Carriers - baby bjorn in particular

[El1en]

Hi girls

I never had to do any research into carriers as I was offered a second hand baby bjorn for free so obviously took that and was happy with it. Baby is 4 months now and I've been starting to turn her facing outwards. We are going on a little break to Scotland next week so I've been looking at getting a cover for it as in sure it will rain at some point... Anyway, when looking at the covers I started reading up and have read that actually these carriers are bad for baby, is this true?

And is it true that babies should NEVER face outwards of any carrier?

Currently she's not in it regularly, maybe for 30 mins to 1 hour twice or three times a week. I've just got myself all worked up that she shouldn't be in it but then I can't grasp it as as far as I knew this was the most popular type of carrier and used by lots of people.

When we go to Scotland she will probably be in it for a few walks, maybe 4 hours a day across 2 days.

I'd really like her to face outwards at some points as currently when facing inwards she tries to turn her head back over to see what's going on.

Are there any carriers anyone can recommend that can be faced outwards?

Sorry for the rambling. As I said I've just got myself worked up and don't want to do anything that might be harmful for her

 

[Karenb]

Aw my LO is 2 and half months and faced outwards in her baby bjorn yday!! Interested to see what people think!! My LO likes to see what's going on too, not keen on facing in (don't blame her!) cx

 

[CARNAT22]

I have the BB, it was gifted to me. I use it occasionally (maybe once a week for half hour or so)

However it's not ergonomically good for babies and shouldn't be used if you are full time baby wearing. Basically the 'gusset' strap is far too thin so babies legs aren't positioned properly. There is a very easy trick you can do with a scarf [YouTube it] and this corrects the positioning.

I have no idea about facing outwards I'm afraid.

X

 

[buttonbear]

Yeah they're really bad for baby's hips they're not ergonomical and don't let babies sit in the frog position but more dangling by the crotch. Also forward facing pushes their spine the wrong and uncomfortable way so 4 hours like that wont be comfy for them at all. There is the scarf hack google it to make it comfy and safer for them in these type of carriers.

 

[El1en]

Thanks a lot button that's helpful. I think I'll look online for a safer carrier. She's not in it loads but I do worry

 

[buttonbear]

You can pick up carriers fairly cheap especially like wraps or ring slings etc even a tula or connects is only £60 brand new. But maybe look at some of the babywearing groups on facebook they all sell on their and great prices and have lots of information etc. Or try looking into your local sling library as you can try lots out see what suits you and baby

When carrying you also want to follow the TICKS guideline as well.

 

[buttonbear]

Forgot to attach pic lol

 

[El1en]

Thank you again. I'm going to see if my local slohg library is on before we go away and I can maybe use one on that trip and see how we get on with it

 

[buttonbear]

Glad to help my love

 

[Maud]

Is yours an old carrier? The newer ones tend to have been designed much better . Certainly our Babybjorn WE supports our 17 month old really well with no dangling, although it doesn't have a face forward option - I think the One is the 4-way version. I did love my Moby wrap when she was younger though.

 

[JJ Mum]

I loved my baby bjorn but had no idea it wasn't recomended! I sooooo loved the weather cover its amazing
I then brought a connecta baby size and used for my last son till 19 mths and i was pregnant. It doesnt face out but does back carry but i never felt brave enougth!

Connecta have buckles like the bjorn so yourll adjust to it easily. Its thinner than bjorn so folds up small to go in change bag !
I brought a fleece/rain coat combo on ebay to allow me to wear baby in bad weather.

Will be trying it soon with the newborn strap soon for my little one, but need to see if hes big enougth as 5.5 lb

 

[TTT]

We've got the cot 2 tot and the nct caboo. I prefer the cot 2 tot as its more comfortable but its stretchy jersey fabric and makes me sweat in warm weather and baby is wet with my sweat! The cot 2 tot says they shouldn't face outward until they're six months old if I remember right and then it should only be for half an hour. The instructions are really good with that one and they only cost about £20.