I regret using a Bjorn - what should I get to replace it?

Hello,
I'm new to this board & wish I would've found it sooner!! I've been reading posts & trying to keep track of all the different types of carriers, but now I'm just confused. I'd appreciate any advice!

I have a 4-mos-old. I have two carriers, a Baby Bjorn & an Ultimate Baby Wrap. Both have been okay, but I'd like something more comfy for both of us. The Ultimate Baby Wrap was okay early on & my DS likes the Bjorn, but it's now really heavy & my back hurts! And I'm kind of regretting using the Bjorn because of concerns about it being bad for the spine :(

I'd love some advice on what to try next. I liked the look of a sutemi, so I tried one on at a store, but it just didn't fit either of us very well. It felt really big. I'm pretty sure it was the right size, so maybe I didn't do it right. The KKAFP seems like a good option, but we both get very hot with the Bjorn & fleece would probably be worse. Asian baby carriers are also intriguing.

Something easy on the back & good for a (big) 4-mos-old would be great. I'd love any suggestions!
Thanks,
Grace

[betsydenny]

Try the Ergo. I just got one for my 5mo old and 16+ lb DS and it has been great. I was using hte KKAFP till recently but he didn't want to be so restricted and I wanted to carry him on my back while chasing DD who is 2. He is just big enough for the back carry so you might have to wait a little longer but you can also use the ergo on the front like the bjorn.
The ergo has lots more support than the bjorn as it has a waist belt and better straps- more like a backpack style.

I do love my KKAFP and hotsling for hip carry- easy on and off- but the Ergo is great for longer periods. Do check out hotslings if you are worried about hte KKAFP being hot (which it does get when inside or in warmer weather)

Good luck!
Betsy

I tried an Ergo and it didn't really work for me; the waist belt is very wide and stiff and my torso isn't long enough - it jammed me in the ribs (maybe if I lost a little more pg weight from my ample hips it would be better :-)) but most of the Ergo owners really like it; it's easy to use and if you are used to the Bjorn's styling it's nice. (I also had a lot of trouble getting DS on my back, he did not like it, whereas he never complains about getting on my back in the ABC -- your DS isn't old enough for back carry yet but soon enough!)

Anyway, I got an ABC from doodlebugboutique and I love it. I bought from her primarily because she was able to get it to me before the holidays and I liked the price (since increased a little) but I am very happy with the quality. I can easily use it on both back and front and DS loves it. At 4 months he would have been fine in the front carry, the back of it goes up high enough, I think.

There are lots of great ABC's out there, cute and functional. There are lots of posts with links if you search.

That said, if I was starting again I would probably get a KKAFP for the cooler temps and a hostlings for the warmer temps. If I had started soon enough I could managed DS in a kangaroo or other carry and now I would use for a hip carry. May still invest in hostlings for summer if I can get caught up after my brand new cloth diaper obsession.

Marilee
mommy to James
http://lilypie.com/baby1/050120/1/0/1/-5/.png

[lenad]

I have a 4-mo old too, and have been dabbling in slings since my DD hates Bjorn-type carriers. I currently use a woven wrap, which is phenomenally comfortable, and a Kozy, a kind of Asian Baby Carrer ("ABC", or Mei Tai), which is also very comfy (though not quite as comfy as the wrap). My DD prefers the Kozy to anything else (I guess other kids like them as well, there is a 1-2mo wait to get one).

I suggest going to http://www.thebabywearer.com. You can find a ton of info there on everything you can imagine, and great help from other sling users if you have questions.

Some cities have sling workshops, which I couldn't recommend more. There you can try out many different types of carriers, so you can see what both you and your DS like. (thebabywearer.com also has that info). A note of caution: I got 4 new carriers after going to one of those (I already had a stretchy wrap), LOL. One is a pouch my DD never liked but I hope she'll get used to since it's really convenient, and another (a hip carrier) I haven't received yet. My stretchy wrap stretches a bit too much now so I don't use it anymore.

HTH

LD

Thank you all so much. I will look into the ones you've suggested & also look into a workshop. Great ideas. It's much appreciated!
Grace