Baby Bjorn or something else?

[Stokey]

Someone has given me a baby Bjorn sling. Should i just use this or buy a different one? the Moby seems to do pretty well on here. First baby due in Nov

I am not a Baby Bjorn fan - babies always seem crumpled in the bottom. I would (if you can afford it) go for either a moby or kari me, when they are tiny you can lie you baby across you and they are all snug up against you. My DD is now 1 and we still use the kari me all the time.

How would you prefer to be carried, in a parachute harness or hammock? Baby Bjorn type carriers are not very good for babies back or yours. Get a nice ring sling, much more comfortable and healthy for both of you, and you can use them for years, not just a few weeks!

In addition to the issues with the spine mentioned above, there are also concerns about how carriers such as the Baby Bjorn could impact on the hip development of a young child (see here). I also found them really uncomfortable for the adult (I think my shoulders coped for 10 minutes!)

Can you get to a Slingmeet? Depending on personal preference, newborns might get carried in a pouch, ring sling, stretchy wrap (such as a Moby), a Mei Tai or a Soft Structured Carrier (although they can be more difficult to get a newborn comfy in). A slingmeet would give you the chance to give the different carriers a prod and a poke to see which ones appeal to you.