Everyone loves a bargain, right? Right! I do, too. 

There are plenty of bargains to be found when it comes to baby carriers. Some bargains are found on buy/sell/trade boards, and others at consignment shops. Some are on the clearance racks at the big box stores, and others are from flash sales at online specialty stores.

There is a type of bargain baby carrier that is really NOT a good deal, and that is the copy/knockoff or fake carrier. These come in two types: one that kind of looks like a specific brand carrier but is not labeled as that brand (copy/knockoff), and one that looks like, and is labeled as that specific brand, trying to pass for that carrier (fake). Many of these copies and fakes can be found on Amazon, eBay, or the Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba. 

Major brands that tend to be copied are Ergo, Freehand (a brand of mei tai that is no longer produced), Beco, Hotslings, Tula, Lillebaby, Bjorn, Moby, and more. Ergo is by far the most frequently copied and there are many FAKE Ergos out there. They are now copied so closely that some of them are impossible to tell the difference. The only ways to ensure you aren't buying a fake Ergo are to buy new from an authorized retailer (Ergo maintains information about these on their site), or contact Ergo with the information on the tag if you are buying used.  

It pays to be cautious. The fakes are everywhere, and sometimes they are being re-sold by people who do not realize they are fake. Swap boards, consignment stores, and garage sales have turned up fake carriers, and it is always a sad day when someone is excited about their new carrier, only to find out that it is a fake, and essentially worthless. Then, they are without a carrier, and often out the money they paid for the fake. 

You might be thinking: "well if it looks like an Ergo, and functions like an Ergo, who cares?"

Here's why you should care and beware: 

• Ergo (and other genuine brand carriers) have passed stringent testing guidelines and are safe when used properly. Copies and fakes have NOT. There have been instances of fabric tearing, buckles breaking, webbing slipping, and seams ripping. Not a super big deal for a fake handbag, but this item is holding your baby. Torn fabric or broken buckles could cause baby to fall, leading to injury and even death. Buckles are only the beginning of the concerns. Fabric on copies and fakes may contain lead or other metals. 
• The testing that Ergo participates in helps them guarantee the product with a 12 month warranty. You can feel confident in your purchase. You cannot have the same confidence in a fake product, whether it is the first use or the one hundredth. 
• Counterfeiters are engaging in criminal activity, beyond the act of counterfeiting. These include activity that directly affects you the consumer (identify theft, undelivered goods) as well as activity that affects the greater population (gang activity, terrorism, ignoring labor laws related to child labor, sweatshops, and substance use). 

If you are looking for a carrier and feel like a fake or copy is your only option due to budget, please reconsider, for the health and safety of your baby and your family. There are a number of authentic carriers that are comparable in price to a fake or copy, and I will highlight these in an upcoming blog post. 

For further reading on fakes and copies, please see: 
http://blog.ergobaby.com/counterfeits/
http://babycarrierindustryalliance.org/2013/02/fake-carriers-warning/
https://bwichicagoland.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/the-problem-with-counterfeits/
http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2012/08/

Put your mind (and baby) at ease, and only buy authentic carriers!

One of the recent "trends" in the babywearing world is the fitness or dance class that parents participate in while babywearing. Keeping your baby close while working out with other parents sounds like a great idea, right? It checks all the boxes: fun fitness activity, socialization, baby is cared for. Your baby was accustomed to your movements throughout pregnancy, so it makes sense to dance with your baby after he's arrived. If this type of class sounds intriguing, then here are some general guidelines that you may want to keep in mind: 
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• As with any fitness program, check with your health care professional before starting.
• Be sure the instructor is educated about best practices with babywearing. Ideally, the instructor should be trained in babywearing or babywearing fitness, or be a parent or caregiver who also actively practices babywearing and also is familiar with how the weight of a child in a carrier will impact the exercises.
• Be sure the instructor is knowledgeable about the special needs of the recovering postpartum body, and that the movements done during class honor those needs.
• Use a carrier that allows for full range of movement. Ring slings are not a good option for these types of classes.
• Use a carrier that supports the baby's body (and head, if the baby is young) well, in an ideal position. A stretchy wrap may not provide the type of consistent support that will stand up to a workout, so these should be used with great care, if at all.
• Avoid the use of soft structured carriers that have bulky inserts. For infants that are small enough to need inserts in these types of carriers, a different carrier (an SSC that fits young infants well without an insert, a woven or hybrid wrap, or a mei tai) would be recommended. 
• Frequently check your baby's position, watching his face to ensure it is not covered and that his airway is open. Take breaks as needed to address position.
• In general, babies should be worn on the front facing in towards you.
• If you and your baby prefer a different position like front facing out or back carry, consult with the trained class instructor and a babywearing educator to ensure this wearing position will be compatible and safe with your fitness activity. 

These are only a brief summary of things to consider. A qualified instructor may provide more guidance for your specific activity and body. Not all of these suggestions may work for every class, every baby, and every wearer, so trust your qualified instructor, and consult with your local babywearing educators if needed.

Hopefully these safety suggestions help you enjoy the experience of moving with your baby! Yes, you are getting a workout but ultimately you are sharing a special time with your baby and connecting with him through movement. Have fun! 

(This post was written with input from Shayna Rose of www.ShaynaFitness.com.)