Want to "wear" my preemie

[musiclady]

She should be coming home in a week-week and a half. I registered for the Eddie Bauer sling, but now am thinking it's not supportive enough for her.

She is 4lbs 15.7oz and 17.5in long.

I need something to keep her close to me when she finally gets to come home. I do NOT want to carry her around in a car seat all the time. I just want to keep her close to me and keep other people's hands off her.

Please let me know what you have tried and loved or hated- I am not sure what is appropriate for a preemie.

TIA

[~Sarah~]

I think a Moby wrap is perfect for you. It can be pretty tightly wrapped/tied in the beginning to wear her chest-to-chest in the newborn hug hold, and tied less tightly as she grows. I'd probably want to keep her chin far away from her chest, being that tiny, and hold her right next to me to monitor her breathing and keep her warm. Good luck and congrats!

ETA: link to newborn hug hold http://www.mobywrap.com/t-instructions-NewBorn.aspx You can also cradle hold.

[chase_mommy]

:

But wanted to add... Good for you, keeping everyone off of your LO! I wish my SIL would have been as concerned for her preemie as you. Also, eventually your LO is going to grow out of the Moby, I would make one yourself or be prepared to purchase a new sling eventually. There are other slings that can be used with newborn like a ringsling and a Mei Tai but I (would think that I would) like the snugness and stretchiness of the Moby style wrap.

[Raene]

No firsthand experience, but one of my co-workers wears her baby in a Beco and loves it, and her baby was 4 lbs 3 oz when born, and around that when she started carrying her in it. She just *loves* it.

[ChesapeakeBorn]

Big vote for Moby Wrap here. It takes some time to figure out how to wrap it, but stick with it and it becomes very easy. Their website has wonderful videos that explain the wrapping process. It will keep her snug, close, and secure -- and keep other peoples' hands off of her.

ETA: I had a new native pouch for my DD, who was 5lbs, 3oz, 17.75 in. I did NOT like it. It was not adjustable, people could still stick their hands in there, and she tended to wind up in a chin-to-chest position (even with a support pillow) which is not good for their breathing.

[KristyDi]

I totally agree with a stretchy wrap like the moby and using the tummy to tummy/hug hold. That sounds perfect for your situation.

Don't let the wrapping intimidate you. I thought the wrap was easier to learn than the ring sling.

[Quirky]

I agree, a stretchy wrap in an upright, tummy-to-tummy carry would be perfect. Just make sure to tie it on fairly snugly as baby will stretch it out when you put her in.

I wouldn't use the Eddie Bauer, or any ring sling or pouch at this point -- too easy for baby to get lost and possibly go chin to chest which you don't want to happen.

[PNCTink]

Another vote for the Moby here.

[limabean]

Yes, Moby wrap for sure.

Their website has great instructions for different carries.

[ChampagneBlossom]

The Moby worked great for my tiny babe. He wasn't a preemie but acted as such and he was LBW - dropped to below 5 lbs.