Baby Bjorn Versus...

[jonesso]

I'm looking at getting a baby carrier... which brand is better? Baby bjorn is the most exy, but the only one i've really heard anything about. Anyone know about fisher-price or snuggli?

[MoushiMoushi]

Baby Bjorns are GREAT, I got mine second hand from a friend which was good coz I got it heaps cheap and it had only been used for one bub for about 6 months. I only used it for about 4 months as our son was HUGE so he was too big after that. But it was FAB for comforting our son when he was real little as he could be close to us all the time. It was really easy to clean (machine washable) and very durable, my sister now uses it for her bub :)
Good luck with what ever brand you get

[draught]

I also had a baby bjorn and it was fantastic. A good way to buy one is second hand from e-bay. Just be prepared that your baby will grow out of it by about 6 months.

If you are looking for other options and helpful information I recommend www.carryingaway.com.au - I bought an ergo baby carrier from Amanda and it has taken us from the 6 month mark onwards - you can also get new born inserts so you can use the one carrier from birth to 5 years - worth a look.

[AM]

I would personally avoid baby bjorn style carriers, as the positioning of the baby, with legs on eother side of a 'saddle' is not so good for their developing spines, having their entire body weight resting on this part of the body is not how babies were designed to be carried.

Check out this article.

http://www.continuum-concept.org/reading/spinalStress.html

I find slings and other soft carriers where the baby's whole body is enclosed and supported in a more natural position by far the best.

http://www.carryingaway.com.au

The hug a bub is a great hands free carrier too

http://www.hugabub.com

All the best with finding something which suits you, buying online is by far the best way to go, the range in the shops is pretty pitiful.

[H&B'sMum]

I second (or is that third) the baby slings. They are much more comfy for mum (or dad) and for bub. You can often use slings to carry your bubba when they are older, something you can't do with a carrier.
Go the slings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sunshine]

I HAVE READ THAT CARRYING A BABY THE BJORN WAY IS NOT GOOD FOR BUBS. THERE BONES ARE SOFT AND NOT READY TO BE UPRIGHT YET. IF YOU LOOK TO OTHER CULTURES YOU WILL FIND A LOT OF THEM CARRY BUBBAS IN SLINGS........
THE SLING MIMICKS THE WOMB. MY BABY IS 9 MTHS OLD NOW, IN THE EARLY DAYS IF I COULDN'T SETTLE HER I COULD PUT HER IN THE SLING DO A LAP OR TWO AROUND THE ROOM OR YARD AND SHE WOULD BE SORTED.........MY SLING WAS A GOD SEND... I AM STILL USING IT JUST IN A DIFFERENT POSITION AND CAN CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL SHE IS A TODDLER.........I GOT MINE FROM WWW.SLINGALONG.COM.

[Milly]

We found the Baby Bjorn pouch to be great but this time around I am looking to get a sling too. I also want to use the sling for breastfeeding too and this is not really all that possible with a pouch.

The Baby Bjorn was gift from my parents and I did find it very handy for carrying my baby when out shopping or when she needed settling, but I am becoming a real sling convert now, so I will have both options available. I have heard that Ring Slings are one of the best types to get. There are many different varieties of slings out there, so really test out what will suit you best. I am also wanting to look into a baby hammock for daytime napping and sleeping. I saw one in action settle a 6 week old baby and it worked fabulously. Theyt look a lot more ergonomic and womb like than the electronic swings. We never used a swing anyway, but my friend lent us one and swears by it, but I really like the look ofth the baby hammocks better. Anyway, we will see how we go :)

[petster]

I bought the Baby Bjorn carrier - I felt pre-baby that it was a must-have... In hindsight I wish I'd saved my money. I think I've used it maybe 4 times - and I really must be a gumby, 'cause I didn't find it particuarly user-friendly - hence the lack of use. Next time around I'd be going the sling option I think - something that will last past 6 months and is also handy for breastfeeding and settling... Good luck with your decision!

Cheers!

[Aprilsmum]

I have a Baby Bjorn and love it to death. I get great use out of it all the time. From watering the lawn to going shopping I find it is fantastic and soooo easy.
I have heard that some bubs don't like them very much, so I suggest that you maybe try one out and see if your bub is happy in it first before you purchase. Some baby shops have a dummy that you maybe able to practice with.

Hope you find something that suits you.

[dee dee]

I'm with you Miranda, I didn't find the baby bjorn that user friendly either and struggled to get my dd into it if I were alone. I also found that it put a lot of strain around my neck and shoulder area. We were given the baby bjorn by a friend, I'm glad that we didn't go out and spend money on it.

[jonesso]

I actually have a Slingalong sling and find it to be quite uncomfortable for both myself and bub. DH won't use it at all because of the strain on his back, which is why I am looking into the baby carriers instead. I find that bub looks really squished up in the sling... any suggestions on how to make it work better for us then?

Thanks for all your feedback BTW. :p

[JanetF]

I wouldn't use a BB for the reasons outlined by other posters - they're not good for babies' spines or mamas' backs. I have used a ring sling since my son was a newborn and he's still in the same one at 21 months. It's brilliant!
http://www.hipbubby.com
http://www.mbeleko.com.au
Both are WAHMs deeply committed to the health benefits (physical and emotional) of baby wearing.

[TinyStar]

I must say I am a fan of the baby carrier, and have a Kappouchi which was given to me by a friend. When DD wont sleep during the day and we are both insane a good walk will let her get some sleep and give me some fresh air.

I also have a sling, as pre birth a was concerned about the health issues with carriers. Mamaroo baby sling website, www.mamaroobabysling.com has directions on how to make your own sling, which is a 3 in one sling, front carrier and backpack. I used it with DD when she had surgery and I didn't want to hurt any sensitive body parts, although it is a bit fiddly to use.

[ThomasMum]

If you asked my DH, he would say that BabyBjörn is the best! He loves it! It brings his special relationship between Thomas and DH even closer. And Thomas himself LOVES being carried around by his dad thanks to BabyBjörn. No kidding.
I do agree that sling is the oldest ever invention of baby carrier style. Its been used for many hundred years by women from different cultures. Especially the non-western cultures.

:)

ML

[LucyE]

I love my ring sling (from CarryingAway too :) ) but if you're looking for an upright carrier, I'd highly recommed the BabyTrekker. I got mine from Clever Pants (www.cleverpants.com.au) and have found it to be SOOOO much better than the ordinarly BB. You can have bub facing in or out or on your back. The waist band and cross over straps really help to distribute the weight evenly so that you don't get sore shoulders or back.

[Mumoffour]

There was an article published in the winter 2004 issue of natural parenting and the BB carrier didnt come out too well and it was very expensive. i have noticed that a lot of celeb parents have them. I have a ring sling and used it heaps and swear by it. easy to use, convertable and bub loved it. I only stopped using it when he was about 1 year old and he got too heavy to carry on my hip. The brand of mine is called tote a tot. I got another sling off ebay for my next one (due last week!!) for $15 so we can have one in each car for outings. hope this helps :p