Before my babywearing education...
After my babywearing education....
I see these types of carriers ALL THE TIME...I actually started wearing Kaelin in a Snugli because I didn't know there were any other options! I did have some qualms about how she was carried in the Snugli, though. It just didn't look like it was a comfortable ride with her legs dangling underneath each other. But, I put it out of my mind because she was only 6-7 pounds for the longest time.
When I learned about other kinds of babywearing, I got an Ergo Baby Carrier. I saw what a difference it made in her positioning...she no longer had all the weight distributed to her crotch area in an Ergo. She was sitting on her bum with her legs spread around me...which is actually a very NATURAL position to carry a baby in! It made so much sense to me. As adults we sit on our bums!
Snuglis and Bjorns also really aren't very supportive for the babywearer. They do not have supportive straps or distribute much of the weight to the wearer's waist like a Soft Structured Carrier or Mei Tai does.
If you want to read some more information about what kinds of spinal problems a Bjorn or Snugli type carrier can cause for a baby, read this article.
14 comments:
wow! I never knew those things!
Well, I always assumed they were bad, but I never KNEW they were...but they sure weren't comfy for me or Tate!!! I'm SO happy I've gotten better baby carriers since! :)
wow... i didn't know about bjorns. i did noticde neither one of my kids likes it.
does this ergo baby carrier carries the babies in the front? if not, do you have any suggestions to one?
I am so glad I did my research before Ladybug was born! I'm getting a mei tai soon! I'm so excited to try a new carrier!
i can't wait til i have kids- i'll be so educated!!
I can't wait for Baby #3 so that I can try one of these. (ok, I am not even trying to be pregnant yet, but someday...)
A soft structured carrier (like an ergo) can carry a baby in the front facing in and on your back. A SSC can usually carry up to 35-40lbs of weight. The weight is distributed between your shoulders and your hips, so you're not feeling pressure in one place.
I never knew other carriers caused any kinds of problems, I just started out wearing a hip hamock with my oldest because he was always pretty heavy and liked to be held still when he was border line too heavy to be held and it worked great for us. Now I have an original ring sling for my little one who probably wouldn't let me get anything done without one. Great info!
Amber, I'm so glad you posted about this. I have a friend who uses her Snugli all the time instead of the sling I made her. I wonder why but never have had the guts to ask her. I wish she would read this...I might have to post it on my blog or link to your post on it.
She did buy an Ergo, though, so maybe she's coming around :)
Great info, thanks again!
Link me, Wendy!
Thanks for posting the link to that article - it was exactly what I was looking for!
So glad I read this post! I had purchased an Infantino carrier at Target. Just yesterday I saw that they have an ergo carrier now...I'm going to go exchange it!
~Kim
I feel bad that I used the baby bjorn with my son. Thank goodness it was only a short time and only to walk to the mailbox or around the house. Thanks for the information. Many first time moms don't know this.
The hip problems attributed to the baby bjorn are a myth. The article you posted was written in the 90s and many changes to carriers have been made since then. Please find accurate scientific information before writing articles that make mothers feel guilty or like bad parents for selecting a bjorn for a carrier. I have used one with my daughter because it allows her to face out which many of the other carriers do not (she screams if she is facing on) she loves it. I am only frustrated with it now she is getting larger and it puts pressure on my shoulders.
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