crunchy parenting

p. Think about it. *They spend nine months curled up in a ball*. Sure, it’s nice to be able to stretch a little once they’re out, but if you’ve ever gently tugged on a newborn’s limbs, you probably noticed the spring effect. Their little arms and legs bounce right back into that semi-curled state.

Photo by davidsilver

p. For a purely comfort factor, this is one reason that the Baby Bjorn isn’t good for babies; *they’re suspended in this near-cruxifiction state where they can’t easily pull their arms or legs in close to their bodies*. Compare this awkward position to being carried curled up in someone’s arms, or hugged close in a hammock-like sling carrier.

p. Another point is that *I see so many parents carrying their tiny babies in the Baby Bjorn facing out*. Young babies are not supposed to be carried facing out in baby carrier. Small babies have no way to tune out excess stimuli from the world around them, and facing them forward gives them no way to escape being overstimulated. You might think that you’re on a quiet, peaceful walk, but this is a tiny creature that’s been shut in the safe, muffled dark for nine months; your bedroom wall contains plenty of excitement for such a tiny brain.

p. *Please, please, Baby Bjorn owners: if you’re going to insist on using it, please face your little ones inward.*

p. The last reason is one that I would love to see more research on, as it’s a cross between comfort and physical health. *There’s some concern among babywearers that the way a baby sits in the Bjorn isn’t good for hip or spine development.* If you look closely, you’ll see that the babies in the Bjorn have most of their weight on their crotch (ouch!), compared to babies fully supported from head to butt in sling-type carriers, or even babies supported fully from underneath when wrapped against the parent’s chest. I can’t help but think there’s a reason indigenous cultures carried their babies in certain positions at certain ages.

p. I should point out that *I really do like the Baby Bjorn brand*, aside from the carrier. We have three of their potty seats, their stepstool, and some bibs — all excellent products with great quality and well-thought design. But the carrier itself and others styled like it are a massive fail. There are much better carriers suited for taking your baby on walks, running errands, putting them to sleep, nursing or bottle-feeding them.

p. I love the idea, history and practicality of babywearing, but *there are much better options for both babies and parents than the Baby Bjorn carrier*. Please, do yourself and your child the favor of carefully “*comparing baby carriers*”:http://www.peppermint.com/choosing.html before purchasing a Baby Bjorn, or adding it to your baby registry.

Photo by amcdawes

Photo by rabble

Photo by medigerati

p. *What’s your favorite baby carrier? Do you have thoughts on the Baby Bjorn carrier?* Please share – I always love to hear from other babywearing mommas!