Baby Slings or Baby Bjorn?

Ask:
What do you think about these? I ask because I've never had personal experience with one nor do I know anyone who uses one.

I've always just seen the infants in carseats. We have one of the car seats that snap into the stroller and I've only been around people who use the infant car seat. You just pop it out of the base in the car and into the stroller or shopping cart.

I know they are heavy but when you get in a store they go on the shopping cart so you don't have to hold them. But you are holding them the entire time if they are in a sling. But I guess it wouldn't be so bad when they are tiny, but wouldn't they get heavy?

Anyway I'm just confused and looking for advice.

I guess I should post this in the baby and toddler forum too.
Answer:

I had the over the shoulder baby holder sling when my last one was very little. I have seen people use these into toddler hood. It changes into something to hold them on your side. I have heard that the baby bjorn type of holder separates their legs and hip bones and is not good for them (although I don't know this to be true). Those slings were recommended by several people to me. The web address is . They are a little pricey though! Hope this helps.

Jennifer Pinney
Answer:

I have both and love them! Each have great things about them, they really have been a lifesaver with my 7 month old.
Answer:

I've used NOJO and Over The Shoulder Baby Slings with my last three children and LOVE them! It was much easier for me to handle the baby strapped to me than to try to control them in the cart (trying to climb out and over and grabbing things, etc.). I've used them to breastfeed in public, too. I practiced at home and got really good at hiding the fact that it was feeding time. Plus, often times, baby would get so comfy that s/he would doze while I shopped. Sooo much easier for mom. I am a pretty small person (120 lb., 5'7"), and I didn't find that the babies got that heavy because the weight was distributed evenly close to my body. My sling was a lifesaver during our Disney World vacation, too. I purchased mine on ebay. If you aren't in a hurry and watch the auctions, you can usually find one for about $12-15 (including shipping) in near new condition. I usually purchased two (after I found out that I liked them so well). That way I left one in the van and had one for home. Plus they are completely washable - a nice feature for baby and mom! I still use one for DD who is 21 months. If you buy a new sling (usually about $40), they usually come with a great video on how to use the sling. If you get a used sling, it's a good idea to find a video to borrow or learn from a friend how to use the sling.
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I might add that some slings come in different sizes, too. So, if you get one, be sure it's the right size for your body build.
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I dont think i could live without my baby bjorn. there is nothing you cannot do with this thing on. my second daughter was fussy and had a digestive problem for her first 10 months of life. being in the baby bjorn is what saved us. on top of being partial to front carriers, I feel that the bjorn is superior to all others, and ive tried a bunch.
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I had a snuggli carrier and HATED it. It pulled away from my body when I'd bend over with the baby in it. I've heard the Baby B'jorns are awesome though! And, I know many people who like the slings, though I have no personal experience with slings.
Answer:

Thanks for all the input ladies. There are so many things I've been realizing I don't know and so I thought it would be best to get some opinions.

I think I will investigate this sling idea a little more. Especially if the baby is fussy it could be good to have just around the house so I would still have my hands free.

Thanks!
Answer:

I had a baby bjorn for my girls, and I truly loved it, especially in the middle of the night, when my first just wanted to be held. I would put her in that and slow dance in the livingroom to some soft music, worked like a charm every time! I chose the more expensive bjorn, with the excellent back support. I still occasionally use it with my 10 mo old when I go to stores by myself and both girls.

Highly recommended!!
Answer:

I have a Maya Wrap (ring sling) and we LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I can put ds in it and do anything. It's very comfortable too. He has reflux so it's great to keep him upright yet not be restricted. He loves to sleep in it. It's so much better than carrying the infant seat (aka bucket). There are also so many positives to a baby being held close to his/her mother. Check out the book Babywearing by Maria Blois. It's full of great info about slings and pouches. Also visit . I can't say enough great things about our Maya.
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