After using both the BabyBjorn Carrier Mini and the BabyBjorn Bouncer we talk about each and how they are valuable to your gear list. Is the higher price point worth the result? We think so! Our reviews are here for you to make better buying decisions. These are strictly our opinions formed from the experience and use of these products.
Sections:
BabyBjorn Carrier Mini
Coming in at $100, this carrier is around the mid-tier level. The brand BabyBjorn promises a comfortable fit with ease of adjustability to switch quickly between parents. Since I am 6’5″ and my wife is 5’5″ this feature is always a plus. Also, since we currently do a lot of traveling while living abroad having a carrier that provides comfort for prolonged periods is great too. The Carrier Mini is only designed for the first year, so switching to another carrier is a problem with this model. However, there are not many carriers specifically designed to support newborns, so that is where this carrier shines.
When you receive the carrier, getting it set up the first time is probably the trickiest part. There are only two pieces, but adjusting them to fit you and your baby correctly can be a challenge. We recommend having your spouse help you out the first few times. Once it is adjusted for you and you know your comfort spot, you are good to go. Remember, that your spouse will need to learn their adjustments as well.
This carrier had its first true test in Venice with around 5 hours of walking. While I did start to tire out from having the straps weigh on my shoulders, this carrier did an amazing job. Our daughter loves it and usually falls right to sleep once we are on the move. There are multiple fabric types for this carrier and we currently have the jersey style. We do recommend trying out the mesh version as it will hopefully provide a little more breathability on those hotter days. One thing we have noticed is that our daughter’s drool tends to collect on the top section. This is an issue for some carriers, but since the Carrier Mini is fully machine washable it hasn’t been an issue for us. Just something to consider.
The portability of this carrier is a great thing to add to the pros list. It is lightweight and since it is only two pieces it can be folded up rather easily to fit in diaper bags or luggage. We tend to keep it in the car for days we don’t want to use the stroller. We also place it on the stroller’s lower shelf in case our daughter is having an “I hate the stroller” kind of day.
When traveling on trains or buses, this carrier keeps your baby secure and close to you. We find that it also helps keep our daughter calm. The comfort it provides and the ability for her to lay her head on our chest make it feel natural. It feels less like a carrier and more like a comforting hug.
While we have a ton of great things to say about this carrier we do have one complaint. It can be very hot for the parents to carry. As we mentioned before, there are other fabric alternatives, so be sure to check them out. The other negative is the age limit, but we have been happy with the newborn support it has provided.
While this carrier may not fit everyone’s budget and not every baby will like it, we do highly recommend this carrier. The carrier and the brand have been a great addition to our household items and we have not regretted this purchase in the slightest. We will continue to use this until she outgrows it and we will most likely switch to BabyBjorn’s next size up. If you are interested in purchasing it, click here. If you are interested in learning more about the brand, click here.
BabyBjorn Bouncer
There are a ton of bouncers on the internet and even more listed on Amazon, so what makes this $200 bouncer worth the money? It is simple. A lot of the other ouncers we have used or have looked at trying too hard to incorporate toys, colors, or “safety” features. The only thing that the baby wants from it is comfortable motion. A natural motion. When we had the opportunity to try one we jumped on it.
When you receive it, it is already completely assembled and ready to go. The only thing you need to do is adjust the height and angle that you want it to be at. It has three different angle settings which we have found useful for our daughter. Once you have that adjusted, you simply place them in it and you can begin rocking them. Their motion will move to bounce them slightly, but you can use your foot to give them a smooth, controlled motion.
Since this thing is so light and collapses, you can take it with you around the house or even
on a trip. The cloth section that your baby is sitting in is also machine washable and detaches rather easily. Our daughter has to spit up in it multiple times and it has been washed many times. We have seen no sign of degradation on the cloth or stitching. Make sure to air dry to keep it from shrinking. The base also features a non-slip rubber, so it won’t move on hardwood floors. We have a rug and the non-slip base also works well on it.
When our daughter is fussy or on the verge of taking a nap, the bouncer is our go-to assistance tool. She will usually calm down or fall asleep rather quickly. We also utilize this in the kitchen so that we can keep an eye on here while we clean or cook, although you can use it for any room or even outdoors. This bouncer also comes in multiple fabric options similar to the carrier, so choose one that you like!
At $200, this bouncer is fairly pricey compared to the ones you may find at Graco or Chicco, but for us, it has been worth it. The weight, size, and ability to be used on the go are all huge selling points. The biggest selling point, however, is that our daughter loves it! If you would like to see it for yourself, please see this link.
These two items alone are not enough to say a company is amazing, but for us, BabyBjorn has earned a supporter. The prices are a little high, but not in vain. The quality of product and customer service we have received has been refreshing and the fact that our daughter finds comfort with these products is a major plus. We hope you have learned a little about these two items and will consider them. At the end of the day finding the best product for your child’s needs is the main goal!
