We are big fans of the Baby Bjorn Active. The design is comfortable, fully adjustable, and frees your hands to do just about anything. We prefer the Active design over the original design, because it has adjustable lumbar support, which is key to transferring the growing weight of these boys off our shoulders and dispersing it to the back, hips, and stronger core area, meaning we can hold them longer on hikes etc.
For use with babies at least 8 pounds and up to 26 pounds. During the first few months, the kiddo’s going to face inward and nuzzle into mommy or daddy’s chest…ok, mommy’s chest, but daddy’ll do too. At around 3 months they become a little more interested in the world around them and start to spend their time turning their head to check things out, so turn his butt around and let him see what’s coming. Prior to turning him outward I’d be sure he’s strong enough to hold his head upright when you’re in motion. Otherwise, you’ll be carrying around a little bobble-head and strangers will begin offering free advice on how to properly care for your child. Oh, wait, strangers will do that anyway 
Some complain that it’s a little tricky to get the baby in or out of the carrier, but we’ve never had a problem, even for sleepy middle of the night calming strolls. Once you do it a few times, you get the hang of it. Make sure the lumbar support is on your lower back, then you’ll want to cinch the carrier down nice and tight – this is the key to support. If it’s too loose you’re wasting your time and money. Cinching the carrier doesn’t affect the baby carrying portion in the least, so don’t worry and tighten that thing down.
The Skinny:
- USE – This thing is easy and endlessly useful, plus it allows your kid to face out and see the world better than many backpack type carriers. One feature I wish this product had would be a small storage pocket or two, something for keys, a phone.
- AFFORDABILITY – It’s not cheap, but you’ll use the Bjorn so much that the money spent is very well spent.
- SIZE - It’s soft so it’s easily stored when not in use.
- SIMPLE STYLING – Pretty clean style. When we got it we thought they could offer more color options, and now they do – four total (sporty blue, sporty green, red&black, and baby blue) – so there you go. Go out and get one. Even if you don’t have kids. Carry your dog. Carry your groceries.
- SANITY – Well designed, good product, fully utilitarian. There may be other carriers considered more chic, but the Bjorn flat works.
With a combination of baby drool, food, trail dust and dirt, it’s fortunate that this carrier is fully machine washable. After using the hell out of it with three boys, countless washing, and tons of trails, with the exception of some worn out brand lettering, this carrier looks as good as the day we bought it and remains tremendously useful. A.J. calls it the “Man Breasts”, because it’s one sure fire tool in his arsenal when our babies have been fussy and mommy’s not around to nurse. Plus, he can bust it out and still work.
