Baby bjorn carriers

9 replies

iliketeaalot · 04/10/2015 19:16

I bought a baby bjorn carrier for ds a few years ago but didn't use it much as once he reached about 3 months, he was too heavy in it and I got the same pain in my hips that I did towards the end of my pregnancy. I'm now pregnant with dc2 and am naively hoping that I might get a bit more use out of it this time around. However, I've heard that this carrier can cause hip problems in the baby - does anyone know if is there any truth to this or if it's just rumours?

OP posts:

futureme · 04/10/2015 19:20

Yup it can cause hip problems in babies and also isn't v comfortable past a few months as you found!

You need a carrier that will carry them in a more "froggy" like position. I really liked a wrap when they were small and an ergo after a few months. An ergo feels a bit like a babybjorn but has better placing for the legs, and is comfortable to wear up to several years!

Also - never "wear" a baby facing outwards.... all good slings have them facing in....

techgirl · 04/10/2015 19:29

There is no quality research showing any correlation between carrier use of any kind and hip or other problems; there are theoretical links between carrying babies with knees lower than hips and hip dysplasia risk but no definite proof. I carted both mine round in a baby Bjorn for months until they got too heavy. I'm a health librarian and can supply links if wished.

WaitroseEssentialPancetta · 04/10/2015 19:31

Futureme what about the ergo 360 forward facing?

Original poster

iliketeaalot · 04/10/2015 19:58

Techgirl, please could you post links? Or pm if easier. You know how easy it is to stress out over things like this! I also like the idea of one of those wrap type ones. Didn't have to bother with ds as I walked everywhere and could use my pram (or drove!) - we've since moved and I use the tram a lot now as no longer have a car. Problem is I can't get my pram on the trams so will definitely need a sling I can trust (or a new pram!).

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Joskar · 04/10/2015 20:12

Don't stress. It doesn't do damage but it is very uncomfortable for the bairn and eventually you. Outward facing is an absolute no though. The bb puts lots of pressure on the child's pelvis. It's a very poor design. For buckles Tula or Ergo is better

Is there a local sling library? They'll sort you out/get you addicted. I have:

A Sa-Be - stretchy wrap, v comfortable and easy to use for a newborn
A ring sling - quick to put on but not for long carries
A woven wrap - very comfortable, suitable for heavier kids, still in use with my sturdy 2 year old, very beautiful, a bit pricey. Didymos or Lenny Lamb are good brands that are relatively affordable. Loads out there though.
An ergo- buckles that should be a fast option but haven't tried it yet

Only the woven was new. They really hold their value. Everything else is pretty cheap on eBay/Gumtree

There's a whole lovely sling world awaiting you! Look at Wrap Me in Love for carries.

LucozadeBreath · 04/10/2015 20:16

I used a stretchy wrap with DD when she was newborn until about 4 months...now she's approaching 6 months and is a bit too wiggly for it (except when she's feeling extra cuddly!) - I've just invested in a Mei Tai, and am getting on great with it it's structured enough to feel sturdy, but still like a sling at the same time. DH used to use a baby bjorn with her, but we have also found its a bit crap as babies get bigger!

Original poster

iliketeaalot · 04/10/2015 20:33

Silly question, but if you go to a sling library, do you have to wait till you've actually had the baby so you have an idea of the weight and wigglyness of the little person you'll be carrying...?

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WaitroseEssentialPancetta · 04/10/2015 21:26

At the ones I've been to they have little fake babies that are the right weight. They don't wiggle though.

Madratlady · 04/10/2015 23:11

They don't cause hip problems. They can be harmful IF baby already has hip problems because they don't keep the legs in a spread 'M' shape which is better for them.

There are much more comfortable carriers which will last you much longer though. Definitely worth getting to a sling library if you can. I help out at my local sling meet and they have weighted dolls for demonstrating the slings without an actual baby.

I found my connecta carrier fantastic from about 8 weeks, they are so easy to use, very affordable especially if you get a used one and come in lots of gorgeous designs which is a bonus. I only stopped carrying my DS at 18 months when I got the pushchair out due to me being heavily pregnant and him starting to walk. I switched to a toddler size carrier when he was just over 1 as he's quite tall but even now with a big baby bump I can comfortably carry for a while and he's a big 20 month old.

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