Baby Bjorn?

[cootie]

Hi, I am new to this forum. I have a 10 week old baby. I have tried a ring sling with her, as well as a Moby wrap. SHe doesn't seem to be too fond of either of these, but loves the Baby Bjorn. I've been wearing her in it A LOT because it's truly the only way I can get her calm when she's fussy. She doesn't nap well either unless I'm wearing her around in the Bjorn. I didn't realize that there was anything that could be of concern about this until someone mentioned that it might be a lot of pressure in the crotch area. Is this really a concern? Should I be limiting her time in it and trying to transition her to something else? She just loves it so much ....

[MommaShark]

Mine wore it for hours a day while I worked - my DH put him in it then got on the treadmill........I hadn't at the time heard about the pressure issues - he's now 3 and has no hip/pelvic/leg issues!!! I'm not an expert and from what I've read since I wouldn't use it even if we thought the Bjorn was comfy (we hated it). For this next one we have a Pikkolo, Freehand Mei Tai and Ergo....plus a new Native and Moby.

[michelleklu]

I have heard about that so we erred on the side of caution and started using our Beco, wraps, and mei tais a lot more. I don't know how a Baby Bjorn would be more comfortable than other carriers. Upright in a wrap is so comfy and cuddly compared to the coldness of a Baby Bjorn. :

[almadianna]

Are you sure that you are using the wrap and RS correctly?

[AFWife]

Please don't tell me that I bought a bad carrier! I got a Baby Bjorn because he HATED the sling I had (he screamed all the time and wouldn't even let me try to put him in it) He's been napping in the BB today just fine (well, we're waking up now so...)

I hate to derail...but crotch issues?

[MommaShark]

It's supposed to put too much pressure on the pelvis and maybe spine? as well as splay legs apart.

[syd'smom]

I have a bjorn - it was my first carrier - it was uncomfy for me the first time I put dd in it (hurt my neck and shoulders), so I started searching for other options, and well now - I have several other carriers (check out thebabywearer for lots of options).

Lots of babies are carried in the bjorn - there is no actual evidence of harm - but I don't think it would be comfortable to dangle like that, ya know. In our province, occupational health and safety has a time limit that workers can be in one of those harnesses - so that gave me pause.

How have you been using the rs and moby?? A LOT of babies do not like a cradle hold, unless they are nursing. Most LOVE a nice tummy to tummy carry. The rule of thumb for carries is that the baby's bum is lower than his/her knees, in a seated position, with fabric supporting from knee to knee.

If you have any more questions - keep 'em coming - I love talking babies and carriers!!

[Otidea]

Not trying to scare anyone but...

Here's a link from a norwegian board explaining why the Baby Bjørn and similar carriers ain't the best option

BVH-Solveig Wahl

If the baby doesn't like any other carrier I would check his spine with a chiro. Some babies with KISS doesn't like to have their spines curved.

[cootie]

wow. Thanks for everyone's responses. Now I feel like I had better find an alternative carrier and quick! I do think I am using the RS and Moby correctly. My baby just hates the cradle hold, even when I'm just carrying her in my arms. And then she doesn't seem to like her legs all crunched up to get into an upright position. I know I could do legs free, but I think she's still a little too young and floppy for that. Also, I really like the hands free aspect of the Bjorn, as I have twin toddlers too. How about the Mei Tei carriers? Are those better for the crotch/spines and okay for long periods of use? Thanks!

[liseux]

definitely try the upright carries in the rs or wrap & try it on & then start moving, that can help. One issue with the bjorn, besides putting all of babies weight on the crotch, is the short life span. It gets so uncomfortable with a bigger baby, carriers that spread the weight btwn parents hips & shoulders go a lot further, like to 2-3 yrs old. Ergo, patapum, mei tais are a better value b/c they go so much longer.

[syd'smom]

Yep - as I mentioned up thread - a lot of babies dislike the cradle hold unless nursing. What type of rs do you have? Some are harder to get a snug fit than others.

As for the moby, you should be able to get a snugger/safer hold with that than the bjorn. And it is totally fine for the babe's legs to come out of the carrier at that age. Just have babe in a seated position with fabric from knee to knee. And if babe is asleep just use the closest rail to keep her head secure. Mei tais are great carriers too, but you will definitely get a more snug hold with a wrap.

[cootie]

My RS isn't name brand. I purchased it off Hyena Cart ... so it was made by someone. It's really nice, but maybe I'm just not that good at using it. It also doesn't seem completely hands free. AGain, maybe I'm not using it correctly. I think I'll try the Moby again, with her legs loose. She definitely likes the tummy to tummy. I think I'll look into the Mei Tei carrier too. They're super cute ... but kind of spendy! Anyone know of a good brand/place to get one that's not close to $100???

[syd'smom]

Oh - you don't have to be name brand to be good - there are lots of great rs's and mei tais out there. I've just found that the ringslings with padded rails are difficult to fit and adjust, and end up being not hands free.

As for MTs, yes they seem pricey initially, but remember, most of them you will ACTUALLY be able to use from newborn through toddler/preschooler. Here in Canada, the regular bjorn costs $100 and the one with the "support" is $200 - and they both still have a 26lb limit (though most people find it uncomfortable by about 15lbs).

Check out tbw fsot and you should be able to find a great carrier at a good price.

[confustication]

My RS was a godsend at that age, but he HATED being in a cradle hold unless he was actively nursing. He liked being 'froggied' in an upright position, and the RS had to be pretty snug for it to really be 'hands free'.

I also used a mei tai with him from about 6 weeks on, and that worked really well for us. We didn't start using a wrap until a bit later, but that worked well too in a wrap cross carry- though I now need to sew a new one with heavier fabric for better weight distribution.

I suspect you could get a wrap to work well with this baby, but they have a pretty significant learning curve initially... so they aren't always 'easy' right off the bat. They will, however, last a long time even with heavier babies and are incredibly versatile.

[kristi96]

Check out Baby Hawks those look really cool

[Devaskyla]

I made my own MT's. And a few extra I haven't gotten around to selling yet. I like making them...although not with a newborn. I made one since ds3 was born & messed it up. Really pretty, but way too small.

[MommaShark]

You can use the Pikkolo legs out like the Bjorn without the problems - something about the seat and you cinch the crotch - I'm planning on using that with my Freehand Mei Tai and Ergo for when the baby is older. I never had luck with my slings until the baby was older....but I was a novice at the time....

[kfillmore]

So then is it the fact that the with the bijorn baby is litterally resting in the crotch where as with Moby, mei tai, Ergo more of the butt (and thighs?) are being held?

What age would you put baby spread legs in the carriers?