"Best Products" is a daunting category in the AT archives. In fact, this is the first post I've done that I really had to categorize this way. I have said it to new parents and new parents to be many times - the single best baby product I used was the Baby Bjorn carrier. It simply was unbeatable.
We're believers in keeping it simple - when my son was born, we had a new crib, a small dresser, artwork, a big bookshelf and lots of sunshine in his room.
We didn't think we wanted or needed a changing table or glider/rocker/ugly chair (and we didn't!). We borrowed a hand me down stroller. We might have even lived without the perfection of the baby bjorn carrier if a lovely co-worker of my husband hadn't given us one as a gift.
I'm so happy to read this because I just ordered one for my sister in law who is expecting baby number 2!
Tell me your secret...we can't wear ours for more than an hour without feeling like the straps are digging in to our shoulders something awful!
Oh, Lisa...too bad! I don't know what to tell you - I just found it very comfortable (my husband did too), even when the baby got toward the maximum weight. I always assumed it was the wide staps on the bjorn that made it so easy to wear along with the criss cross at your back.
Maybe we just have naturally tough shoulders!
I must respectfully disagree, and offter as an alternative: http://sutemigear.com/
So comfortable, secure, and generally amazing. We would never go back to Baby Bjorn after we got the Sutemi pack.
we cheaped out + got the infantino at target (partly because they only had the baby bjorn in navy blue or some plaid i didn't like), + we were very happy with the infantino baby carrier.
my daughter never would tolerate a sling, but she loved/loves the infantino backpack. she's been in it over 2 years. it holds up to 40 lbs + she's 38 lbs.
the infantino stuff holds up well, atleast for us.
what a darling precious baby so comfy + snug :)
Even if you want an elevated surface for changing diapers, just get a long, low dresser and use the top of that. I got an Ikea dresser with one of those changing pads with the elevated sides...works like a charm, and is the perfect height. IMO, changing tables are not necessary.
We were sling folks, and nixed the crib in our tiny apt after less than 3 months. A dresser, cradle and bright artwork were our 'frills.'
The Baby Trekker is also a good option-- like the Baby Bjorn with easier nursing access and a bit more padding.
Sooo much prefer the Ergo baby carrier to the Bjorn. Same idea, way more comfortable, and can use when baby is older on your back. Bjorn hurt so bad and made us so sweaty (although now, of course, they have airmesh ones.)
A lot of people I know, including myself bought the Baby Björn and had to give it away after a couple of uses. Even with the new lumbar support it can be quite painful for a lot people's backs. The Portamee http://www.portamee.com/ is the creme de la creme at the moment. The lumbar support is suppose to be amazing. But, you'll have to wait until your baby is 5 months to use it.
I second Doodle's comment. We have a white Ikea crib, white Ikea "malm" dresser with a cushioned pad on top. Once baby is out of diapers, dresser stays and pad gets passed on. Plus the furniture works great with any design scheme so it can grow up with the kids.
I definitely agree with a baby carrier over a sling. I started with a sling (supposed to be better for nursing), but my back would cramp agonizingly after a short time. ACK!
Once DS hit 6 months, we started carrying him in an REI backpack. Got funny looks at the grocery store, but both my hands were free. :-)
My favorite, favorite prenatal purchase. I hated to hang it up.
The baby bjorn only lasts for a few months. by 16 weeks, our son was too big for it.
Nothing is as good as the PORTAMEE bc it has the needed lumbar support to keep you comfortable. i also liked wearing him on the hip so that we could maintain eye contact.
help! i love my baby bjorn-but lately, my daughter screams when i put her in it. she's 8 weeks old now, and being a city dweller with dog, a carrier of some sort is a necessity. can anyone recommend anything? i don't know exactly what the problem is, but considering the fact that she pushes her body away from me with her arms while in it, she probably hates the proximity esp. with the winter clothing. i haven't tried her facing out because she's too little, according to the packaging...thanks everyone.