I'm returning my beco tomorrow

[LilacMama]

I think I'm going to return my Beco tomorrow, but wanted to see if more experienced Beco users thought I was being too hasty. My reasons --

1) I purchased it because the saleslady said it was good for people with shoulder/neck problems because the weight is more evenly distributed. Maybe this is true, but the painful pulling on my shoulders was VERY uncomfortable and my baby is only 7 1/2lbs now!

2) Baby won't stop trying to latch on in that position, even after she's had a good feed. She just has an overactive rooting reflex. She just bobs her head up and down and tries to root like a maniac. I take her out to try and nurse her and she's like "meh...I'm full." Annoying.

3)She's so little, the inside cloth on the carrier was chafing her little thighs.

Am I doing something wrong? Do you have another carrier recommendation for me? Thanks.

[Jane]

Hmmm. I don't think the Beco is great for a newborn. I think it really comes into play about 3-6 months.

[Halfasianmomma]

Perhaps you can keep it around until later? I'm about to buy a Beco for my 21 lbs DD, because the BH mei tai I bought when she was a month old just isn't cutting it anymore. It was GREAT while she was tiny, and it was possible for me to loosen the shoulder straps and nurse her while wearing her, but now that she's bigger, I really need an SSC to help my poor back/shoulders.

IMO, when baby is so little, it's really useful to have something that can cinch and is really adjustable, like a wrap or a mei tai.

[Dabble]

Unless you're in need of the money from the return, I think it would be worth keeping it around. You'll probably love your Beco when she gets a bit bigger. It's quite versatile.

For now, stretchy wraps are ideal for newborns and you would be able to snug her up to you a little higher on your chest so she can just lay her head down and sleep instead of rooting around.

Welcome to the world of needing "just one more" carrier!

[iowaorganic]

OK- I don't have a beco- but I do have an ergo- and I think the two are very very similiar.

I don't think they are designed for new babies. While I am sure you could put one in- I just wouldn't. But I think you would love the beco once your baby is about 3 months old- so I personally wouldn't return it.

As for the shoulder pain- your sig says that you were due a week ago- so assuming your baby is about a week old- you have been through a marathon having the baby and should expect to feel some discomfort and pain- you have been through a lot! I wouldn't necessarily blame it on the carrier. But I wouldn't use a SSC this soon anyway.

rooting is a natural thing for newborns- my babies would have rooted the dog had they had the chance.

I would try a sling- either a hotsling type or a ring sling. Try swaddling your little one in a recieving blanket and snuggling them into the sling- mine loved that.

The only way I would return it so soon is if you will be unable to return it later.....

[Drummer's Wife]

I vote to keep it a bit longer. I love my Beco Butterfly I even now that DS is almost 2 yrs old and pretty heavy. I can't, however, imagine using it with a brand new baby --even with teh infant insert. My guess is it would work well around 3-4 months and up. It really is a good, comfy carrier.

A sling, wrap or pouch would be good for a little tiny baby, IME. If you have a bad back/neck/shoulders (I do, too) you might be most comforatble with a wrap since you can distribute the weight more evenly.

[Otterella]

I very much dislike the Beco, but DH loves it. I vastly prefer my mei tai. However, either one would NOT be great for a newborn. I would try a ring sling for the newborn period, and try the Beco again at around 3 months. Sometime after the baby gets a little more independent with body support.