Big floppy baby...need suggestions

[MamaWillow]

My 10 week old DS is now over 15 lbs. I have several carriers and I can't seem to get any of them to work for me.

Baby Bjorn: I like that it goes on fast. I don't like that I can't put it on my back and it hurts my shoulders after wearing for like 10 minutes.

Moby Wrap: I like how close my DS is, and it's soft. This one tires me out the least. I don't like that it takes me 5 minutes to get it tied properly, then DS starts to sag in it very shortly. Also it is really hard for me to BF with him in it.

Ergo: Well, I think he's just to small for this one? I like that it goes on front or back, but I am turned off by buckles.

Eden MT: Theoretically this is my fave, I really want to like this one. DS works okay in the front, it's actually pretty comfy. Getting him on my back is difficult and we end up with him screaming and me all sweaty. Then I have to take him off because he is so upset. Also it feels really weird and uncomfortable to have it wrapped around my chest.

So, am I just in a weird stage with DS where none of these are working very well? It's tough because he weighs a lot but still doesn't have the body control that an older baby would have. I also mostly have to have him on my front, which pretty much takes away any opportunity to get anything done around the house. I need him on my back. I would like to get by with what I have, but now I'm wondering if I need something different. Here is what I would like in the perfect carrier:

front and back carry
able to easily BF
not a lot of buckles or padding (or is padding important for comfort?)
small and easy to stick in diaper bag

I really want to be able to carry DS around more than I am, I just can't seem to find something that works for both of us. Ideas? TIA

[Dandy]

I thought of the Maya Tie when I read your post, It doesn't have padding, the straps are just nice and wide so they distribute weight well, but a Maya Tie isn't stretchy like your wrap.

But I think that getting your baby on your back is going to be difficult with any carrier, because as you said, he just doesn't have a lot of body control. Also I guess I am assuming you are new to back carries? I don't know if that's the case. But it takes a lot of practice (for most of us!) to master a back carry with any size baby

I would also point out that there are a few carriers with infant "seat" sewn inside, which could make back carriers easier - coming to mind are the Beco Butterfly, I *think* the MBD Calyx (I saw a pic of it and it looks like there was an insert) and also the ihosa chunei (which is a very interesting carrier and supposed to be VERY user friendly).

I have not personally tried any of these carriers, just want to so hopefully you will get some feedback from mamas who have

Regarding the Eden MT and feeling weird about how it wraps across your chest - you do not have to tie is that way. You can do "ruck" straps (backpack style), and then it will not be crossing/squishing/distorting your chest...

[baturay]

Originally Posted by Dandy

Regarding the Eden MT and feeling weird about how it wraps across your chest - you do not have to tie is that way. You can do "ruck" straps (backpack style), and then it will not be crossing/squishing/distorting your chest...

Yes to this. If the Eden is your fave, then I'd keep working on it. You can tie as described above. Also, for back carries, it just takes practice. No matter what carrier you get, it will take practice to do a back carry. My suggestion would be to keep working at it and use your current favorite (the Eden) a little more. Here's a good link for instructions on wearing a mei tai in various ways.