Are Baby Bjorns bad?

[NellyE]

Hi,
I think I remember reading somewhere that Baby Bjorn slings were bad for baby's spines or something. Is this true? I'm in the process of trying to decide on a sling to get, and someone has offered to lend one of these. Am unsure whether or not to take them up on their offer or not.

If they are bad, what's best for a newborn instead, that will last?

Thanks.

unfortunately its true.
there are a number of issues with this type of carrier e.g. babys legs dangle down which is bad for babys hips as well as putting too much pressure on babys bottom. the spine thing is true as well and also for the person carrying they are not very ergonomic.
if you can try different carriers, you will feel the difference yourself.
I had a baby björn until dd was 4 months. I only used it if I really had to (at the airport for example). I was getting really achey in my back and dd was not liking it either. I then got the ergo carrier and I use it every day. it is as easy to put on as the baby björn and very comfy for baby and me. the weight is carried with the hips, no plastic bits between the shoulder blades. you can also get a newborn inset with it. there are other carriers that are similar and less expensive, hope someone with experience with another carrier will be here soon.

oh dd is now 7 months old and a big 13 pounds. my sister still carries her 2year old with and ergo carrier.

Hi,

I've not heard about Baby Bjorns being bad for spines. Originally I had one of those big wrap type slings, but DS hated it! Tried him in it several times, but would just cry and cry, and stop when I took him out.

Bought a Baby Bjorn and he went straight in without a murmur, but he was about 8 weeks old, so not a brand new newborn.

We have found it great, easy to use and adjust for 2 very different sized parents! But each to their own, and as I learnt, what suits one, doesn't necessarily suit another.

We had one, and I cannot say that we had any problems with it.

We did not use it from Newborn though, I think it is not recommended for that. We used it when she was about 4 months.

I suspect it depends how often and how long you are intending to use it. We used it on holiday, and occasionally at home if we were going someplace that was a bit inaccessible with a pram.

DD was only in it for short periods of time, maybe an hour, and not daily.

My back is killing me right now after walking around with one today, I don't know how his feels.

They are certainly dreadful for parents' backs!

However both our dc loved the bb (carried by dh, I refused!)

You could try the Connecta, which is similar to the Ergo, but a good deal cheaper and some lovely designs.

Are they bad?

Hmm, not bad as in dangerous but I wouldn't buy another one.

I have had two, the ordinary one and the even more expensive active version.

And they were easy to use and comfortable for me until the baby grew...

So at around four months I found mine gave me appalling backache and it felt as though I was carrying a giant baby.

Over two years later I can carry him comfortably but in other slings.

If I still had a Baby Bjorn I'd be happy to use it with a tiny baby, but only facing in and so long as it was high and snug.

With older babies there are concerns that the shape of the carrier doesn't give them sufficient support.

The front facing out position is also believed to be bad for hip development and doesn't support the spine.

If you look here you can see why they aren't generally recommended and find information about alternatives.

HTH

I had one with DS and like many people didn't use it much after 3/4 months as it was hell on my back.

With DD I used a Kari-me up to 6 months, then Ergo. I know the Ergo can be used from newborn (and I did already have one as we bought one when DS was 9 months or so), but there is something like a snugly tied wrap with a tiny baby inside.... And she was born in midwinter so kept me nice and warm .

I've seen other babybjorns and their ilk being worn and sometimes the babies look v dangly and uncomfortable.

I had a Close Carrier - which I loved for my newborn. Now I have a Bjorn and it kills my shoulders. Baby is a lot bigger now though (6 months). Would really recommend the Close Carrier - super easy and very very comfortable.