should a young baby be carried in an ergo/beco?

[mamak05]

I know Beco and Ergo have newborn inserts, and that you can carry a young baby in them, but should you? I'd like to use one of those carriers but am concerned about hip development. Should baby be able to sit before we use a carrier like the Beco/Ergo?

What is it about the Bjorn that is the problem and why not a problem with these other types, if indeed there is no problem?

Thanks!

[Drummer's Wife]

Bjorn - no, IMO. But an ergo or Beco should be fine with a newborn if you and baby are comfortable using it. I wouldn't force the little legs into the sides or anything (they wouldn't stretch that far, anyway) but froggied and with baby to the side a bit similar to a sling should be okay.

With the Bjorn, there are more defined leg holes, and baby essentially hangs from the crotch. As they get bigger, in an Ergo or similar SSC, their legs will more so wrap around your body a bit, and their bum will be lower than their knees -- if any of that makes sense. I'm not so good at explaining but others may be.

[baturay]

Originally Posted by Drummer's Wife

Bjorn - no, IMO. But an ergo or Beco should be fine with a newborn if you and baby are comfortable using it. I wouldn't force the little legs into the sides or anything (they wouldn't stretch that far, anyway) but froggied and with baby to the side a bit similar to a sling should be okay.

With the Bjorn, there are more defined leg holes, and baby essentially hangs from the crotch. As they get bigger, in an Ergo or similar SSC, their legs will more so wrap around your body a bit, and their bum will be lower than their knees -- if any of that makes sense. I'm not so good at explaining but others may be.

Exactly this!

[clovergirl]

the beco and ergo would not be my first recommendation for a newborn (say under 4mo or so). i like to say they are too much carrier for a tiny baby, if that makes sense. however, when used properly with a newborn they are are still much better then a bjorn, which i don't think i would ever recommend.

i have three issues with the bjorn. first, they don't support the baby's legs in a spread-squat which is ideal for hip development. second, they don't provide proper back support for the baby's rounded spine, it forces them prematurely into an upright/straight back. last but not least, most parents find them uncomfortable, especially after 15lbs or so.

in my opinion the ergo and beco really shine with older infants and toddlers. the seat is designed to hold the baby in a spread-squat but is usually too wide for babies under 4mo. if someone could really only afford to get on carrier, they could definitly make them work with a newborn by putting the baby inside the carrier in a froggy position (upright with legs in, bum lower then knees). the beco butterfly actually has an internal harness to position newborns this way, but the older models do not.

[ecstaticmama24]

Beco and Ergo are good for newborns WITH the insert, I would not froggy their legs sans insert in any SSC (soft structured carrier). The Ergo sells infant inserts separate, and the Beco comes with one, both making wearing newborns in a SSC easy peasy.

In comparrison to the Bjorn, the Ergo and Beco allow for proper positioning for good hip development. Also will help in the aid or prevention of hip displaysia. The Bjorn generally does not.... BUT there is one exception to the rule, the bjorn does offer the proper positioning for a baby with down syndrome or very low muscle tone. Baby's with low muscle tone or DS cannot have their legs being spread like that of the Ergo or Beco (refering to when they are old enough to be in those carriers without infant insert anyways).

[mamak05]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I appreciate the insights!