Baby Carriers - Baby Bjorn Range, Original, Active, Synergy, Air???

squashy

If you are keen on something a bit more "mainstream" looking but are looking for maximum comfort then would you consider something like a Connecta? It is based on a mei tai design but has buckles instead of ties. There is a difference in the way baby is seated as with a Baby Bjorn the baby is pretty much dangling by their crotch with the legs straight down, whereas the traditional carriers have a much wider seat allowing the knees to come up to bum height and so taking the strain from baby's back. Also because baby is almost locked into you and being held much closer, this helps weight distribution for you and makes it a much comfier ride if you have baby on for any length of time.

Just my opinion but I know it is shared by many :T and I have to say I have tried the Baby Bjorn and other "high street" carriers and there is no contest for me, I have a Connecta, Babyhawk (mei tai) and a selection of wraps which are all wonderful and comfy, so much that I hardly use the buggy these days with my 22month old!

Js_Other_Half

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=97181&highlight=sling

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=570084&highlight=sling

The one we use is http://www.babycarrier.org.uk/the-pikkolo-baby-carrier/ - it's got memory foam in the shoulder straps.

bugsaboo

I had a baby bjorn with DS and a tomy carrier. could only carry him in it until he was about 3 months, and the straps really hurt my shoulders.
for DD i bought a kari-me on the recommendation of a friend and she lived in it until she was one. I still sometimes carry her in it if it's a long walk (she's 3) and also used it with DS until he was 3.
IMO, no contest between a baby bjorn and a kari-me (or the other similar). The cloth slings are flexible with different ways of carrying depending on the age of the baby, washable, and not too expensive. I know the other types can look better - but believe me thin shoulder straps and a child that weighs a stone or more is not a good cobination!

starbump

p1tse wrote: »

starbump, thanks. which do you prefer out of your two?

I prefer the padded one - I think it's comfier for both of you. The mesh ones look more attractive but they are less easy to use when you're in a hurry.

As for the other comments, I agree it is more MSE to get a wrap or a ring sling because they would last longer. However, it depends on how long you plan on carrying your baby (and their size/weight). You do need to adjust the various straps on the Baby Bjorn to ensure a comfy fit but, so long as no one else uses it, you only need to re-adjust it as your baby grows. You can machine wash it but I'd recommend line-drying it. (I unintentionally tumble dried my padded one once and the "Baby Bjorn" lettering at the front partially peeled off! The rest of it was fine though.)

Somnium

Wow guys you have really opened my eyes, was all set to buy the Baby Bjorn Active but may consider purchasing the Mei tie and Kari me now. I noticed there are several different Mei Tie's though, any recommendations? And would you recommend second hand? I noticed Ebay has a reasonable selection at good prices.

bugsaboo

someone I know has second hand ergo baby (like a mei tai) and she loves it. But didn't use it til the baby was a bit older. They used a kari-me style sling for the first few months.
I also know someone else who walks a few miles every day with 4 yo DS in her ergo baby on her back!

code-a-holic

I love my original baby bjorn! For a newborn its been the best for me. I bought one with my first baby and used through to my 4th. But i have only used for the first months as i have a back problem anyway.
I tried some slings for my 4th but im struggling with it as my baby dosnt feel safe to me. She is 10 weeks now. I tried a friends one and was the same and she said she felt the same until baby was holding her own head.
SO could be worth buying a secondhand baby bjorn for the first few months if you dont know of any you could borrow.

shirlgirl2004

Somnium wrote: »

Wow guys you have really opened my eyes, was all set to buy the Baby Bjorn Active but may consider purchasing the Mei tie and Kari me now. I noticed there are several different Mei Tie's though, any recommendations? And would you recommend second hand? I noticed Ebay has a reasonable selection at good prices.

Babyhawk is a popular make but there are loads of others. Please be careful when buying from Ebay. Some are made by work at home mums who MAY not have enough knowledge to make the Mei Tai safe. It needs to be really secure to ensure that it will hold your most precious bundle. I recommend the Yahoo group ukbabywearingswap as a place for cheap slings. Some are barely used as people buy them like some women buy handbags!

If you have time you could try www.slingmeet.co.uk and find a group in your area. They have groups that meet up so you can try before you buy (there are not people trying to sell there). It gives you a chance to see them in the flesh and also meet other people that have experience of using lots of different slings. Some groups also hae sling libraries so you can borrow them too.

If you want to buy one sling though a Mei Tai will last from birth to 3 or 4 years. I can carry my 2 year old for several hours in a Mei Tai and I'm only 5ft 2 so not exactly a giant.

starbump

Somnium wrote: »

Wow guys you have really opened my eyes, was all set to buy the Baby Bjorn Active but may consider purchasing the Mei tie and Kari me now. I noticed there are several different Mei Tie's though, any recommendations?

If you are considering several different slings, then it might be very useful to see them demonstrated by real people. You may also be able to borrow a sling (from a lending library) to test before buying your own.

NBirdy wrote: »

There may be a babywearing meeting in your area where you can try on lots of different styles and makes before making a decision, which I'd strongly advise.

This is what NBirdy was referring to: http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/

At least, I assume so - hope she doesn't mind!

starbump

Darn - posted too slow about the sling meets! lol

code-a-holic wrote: »

I tried some slings for my 4th but im struggling with it as my baby dosnt feel safe to me. She is 10 weeks now. I tried a friends one and was the same and she said she felt the same until baby was holding her own head.

I too had this feeling after I had my second baby. I was convinced I was holding him wrong, despite having no problems carrying my eldest. I went to a sling meet and some very nice ladies checked the way I was using my sling and assured me I was doing everything correctly. I don't know why but I just felt odd for a few weeks. I suppose I'd grown so used to carrying my eldest, I'd nearly forgotten what it was like to carry a tiny baby again...