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Baby Bjorn and Other Structured Carriers
When a discussion about baby carriers comes up the Baby Bjorn style carrier is almost always mentioned.
This popular carrier is more structured than the soft style carriers discussed on the other baby carrier pages.
You'll probably see quite a few celebrity photos featuring posh baby stars in Bjorns.
Baby carriers with even more structure are available. There are tough frame backpack carriers that are ideal for long hikes. They give a lot of support to you and to your baby. Some parents like these for extended trips when they'll be carrying baby.
Some structured carriers (the Baby Bjorn is one) do not allow you to carry your baby on your back. It also doesn't give great support for a heavier baby, so once your baby starts hitting around the 20-25lb mark, you'll need to find another carrier.
You can nurse in structured soft-pack carriers like the Baby Bjorn but it's a bit hard to move your baby around to the nursing position.
You can find structured carriers that do allow for a back carry, and of course there are the frame backpacks. A frame backpack is helpful for long treks with your baby. It's constructed with a light-weight load-bearing frame that helps you carry your baby for long distances or extended periods of time.
The frame backpack carrier
offers various features that can be useful on long hikes:
- Many are fully adjustable for use with your tiny infant on up to your toddler.
- They have a strap system to keep your baby totally secure.
- Most have some sort of canopy or wind and rain shield to protect your baby from the elements.
- One of the handiest features to look for is built in pockets. Having these right on your backpack carrier can allow you to carry all of your baby's needed items without having to carry a diaper bag for him.
These structured pack carriers are relatively simple to use and usually stylish.
If you're looking for a way to get started with babywearing and are nervous about using a soft carrier, a slightly more structured Baby Bjorn type carrier might be helpful.
If you're looking for a carrier to take you through a day of hiking, you might enjoy a sturdy backpack style carrier with an integrated frame.
There has been some evidence that carriers where a baby's weight rests all on the crotch region can hinder or harm the development of the baby's hips. If you want a structured carrier that does not place such stress on baby's joints, look into the Ergo carrier - it holds babies differently.
Carriers such as the Ergo hold babies and toddlers just like traditional ring slings and wraps - the baby's hips are flexed slightly upwards the weight of the child is resting on his or her bottom. This position is much better, even beneficial for development.