Baby Carriers - Bjorn safe or unsafe?

KatieCC08 · April 2014

I'm not a FTM. I have two DD's but now we're on the hunt for a decent baby carrier.

I found a Baby Bjorn Original at a consignment shop for only 6$!!! I had my heart set on the Ergo, but for six bucks, I thought, this is a no brainer.

But then I googled Bjorn and Hip Dysplasia.

https://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/prevention/baby-carriers-seats-and-other-equipment/

It looks like the Bjorn may not be the best choice. How can it be bad if so many people still buy it? The Ergo has an infant insert, which I first thought would be a total pain. Now I'm thinking that it might be just what a newborn needs to be carried safely.

Does anyone have any experience or preference when it comes to carriers?

Emerald27 · April 2014

The Bjorn is not a very comfortable carrier for baby or mom. All of baby's weight is on mom's shoulders and back, which makes mom's back sore after a short wear. Also, the seat leaves baby's legs to dangle, so it's kind of like sitting on a bicycle seat instead of in a chair that supports your rump to your knees...you wouldn't be comfy on the bike for very long.

There are a number of soft structured carriers that are more comfy for mom and baby. These will have baby's legs and bum in an "M" shape, and the body will support baby from knee to knee. They will also have nice, broad belts to support baby's weight, distributing it 100% on mom's hips rather than on her back and shoulders. I can wear my 2yo for over an hour without any discomfort.

My favorite is the Kinderpack, but Ergo is a good choice too. I would try some on if you can. Check to see if there is a nearby BWI chapter where you can try on and even check out carriers from their lending library.

Liss1481 · April 2014

I haven't tried a Bjorn before but we used the Ergo and a ring sling and loved both of them. Very comfortable for me, DH, and DS.

persephonerose · April 2014

I had a bjorn, it was free so I tried it out with my son. I hated that thing. It was so uncomfortable. I have large boobs (DDD) and it felt like the straps were always cutting into me. My back also hurt something awful with it.

We also rented a K'tan for a while during the newborn stage, but I felt it was very hot because the fabric was so thick.
I ended up making a mia tei for my son and it was by far the best thing ever.

Littledeer84 · April 2014

I only had the bjorn with dd1. Although she slept in it a few times, it did get uncomfortable for me to wear...back and shoulders hurt. We never used it once she was past about 4 months, because it got so uncomfortable. I can't really recommend one yet as I haven't tried any. But I have heard good things about the ktan, I think I want to get one of those.

KatieCC08 · April 2014

Thank you!!! I've borrowed a Ergo before and really liked it. I just saw the Bjorn and thought, hmm 6$?!?

Cost really isn't an issue. Safety is my concern, both baby's and mine.

noellemari · April 2014

Hip issues aside....I had a bjorn with #1 and then got a lillebaby so I could back carry. The lillebaby is a thousand times easier on my back than the bjorn. I would have never bought the bjorn if I had known. I use the Lillebaby with both of my kids and it's great from newborn to toddler.

Eastie156 · May 2014

We have both the Bjorne and the Ergo. Honestly, hip dysplasia was not an issue, but DS was not in it constantly either. He hated the Ergo and it was not comfortable for my body type. The Bjorne active was way more comfortable and DS loved it. I didn't sweat what could happen-it was never an issue.

kindacrunchy · May 2014

As others have said the Bjorn is not ideal. There's a reason they are so cheap for resale, they are uncomfortable! A wrap or a ring sling is most ideal for a newborn. Also second what Emerald said about finding a group near you, I run my local chapter and I've seen so many times where a mama comes to a meeting with a certain carrier in mind and then after trying a few falls in love with something else.

12bailey18 · May 2014

I used a Bjorn with DD and we both loved it. I know it's controversial but I liked it and found it comfortable and easy to use. I do plan on getting another carrier this time around but I'm keeping the Bjorn. DH liked using it too so he'll probably use that one this time around.

megsandjohn · May 2014

@Emerald27‌ I just have to tell you, I love you. I'm almost always too lazy to write out long answers (always bumping on mobile) and you usually beat me to it anyways and I just wanna be like "what she said" every time. This has happened many times. I have a bump crush on you.

Emerald27 · May 2014

megsandjohn said:
@Emerald27‌ I just have to tell you, I love you. I'm almost always too lazy to write out long answers (always bumping on mobile) and you usually beat me to it anyways and I just wanna be like "what she said" every time. This has happened many times. I have a bump crush on you.

:x

My fingers are fast on mobile...but I usually only write up lengthy/comprehensive responses when I get to be one of the first posters on a thread. Lol

live4thegiraffe · May 2014

We had an infantino carrier that was similar to the bjorns. DD hated it. We also had a moby wrap, and that was much more comfy for both of us. I was able to use that until she was about 18 months, but gave it up more because she was too tall and my torso is kind of short. it got awkward. I would really like a mei-tai or k'tan style carrier. Or an Ergo. Something comfy that's not too hot because LO is going to get worn a lot while I chase DD around :P

HappyCianci · May 2014

megsandjohn said:

@Emerald27‌ I just have to tell you, I love you. I'm almost always too lazy to write out long answers (always bumping on mobile) and you usually beat me to it anyways and I just wanna be like "what she said" every time. This has happened many times. I have a bump crush on you.

Too funny! I think the same thing so often. Like this post. Even down to the "M" shaped position for baby's legs/hips. Well done.

We do avoid the Bjorn. When my son was a small infant, I didn't know better, and used one that was given to me second-hand. By the time he was 4 months old, we had transitioned to a simple cloth wrap full time (a length of muslin from the fabric store--15 bucks, couldn't be better). We used that wrap until his first birthday, then invested in a BB slen woven.

If you're willing to get over the learning curve of woven wraps, they are just unparalleled in my opinion in terms of comfort for mom and baby and overall cozy snuggle-time with your baby. I recommend finding a friend who knows how to do a basic front-carry wrap, and have her walk you through it. Once you do it four or five times, you'll be able to get a nice, snug carry quickly.

Emerald27 · May 2014

@HappyCianci‌ Wovens are something I was too intimidated by when DS was little, and I really want to learn how to wrap this LO. I've heard that beginners do well with 100% cotton wraps, and I know I would want something very soft...do you have any brand recs?

ETA: Not trying to hijack your thread, @KatieCC08‌.

Waterlilly11 · May 2014

I had the bjorn with lumbar support (I forget what the model is called) I never had a problem with it but I also did not start using it until DS was prob 4 months old or so...I plan on using it again.

ss265 · May 2014

OP, if possible I would try on different carriers in person. Someone got me an Ergo as a gift and I exchanged it for a Beco Gemini. The Ergo just seemed to cut into me under my arms and the Beco was more comfortable. Your body shape and type will help determine which carrier is the best fit for you.

BeanNut · May 2014

We have one. It is very easy to use, sturdy and comfortable for short periods. If baby's hips and legs were dangling in a bad position l would readjust the carrier. I would not wear baby in the carrier for more than 30 minutes or so or my back would hurt. But I still think it is worth it based on how easy it is and how sturdy the carrier is even for a very tiny baby. I also bought a Baby k'Tan recently to try.

Eastie156 · May 2014

ss265 said:

OP, if possible I would try on different carriers in person. Someone got me an Ergo as a gift and I exchanged it for a Beco Gemini. The Ergo just seemed to cut into me under my arms and the Beco was more comfortable. Your body shape and type will help determine which carrier is the best fit for you.

This. Try different ones all. They all fit different body types differently. I'd also try it on when your later in pregnancy, because you want to know what it's going to feel like in those first few weeks/months after LO is born and you are still carrying some (or in my case all) of your pregnancy weight.

Want a personalized experience?

Baby Carriers - Bjorn safe or unsafe?

Re: Baby Carriers - Bjorn safe or unsafe?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards