BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier review

Tested by

Emma tested the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier, along with her partner Tom, over two weeks with their newborn baby son in south London. They used it on buses, trains, and the tube in the city, as well as for walks in local parks and the Hertfordshire countryside.

First impressions?

The carrier looks attractive with a classic, ergonomic design and comes in anthracite, navy or silver. It has numerous loops, buckles and zips so you’ll need a little time to work out what everything does, but it has been cleverly thought through to ensure maximum comfort, functionality and safety in a range of positions to suit your child.

How easy is the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier to put on and put your baby in?

The carrier is easy to put on but not entirely intuitive, so you’ll need to read the instructions. MFM parent tester, Karly, agreed, adding: “Initially I found the paper instructions difficult to follow, but found the online tutorial clearer. The first few times putting the carrier on was challenging and required an extra set of hands, but once I’d got the hang of it it was very easy to use.”

To put it on, slip the straps over your head and arms, buckle the waist belt at the back and fasten the shoulder straps. You can then either slip your baby in from above or undo the safety buckle and head support buckle on one side for more space.

Is it easy to put your baby in the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier?

Yes, although you’ll need to ensure you’ve adapted it to your baby’s size/height. We initially missed that we could unzip the leg holes around the seat to make it narrower for our newborn’s short legs.

Place your baby facing you with their legs on either side of your body and arms through the armholes. Buckle the safety strap and attach the newborn leg straps if you’re using them. Adjust the head support to cradle your baby’s head while leaving room for them to breathe.

How easy is it to take your baby out of the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier?

It requires some practice to get your baby out by yourself, but after a few tries, I felt confident and could do it quickly. There are a few things to do – you need to unfasten the head support buckles and leg straps if you’re using them, then you can lift your baby out without undoing the shoulder straps. Or you can open the front, using the side buckles – possibly a better option with a sleeping baby you want to stay asleep!

Is the carrier ergonomic?

The BabyBjörn Harmony is definitely an ergonomic carrier, with leg straps for babies smaller than 10lbs (4.5kg). You can adjust the shoulder straps and wear the waist belt higher up to get your baby in the correct TICKS position in which you can kiss their head.

The Harmony is acknowledged as “hip friendly” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. It supported our little one’s hips so he could sit in the ‘M’ position and we were able to zip the seat from the inside and unzip the leg holes to make it narrower for a newborn.

The head support can be adjusted by pulling straps to the best position to support your baby’s neck, leaving sufficient space for their nose and mouth for unobstructed breathing. However, I felt concerned that our baby’s chin kept sinking on to his chest, making me wonder if the carrier was entirely safe for a newborn, although it’s not a concern any of our other parent testers encountered. To read more about the TICKS guidelines, click here.

How comfortable is the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier for your baby?

Our baby cried a little during the initial adjustments but was soon deeply comfortable in the carrier and fell straight asleep. The buckles and other parts around your baby’s head are covered in jersey fabric and the head support can be adjusted using poppers in three different positions so you can easily keep an eye on your child. My only concern was that his head tended to sink forward towards my chest, which made me worried about his breathing, and I kept using my fingers to lift up his chin.

MFM parent tester, Karly, was very impressed with the comfort the Harmony offered: “My baby was very comfortable in the carrier. She felt secure at all times and was happy to be carried for long periods of time. There were no signs on my baby of straps digging in or anything like that, which would also suggest she was comfortable and well supported.”

How comfortable is the Harmony baby carrier for you?

This is a comfortable carrier, although I felt the internal harness between wearer and baby made it a little less snug for a petite mother and newborn. The shoulder straps and waist belt are wide and well-padded and can be tightened for a closer fit. There’s also a padded back support, which is extremely helpful if you suffer with lower back pain. The belt can sit at your waist with a newborn and around your hips as your baby gets bigger, helping relieve the pressure on your shoulders and back. MFM parent tester Karly said, “the straps and back support made this baby carrier the most comfortable I’ve tried.”

How many carry positions does the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier have?

Four in total. The carrier can be used in a facing-in position with the waist belt higher up your torso for newborns, from a minimum weight of 7lbs (3.2kg) and height of 21 inches (53cm) up to around 4 months. From 4 to around 36 months or 62-68cm to 100cm (24.4-26.8 inches to 40 inches), up to a maximum 33lbs (15kg), you can adjust the shoulder straps and waist belt to sit lower down around your hips in the facing-in position. From around 5 to 15 months, when your child can hold their head up unaided, you can switch to a facing-out position. From 12 to around 36 months, up to a maximum 15kg and 100cm (33lbs, 40 inches), you can use it as a back carrier.

How easy is the Harmony baby carrier to adjust?

The BabyBjörn Harmony is simple to adjust once you understand all the features, and you can easily loosen and tighten different parts of the carrier using various buckles, zips and poppers. All our parent testers agreed that it was a quick and easy carrier to adjust once you’d got the hang of it.

A newborn zip inside the seat can be closed for babies from 53-68cm (21-26.8in), while two zips on the outside of the seat can be adjusted to change the seat width and allow your baby to move their lower legs freely. The zips can be locked in any position. Leg straps on both sides must be attached for babies smaller than 4.5kg (10lbs) to reduce the size of the leg openings to fit their legs snugly and stop them slipping out.

The waist/hip belt can buckled lower or higher at the back, lifting the outer edge of the buckle if it’s too tight. A head support can be adjusted by pulling straps and using poppers to three different positions to support your baby’s neck, leaving space around their nose and mouth for unobstructed breathing.

To adjust your child’s position, slide your hands into the carrier and place them under the bottom and thighs – lift them and move them towards you so that their knees are in a high position and they can move their lower legs. Keep a hand under your baby while adjusting head support, then adjust shoulder straps.

Is it easy for you to do other things while wearing the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier?

It is relatively easy to do chores while wearing this hands-free carrier. However, with a newborn, I did feel worried about his head slumping on to his chest so I had to keep a close eye on him and occasionally lift his chin with my hands.

It was too tricky for us to get Arlo’s head to the correct angle for breastfeeding with the inner harness between mum and baby, but mothers with older children or more confidence with feeding should be able to do it. Babywearing expert, Katy Blundell, added: “My criticism would be that this style of carrier has fabric/straps between baby and care giver, meaning it would be very difficult to breastfeed baby whilst using the carrier.”

How well does the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier fit?

The carrier was a better fit for my partner than for me as it’s a little bulky for a petite woman and the internal harness meant our baby was less snug against me. However, it was comfortable on my shoulders and back for fairly long walks, since the shoulder straps and waist belt can be tightened and loosened using buckles on the sides and the adjustable padded back yoke provides excellent support.

What age range is the Harmony baby carrier suitable for?

BabyBjörn says the carrier is suitable for newborns from 7lbs (32kg) up to 36 months old and 33lbs (15kg). This seems broadly appropriate although our newborn son, who weighed 7lbs 15oz, seemed a little small for the design. We also tried it with a friend’s 18-month-old and he seemed comfortable although felt a little heavy, so you would need to be strong at the upper end of the recommended size bracket.

How easy are the buckles, straps and poppers to use?

This BabyBjörn carrier features multiple high-quality buckles, straps and poppers, which makes it extremely versatile. They are easy to use once you know how but aren’t entirely intuitive – you will probably need to read the instructions to understand all the different ways you can adjust it.

Is the fabric on the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier durable?

The BabyBjörn Harmony is made primarily from polyester with cotton and elastane. The mesh is soft and breathable and the jersey details feel gentle against baby’s skin. The carrier seems robust and durable and all materials meet the criteria for Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products, meaning they are safe for baby’s skin and to chew on.

MFM parent tester, Alannah, really rated the Harmony’s fabric, adding, “I think it would be cool enough in summer as it has the mesh/breathable material.”

How easy is it to clean the Harmony baby carrier?

It’s super easy to keep clean and the mesh material air dries fast. The instructions advise machine washing it separately using mild detergent on a gentle, warm cycle, ideally in a wash bag. It came out looking as good as new. Just do not tumble dry, iron or use fabric softener or bleach.

Does the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier have any extra safety features?

Yes. The leg straps for babies smaller than 10lbs (4.5kg), zips in the seat and leg openings and adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt ensure you can get your baby in the correct TICKS position. The head support can be adjusted by pulling straps to the best position to support your baby’s neck, leaving space for their nose and mouth for unobstructed breathing. The Harmony meets the European safety requirements EN 13209-2:2015. I was concerned about the safety of using a carrier with a newborn but BabyBjörn’s experience and explanation of the safety features and how to use them gave me some reassurance.

How does the Harmony compare to other BabyBjörn baby carriers?

The Harmony is more expensive than other BabyBjörn carriers including the Move (£130) and the One/One Air (£175), but the Move can only be used up to 15 months and for front carrying. The Harmony also offers premium materials – it is made from extra-soft mesh with soft jersey detail around your baby’s face, while the One Air and Move use a more basic mesh and the One is made of cotton.

The Harmony offers three head support positions and can be adjusted horizontally across the back for comfortable baby-wearing. BabyBjörn also sells a Carrier Mini (£95) for the first year from 7-24lbs (3.2-11kg), offering extra snug closeness, which is simpler to put on, lighter and more comfortable for when your baby is small – but of course, it won’t last as long.

Is the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier suited to use on public transport?

Yes, it was great to use on public transport. It’s ergonomic and compact and I was confident moving around and getting on and off the train/bus. Sitting while wearing the carrier was also comfortable, so there was no need to remove it while seated on the tube – although I was worried about him slumping over while I was sat down so tried to sit as upright as possible.

How does the BabyBjörn Harmony compare to other baby carriers you have used?

We have also used the popular Ergobaby Omni 360, £164.90, which felt harder to put on than the BabyBjörn Harmony. You can put the Harmony over your head first, and then pop in your baby or take him out without removing the shoulder straps. With the Omni 360, you strap the carrier to your waist and then have to hold the baby in place while you do up the shoulder straps. You also have to reach behind your upper back to do up the strap, which is a little awkward. It is also easier to securely spin the Harmony into a back position while your baby is in it.

The Omni 360 has the advantage that it goes up to 4 years old and offers an additional hip carrying position. It also has the option to cross the straps, which makes it slightly more comfortable for longer walks, but is harder for an adult to fasten alone. The Omni 360 comes with a hood for privacy and sun protection, and a useful detachable storage pouch for small items. It is a little easier for breastfeeding as it doesn’t have the internal harness between parent and baby.

What’s in the box?

• Carrier
• Instruction manual

Are there any accessories you can buy?

• Cover for baby carrier, £47
• Teething bib, £22

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier?

I’d have wanted to know about the inner harness between the wearer and the baby – this makes it easier to put on and take off at speed but also makes it less snug for a petite parent and could make it tricky if you’re less confident breastfeeding. I wasn’t convinced my newborn was suitably supported with his head off his chest – however, I think that issue applies to most ergonomic carriers of this style.

Who would the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier be most useful for?

This carrier would be most useful for people who don’t mind spending a bit extra for a comfortable and easy to secure product that will last for years, and stand up to regular use in a variety of positions as your baby grows. I feel it is most suited to taller parents and those who want a baby carrier that is simple and speedy to get on and off. It’s also a premium product that looks stylish and will satisfy those looking for reliability and longevity – perhaps for multiple children – featuring high-quality materials and numerous adjustment options to improve the fit for growing babies.

Is the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier worth the money?

At £190, this isn’t a cheap product, but it is durable, reliable and extremely comfortable. It is fairly typical in price for this style of ergonomic carrier and is so versatile it will last you and your baby for several years. You’ll have the reassurance that comes with buying from a well-known manufacturer and the breathable, soft materials will feel great for you and your child. I’d say this is definitely one of the best carriers on the market.

How does it compare to similar baby carriers?

Where can I buy the BabyBjörn Harmony baby carrier?

Available at BabyBjörn, Amazon and Mamas & Papas.

MadeForMums verdict:

A great quality carrier, well made with soft, breathable fabric, the Harmony really did impress. With plenty of features to get as comfortable a fit as possible for you and your baby, it’s as suited to long walks as it is to a quick trip to the supermarket. It’s a breeze to get on and off, once you’ve mastered the process, and it really does feel sturdy and durable – perfect if you plan on using it for more than one child. The internal straps do make it tricky to breastfeed while wearing it though, so if this is important to you you might want to consider an alternative carrier. Offering a choice of 4 positions, it’s got you covered from birth.