The Problems with Boppy and Bjorn

The Boppy pillow and the Baby Bjorn infant carrier are two registry staples for nearly every new mom-to-be (I am guilty as charged!). What most moms don’t realize is that these products may actually undermine their breastfeeding efforts.

The Boppy and other similar nursing pillows are marketed toward breastfeeding mothers, with glossy advertisements depicting smiling mothers quietly nursing their babies atop of them. The problem is, babies often nurse better when they are tummy-to-tummy with mom, and a lower position often aids them in latching better. The Boppy raises baby up above the breast, causes him to fall away from mom’s body, and restricts his ability to move his head and utilize his natural instincts to root, gape and latch onto the breast. 

Mammals are ventral feeders by nature, and often nurse best when gravity is working for them. Instead of nursing in a cradle-like manner, try lying back, placing baby on your chest and letting him self-latch--no pillow required! Now, use the Boppy to prop baby up while you attempt to make yourself lunch or go to the bathroom. Genius.

Keeping baby close by wearing him, especially in the first few months of life, is a wonderful way to bond with your baby, facilitate easier breastfeeding, and allow yourself the opportunity to get things done around the house or care for older children. The Bjorn is probably the most well-known infant carrier on the market. But is it the best? Despite being “pediatrician-recommended,” many chiropractors take issue with Bjorn-like carriers. The manner in which baby dangles by the crotch puts pressure on the spine in an unnatural way, and is not recommended by many of these practitioners. Although more recent designs have been improved upon in terms of comfort and infant development, there are so many better alternatives out there!

From a breastfeeding standpoint, Bjorn-like carriers are not conducive to easy breastfeeding on the go. Soft-structured carriers like wraps, ring slings and pouch slings are safe, easy and more comfortable ways to wear your baby, while allowing for easy breastfeeding at the same time. Just be sure to avoid purse-like slings similar to ones that have been recalled in the past because of suffocation hazards, and always make sure to follow all manufacturer instructions. 

And for all of the dads who think the Bjorn is the only masculine carrier out there, think again! My husband wears our daughter in a camo ring sling with pride! Have you experimented with baby-wearing?