Review: BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier

BabyBjörn has created a new carrier, the Comfort Carrier… “For longer adventures with older babies”

Our latest baby carrier, the BABYBJÖRN Comfort Carrier, is designed for parents who want to carry their children up until the age of 2. It has an adjustable waist belt that transfers most of your child’s weight to your hips, which means that you can carry older babies for longer periods of time. The baby carrier is easy to put on and take off without assistance. As with all our baby carriers, it was developed in collaboration with medical experts.

I’ve been a BabyBjörn fan since my first son was born almost 9 years ago. I’ve just never used a BabyBjörn carrier past 8 months with each child. I’m really happy that BabyBjörn came out with a carrier that distributes baby’s weight, an older (and heavier) baby’s weight better so people like me can use it longer.

I tested the BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier (no, that’s not me) with my 22-pound toddler. I also put my 26-pound preschooler in (for giggles) but he just happens to be small (weight wise, not height) so I wouldn’t normally put him in the BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier.

Here’s what I found, what I like, dislike and more…

Waist Belt (aka Better for Mom and Dad’s back)

The Comfort Carrier has an (easy) adjustable padded waist belt which, distributes the weight of an older child to mom or dad’s hips rather than their back or shoulders. I, for one, have a horrible back so this is an important feature that I look for when choosing a carrier.

Shoulder Straps

The wide padded shoulder straps also help to distribute weight evenly to your back and shoulders. The shoulder straps have a slight contour to them but are able to bend, flex and customize to the wearer. Just like the BabyBjörn Active and Synergy carriers, the Comfort Carrier has an adjustable back support that slides up and down the back of the shoulder straps.

Leg Positioning and Versatility

Carry your child facing inwards with normal leg position (1), facing inwards with wide leg position (2) or facing forward with normal leg position (3) and head support folded down.

The versatility of the Comfort Carrier is pretty sweet. I like that this carrier can be used from 13 pounds to 31 pounds with the child facing in and from the time the child can hold his/her head up (on his/her own) to 26 pounds facing out. The waist belt is crucial (in my opinion) for parents carrying those 26-31 pounders around. My youngest is 22 pounds and I can’t carry him in a carrier that doesn’t provide proper distribution of his weight as I have a weak back (but in carriers with waist belts, I have no problems).

Using the Comfort Carrier

Unlike the other BabyBjörn carriers, you put the Comfort Carrier on over your head just as if you were putting on a shirt. The body of the Comfort Carrier does not fully detach from the straps (which is something I’m used to when it comes to BabyBjörn Carriers). The Comfort Carrier must be put on the parent before you can put the baby in it. Each Comfort Carrier comes with a complete manual (which, like every other baby item, you must read and follow) but here is my short and sweet version of putting on the carrier (with some little details that I wanted to point out):

1. Put the carrier on like you would a shirt- arms through the straps; unbuckle the head support buckle and loosen the side adjusters on the shoulder straps

2. Fasten the waist belt behind your back (it’s not a squeeze and release buckle) and tighten the waist belt straps on both sides, one side at a time. Tightening the waist belt is very easy to do; getting used to the buckle took a little time but it’s not difficult, just different than what I’m used to.

3. Slide the back support to a comfortable position.

4. Determine which direction baby will be facing– If baby is facing in, which leg position do you want, normal or wide? and either unzip the leg panel (for normal leg position #1) or leave it up (for the wide leg position #2). If baby is facing out, unzip the leg panel.*Do not use the wide leg position with baby facing out.

5. Place baby in the carrier making sure his/her arms are through the arm holes although older babies can ride comfortably with their arms above the arm holes while in the facing in or out position- just make sure your baby is tall and comfortable enough before doing this.

6. Fasten the head support buckle and tighten the shoulder straps from each side (again, there’s something about the buckle/straps system because tightening the shoulder straps is super simple). For babies in the 13-15 pound range, button the leg safety straps by each leg (just like all the other BabyBjörn carriers have).

7. When you are done with the Comfort Carrier, unbuckle the head support buckle, loosen the shoulder straps and remove the baby BEFORE unbuckling the waist belt.

Additional information

• From 13 lbs to 31 lbs/6 kg to 14 kg (around 3 months to 2 years). PLEASE NOTE! Maximum weight facing forwards is 12 kg/26 lbs.

• The BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier primary fabric is 100 % organically grown cotton and the BabyBjörn’s organic line complies with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), internationally the most well recognized standard for organic manufacturing. The GOTS-label ensures that fabrics have been manufactured in compliance with certain environmental requirements. These requirements regulate the use of chemicals in the entire production process, including cultivation, harvesting, production, processing, manufacturing, packaging and labeling.

• Machine wash, warm (40 °C). Wash separately with a gentle, bleach-free detergent.

• The loops that are sewn-on the waist band are useful– after placing your baby in the carrier and tightening the straps to a comfortable position (for parent and baby) re-thread and “store” the excess part of the strap to keep the clean look of the carrier.

I Like

• Baby Bjorn put their mesh, breathable fabric (like on their Air Carrier) on the inside of the Comfort Carrier between parent and baby to help keep both cooler.
• The Comfort Carrier has a more structured feel to it. The body of the carrier (where the baby sits) it lightly padded, which creates a secure/supported feeling while baby is riding in it.
• It’s organic cotton.
• The head support can be in the up position (best for sleeping babies) or the folded down position while the child is facing in. You can adjust the head support while your child is in the carrier.
• Unzipping and zipping the leg piece is simple and can be done while out and about with baby in tow. Just take baby out before unzipping or zipping to change the leg positioning.
• The Comfort Carrier comes with a removable bib to protect the carrier while baby is facing out.

I Dislike

• Even though there’s a great amount of versatility, you can’t wear it on your back.
• There’s really no place for the leg panel to go when it’s unzipped. It either hangs down (against the waist band, so it’s not in the way of you or your child) or I found that you could tuck it in, under the waist belt at the bottom to give it a cleaner look.
• While the other BabyBjörn carriers are suitable from 8 pounds, the Comfort Carrier is for 13 pounds or 3+ months. It is not for newborns.
• I want to see more colors! Especially since BabyBjörn just came out with some vibrant and fun colors/patterns for the Original. Although, their fun colors are not organic materials. Currently the Comfort Carrier comes in black and gray.
• There’s no storage, no small pockets or places to put your keys, phone or chap stick. I wish they would add a small zippered pocket to the side of the waist belt or something.
• It’s a hefty price at $170

Bottom line, the BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier is a great addition to the world of carriers. I love that BabyBjörn has created an option for extended use and I love the structured (and secure) feel of the carrier. I also love the ease of the straps– tightening and loosening straps has never been easier!