Baby carriers- bjorne

Posted: Mon, Jun 04 2012, 8:06 pm Post subject: Baby carriers- bjorne

Do you like your baby bjorne? And if not why?
What baby carrier are you happy with?

Thanks!!

And what are the prices for each one?

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 18 2005 Posts: 2906

I did not like the baby bjorn. uncomfortable and not very versatile.
I prefered my maya wrap ring sling, my didymos wraps, and my meitai. the maya was $35 13 years ago. the didy wraps I bought used in the $70 range and I made the meitai.

Posted: Mon, Jun 04 2012, 8:34 pm Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

I like my Moby wrap and my son does too but I think I would prefer a bjorne type carrier for ease. The moby has to be taken off and retied every time I need to nurse which is annoying

Posted: Mon, Jun 04 2012, 8:35 pm Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

I prefer a baby carrier like a bjorne over a wrap or sling style.
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Posted: Mon, Jun 04 2012, 8:38 pm Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

Ra_mom, yes, I want more of a carrier than a warp. What other carriers are out there other than Bjorne?

Senior Member Joined: Dec 17 2011 Posts: 211

Don't get a bjorn. It's a good idea in theory, but they're hard on your back, and can put a strain on your baby's crotch.

Instead, look for a soft structured carrier. The most popular brand is Ergo, though I prefer the Beco. Beco makes two carriers--the Butterfly II, which has a cloth "pocket" into which the baby is inserted, making it really easy to switch the baby from front to back, or from person to person, and the Gemini, which buckles crisscross over your back and has a facing out option. There's also a third popular brand, called the Boba, which I am less familiar with.

All of these are great carriers--they distribute the weight so most of it is on your hips instead of your back. Once on vacation I walked over cobblestone streets for hours while wearing my 8-month-old daughter in a Beco Gemini, and had no back pain or problems whatsoever.

They're more expensive than a bjorn or a wrap, but don't let the cost scare you away--my Beco Gemini is hands down one of the best baby items I own. Totally worth every dollar.

Gold Member Joined: Oct 14 2010 Posts: 1214

I might be a little biased because I got my bjorn as a gift (vs. buying one yourself), but I have no major complaints. I definitely used it more when my baby was smaller, but I used it until he was at least 6 months--don't remember when I stopped. I even had back issues, but didn't find it too bothersome, but I wouldn't use it all day.

Posted: Mon, Jun 04 2012, 9:50 pm Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

I have a Snuggli-style from DS#1, a wrap-style from DS#2, and had the opportunity to borrow an Ergo for a hike last summer for DS#3. The Ergo (mei-tai style) is the most versatile, as it allows for a front/back/hip carry, which means you can use it the longest.

As for the baby:
DS#1 hated being in the carrier. DS#2 loved being in the wrap. DS#3 didn't seem to be too picky, but he did enjoy the hike!
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Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2100

Get a better quality soft-structured carrier, they're just as easy to use and will last for much longer (ie: past 15 pounds). Better to get a good one and have the option of using it through toddlerhood. A Bjorn will hurt your back if you use it for more than a few minutes, and if your baby is more than 10 pounds because of the way it dangles off your shoulders. A good carrier will have a waist belt that distributes the weight to your hips.

Check out this chart/article for why its better not to use a Bjorn-type carrier: http://ecochildsplay.com/2012/01/31/slings-car-seats-baby-wearing-and-the-risk-of-hip-dysplasia/

Ergo is popular and easy to come by, but as persephonefalls said, I prefer some of the other options out there. Beco, which she mentioned, is really good: others to look for a Boba, Catbird Baby Pikkolo (my personal favorite!), Onyababy, and Babyhawk Oh Snap. You want something that allows your child to sit in a natural position - think of the way you'd hold an infant against your front, or on your hip, with legs spread.
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Posted: Tue, Jun 05 2012, 1:46 am Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

I know you got a lot of replies already, but I'll put in my two cents, I got the baby bjorn active carrier which is supposed to have better back support, but I wasn't really able to wear it comfortably for long periods of time, and my baby was small. I'm also not the strongest of people Smile

. I used it mostly in the house. My sisters and sisters in law all have the ergo carrier and rave about it, so I think I may try that, finances permitting, next time around.

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 29 2007 Posts: 12057

I didn't like the Bjorn because it hurt my back (far more than other, better carriers). Also it causes hip dysplasia. I have one called a Pikkolo and another that was recommended highly from everyone I know who has one called Kindercarry. That is the most comfortable carrier of all the soft structured carriers I've tried. I also have several Mei Tais. I love that I can stuff them in the diaper bag without all the buckles taking up so much room.

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Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2100

Posted: Tue, Jun 05 2012, 10:18 am Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

We loved our Bjorns (we got one for me and one for my DH since they are not so easy to adjust between wearings) but since my baby has gotten bigger, it's been much more difficult for me to use it (my back ends up hurting after a while, and I do have the one with back support). My DH still loves his though and will walk around with my DS in it for a long time. I haven't tried any of the other carriers though.
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Posted: Tue, Jun 05 2012, 11:31 am Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

Don't get a Bjorn. They're bad for the baby.
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Posted: Tue, Jun 05 2012, 11:38 am Post subject: re: Baby carriers- bjorne

The bjorn was ok until about 4 months after that it hurt my back .... not worth the money , I got mine as a gift .
My baby wrap has been way more usefull ! I can even carry my toddler on my back if needed .
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Gold Member Joined: Jul 02 2010 Posts: 1416

While Bjorns can be useful, they tend to get uncomfortable for the adult by the time the baby hits around 15lbs. This is because the baby is worn low-down, below the torso, and changes your center of gravity.

I highly recommend using soft structured carriers (SSC's) like the Beco, Boba or Ergo. You'll get much more use out of them, they are comfortable for even a child over 2-3 years old, and you'll enjoy babywearing much more.

There are some issues with the Bjorn with the "crotch dangle" position of the baby - because he's not in a supported seated position, and instead, his legs just dangle below. SSC's don't have this issue because the fabric tucks under the baby's bottom and creates more of a "seated" position, which is healthier for hip development.

Platinum Member Joined: Oct 14 2009 Posts: 5867

I second (sixth?) the recommendation of a better carrier like Beco, Boba, or Ergo (all very popular) or the like. But regarding the hip displasia/leg dangle issue with the Bjorn, I have recently seen people wearing carriers with a Bjorn label where the baby seemed to be in a more appropriate sitting position, so I guess they've gotten with the program and made some better options. Snugli and other popular, less-expensive brands have the same problem of putting too much weight on your shoulders and dangling the baby by the crotch, so look out for these things.

I used a Moby wrap and a ring sling for DD #1 but really want to get a Beco for #2, waiting until it's born IY"H so I can try them out in real life before buying because they're quite a bit more expensive. Hoping to find a used or closeout deal on something good. Otherwise maybe I'll go for Baby Ktan which is a very similar carry to Moby but doesn't have to be re-tied every time, from what I understand.

Diamond Member Joined: Nov 30 2009 Posts: 4600

I did not like the bjorn. I have the beco gemini and its really great. I dont wear DS all the time but often enough and the beco is pretty comfortable and keeps my hands free. It was approx $120
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