BABY BJORN ORIGINAL

Bottom Line:  Love it, worth every penny for me! 

Pros: The newest versions have clips that are really very easy to operate, even with one hand most of the time.  The fabric is nice and soft and you can get some covers for drooly babies.  I took this thing with me everywhere and always felt a pang of fear if I forgot it at home because once baby wanted out of the stroller the Bjorn was my only saving grace.  Both of my babies slept in the Bjorn comfortably as infants (forward facing), I even went boxing day shopping with my 3 month old!    It's a great thing to have when you are out and about and when a stroller is an option, like all of the attractions at Disney.   As far as comfort goes, I liked having my babies facing me for as long as possible, it is much easier on the back, mostly because once your baby starts to try and lean forward to touch things it wrenches your back.  Depending on the weight of your baby, you could easily use up to about 8 months comfortably, or about 15lbs, more if you're stronger.    Quite durable, mine has gone through two kids and is still in very good condition.

Cons: Not all babies love the Bjorn, fortunately for me, mine did.  For larger males you will have to spring for the extra long straps as the standard ones may not be long enough.    Other than that, I really did get very good use out of it.

Advice:  Don't buy a cheap carrier, I have a lot of friends who purchased the Snuggly and hated it, didn't use it and ended up purchasing a Bjorn for their second child.

BABY TREKKER

Bottom Line:  Expensive, but worth it.

Pros:  The best thing about this baby carrier is that it doesn’t kill your shoulders and back the way some others do.  It’s very nicely padded, and baby’s weight is evenly distributed because of the waist support.  Compared to the Bjorn, I found this one much better for an older baby (I had a Bjorn and no way could you carry a 26 pounder, which is what the upper limit was).  With the Baby Trekker, you can carry a heavier baby in front, or you have the option of carrying them in back.  There are multiple ways to use this baby carrier, but I found the front the best way.

Cons:  A smaller baby (Any baby under 10 lbs., in my opinion) would not fit well in this.  It doesn’t quite work comfortably, and when I tried putting my 2 month old in it, she just cried).  It’s hard to get on when you’re by yourself, you have to put the baby down and strap part of it on yourself before putting the baby in, and is really only possible to do in a sitting position (unless you’re very strong, which I’m not).  It’s bulky to carry, it takes up most of the Pliko basket.

Advice:  Buy it second hand, as it is machine washable and doesn’t really get worn out.  If your baby enjoys being carried, or is larger, this might be a good option.  Great to use on trips where a stroller would just be too cumbersome – we used this on day trips when we were in Paris, and my son just stayed in it for most of the day.

HEART-TO-HEART SLING

Pros:  Nice soft material, thick padding.  I borrowed this from a friend even though I loved my Baby Bjorn because it gave me a more private way to nurse my baby in situations where privacy was not available.  When I was able to get it on properly and get my baby in it, she seemed quite comfortable and could nurse.  My friend, however, loved it.  Maybe someone else can enlighten us.

Cons:  I just couldn't seem to get it on the right way!  After fiddling around with it and getting all hot and bothered in the process things only got worse as I tried to position my daughter in it.  She did not like all my adjusting.  I guess I just couldn't a system figured out to make it work for me.  I also didn't like the amount of fabric that covered me, made me hot.  Didn't really like the look of it either. 

Advice:  Get some practice putting it on and detangling yourself before putting baby in it.  If you're a hot person, get a carrier instead of a sling.