In this article we are going to explore and compare both the MaByLand Trek Snuggle Carrier and the Baby Bjorn Original Carrier. We will discuss the pros and cons of each carrier in hopes that you will find it useful when you come to decide which carrier is more suitable for you!
Price
Both carriers are similarly priced. The MaByLand Trek Snuggle Carrier retails at £59.99 and The Baby Bjorn comes in at slightly more, retailing at £64.99
Overview
Baby Bjorn was founded in 1961 by Bjorn Jakobson, over the past 50 years they have developed a strong market presence establishing their place within the baby carrier sector. Baby Bjorn originally specialised in Baby Carriers and has recently branched out into other baby and parenting market areas such as feeding, travel, even potty training.
MaByLand is a relatively new brand founded by Sheena Woods in 2008. Her aim was to “make parents’ lives easier”. She runs regular local parent focus groups and applies her experience as a mum in order to create innovative products that parents’ can trust. MaByLand focus mainly on their baby carriers and baby changing bags, but also design toys, sleeping bags and even buggy accessories.
Carrier Overview
Both the MaByLand Snuggle and Baby Bjorn Original Carriers are front facing (worn on the front only) and have two positions (baby faces towards parent or away from parent).
The Baby Bjorn is a two piece carrier (straps and carrier body are separate), whereas the MaByLand Snuggle Carrier is a once piece baby carrier. The Baby Bjorn original will take a little longer for new parents to feel completely comfortable to use alone, due to the unusual clip and strap sytem.
The MaByLand Snuggle has a clear shape so new parents are able to instinctively tell where to put their head and arms etc.
The Baby Bjorn is suitable for babies weighing between 3.5kg and 11kg (approx. 0months-1 year) whereas the MaByLand Snuggle Carrier is suitable for babies weighing between 3.5kg – 9kg (approx. 0months-10months)
Ease of Use
Both carriers are easy to put on and take off, the Baby Bjorn Original has two pieces. The straps have to be put on, (similar to putting on a jacket) but you must ensure that your arms are in the right position. The body panel/carriage where baby sits is then secured either side at the bottom using two clips, and then on one side using the sliding clip, baby is then held inside, and the opposite sliding clip is secured, clip twice at the top to secure the carrier.
The MaByLand carrier is put on over the head and then fastened with a clip either side of the parents’ waste. Baby is then lifted inside and the carrier is fastened using two top clips.
Both carriers have been designed to be worn without the need of assistance. Bjorn’s carrier may take a few attempts, and some practice for parents to finally feel confident enough to use the carrier alone, whereas the MaByLand Carrier has a more instinctive design, but all carriers will require parents to practice in order to feel confident.
Clips and or Fastenings
Baby Bjorn use a number a unique and stylised clips and fastenings. The sliding side clips are unique to Bjorn Carriers; it allows the carrier to be completely detached from the straps. There are also two circle shaped top clips, these look great, but do not always make a clear “clipping noise” when securely fastened. Ensure baby doesn’t touch these clips as they are in arms reach. When pressed gently the clips unfasten making it quick to get in and out of the carrier, but this could be a potential hazard if baby were to accidently press them. The main advantage of the Baby Bjorn carrier is that it can completely detach, so baby can be removed without waking them up. The width of the Bjorn Original carrier cannot be adjusted, which means there is only one fit for new-borns up to chubbier 1 year olds.
MaByLand use high quality recognisable clips to fasten their carrier. They make a clear “clipping noise” alerting the parent that the carrier is secure; also these clips cannot be undone by baby, and are featured higher up, out of baby’s reach. The carrier can be adjusted at the side within seconds meaning a better more secure fit for a growing baby.
Materials/Fabrics used
Baby Bjorn original is made from 100% soft cotton and evenly cushioned throughout. As it is unstructured the Bjorn carrier can be machine washed.
The MaByLand Carrier is made from polyester which is more durable than cotton, and doesn’t rip or tear as easily. It has a durable tough exterior and super soft aerated interior lining. Polyester wipes clean very easily with a damp cloth, or it can be hand washed, but the carrier cannot be machine washed as its very structured, and this could cause the carrier to lose its shape. The MaByLand carrier is padded throughout, but features increased padding on key areas such as the shoulders and headrest.
Straps
Both the Bjorn and Snuggle Carrier have similar strap widths, but the MaByLand Snuggle carrier features longer length side straps, meaning the carrier will fit a wider array of body types. The Snuggle carrier’s straps are very padded in comparison to the Bjorn original, which is important as this is where parents will be carrying the weight.
Features
The Baby Bjorn Original features no panel separating baby from their parent’s chest, promoting closeness. The downside is that baby will only face their parent during the first initial few months and this is the period when they are more likely to be sick as they still have very sensitive stomachs. As there is no panel separating parent and baby, parents need to be careful when it comes to their clothing, baby can’t lie on itchy fabric, button and zip top also cannot be worn as they will irritate and rub baby’s skin. The MaByLand Snuggle Baby Carrier features a separation panel, which is lined with breathable smooth fabric.
A sleeping baby can be removed from the Bjorn carrier without waking baby, which is an advantage as babies often fall asleep whilst traveling in a carrier, the Snuggle carrier does not have this feature.
The Bjorn carrier has a nice tight fit for new-born babies, but the carrier is not great for babies past 6 months as parents cannot adjust the sides, this makes it very difficult to do up, its also tight and uncomfortable for baby. The MaByLand carrier comes into its own when baby has reached 3-4 months, and is great for bigger babies as the sides can be adjusted, and there are wider leg holes for baby’s thighs.
The MaByLand Snuggle carrier features a front pocket which is big enough to hold parents’ essentials such as their phone, keys or wallet, allowing for a truly hands free experience. It also includes a super soft terry cotton blanket which can be attached to the front of the carrier in order to shield off the wind and keep baby warm.
The Snuggle Carrier features a higher padded headrest than the Baby Bjorn Original, this helps to support baby’s head, especially during their first initial few months.
