How to wear a BabyBjörn front carrier

My husband is 13 inches taller than I am. This means we were unable to wear the same baby carrier without any adjustments. We face the same annoyance in our car’s non-automatic adjusting driver’s seat. Once I figured out my settings on the Björn, I memorized which changes to make after my husband used it, since he’s so much taller (and thinner less curvy!) than I am.

With some experimentation, each parent will find the right settings. The BabyBjörn front carrier straps should be adjusted for your body and your partner’s, as well as the size of your baby. For first-time use, loosen all the straps to get started.

Five steps for the best fit:

1. Set the carrier for your baby’s size. Move the size adjustment buckle (clearly labeled on the “tail” of the carrier) to your baby’s approximate length. This setting doesn’t change per parent.
   Pro-tip: Readjust the tail after each pediatrician well-check when you find out your baby’s new length to ensure the carrier provides the proper support for the child as he grows.
2. Set it for your height. The slider on the back of the carrier will be low for a tall wearer and high for a shorter one. All the rest of the straps have to do with your ummmgirth.
3. Adjust the straps for your body width. Tighten those loose straps dangling next to your waist until they squeeze you gently.
4. Install the baby. Which way? Around 4 months or when his neck is strong enough, you can also switch between carrying your baby facing you or facing the world. If he is sleepy or over-stimulated, you can carry him facing in, regardless of age.
5. Shift it around for comfort. You can tighten or release any of the straps for comfort. If the weight/pressure on your shoulders is uncomfortable, pull the weight to your hips by lowering the back panel, moving the support belt to your hips and loosening the shoulder straps.

Wear your newborn baby up high on your chest. In this position, the baby’s weight will be carried mainly on your shoulders.

Wear your bigger baby lower down. As your child grows, re-distribute his weight from your shoulders to  your hips to reduce the pressure you may feel from a heavy baby dangling from your chest.

To carry your baby lower, loosen the lower support belt straps, pull down on the back support, and pull down on the front of the carrier so that the support belt is resting evenly on your hips. Once the support belt is in a comfortable position on your hips, re-tighten the support belt. You can do all this with the baby in the carrier.

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This post was sponsored by BABYBJÖRN with whom we have worked to bring you a whole series of good stuff this summer. Find out more about the BABYBJÖRN carriers on their website.

{photo credit: whitney, wendolonia, how to be a dad}