Hello, The pediatrician mentioned that my 3 1/2 month old baby is developing a slightly flat head in the back. She suggested that when he's awake to try to avoid having him lay flat on his back. For example, when we're at the mall, etc. put him in the Bjorn rather than in his car seat attached to the stroller. The problem is, I find the Baby Bjorn to be very uncomfortable after a short time. I've had neck/upper back problems in the past. The Baby Bjorn aggravates these areas. Am I wearing it incorrectly...too high, possibly? I've experimented with different positions, but nothing seems to help. It's such a popular, well-liked product and expensive, in my opinion, but maybe it's just not for me. Any suggestions? Thanks.
You're right it is a very well-liked product and it IS very expensive, but it's NOT for everyone. You might want to look in to the ergo baby carrier. A friend of mine had similar problems as you described and she liked the ergo better. How about some more tummy time? Can your baby hold its head up? My son slept on his belly from 1 week old and has never had an issue with a flat head and is still alive and well!
You can try a Mei Tai style carrier which also holds the baby upright like a Bjorn but for me at least was more comfortable. The straps on the Bjorn seemed to cut into my shoulders. I'm petite and found the Mei Tai which you wrap yourself to be easier to custmize to my body type for a comfortable fit.
I bought a ring sling off the internet and I LOVE it!! It takes all the weight off the baby and evenly distributes it to your shoulder. I couldn't wear one of those back/front pack baby carriers it hurt my back/neck to much. With this sling I can carry my baby through toddler hood for HOURS and not be in pain. We went to Disney Land with a 3 year old and a 2 year old and I carried the kiddos when they would get tired.
You can nurse in them, have the baby sit on your hip or put the baby on your back.
Well worth the money and will last you for YEARS!!
Hello Julie,
I've had the Baby Bjorn(the one did not have the back support) and I also experienced the neck and back pain. I experienced more pain as my son got heavier.
Friend of mine recommended the carrier called Ergo, which saved my life. You may find a used one at the consignment store. I still use my Ergo all the times and my son is 14 month old.
Good luck!
There are many other carriers you can try: wraps, slings, etc. You can go to a baby store like Waddle N Swaddle, The Nurture Center, or The Tulip Grove, and try on various carriers to see what works for you. Good luck!
Try to ask at a babywearing group. They helped me a lot when I wanted to wear my baby. I was in the bay area (san francisco) so I went to the bay area babywearing meeting and suscribed to the googlpe group but you can check http://www.thebabywearer.com/
I personally like the maya wrap for a baby that age. My baby used to fall asleep in the maya wrap and I was able to go shopping or do stuff at the house.
maya wrap: http://www.mayawrap.com/
Hi Julie, I found that there is a secret to making the Baby Bjorn more comfortable. Make sure to push the X-shaped clip in the back as far down as you possibly can, and it ends up distributing the weight very differently. Good luck finding a solution that works for you. I loved the time when my little girl was small enough to carry in a front carrier. It was such a great way to stay close when I went out for walks or ran errands.
Good luck!
You may want to try getting the one with the back support. I know it's expensive but well worth it. I lived in mind for months! I was the only way I could have two free hands. You can always resell it on craigs list!
Jill
three words -- ergo baby carrier. it's fantastuc for baby and you back.
We really liked the Bjorn and then got the Ergo after hearing people rave about it. Unfortunately, it's about $100, but you can use it for a long time; on your back when they get bigger. My husband has back problems and can wear our 7 month old (17 lbs) in the Ergo for hours without any complaints.
The Ergo carrier is amazing. It puts the weight on your hips instead of your back. Go to a baby store with many different type of packs and ask if you can try them on. If you live near Petaluma Baby Warehouse is normally pretty good about this.
Try the ergo. It's a snugger, better designed fit. I would also just try any other carrier you can find, there's sure to be one out there that fits well.
I had the exact pain with the Bjorn. We got the Ergo baby carrier and I didn't have any pain with that one at all. It's really comfortable, and you can use it as a backpack too. The only problem is that it's a little expensive at about $100. But you do use it a long time. Sometimes my husband still uses it with our 22 month old. I'd definitely add it to a must have list.
If you want to try a different carrier, the Ergo carrier is supposed to be much more comfortable. I've only had the Ergo and I use it all the time (my daughter is 17 months). It goes up to 40 lb. My sister had a Bjorn and bought an Ergo and said the Ergo is so much better.
At potterybarn kids they have a head boppy that I used with both of my kids. (I have a 3 yr old and a 9 month old). It is a a small round pillow attached to a piece of material, you lay their heads on while they are on their backs playing, in a stroller etc. It is almost like an insert you put in a car seat. I Love them and a good majority of my girlfriends use them too. They are made to help stop head flattening. Look into it, I think you will find you will end up buying it. Do not use it in the car seat if you will be driving. It is also on the boppy website. Oh and try the mobby instead of the baby bijorn, it is more comfortable.
Julie,
try an ergo. Much better for the baby's structure and for yours! Will work with an infant insert if your baby is small and will last for a looong time. I can't remember where ours came from but I'm sure a google search will turn up a few good choices. Good luck!
L
I hated that carrier also! Try the Ergo baby carrier. It is very pricey but worth every penny! You can use it from birth to 4 year old. I use mine for both my kids. I have a 3 year old and a 20 month old and can switch from one to the other with not much adjusting. I just love it! My younger child is very clingy and I can do everything with him on my back. I cook, clean, dance with my older daughter all while wearing my son. You can use the Ergo as a back carrier, a front carrier, or a side carrier. And when you change back and forth it is really easy and fast to adjust. I give it 10 stars!
You might want to try a Snuggle Wrap (full disclosure, my friend designed it). A mom at a party this weekend had her 4 month old in it all day--she slept in it, was awake in it, and generally happy, as was the mom.
You could also purchase a Bumbo seat that he could sit in securely while you play / supervise him. My little girl really preferred that at around 3 / 4 months of age; she had acid reflux so being upright was much easier on her system.
I noticed you can buy a number of them used off of Craigslist and save some $$$.