Help - Beco rubs under arms

[munchymum]

Hi folks

I got a Beco Butterfly II a week ago, and I love how it looks but I still don't think I've got the hang of positioning it/getting the straps the right length (only doing front carry for small 7mo at the moment). Problems are:
(i) Buckles on shoulder straps rub under my arms;
(ii) Waist strap tends to sit below my waist at the front, putting a lot of strain on my lower back.

Anyone else had these probs? I am medium sized (US size 10 I think) and baby is only 15 1/2 pounds. Please help! I really want to love this carrier, it cost me enough!

[Quirky]

I would try putting the hip belt a little higher or a little lower in front, supporting baby's weight with one hand and really cranking on the straps with the other to get the hip belt flat against your body to transfer your baby's weight to your hips. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the sweet spot where that will happen. If baby's bum is sagging between your body and the hip belt, then it won't function properly.

With the shoulder straps, again a little playing around and tweaking may help. Adjust them tighter or looser and see if you can find a comfortable spot.

I'd also go ahead and start trying back carries. At 7 months, even if your LO is small, that's plenty old enough to do back carries, and I think with any SSC it's at its best as a back carrier. SSCs can work OK as front carriers, but can often be bulkier or more awkward than one would like because it's not their highest and best use.

[munchymum]

Thanks. I will try messing with the waist belt. Only thing is, I find my stomach is uncomfortable if the belt is very tight around my waist - the woman in the DVD is very slim and completely flat at the front, whereas my tummy and boobs stick out more. Don't know if this changes the ergonomics? Anyway thanks again.