walk reliably, you'll be lifting and carrying an extra 10 to 40 pounds everywhere, which can literally be a pain in the neck (and back).

So we welcome products that make baby carriage a joy, not a pain. Ergo Baby's line of baby carriers is ergonomically designed to balance the child's weight across the parent's hips and shoulders to reduce physical discomfort. And unlike many other carriers, which leave baby hanging by the crotch, the Ergo Baby design puts the infant or toddler in a proper sitting position to eliminate compression of the spine. The carriers come in front- and backpack styles, and there is a new, lightweight, sporty version made especially for dad. A variety of colors and organic fabric options is available.

Ergo Baby Carriers, $94 to $110, available at ergobabycarriers.com >>