« Family Day in the Park | Main | Publication News... In Print! »
Monday
Apr092012

BABYBJORN Carrier Miracle Review

 

Over the last two months, we've had the pleasure of testing out the BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Miracle with our newborn son, Townes. As new parents, we were green in learning the ropes of baby carriers, but quickly discovered things that worked (and didn't work) for us. In the market for a baby carrier? Here's my review of the BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Miracle, when worn in the inward-facing (newborn appropriate) upright position...

 

Testing Parameters:
Product: BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Miracle
Fabric: Soft Cotton Mix
Notes: Inward-Facing (newborn appropriate) Only
Time Frame: 2 months
Testing Location: New York City

 

BABYBJORN has a strong reputation for their baby carrier products (yeah, they've been making these things for almost half a century) and I couldn't wait for us to test out the BABYBJORN Carrier Miracle. We live in Manhattan and while having a stroller can really help with carrying heavy loads and so forth, it can be difficult because of the steps & tight-fitting quarters of many of the buildings in my neighborhood (ahem, USPS) and to navigate public transportation. I looked forward to having my hands free and the ability to navigate the city a little more freely. And since my son loves to be held close on my chest, I had high hopes for this carrier. 

 

When testing out this product, I was really impressed with how easy it is to adjust to fit both my shape and my son's body. He's two months old now and growing like a weed – especially in height. It was a cinch to adjust the length of the carrier to fit him exactly with the built-in height guide. Very helpful when my son has already grown three inches since birth. 

 

By following the (seriously-easy-to-read) instructions provided with the carrier, I had no problems placing my newborn son in the carrier facing inward and securing him inside (but note: if he was asleep when trying to put in the carrier, this movement of placement always woke him up.) The wearer can make fit adjustments before the baby is placed in the carrier and after to vary the pressure points. A major bonus is the fabulous lumbar/back support – the ergonomic waist belt is a new and unique design to the Carrier Miracle.

The BABYBJORN Carrier Miracle is designed to suit children from 8 lbs (3.5 kg) and 21 inches long (53 cm) all the way up to approximately 15 months of age. Our son was born at over eight pounds and exactly 21 inches, so we were able to use this carrier right from the get go. While we only tested this product facing-inward as suited for a newborn, older children can face forward. The Miracle was designed in collaboration with leading pediatricians in three countries (you can read what they say about the product here.) 

From a design stand-point, I really loved the simplicity and clean lines of the BABYBJORN Carrier Miracle knobs (just pinch and click into place...)

.... and the side latches (just slide and hook into the slot....) 

Our son Townes seemed cozy, secure and happy at all times when we used this particular carrier in the inward-facing, upright position. The extra-soft padding where his arms, legs and head touch have seams on the outside (versus inside), erasing my concerns that his skin might be chafed. The carrier's interior fabric are guaranteed free from harmful substances. The carrier is machine-washable.  

 

Townes had plenty of air space around his head and the ability to look around his surroundings if he chose. The head support is padded and adjustable, so it supports a baby's neck. I was able to keep an eye on Townes at all times, and he was lulled right to sleep on almost all of our walks. He loved being worn high up on the chest, listening to the sounds of my heartbeat. 

 

Both my husband and I felt very in-tune with our newborn while wearing this carrier – Townes, who is a big baby, felt so light! When switching the carrier between us, it was simple to adjust and transfer the weight distribution by just tugging, tightening and loosening the waist, shoulder and back straps. My husband is 6'2 and I'm 5'6", so regardless of your size and height, this carrier can be comfortable to wear. 
 

Overall thoughts: Based on our testing parameters (see top of post), the BABYBJORN Carrier Miracle was fantastic. It's not cheap ($200 and under, depending on the model & retailer) but will likely get a lot of wear in a baby's first fifteen months of life. It can only be used until a child is 26.5 pounds, so parents of larger kids (I'm talking to myself here) may only be able to use it for less than that. It cannot be worn on the back, as parents of older children may like, but we found it to be great for inward-facing, newborn-appropriate carrying. In the updated version, I'd love to see the addition of a pocket of some sort (who doesn't need to carry keys and some cash?) but the current Miracle is truly a comfortable carrier. We'll continue to use it all the time. 

Learn more about BABYBJORN Carriers and the Carrier Miracle.

Read the Product FAQ's and more Reviews.

Check out this company video for more information on the product – especially if your child is old enough to face-forward. 

 

Disclosure: BabyBjorn provided me with a Miracle Carrier for this review (LEVEL 1). I was not compensated for this post and, as always, opinions are my own. Read my full product review policy and disclosure here.

 

 

Images and Text cannot be reproduced or republished on any medium without the explicit in-writing consent of the blog author. Contact here with questions.

Reader Comments (4)

Thank you for your post. It is really helpful for me.

June 7, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterLinda

Hi I love your blog!! I was wondering if you could help me decide between 2 baby carriers I have my eyes set on, since you tried them both, which one would you stay with, It's the stokke my carrier or the babybjorn miracle carrier. I'm a mother of a 2 month baby and I'm so confused and I would value your opinion. Hope you're doing great and your baby is gorgeous. Thanks in advance.

December 7, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterMonica

hi monica, just emailed you some highlights of each carrier. best of luck with your buying decision!

December 11, 2012 | Registered CommenterJodi Kendall

Hi! You have a great blog. I think I'm going to be a regular visitor here. I'm also a baby bjorn user... I have two kids, a 2 year old and a 6month old baby. I have bought baby bjorn original in 2010, for my first child and until now it's still on top shape and I'm currently using it for my baby. I love baby bjorn products... :) it's a bit expensive but it's well worth it. This baby bjorn miracle looks good too.

God Bless!

ELIZA

December 19, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterEliza

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>