Kicked in the Bjorn

A universal feeling among guys is the pain of being kicked in the "area that should only be treated nicely." It actually extends beyond kicking, as any pain in that "area" is too painful to even watch, let alone experience. Videos like football to the groin, or of skateboarders who fall spread eagle onto a railing they were stupidly trying to skate down all produce the same cringe reaction from every guy. But the cringe is even worse when it's happening to you.

Ever since Kaylani was old enough to fit in our Baby Bjorn, we've had a great time using it. It's been completely handy for us when we're out walking, shopping, or even trying to get her to nap. It was the perfect accessory to free up our hands, but still have Kaylani secure and close by. All of a sudden I could drink my coffee (being very careful not to spill on her), use my Blackberry (although she can still disrupt that plan with her grabby little hands), or just pick up things while we're shopping. But now, I'm not a fan of the Baby Bjorn.

Even though there are guidelines on height and weight restrictions around usage, they're useless, or not intended for Dads. The guidelines have settings to adjust the Bjorn if your baby is up to 28", which Kaylani is just under. And since the weight can go up to 22lbs, then theoretically she should be okay. But she's not or at least I'm not. Apparently when you combine Kaylani's current height with the right setting on the Bjorn, you get pain. Not for her, but for me. And its not the type of pain that Motrin could help with.

The first time I noticed this was a few weeks ago while I was buying some new clothes. Kaylani, having just woken from her nap, was facing outwards so she could witness the world. At this particular moment, she was starting to get a little fussy, so Daddy turned to his failsafe entertainment option: his Blackberry. Now, ignoring the problem with the millions of germs that go from Blackberry to mouth, the bigger problem was her excitement level of getting the Blackberry. When babies get excited, they kick. And Kaylani kicks HARD.

Her legs happen to hang right around the "area that should only be treated nicely", and kicking does not qualify. Having been out, I had little choice but to leave her in there, but I did spend the rest of the time with one hand in a groin protective position. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly the look I was going for while I was out. Instead of fun, loving Dad, I probably looked like Dad touching himself while wearing baby. Sigh.

That was the last time I've worn the Bjorn, and it may have very well been the last time I'll wear the Bjorn. As of now, we're officially in the market for a new Bjorn that either sits in a different place...or has a reinforced steel kick plate (with padding so Kaylani doesn't hurt her feet of course). Anyone know where I can find one?

Oh, and if you enjoyed this post, then dont forget to check out Dad-Blogs for other great posts this Fatherhood Friday. With a tagline like "Dad-Blogs: A Great Place for Dads & Mom to chew the fat", why wouldn't you want to check it out?

Bjorn Free!

You can clearly see that we've broken out the Baby Bjorn and tried it out. First reaction: it's pretty awesome! Mommy was able to use it to carry Kaylani around and still get some stuff done. Plus, it makes for some pretty cool pictures!

I got my first experience with the Baby Bjorn when we went to the supermarket. First of all, this thing is not as easy to put on as it may seem. There are crossing straps, and buckles, and they all have to be undone to put it on (unless you slip it on over your head...but I'm just not that flexible). Well it was pretty cold out, so instead of fussing with the Baby Bjorn in a parking lot, I decided I'll put it on at home first. So yes, I put on the Baby Bjorn, put a jacket over it, and hopped in the car.

Driving around with a Baby Bjorn on is kind of an odd experience. It reminds me of my childhood when you could see people driving with their babies on their lap, or nowadays when people drive with their dog on their lap. Sure it's a bit different since I didn't actually have anything in my Baby Bjorn, but that's what I felt like.

Either way, I'm not complaining about putting it on at home. I think it was by far the most convenient way to handle the cold. I had Kaylani out of her car seat and into the Baby Bjorn within seconds, and then zipped my coat around her as we headed into the store. If I chose to look normal instead of looking ridiculous, I would have had to stand outside the car fussing with it for a good 2-3 minutes. That's valuable time when it's cold out!

Anyways, I'm kind of excited to use it again, although I do lean forward every few minutes to make sure she can breathe. Every time I look down she looks like her nose is flattened against my chest (which it is). How could she possible breathe well? Forget that, how could she sleep under those conditions? Well whatever Baby Bjorn's tricks are, they work, and that's all I can say.

And if you'd like, check out a few more pictures of Kaylani in the Baby Bjorn, as well as some others with her friend Sofie!