Baby Bjorn or ERGObaby Organic Baby Carrier

Irishsapphire · June 2010

I am trying to decide between a Baby Bjorn or ERGObaby Organic Baby Carrier. Which baby carrier did you choose or is there a better brand out that others like better?

Allie30 · June 2010

I haven't definitely decided on the Ergo (I hear good things about the Becco as well) but I've heard really bad things about the Bjorn, including but not limited to:

1. It's bad for the baby's body because they hand in an uncomfortable manne.

2. It's uncomfortable to the mother once the baby is larger than 10-15 pounds because the straps are not supportive (no padding as with the ergo) and it's all off the shoulders instead of the shoulders and waist as with ergo and becco. (Note: they do sell a "comfort bjorn" now that has a padded waist strap.)

3. You can only wear the baby on the front, instead of transitioning to a backpack hold when the baby is older

Now, the arguments for a bjorn over an ergo are that the (older) baby (who can hold his own head up) can be "outward facing" in a bjorn and can't in an ergo, but I've seen lots of people wearing the ergos with the babies sideways or wearing it on their hips and the babies are fine. Additionally, the "infant insert" for the ergo does not look particularly easy to wrangle to me. I plan to solve that by using a rap for when the baby is an infant and transitioning to the regular ergo when the baby is a bit older. It just seems so much more versatile and longer-use to get an ergo than a bjorn.

amstep · June 2010

Ergo. Better for baby's hips and you can use it longer. Worth the extra money!

Erin RN · June 2010

I'm going with the Ergo. I've heard a lot more positive things about it.

CrazyToast · June 2010

We're going with the Ergo based on recommendations from many people.

mcadams1 · June 2010

ooh can I piggy back a question? Is the hip issue universal to baby bjorn (links appreciated)? because I was looking at the active carrier since it looks more breathable and seemed more ergonomically designed than other kinds. I know the ergo has better reviews but I'm not a fan of the design and I've still heard lots of positive about the active bjorn.

Allie30 · June 2010

Oops, I obviously meant "wrap" up there and not "rap." Though that might be fun.

Also, I have not heard of the bjorn active carrier but I'm curious. It doesn't look more breathable to me from the picks. What about the ergo design don't you like?

norbert5 · June 2010

We love our Ergo. Wouldn't trade if for the world. We had a becco for a week and sent it back in exchange for the Ergo. The becco seemed to small for my DH (I think he didn't like the pattern but he won't admit it).

Our Bjorn is now at the consignment shop and we don't miss it at all.

celebrate! · June 2010

here is a good comparison chart:

https://www.theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html

we went with the ergo (sport). DH is tall, so it will accommodate him better. the ergo is just better overall for baby and carrier. The baby's weight is not all resting on the carriers' shouders.

the problems with bjorn aren't just bjorns. But if you look at photos of them in use, the ones not recommended are the ones that have a thinner crotch- you can tell the baby is held up mostly by their crotch. the better carriers, the baby is sitting back more and it supported by their butt (look at where their knees sit compared to their butt)

Temp200154562509288 · June 2010

Get the ergo. By far the best carrier we've ever owned. I'm looking forward to using it again with this LO

ifoundhim! · June 2010

I got the Bjorn at my shower but returned it and bought the Ergo Baby plus infant insert. I've heard it distributes the weight of the baby more evenly for mom (or dad) and I liked the idea of an infant insert for baby's comfort in the beginning stages.

LittleApple · June 2010

I had a Bjorn when DD was born. It hurt my back, collar bone, shoulders and neck. It didn't matter where the straps were positioned. DD was not a heavy baby either. I got fed up with it, sold it and got an Ergo. It is 20X better than the Bjorn. The Ergo dispurses the weight to your hips instead of pulling on your back. I also like that you can wear it in the front and the back. The higher weight limit is nice too.

Bottom line. Get the Ergo. You won't regret it.

lrn327 · June 2010

Definitely get an Ergo between those two though I think I will probably go with a Beco. I'm in love with them.

hippers · June 2010

I don't know where this whole bad for babys hip thing came from. DH is an orthopedic surgeon, and said the width of the strap on the bjorn is good separation. And any carrier that doesn't support itself on your hips are going to kill your hips and back after a period of time. I'm not starting a debate just giving you feedback from a doctor and not a grapevine.

LittleApple · June 2010

hippers:
And any carrier that doesn't support itself on your hips are going to kill your hips and back after a period of time. I'm not starting a debate just giving you feedback from a doctor and not a grapevine.

Which is why the Bjorn sucks and the Ergo doesn't. The Ergo supports itself on your hips, not your back like the Bjorn.

That.Just.Happened · June 2010

Ergo a million times over. For all the reasons mentioned. It puts the weight on your hips rather than your back/shoulder so you can use it comfortably a MUCH longer time.

I am actually going with the Piccolo, it is similar to the Ergo but it also allows baby to be facing out on the front.

haleybeth81 · June 2010

I have the Ergo and still use it with DD. It feels great on and doesn't hurt your back. I have heard the bjorn can hurt and also I don't think it has a back carry which is handy when they get bigger. Oh and Ergo has a hip carry which is nice. Love my ergo

eta: the infant insert is easy to use but DD#1 didn't like the burrito one because she hates to be pinned. I got the new one that has a bolster for DD#2 and hope it works better.

Lux_Diva · June 2010

Although I heard there is a new baby bjorn with an improved design that doesn't have sunch a narrow crotch, I would still recommend the Ergo. I use mine with the infant insert and it is a night and day experience (I was using an Evenflo carrier I received as a gift).

rosesandpeonies · June 2010

I used the baby bjorn for a little while with my daughter...and it always bothered me how red her little legs were and how it put deep compressions in her legs. I even double checked with other people that I was putting her in it right....I am not saying that the bjorn is necessarily harmful, but I felt uncomfortable having my daughter in it (I usually am the type to trust a product also). Just got the ergo and absolutely love it...my daughter is 20 pounds and there is no redness on her legs and she seems so happy. I also like that it is easier to put on than the bjorn...I always had trouble with the bjorn...with the ergo i put it on right away all by myself.