Even non-parents have heard of Baby Björn: the Swedish brand has been creating baby gear since 1961. Known for its carriers, bouncer chairs, and now high-chairs, travel cots and weaning gear, it’s a one-stop shop from newborn to toddlerhood. Until recently, it was the dominant brand across the UK and Scandinavia, however Ergobaby has nearly caught up, so Baby Björn is having to constantly reinvent itself.
Which Baby Bjorn is right for me?
As a result, there are now several carriers in the Baby Björn range. The Baby Bjorn Original is still the neatest and most compact of the lot: made from 100% cotton, it folds up to fit into, okay, not quite a handbag but certainly a nappy changing bag. Simple in design and available in several permeations of black, grey and white, the Original is designed to last from newborn up to one year old.
For anyone intending to carry his or her child past the first year and into toddlerhood, the Baby Bjorn One weaves a cotton/polyester mix into a larger, more heavy-duty carrier that can also take a newborn without an insert, and adjusts after four months to support a growing child. Offering four holding positions, extra features include a breathable interior mesh to promote airflow, über-padded shoulder straps and a supportive waistbelt that sits on the hips like a backpack, to help you lug your not-so-little ones around.
But what if you like the idea of the One, but would prefer something more lightweight? You’ll be wanting the One Air, which, in silver, doesn’t look unlike something Apple might have designed. Designed to carry a newborn up to three years old, it has all the pros of the One but at a fraction of the weight: it’s made from a soft, breathable mesh material. If you’ve budgeted for a One, it may feel like a luxury upgrade to fork out an extra £25 – but if you have a heavier baby and still want to carry them into toddlerhood, it may just save your back.
Features and design
Whichever one you go for, it’s easy to see why the Baby Bjorn has such an avid following. The build quality is superb, and the reassuring amount of padding means that these look like very comfortable carriers to wear. The more practical aspects haven’t been forgotten, either: when the inevitable happens and your little one regurgitates their lunch over the Baby Bjorn, you can throw the carrier into the washing machine at 40c.
Personally, though, I found that the Baby Björn Original wasn’t perfect for myself or my husband. At first it seems snug and secure, but during longer walks the comfort soon begins to wane – we both found that it pressed down in the wrong places on our shoulders and upper back muscles. The thicker padding and wider straps of the Baby Björn One and One Air do offer a marked improvement in terms of wearer comfort – and also offer the ability to carry your child facing inwards, outwards and, like many rival carriers, on your back – but then you’d expect nothing less given the price premium.
And despite the wider waist straps and extra padding, Baby Bjorn’s high-end carriers still aren’t quite as comfortable as the Ergobaby 360. I also wasn't convinced by the position of my newborn, as both models left him looking a little unsupported – his back was too straight, rather than curving naturally, and his legs seemed forced downwards. Perhaps I was being over-cautious, but I just couldn’t get the perfect, reassuring fit that I’m used to with rival carriers, and compared to my preferred option, the Ergobaby 360, the Baby Björn range simply doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence.
Verdict
It’s tough to criticise the brilliant build quality, nifty array of features and smart-looking design, but overall I’m not entirely convinced by the Baby Bjorn carriers. For me, the Ergobaby 360 remains the best all-round carrier by far – it’s slightly more comfortable to wear and, importantly, more supportive for my kids.
Specifications | |
| Weight range | Original (from 3.5kg to 11kg), One & One Air (from 3.5kg to 15kg) |
| Material | Cotton, Polyester mesh |
| Manufacturer website | www.babybjorn.co.uk |