Toddlerwearing

[Halfasianmomma]

I feel off the babywearing wagon when DD hit about 22lbs. I had bought myself a nice Beco butterfly II, and had used it continually on a trip to LA, but then it seemed that my back couldn't support DD anymore and I had to stop.

DD is now 12 months old and a good 24 lbs. I'd like to jump back on the babywearing wagon but I'm worried about hurting my back. I'm not a big girl (5'3, 110 lbs), so maybe that's why the Beco was killing my shoulders when I used to wear DD...but maybe it's the Beco? Should I try an Ergo instead?

[baturay]

Are you doing front or back carries?

[Halfasianmomma]

I used to only do front carries, but DD is SO heavy now that it would have to be back carries. I haven't tried a back carry in a few months now, mostly because DD was getting angry that she couldn't see straight ahead. Perhaps she's gotten over that or forgotten about it now and I can try back carries again...

[Ruthie's momma]

Have you tried wearing your LO in a pouch or ring sling? That way, you could wear her on the back of your hip (and she could more easily see straight ahead).

[Carrruth]

I would definitely try back carries again. Not sure if this will help with your shoulders or not, but it should help your back for sure. My DD is 22lbs and I still wear her on my front a lot without any shoulder pain, so maybe it is the Beco? Haven't used a Beco though, so maybe someone else can comment about that. Pouches and ring slings are nice for shorter trips, but I prefer other carriers for longer baby wearing outings.

Do you know anyone who has another brand of carrier you could try?

[Carma]

I still sometimes wear my almost 4 year old on my back in an Ergo when she is very tired in a busy place and we didn't bring the stroller. Last weekend she slept on my back in the Ergo walking through NYC She is about 35-40 lb I think. I am 5'7'' (and heavier than you ), but I think you could do it with twenty something lbs.

Carma

[prufrocks_lady]

I used my maya ring sling when my daughter was getting heavier. we did a lot of hip carrying. you can also find pouches made specifically for hip carries.

Good luck!

[baturay]

Originally Posted by Halfasianmomma

I used to only do front carries, but DD is SO heavy now that it would have to be back carries. I haven't tried a back carry in a few months now, mostly because DD was getting angry that she couldn't see straight ahead. Perhaps she's gotten over that or forgotten about it now and I can try back carries again...

You'll not be able to do high back carries with the Beco (as you know) or with an Ergo (or most other buckle carriers). Most buckle carriers are meant to be buckled on your lower waist or hip, so baby rides a little lower than he would if you were able to tie at your waist or right below your breasts. If you want another buckle carrier, than check out Calyx, which buckles at the waist, so baby rides a little higher. Also check out the Pikkolo, which has an unpadded waist, so you can also buckle it higher on your waist.

If your little one would prefer to peak over your shoulder, then a mei tai would work much better. You can tie the mei tai higher on you, so that your little one can peak over your shoulder. A woven wrap would also work this way, but a mei tai has a shorter learning curve.

[Halfasianmomma]

Damn it...now I'm kicking myself for selling off my babyhawk so I could afford my Beco! I dunno, perhaps I'll try back carries with DD again and see if she's gotten over her frustration.

[chrstene]

Just my 2 cents:

I've used mei tais, ring slings, pouch, patapum and wraps...but also use a Beco Butterfly II like you have.
At first I was NOT FEELING the Beco love that everyone talks about and I was SO mad I spent the money on it.....but then I started fooling around with the adjustments of ALL the buckles. Keep him closer to body, further from body, lower on hips, higher, etc...Between the actual straps (with the three buttons), the ones you pull on the side, and the hip belt...I was able to find a comfie combination and now I can wear him without any back or shoulder pain. So...just a thought. Don't experiment all in one day, you LO might get frustrated!

Good luck!