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Slings and backpacks

Find baby sling and baby carrier advice here.

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Original poster

BabyBjörn and the likes: Are they really bad?

16 replies

IguanoMum · 27/11/2010 14:31

At least, that's what I've heard. It's because the babies don't "sit" right on them, but rather "hang" like in a parachute. Especially bad if they are looking facing front. Plus, they say it's really bad for the person carrying too, because it doesn't hold on to the hips like other slings/ergonomic backpacks.

But I get to see so many in London that just thought, maybe they are not so bad after all? Are parents really aware of this? Why are they so popular?

OP posts:

MoonUnitAlpha · 27/11/2010 14:35

I think they're popular because they're the most well known and readily available - you can't buy other kinds of slings/wraps in Mothercare.

I know lots of people who started off with a BabyBjorn and found it too uncomfortable - either gave up on slings completely or moved onto a different style.

Unwind · 27/11/2010 14:36

They are so popular because they are sold by mothercare etc.

I've never been able to find any real evidence that they harm babies - but they are definitely uncomfortable for the wearer, after a short time.

PaulineMole · 27/11/2010 14:40

i had a 91st centile baby, and had to stop using the bjorn very early as it did my back in.

Original poster

IguanoMum · 27/11/2010 14:47

Same here, and DD was very small! But at four months, I just couldn't carry it any longer in our BabyBjorn (I even had all the accesories, like the little coat/throw you put on and the bibs...). Then a friend passed me her Ergo and we used it until she was 2 and a 1/2. That's why I don't understand how they are still so popular, the difference is huge!

OP posts:

elsiemarley · 01/12/2010 18:34

Mine is in the pile of stuff to be sold/given to the next couple in the family to get pregnant.

It was ok forward facing when they are very very wee, on the shortest setting your baby is in the frog position but after that I don't think it is so good because thier legs sort of hang staight.

Funnily enough I strayed into the slings section looking for info on ring slings, they seem much more versatile and go up higher in age. The BB doesn't fold down very well to put in your bag ther...and it did my back in too.

I didn't realy know other slings exisited when I got my BB, only had 2 choices in the shop and I was short on time. (I was even more astounded to see a Premaxx still for sale in mothercare last week though!!).

Scaredycat3000 · 04/12/2010 22:30

I see so many in London as well . The carrier is only uncomfortable for the adult, it's the babies hips that can get damaged. I have googled for all my life is worth and can't find anything that I know I've read some where. So here goes anyway.
Can you imagine hanging from your crotch for maybe hours, with only a nappy to save you? So every step you take is 'walking' their legs backwards, so turn them round? No, how is their back supported? Well it's not is it, my tummy/norks are not a good 'back' shape.
I'm sure I read somewhere that the western world has higher cases of infant hip dis-morphia, coincidence? An infant should be carried with their knees level or higher than their bums, in a seated/froggy position. BB has this feature in it's latest and most expensive carrier, intended for older babies.
I also saw the other day a Mum carrying her very small baby in a BB and the baby was clearly far to small for it's own safety. It's chin was touching it's chest, an accident waiting to happen, I really wish I'd said something, but was chicken. I would have called that misuse though.
I think there is a lot of but it didn't do XYZ's baby any harm.
elsiemarley, please don't pass it along, burn it.
Best thing for a newborn is 3rd of a width of 5 meters of thick t-shirt material (must be one length) and find a video on youtube for stretchy wrap, but that wouldn't make any money would it?

Maisiethemorningsidecat · 04/12/2010 22:36

I loved mine! Tried all sorts with DS, and was about to give up with DD when I came across the BB. I didn't find it uncomfortable, and it suited my 5' 1" small frame perfectly. I also like being able to put her into it and lift her out of it easily - the baby wrap wouldn't have been so quick, esp. as I had a very young toddler at the same time.

Oh, and no hip dismorphia.

Scaredycat3000 · 04/12/2010 23:46

You can leave a stretchy wrap on and just pop little one in there, quick as you like Along peace of cloth fits any size, just chop a bit off if it's to long.
As I did say 'it didn't do XYZ's baby any harm'
Do you know how many babies died in bag style slings over many years before they finally recalled them?

Maisiethemorningsidecat · 05/12/2010 11:44

Wraps simply weren't to my taste, and please, let's not get all ratty with the and emotive with dying babies. OK?

I'm now going to hide this thread because I refuse to get into a silly arguement about wraps v carriers.

ChristianaCatesby · 05/12/2010 11:47

I loved my baby bjorn for both my daughters and they don't have hip dismorphia either

DuelingFanjo · 05/12/2010 11:48

"Do you know how many babies died in bag style slings over many years before they finally recalled them?"

no, how many?

QueenOfFlamingEverything · 05/12/2010 11:54

bag sling dangers

misdee · 05/12/2010 12:03

they arent the best, but they arent dangerous like bag slings.

ideally baby should be a froggy leg position for their hips to be in the right position.

i have a mixture of wraps, meitai-style carriers and ringslings for dd4 and soon-to-be born ds. one of my mei-tai style slings has an adjustable seat so is perfect for both of them. i think it will be my reached-for carrier the most over the next few months.

TurkeyMartini · 05/12/2010 12:06

OK but a BB is not a bag sling, is it?

I hated our BB but I've now got an Ergo and I hate that too! I just don't think I am a sling person. But I don't think the BB is going to kill other babies, and it's a bit ridiculous to imply that by making the connection with bag slings.

yourself.

domesticslattern · 05/12/2010 12:09

I don't know of evidence that the Baby Bjorn damages infants seriously.

I do know of "expert" views that other slings like the Wilkinet are superior, because of the positioning of the baby's pelvis (not hanging), the straps which stop the head lolling from side to side, and the wide straps which are better for the adult's shoulders.

I also know of a great many people who "didn't get on with slings" and, when questioned, it turns out that they didn't get on with their Baby Bjorn, and thought that ruled out the lot. They are popular because they are the main slings flogged in the mainstream stored like JL etc. and the others seem a bit- well, hippy.

Having said that, there are always people who like their BB- as the posts above show. Horses for courses and all that. I wouldn't touch one with a bargepole.

Scaredycat3000 · 05/12/2010 13:22

I didn't intend to imply that BB's where deadly, like bag slings, but that there had to be several deaths in a brand of sling, that had already been deemed unsafe by experienced babywearers, before they got recalled. You can still buy bag slings, made by different companies. As damage to hips may not attributed to a carrier, possibly used years previously, it is never likely to be recalled.
There are also many carriers that are safe for your baby/toddler and comfortable for you, Mei Tai's, SCC, Wraps, ring slings, even one made by BB here , it's only the crotch dangler that may damage your child's hips. I for one do not think it's worth the risk.

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