Mei Tai and short torsos

[chase_mommy]

I made a Mei Tie for DD.. she never really loved it and neither did I as I was in love with a ring sling. Now DD is 20 lbs the ring sling doesn't work out so great for long periods of time or when I really need both of my hands. So today, since I had to rake up some stray leafs from the fall, I put DD in a back carry with the Mai Tie and came to the conclusion that thing is not the most comfortable thing in the world. It does have wide straps, they didn't bother me one bit, it was my back after about an hour. I have few issues with this MT and I think they all have to do with my short torso. 1) I can't seem to get DD high enough on my back.. I tie the straps right under my boobs... somehow she is still stilling on my butt. 2) my back hurts. Not excruciating pain, just discomfort, I am sure I could not wear her for hours and hours. 3) I have the hardest time getting her in the MT in the back carry. I have a difficult time getting her centered on my back, she wiggles and then I can't hardly reach around my back and tie her on securely. What am I doing wrong here? Are short people or short torsos not compatible with the Mei Tie's?

[momeeboys]

Sounds like one of the first things you need to do is get a spotter or helper getting DD on your back. I think once she realizes what's happening she may be less likely to be squirmy. Unless she's like my DD (who's a couple months older than your DD), who sometimes squirms because she'd rather be walking!

Anyway, once you get the hang of getting her back there quickly, the next thing you might try is after she's on your back, bring those shoulder straps up and bounce a few times, then bring the straps around, making sure their taut. I'm guessing that DD may not be close enough to you and that might be contributing to your back discomfort.

Also, do not discount that the shoulder angle might not be a good fit for you. Not all MTs are the same for every mama. As an example, I was trying on different SSCs. None of them felt very good--at least not good enough to say, "WOW!" Then I tried the Beco, and it really felt good to me. Angle of straps may make a difference.

If there is any chance of a babywearing group in your area, I'd suggest you go. You can get IRL help with back carriers and possibly try out other brands of MTs to see if you can find one that kisses your sweet spot. GL! Oh, and I'm 5'3 and I do prefer MTs, so just keep on trying! MTs can work for short mamas!

[chase_mommy]

I do have to have my DH help me when I put her in the MT. Occasionally I can get her to sit on it in the couch and pull her to me with the straps. Either way I can't get her high on my back, what am I doing wrong here? I do also do the little 'hop-pity-hop' as I call it, that gets her settled in nicely but then her knees and butt are parallel. How do I get the butt lower than her knees and how important is this? As far as the straps go, I make my carriers, I suppose I can try to make on with a different angle but I'm not completely convinced it the carrier and not the operator, iykwim. About a baby wearing group, there isn't one here but I have been talking (online) with a group of baby wearers who would like to get together for that very reason. I'm not sure we are going to meet up anytime soon, so I was trying to remedy this problem before then.