Baby Bjorn = backache?

KeyWestDWBride

Hello... this is my first post on this board as I recently discovered it.

Anyway, I try using the Baby Bjorn and my back is killing me afterwards. I'm fairly certain I have it adjusted properly etc. ?I heard an Ergo might be better? Anyone have experience with either and backache? I don't want to waste the $ if it's going to be the same thing. ?Thanks!

AzaleaM

The Bjorn bothered my back.  And it was the one that is supposed to have the extra support. 

I've never tried and Ergo but have heard great things about it.  I LOVE my Babyhawk.   By the end of the day my back is a little tired, but then he's in in the majority of the day.

smurfetteinred

Bijorns (depending on the model) are actually known for causing backaches because they're not designed well for weight distribution. I have heard this complaint a lot. Plus they're not the greatest for babies comfort either. Ergo's and other less mainstream carriers are generally designed to hold babies with their weight distributed on their bum where a bijorn and other more accessable carriers often have them hanging straight down from their crotch. The best way to example that is using a bijorn is much like sitting sideways on a swing where an ergo would be like sitting on the swing properly with your weight on your butt.

I haven't used an ergo personally but I've never heard of anyone complaining about much back pain when using one. I know that Hippy has one and she has a lot of unrelated back problems and she raves about her Ergo. I've used other carriers that weren't like a bijorn and even with a 30 pound toddler, I don't get any back pain while using them. 

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I can now say I've used both and hands down the Ergo is soooooo much more comfortable.  The Bjorn was second hand to us and I used it a total of like 4 times when DS was a few months old.  It killed my back too so I put it in the closet and it hasnt been out since. 

Then I started using the Moby wrap and really liked that and still do but it's awful hot for the summer and isnt good for back carries so I recently bought the Ergo Sport.  

I'm in love with the Ergo.  I've used it both on my back and front and it's great.  I just took our dogs on a walk with DS (all 20 lbs of him) in the front carry (he's actually still in it since he fell asleep and I dont have the heart to move him and risk waking him) and my back feels great.  All the weight is on my hips rather than my shoulders and back.  It's wonderful!   A bit pricy but I plan on using it until I can no longer stand carrying DS which I'm guessing will be right around 2 years or so and since he's only 7 months now I think I'll get a lot of use out of it. 

And ditto to all Smurfette said on the comfort for the child.  The Bjorn just looks like it wouldn't be comfortable for the child for more than 5 minutes whereas the Ergo puts them in a sitting position. 

GratefulGreens

I despise Baby Bjorn, Infantinos, etc.  They're HORRIBLE for both mama and baby.  They don't give the support to your back that you need, plus, they don't give the support the child.  I always tell people to imagine being hung up by their underwear....not to comfortable sounding, huh! 

I really strongly suggest a wrap or a mei-tai.  They give the best support for the both of you, plus they're soooo much more comfortable.

breech

i used a snuglii for both of my babies and they LOVED it. so did i.  i could even Bf in it ( that took a little time to figure out how to do w/o flashing everybody) i even wore them in the shower w/ it. they are way less expensive that the bjorn and i think they are way easier to use. i also had a sling but could never get the hang of it.

alchris

GratefulGreens:

I despise Baby Bjorn, Infantinos, etc.  They're HORRIBLE for both mama and baby.  They don't give the support to your back that you need, plus, they don't give the support the child.  I always tell people to imagine being hung up by their underwear....not to comfortable sounding, huh! 

I really strongly suggest a wrap or a mei-tai.  They give the best support for the both of you, plus they're soooo much more comfortable.

Ditto, though admittedly I've never tried one.  I had heard horrible things, and they looked so uncomfortable to me (both for parent and for crotch-dangly child ).  I love our Beco, and we also have an adjustable pouch.  Wraps are great too!

zsmommy

The baby bjorn hurt my back. I got a Beco Butterfly and that is one is very comfortable. You can put the baby in the Beco first before you put it on, which make it easier to wear the baby.

MTOW

I just got a Beco, too, and I love it!  I had an etsy Moby knock-off before, and it was comfortable as far as weight distribution, but it was hot and I didn't like putting it on outside the house because the fabric drags the ground.  The Beco is just as comfortable, is cooler for me and baby, and is a lot easier to get on in a parking lot.  I got the organic one with the big owl and little owl on the front, and DH actually asks to wear it, so that's a bonus. 

I think my next babywearing investment will be a babyhawk, but I'll probably wait a bit for that.