[epg]

Most of the reviews here seem to lean far more towards the ergo/ manduca type baby carriers, but I'm having a hard time convincing DP to follow this advice?
Today we were out and noticed that there are loads of men using baby bjorns, and loads of women with other types of carriers. One couple in particular swapped the carrier when they switched who was carrying the baby - the husband used the baby bjorn, then the wife switched to a sling. Baby looked pretty happy all the time (only made a fuss when put in the car seatcapsule while the switch over was being performed.)
Are there other couples out there who have splurged on getting one of each type of carrier?
Is there some anatomical difference that makes different carriers different for different sexes?
And do any of you Manduca / Ergo wearing mothers find that your male partners prefer the baby bjorn?

[mumtoactivetoddl...]

I don't know if it helps but both DH and I loved the baby bjorn active.

[Le-a]

We were gifted a baby bjorn but I bough a Manduca when DS was about six months old

I liked the baby bjorn until DS started putting on more weight and then I found it killed my neck/shoulders to wear him in it even for only 15 mins (ie quick trip to shops).

The Manduca kinda distributes the weight more to your hips, IMO. I found it much more comfortable. And because I could put him on my back in the MD It was more practical as my arms were completely free to do stuff.

DH liked to use both, but he was more likely to wear DS outward facing in the bb than I was, but that is because I never liked to wear him outward facing at all. I don't think he really had a preference- he just did what I was doing!

[bakesgirls]

We have a Baby Bjorn. We both preferred it over the other types of slings, even though we tried others out.

[RunawayPrincess]

I guess guys might be more able to live through the discomfort and pain that the bjorn puts the wearer through? Though DF and I both agree that the bjorn is rubbish and will be splurging on a ergo next time.

[AvadaKedavra]

Baby Bjorns are the cheapest carrier, so many many people buy them. And then only the men can wear them because they are so uncomfortable. Note that they are also utterly rubbish for babies hips. I think that women wear 'other' carriers because the only women willing to carry an older baby in a carrier are those in possession of a comfortable carrier. Everyone else puts the baby in a pram. Whereas if they already possess a Baby Bjorn, then the bloke will use it.

A carrier is not a fashion statement. It doesn't matter how it looks, if its not comfortable. And if it puts you baby at much greater risk of long term hip problems. Buy something where the baby sits in it with the hips flexed to 90 degrees, not a baby bjorn where they dangle off their crotch. Its really bad for them, and that alone should convince your DH to stay away from baby bjorns.

[HurryUpAlready]

I don't find my Baby Bjorn carrier to be uncomfortable at all. I think the model is "Synergy", which has the extra back support, taking a lot of the weight off of your shoulders.

My DD is 9 months and around 9 kg and I still use it - mainly when doing the grocery shopping. I love it!

I have only ever faced her outwards in the carrier (started using it at 16 weeks). She is too curious to face my chest, she wants to see the world! Also, being a breast fed baby, having her face stuck in my boobs means she just wanted a feed. So a carrier that doesn't allow for outward facing wouldn't have worked for us.

efs

This post has been edited by HurryUpAlready: 12/11/2012, 12:21 AM

[axiomae]

DH loves the hugabub in black - looks great. Baby Bjorns really are awful. I'm too short waisted for the hugabub so I wear the Ergo Sport - super comfortable and I could wear DD for hours! So much better for baby that being in one of those crotch-danglers.

[ubermum]

I agree with MrsN on this. You see babybjorns because they are cheap and have great marketing strategies in place. Get an Ergo for a structured carrier or a wrap (eg. hug a bub, sleepy wrap) for a non structured carrier.

[Le-a]

I don't find my Baby Bjorn carrier to be uncomfortable at all. I think the model is "Synergy", which has the extra back support, taking a lot of the weight off of your shoulders.

My DD is 9 months and around 9 kg and I still use it - mainly when doing the grocery shopping. I love it!

I have only ever faced her outwards in the carrier (started using it at 16 weeks). She is too curious to face my chest, she wants to see the world! Also, being a breast fed baby, having her face stuck in my boobs means she just wanted a feed. So a carrier that doesn't allow for outward facing wouldn't have worked for us.

efs

My bold.

Interesting. DS was also breastfed and this was not our experience. Each to their own, but I hated wearing DS outward facing, he got totally overstimulated and I felt like he needed the security of being able to see the person who was carrying him.

Also wanted to add that my mum also rated the Manduca over the BB. She would jump at the chance to wear dS if we went anywhere but would get sore shoulders with the BB.