OT: Tell me everything you know about baby bjorn carriers.

[Bea]

I live in Canada and baby bjorn carriers don't seem to be too popular here, but I have been reading here on the boards how many of you love these for WDW. I checked ebay and there are quite a few up for auction (they are $140.00 Canadian at Toys R Us), but I was wondering if there is something I should be looking for? Are there certain "styles" or models? Do they all carry the same weight of a baby? My other kids are alot older and I got rid of the clothes, strollers, cribs, etc years ago so I don't even have so much as a sleeper for this upcoming baby. Knowing this would you still put a baby bjorn on the "must haves" list? What makes it better than say a "graco" snugli? I really appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[all4fun]

Hi,
I didn't have a baby bjorn, I had the Infantino Eurorider, which I thought was very similar, but about half the cost of the bjorn at full retail. There are some people that also swear by their Snugli carriers, although overall I think that brand gets the worst reviews. Even though the Infantino has a pretty high weight limit (30 lbs), I stopped using it about the time my ds reached 15lbs because I have chronic lower back pain and that was my limit. I really don't think it would have made a difference (for me) what brand it was, although Bjorn also makes an "active" style carrier which is supposed to have more back support. I just thought I would point you in the direction of some reviews of the Bjorn. There are different models. Here's a Link to epinions. Several models are listed there.

HTH,
Cheryl

 

[BevS97]

I have a Tomy carrier for my eldest dd, we used it twice and I never used it again, it was awful to get the baby in and out of, and my back just couldn't take the strain. (and my eldest was a premie and a very small baby)

DD2 was a BIG baby, she was 9lbs 4 born and just got bigger and bigger! A friend gave me her Baby Bjorn and it was a godsend - the design is such that is is very very easy to get the baby in and out even by yourself, and if the baby falls asleep you can just unclip it and lie her down without waking her (that's worth a lot of ££ right there!) I carried my baby in it for at least 6 months (she was probably 20lbs), maybe slightly longer, and I have a pretty weak back. I think if I'd had the Active version we would have used it even longer. I think it's a brilliant carrier and wouldn't consider a different model to be honest.
I also used a sling similiar to a maya pouch, which I thought was fab for around teh house, but it put all the weight on one shoulder and I couldn't walk for long with dd in it (maybe 20 min max), but I could carry her for a few hours in the Baby Bjorn.
the sling's big selling point, was that my baby could lie fairly flat and sleep in it, while I sat at the pc, or at my desk, or even ate my dinner, and I had both hands free, and she was basically held across my lap - the baby bjorn puts the baby in a more vertical position and it would be harder to eat for example while she was in this. Since DD wanted to be held pretty much 24/7 for the first 3 months, the sling was also very useful!

Bev

 

[kldmom2000]

I had a Baby Bjorn that I used with both of my girls... they LIVED in it when we were out and I used it quite often at home as well. The thing that I found to be wonderful about it was the way that it distributes your baby's weight-I never felt any shoulder or backdiscomfort as long as it was situated the way it was supposed to. I found the Bjorn to be well worth the $$$$ and then some! They basically have 2 models-one for "normal-sized" people and then another for those who are tall. There was a recall on a batch a few months ago, but the new ones should be fine. Personally, I think it's the best money you'll spend for comfort! GL!

 

[TiggerStac]

I had a bjorn w/my son. I invested in it before our first trip to WDW, he was about 5 months old. I absolutely loved it. I think it is all personal preference and if you are willing to spend the $$. I had tried 2 other brands and finally got the baby bjorn. It was great at WDW, we brought his stroller, but put hiim in it while waiting in line and I actually brought him on a few rides in it...small world, haunted mansion, etc.

 

[Taratink]

I had one and it was comfortable. I know that there has been a recall on them lately so be carefull if you buy a used one. something about a faulty buckle. Just check there website to find out more info.
Tara

 

[DisneyPhD]

I had a sungli with DD#1 and she HATED it. I took it back. I bought a baby bjorn used from a friend for DD#2 and I really like it much better (and so does the baby.) It is much easier to get the baby in and out of. I have a leather one and I thought it would be hot, but it is great. One thing I really like about it is the clips that hold it slide in and out and are very strudy. My back never hurts, and baby is rather happy in it.

I tend to feel a little strange in it since people can guess how much it costs, but I only paid $20 for it. However I do think it is worth at least $80. To me it is 5 times better then the sunglie.

 

[LilMamiBella]

I've used the baby bjorn and the snugli and I'd say don't buy them, they suck! I loved the Ergo Baby carrier! I could put my daughter in front, back, or side carry. It can be found here along with some other carriers : www.kangarookorner.com

 

[DisneyPhD]

I've used the baby bjorn and the snugli and I'd say don't buy them, they suck! I loved the Ergo Baby carrier! I could put my daughter in front, back, or side carry. It can be found here along with some other carriers : www.kangarookorner.com

Thanks for the website. I have a baby sling someone gave me and I was never able to make it work with DD#1. I got it out and tried it again last week with DD#@ (almost 4 months old) and I still am not able to make it work. It is by MoJo, but it looks just like the padded slings at this web site. Maybe I will give it another try. So far the baby bjorn has worked just fine for me, but I would like to be able to nurse and the sling does that.

 

[LilMamiBella]

Thanks for the website. I have a baby sling someone gave me and I was never able to make it work with DD#1. I got it out and tried it again last week with DD#@ (almost 4 months old) and I still am not able to make it work. It is by MoJo, but it looks just like the padded slings at this web site. Maybe I will give it another try. So far the baby bjorn has worked just fine for me, but I would like to be able to nurse and the sling does that.

No problem. Her website always stands out for me. I find her different photos of positions very helpful!

 

[Limmer]

I have the Snugli for my 6 month old DD. We used it once and never again. Granted it was a few months ago, but I did not like the placement of her face (mashed into the carrier) and it was a pain to get her in and out. I would not recommend them.

 

[BevS97]

I also have an Ergo (and a ringsling and a pouch sling.... I think I have a sling problem....) I really like the Ergo, but I think if the baby is light enough then the Baby Bjorn is easier to get baby in and out off, the Ergo comes into it's own when the baby is heavier and the Bjorn would be too uncomfortable

the NoJo has a bad reputation amongst sling users - I think it has too much padding and it interfers with adjusting it tight enough - my ring sling has no padding at all and it is pretty comfortable for a smaller baby. I have never tried it, but I have heard that you can try and unpick the rails and remove some of the padding so that it is easier to tighten

 

[HenDuck]

We also had the Snugli first and quickly got rid of it. At first I thought all carriers were worthless. Then I thought we should try the Baby Bjorn. Well it made all the difference. It was by far the most used baby item by my DH. We even used it up until DS was 18 months and 25 pounds, although by then, only DH could take the weight.

Babies like it because they are still close to mom/dad. Moms and Dads like it because baby is safe and parents are hands free.

I just cannot say enough about it. It is worth every penny - really!

Just make sure you read all the instructions and adjust it properly. They even make a Baby Bjorn for tall people.

Great product! My favorite shower gift to give.

 

[alloyd1170]

My son was 12lbs 2 oz at birth. I had a bjorn and the only time I really wore it was to walk up and get the mail. I couldnt wear it long because it hurt my back. Im going to try a pouch when this baby is born. You can wear it in many ways and people rave about them. They dont seem to bother their backs like the others do. I dont like slings because Ive heard the rings can get hot or the fabric can slip through. The pouches Im looking at (Kangaroo Corner, Mom n Me Creations) can snaps that can be adjusted for different people, and for nursing. Anyone have any experience with these or something similar?

alison

 

[crisi]

I tried half a dozen slings and carriers with my two (I really wanted to be the kind of mom that carried her kids instead of had them in the strollers) and none of them ever worked for me. Ended up with kids on my hip (we still didn't use the strollers) and eventually physical therapy. But I never felt like my kids were secure unless I had my hands on them. So the physical therapy was worth it.....

My friends swear by the maya wraps (and the other slings).

 

[turnerx5]

We used a Baby Bjorn for three children, and all three loved it. You can arrange it for the baby to face out (away from you), or in (for nap time).

Hope this helps.

 

[justhat]

We have a Baby Bjorn Active Carrier and it's great! It's so easy on your back, much better for heavier/older babies than the regular Bjorn because it has extra lower back support. It's more expensive, but having tried the regular, it's well worth the money. My daughter is 18.5 pounds and 28 inches at 9 months and I have no problems carrying her in it for extended periods of time. We used it almost exclusively in WDW when my daughter was 3 and 4 months (12-13 pounds at the time), just using the stroller between rides at Epcot. We also used it most of the time in DL when she was 6 months (and 16 lbs.) and it will be coming back to WDW with us on Friday.

I also bought a Hip Hammock and have tried it out twice. I like it, but my daughter just seems too small for it yet. The leg opening in the front is so large it seems like she could slide out. We might bring it along to WDW just to have for a change of position from the Bjorn. Mostly though I got it for when she's too large for the Bjorn.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I had a Baby Bjorn when my boys were babies. DS #1 LOVED it. I tried a sling first but he had SEVERE reflux and didn't like being flat. Being upright helped to relieve the reflux. DS#2 loved it as an infant but I had to switch to a different carrier as he got bigger. His legs were really chubby and after about 10 minutes in it he'd start getting fussy crying like he was in pain. About the 3rd time this happened DH noticed his legs were purple. I guess it cut off circulation to his legs while he was in it. We didn't have the little thingys hooked to make the leg openings smaller or anything. I switched to a different brand and he loved it again. I can't remember what brand it was though. Not snugli, I know that. It was around $45 and was one shouldered and did a really good job of distributing his weight. I've since given it away so I can't check on the brand.

Of course not long after giving away my New Native Sling, Baby Bjorn, the second carrier, our infant car seat and other baby stuff, we got a surprise and found out baby #3 is on the way now!

 

[KristinU]

Personally, my favorite carrier for easy in and out is my Hotsling pouch sling, plus it rolls up to practically nothing so it is easy to stash away in a diaper bag. You can check out www.hotslings.com The only downside is that they are not adjustable so mine only fit me, so we bought a Hip Hammock for DH to use, which works fine and does roll up pretty small, but I like the minimalist aspect of the sling.