Is a Baby Bjorn safe for a small baby?

[Sally205]

Hello, I'm new to Mumsnet so please excuse me if this is specific thing is already covered somewhere. I have been using a Baby Bjorn indoors with my seven year old baby daughter, and so has my partner. We find it is the only thing that settles her sometimes and it allows us to get on with things which is great. My daughter is small - born at six pounds and is only eight pounds now, though eating and growing well. But one of my baby books says 'don't even think of using a backpack type carrier' for such a young baby. I haven't taken her outside in it yet but am tempted to. Could the Baby Bjorn be dangerous for her or could she hurt her head? It does seem to allow a fair amount of head room though she has quite a bit of control of her neck and head for a small baby anyway. Advice much appreciated!!

I think when your book says 'don't even think of using a backpack type carrier' for such a young baby they mean this kind of thing www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/productdisplayA_83_10751_-1_14564_105811_10001_14564 rather than a bjorn.

I am pretty sure that your daughter would be above the minimum recommended weight limit for the Bjorn according to their manufacturers guidelines, so she should be fine in it.

As Loopymumsy says, there are comfier carriers in existence for both baby and parent than the Bjorn. However, millions of people seem to have carried their children in Bjorn and Bjorn-style carriers without them coming to any harm. I would carry on as you are since she is so happy to be carried, but as she grows and gets heavier you may well find you'd prefer something more comfy for you both....check out local sling meets and sling libraries for some ideas (www.slingmeet.co.uk for details)

As far as I recall the minimum weight for a baby is eight pounds. There's an extra support strap at the front for newborns with no head control.

I used one for dd for same type of reasons. I never got to stage where she faced out as I switched to a ergo sling that only stopped using when she turned 3.

Their other name in baby wearing circles is "crotch dangler". There is a school of thought that they are bad for the hip development of the baby due to the dangling from the crotch and that they may affect development of the spine as all the baby's weight is concentrated on the base of the spine see here for an article: www.continuum-concept.org/reading/spinalStress.html There are also very uncomfortable for the wearer as the baby gets heavier due to the stress they place on the spine. You'd be better looking at other types of sling such as a wrap sling IMO

Another vote for the ergo.you can get infant insert. I used moby stretchy wrap when ds was newborn.was great for breastfeeding while doing other stuff but I got hot in it. Ergo been much better and comfy on my back too.

Thanks so much for all your advice. Will check out Ergo and Moby; it says here that "Sleepy" is the Mumsnet choice; is there much difference between them?

I disagree with the Ergo choice - I think the infant insert is a poor design, although I do think it works well as a carrier for 5 months +. I much prefer the Manduca, as a) The integral infant insert is much better than the Ergo one, and b) You can cross the straps across your back in a front carry much more easily, as the dual ended buckles can be fastened at the sides.

Different shaped carriers work for different people though - I run a sling library and have several buckle carriers and some people love what someone else doesn't get along with at all.

Sleepy Wrap have been rebranded Boba Wrap. Very similar idea to a Moby, and a bit less hot.

You can also try a Beko, which is similar to Ergo but with prettier fabrics! (and minus the hood)

Pootlebug where's your sling library? I really wanted to try lots of carriers/slings on but couldn't find any sling meets in my area (surrey).I do like my ergo but never heard of or tried manduka. OP..I forgot to say you probably need to decide if u want a buckle or tie carrier.advantages to tie stretchy wrap is fits any size but long fabric can dangle on floor and get wet if u put it on outside. Definately go to a sling meet if ypu can and try lots as v personal choice. Net mums often has second hand ones