Baby Carriers/Do they really kill your back?

[Anonymous]

I tried the Peanut Sling and my kid absolutely hated it! From online reviews of non-sling carriers such at the Bjorn, I've gathered that they're all really hard on the parents' backs. Is that accurate? The little guy is 13lbs and change and I could use a handsfree carrier.

[Anonymous]

I loved the bjorn, for shopping, running errands, hiking, etc. But for doing things around the house - as many folks tout it can be used for- I found it unbearable!

[Anonymous]

I'm 5'3 130 something pounds and very top heavy I carry a squirming 22 pound baby in both an Ergo and a handmade ringsling without any problems. Her mom has a similar build but can't carry her for more than 30 mins. She finds the Ergo much easier to wear while I prefer the sling. I think it all depends on the person. If you see someone wearing a sling ask if you can try it out. AP mothers are usually very friendly and would love to spend hours talking your ear off about carriers. I also saw the brand Hotslings at Target recently so maybe you can try that one out in the store. I purchased my Ergo online and the ring sling is just 2 1/2 yards of fabric and a ring purchased from www.ringsling.com

[Anonymous]

I stopped using my bjorn for that reason. The ergo is much better on the back since the weight is distributed differently. I also use my hotsling in the hip carry position for my 15 lb 9 month old. Definitely try whatever you are considering before buying!

[Anonymous]

The Bjorn was hard on my back. I have since heard it really matters how you have the back straps adjusted -- the cross should be lower than most women wear it, I think.

We switched to a Moby wrap, which didn't bother my back at all. Loved it.

Then we started using a pouch sling (similar to those at hotslings.com) -- where baby was sitting on my hip. Those didn't bother my back either (better than the Moby), but I wouldn't do a long walk in one. Perfect for in and out of stores on errands or over to a neighbor's house or something.

[Anonymous]

I also second the Ergo, we just got one and my DD is 20 lbs and I carry her without any trouble whatsoever

[Anonymous]

I use a Beco and love it. It distributes the baby's weight onto your hips and waist, not just your shoulders.

I also use a pouch sling and ring sling, but the Beco is best for longer periods of carrying.

[Anonymous]

We also switched to the ergo once the baby got too heavy for the bjorn. It is wonderful!

[Anonymous]

Bjorn felt like being 9 months pregnant with a 15 lb baby. My observation is that it worked better for my longer waisted friends.

[Anonymous]

Bjorn = great marketing, terrible product. It killed my back and my husband's back! I loved our Hotslings baby sling (although it sounds like you don't like slings). More recently, I got the Ergo and I love it. Front carry and side carry are easy. Back carry takes a little practice, but is a godsend!

[Anonymous]

I have a hot sling which I love and used for both of my kids. I just got a Beco and I love it!! It does not hurt the back at all and is very easy to put the baby in. I use it for both my 5 month old as well as my 30 month old. My DH also uses it and really likes it as well.

[Anonymous]

I'm using a Moby Wrap for my third and LOVE it. Had the Bjorn for my firstborn, and I thought my spine would snap. The Moby distributes the weight so well, and the baby feels so snug and secure in it.

[Meconbear]

If you do go with the BJorn, the key is to get the "Sport" one that has extra back support. The regular one, as PPs have said, sucks.

[Anonymous]

I also started with a bjorn-like carrier (a snugli), and switched to the ERGO. While the Ergo is MUCH easier on the back than the snugli, you're still carrying an extra 20 or 25 or howevermany pounds around. Weight distribution matters, of course, but the sheer weight of the child is also a factor.

Oh, and before you spend almost $100 on an ergo: they say that you can start using it when the baby is about four months old. For my baby, she was closer to six months before she was comfortable with her legs in the required position. This means that I went two months without a carrier, from the time she got too heavy for the snugli, til she was big enough for the ergo.

[Anonymous]

I used my bjorn until my ds was 18 months old. My ds didn't like riding in a stroller much, and eventually I had to pick him up and carry him. Bjorn was so much easier on my back than carrying him in my arms. I've never tried a sling before, so I can't say whether it's better or worse than a sling.