Is a Bjorn really so bad?

[KLM99]

I have an Ergo, a ring sling, and a wrap and I can't get any of them to feel comfortable with my newborn. The only thing that is comfortable for both of us has been the Bjorn. Now it's getting uncomfortable now that he's 13 lbs., but he's still not big enough for the regular Ergo carrier (which I adore with an older baby). Is the Bjorn really so bad to use while he's young?

[bethanyclaire]

IMO, yes. I would never carry my baby in a Bjorn. Here are some reasons why:

http://www.continuum-concept.org/rea...nalStress.html

There is another good thread here about this... lemme see if I can find it. I'll check back in.

[Fuamami]

I don't think so. I wore my dd in a Snugli all the time, and my SIL used a Bjorn with all her kids.

I will point out that the linked article in the pp was written by a chiropractor. Why don't you search for some studies on the connection between spondylolisthesis and baby carriers, and see if you can find any reputable ones that prove a connection?

[Mom to E and A]

I don't think there is anything TOO detrimental when done in moderation...that is why it is still sold. Most people only wear it for short periods of time once in a while. I would certainly advise against it if you were going to use it for naps or while doing housework or other things that may take more than an hour or more than once a week.
Logically, though, think about it, would you want to be dangled by your crotch...are you sure HE is comfy in there?
Also, personal preferance is a big factor, but I prefer MeiTais for all ages, very similar to the ergo...

[bethanyclaire]

I couldn't find the exact link I was looking for... I think it is a pretty old one. It had some good points in it, though. If you search "Bjorn" on these forums you'll come up with lots of threads though, and some have good information.

Originally Posted by Fuamami

I don't think so. I wore my dd in a Snugli all the time, and my SIL used a Bjorn with all her kids.

I will point out that the linked article in the pp was written by a chiropractor. Why don't you search for some studies on the connection between spondylolisthesis and baby carriers, and see if you can find any reputable ones that prove a connection?

For me personally, I'd rather not take the risk. My chiro, naturopath and pediatrician all say "no" to the Bjorn. That alone is enough to make me really question the safety of it. Combine that with the fact that I know *I* would be very uncomfortable being suspended by my crotch by a narrow strip of material and it pretty much seals the deal for me. The crotch is not designed to bear weight in that way. It isn't worth the risk... especially as someone with a family history of back and spine problems.

[Ammaarah]

I don't think they're that bad if you don't use them too much. I had carpal tunnel or something that caused really bad pain in my wrists and hands in the early postpartum days and I could not make a ring sling or wrap work to save my life, so I used a Snugli for a bit. It was a lifesaver on days when my daughter was fussy but I had to do some stuff. I probably used it an hour tops on the days I'd use it, and DD's development has been totally normal.

The thing is, a 13-pound baby in a front pack can be pretty uncomfortable for you - so keep trying with the other carriers! Good luck.

[GoBecGo]

I didn't follow the link above but i have read a study on spondylolisthesis in Alaskan Eskimo's whose normal way of carrying their babies also suspends them like the bjorn does by the crotch, and the incidence amongst those people is something close to 60%. It could be genetic, but i figured DD already had genetics of her own to deal with, and if i could spare her an environmental factor like this i would.

[philomom]

I would not want to hang by my groin for any length of time. And they are so hard to get the baby out of once they doze off. With a sling... you can just ease the whole thing into the crib or bed.... no snaps, zippers or other paraphernalia.

[tzs]

but doesn't a moby basically carry the same way?????
i'm so confused

[katelove]

Originally Posted by tzs

but doesn't a moby basically carry the same way?????
i'm so confused

Not at all. A Moby supports the baby under the buttocks and thighs in the "frog leg" position. Imagine holding a baby upright in your arms with your hand under their bottom or their bottom sitting on your forearm. That is more like the Moby carry.

[riverscout]

I think they're fine if they're used sparingly. We got one as a gift, and found it pretty useful. I used it mostly for quick errands when my babies were too small for the Ergo, and I didn't feel like dealing with tying a wrap or a mei tai. It was my husband's carrier of choice whenever he wore them. Best I can tell, they're both fine.

[pixiepunk]

my DD1's orthopedic surgeon at Children's Hospital in DC also told me to avoid the Bjorn because of spinal and hip stress. she was impressed by my ring sling and mei tai, didn't have any concerns about those.

as others have said, it's the position the carrier puts the baby in, so that the weight of the baby is all falling to the crotch, putting undue stress on the spine and hips. most other carriers are wider at the base, allowing the child to be in a sitting position with the knees above the hips.

[KLM99]

OP here - thanks for the all the responses. We're going to keep trying with the other carriers (and I'm heading to a baby wearing class next week!). Since he's so small, he's not really hanging by the crotch in the Bjorn at this point. His crotch and upper thighs still fit in the bottom part, so it's sort of like the ergo carry. I think we only have a week or so of that left, so I'm going to work on the other carriers. Thanks again!

[Adasmommy]

I'm glad to hear you're going to a babywearing class! I think you could learn to use your other carriers well and both be much happier!

While there are lots of babies who have been Bjorned and seem fine, I don't think that negates the fact that it is bad for a developing spine--whether there are noticable long term repercussions or not!

And, just as importantly, it's not okay for a carrier to cause you pain or discomfort or bad posture. Those all have potential long term effects as well! You deserve better!

[riverscout]

Originally Posted by Adasmommy

While there are lots of babies who have been Bjorned and seem fine, I don't think that negates the fact that it is bad for a developing spine--whether there are noticable long term repercussions or not!

AFAIK, it's not a fact but rather a theory that the Bjorn is harmful to the developing spine. I would sincerely love to see any evidence that it is, but really I think the best anyone here can offer on the matter is an opinion.

[pixiepunk]

OK, stealing from a previous post by HybridVigor, the entirety of which can be found in this thread here: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...php?p=12008283

Here is a link to a very long PDF about natural parenting. Page #107-108 have pictures of natural hip positioning. This dissertation is a really good one. If you have the time, please read it:
http://www.epjournal.net/filestore/ep05102183.pdf

Here are more links about correct ergonomic positioning:
http://www.storchenwiege.com/babycarrierresearch.htm
http://www.continuum-concept.org/rea...nalStress.html (<-- already referenced in a PP)
http://www.thebabywearer.com/article...ositioning.pdf
http://www.frogmama.com/articles.php?article=10

[AislinCarys]

I'd suggest a Manduca. It is similar to the Ergo, but comes with a newborn insert, in which the newborn can sit upright, just like in the Ergo, but with legs froggied inside the carrier instead of sticking out.

[darcytrue]

Originally Posted by bethanyclaire

IMO, yes. I would never carry my baby in a Bjorn. Here are some reasons why:

http://www.continuum-concept.org/rea...nalStress.html

There is another good thread here about this... lemme see if I can find it. I'll check back in.

I've tried several slings since having this baby and she didn't like any of them. IMO the ones that are soft with no support are worse on the baby as far as them just laying all scrunched up. My DD seemed so uncomfortable while in those slings when she was a newborn. In fact, the only sling my baby has liked so far is the baby bjorn and I only use it when at the store or if she fusses while out and I would rather not hold her the whole time, otherwise she is held constantly. My now 8 yr old DD also prefered the bjorn and I wore her for many, many months in it and she is perfectly fine now.

[darcytrue]

Originally Posted by philomom

I would not want to hang by my groin for any length of time. And they are so hard to get the baby out of once they doze off. With a sling... you can just ease the whole thing into the crib or bed.... no snaps, zippers or other paraphernalia.

I never have had a problem getting my babies in to their bed after they fall asleep in the bjorn. They have pins that slide out very easily on each side in the front and I make sure I'm holding my baby in a laying position before sliding them out and putting her in her bed.

[pixiepunk]

it never ceases to amaze me that people can't differentiate between something being potentially harmful and it causing harm to everyone. "my child escaped unscathed" is an argument i hear all the time for all kinds of things that are less-than-ideal or potentially harmful (formula feeding, starting solids too early, turning your baby's carseat forward facing at a year, whatever). Just because it didn't affect *your* child's spinal or hip development doesn't mean it isn't true that it can have a detrimental effect. Just as it's true that plenty of kids thrive on formula, while some fail to.

For me, I want to do what's ideal for the development of my child. Why use something that has the potential to do harm when there are hundreds of other, similarly-priced options that don't have that potential?!?! i seriously don't get it.