Baby Bjorn

[NaturalMama311]

A few weeks after DD was born I bought a New Native sling and she HATES it. The frist few times I tried wearing her she tolerated it for a little while as long as I was moving around and kind of bouncing her in it. I've tried putting her in every position possible and the more I try to get her to stay in the more she hates it. Its gotten to the point that she starts screaming as soon as I pick her to try to get her in it.

So, DH decided he wanted to get a Baby Bjorn. We got a nice used one from a consignment store and she LOVES it. The first time he put her in it she fell asleep within 10 minutes. She still has to be moving around a little, I've tried putting her in it while I'm working at my desk and if I'm sitting down she starts fussing.

I've seen a lot of people that don't like the Baby Bjorn type of carriers but I'm not sure I completely understand why. We only have her in it for doing things around the house like cooking dinner or just cleaning up a little. She wants our full attention right around dinner time and will not let us put her down so it helps us get things done when DH gets home from work. She's never in it for more than say, 30 minutes or so. If she falls asleep we try to carefully take her out and lay her down. So what is the problem with this type of carrier? Is it just long periods of time spent in it that would be a problem?

[syd'smom]

The bjorn was my gateway into the world of babywearing. It is fast and easy, but too expensive for the length of time you'll be able to us it (luckily we got a good deal 2nd hand too). I was disappointed b/c even with my 8lb newborn, I really felt the weight in my neck and shoulders, and it only got worse as dd got heavier. Most people can only us it until around 15lbs or so b/c it just puts too much strain on your shoulders. The one with lumbar support may get you to 20lbs, but is so pricey.

Another concern is forward facing - it changes the center of gravity, causing even more strain on the wearer's neck/shoulders. There is also some concern for the baby b/c they have no way to turn away (snuggle in) if they get over-stimulated or upset.

The last concern is the position the baby is carried in. There has been no research, but it stands to reason that hanging by your crotch wouldn't be as comfy as sitting on your bum (the way babes can in a mei tai, or ssc, or rs). For the short term, maybe not a big deal.

My biggest problem with the bjorn was the comfort for me the wearer. There are better carriers out there at way better prices that will also last from newborn to toddler. I thought it was a great excuse to try other carriers!!!

[poiyt]

There are a few things "wrong" with the bjorns (and snuggli's and Im sure there are others) The first concern is that there isnt proper support for their hips and pelvis. If you look at the way baby 'sits' in it, you will notice the legs dangling - this can cause strain on the hips/pelvis. This is the most debated issue because there is no proof proof but as it is an unnatural position for baby (or anyone for that matter) it makes sense that it isnt the ideal way for baby to be worn.

The second thing is that it doesnt offer good support for the mama. Because they just have the shoulder straps all the weight is being placed on the shoulders and none on the hips. Once more, when baby gets a little heavier it can pull mama's centre of gravity foreward, and cause pain for the wearer. The best carriers (especially for heavier or long term wearing) are one's where the weight is distributed to the shoulders, back and hips.

Another one is that they can only be worn on the front in these carriers - which can be difficult if you have a really long baby - or one that needs to be worn all the time. Having a baby able to go on your back can be (and is) a lifesaver for many.

The other issue is the whole facing out one (which isnt a bjorn specific thing). When facing out in virtually any carrier the baby is in the incorrect position: legs dangling (this can be prevented by using a wrap or a pouch in the buddha position). The other is, when baby is over stimulated s/he is unable to turn into mama for comfort or to hide. They are essentially just out there. The argument from many is they have babies who like to see the world and look around: I advise for that people do a supported high back carry so baby still sees but is still able to hide.

Anyways - those are the main arguments

[Quirky]

My main concerns with the Bjorn are as the PP stated, but with the further addition that the ergonomics of wearing the baby are just all wrong. I think the Bjorns put unnatural stress on the parent's spine. Whether you're looking at the original type without the so-called lumbar support or the "active" variety with the lumbar support, the pressure points on your back are directly on top of your spine. Will it cause long-term harm? Probably not, but I sure hear of a lot of parents who start experiencing a lot of pain as their babies get older.

My other big beef is that you can't do back carries, period. And getting your baby onto your back is, in the long run, the most ergonomic and the most convenient way to carry your baby.

If it works for now, that's great, although I do think a little baby is better off facing in than out. But just don't push it beyond the point where you're physically comfortable. Babywearing shouldn't be painful!