Can't use Maya Tie, what else should I try?

[jewelsJZ]

I got a maya tie after trying several back carriers. This one felt the most comfortable, however, after several days of trying, I cannot get my 8 m.o. into it without someone helping me. I am also having bad neck pain and I know I am putting it on right, comparing it to the photos and instructions on the maya site, looks like I have it right.
So the person i bought it from will let me exchange it for another carrier. I def. want to be able to carry my ds on my back. What other carrier should I consider? I am short, about 5'3". Does that make a difference in the comfort of a back carrier? I would love it if it would be something I could get on after getting out of the car to go into a store or whatever but the maya tie seemed to require a bed or couch to sit on to safely get ds into the carrier by myself, and then of course there is the problem with the things dragging all over the ground while getting it tied.

[moonlight mom]

I love both my ergo and pikkolo. For back carries ergo is my favorite.

[CortLong]

Def. an Ergo for back carries.

[Carrruth]

Ergos are one of the more common carriers, but any soft structured carrier with buckles should be about the same to do a back carry. You're still going to have to learn how to get them on your back easily without help and this just takes some practice. There are lots of videos on youtube that show how to get baby on your back. You'll want to practice over a bed or couch until you feel comfortable.

Not sure what's causing the neck pain and if a soft structured carrier will help or not. Hopefully it's just the style of that carrier and you find something else that works for you! Good luck!

[baturay]

With practice, you can get your son on your back in a mei tai while standing up and in just about any location. But, there is the issue of the straps. You can avoid having them touch the ground, but just holding them between your knees. It can be done, really. But, it sounds like a buckle carrier may be something you'd like better. I'd exchange it for one.

I don't personally like the Maya Tie. I have found that I am not a fan of the straps it has and those type of straps aren't the most comfy when worn in a back carry. It makes a better front carrier, than a back carry. For mei tais, I like Kozy and Babyhawk much better.

[MamaPhD]

Try the Ergo - best for back carry hands down!

[MommaShark]

If you have narrow shoulders (noticed you were petite) the Ergo will slip off. The Beco (I'm not a fan of the internal harness - but you may like it) or Pikkolo (my fav) would be better. The Freehand Mei Tei is very comfortable as well.

The Ergo is better for less petite people. I'm 5'4" with narrow shoulders and prefer the Pikkolo over the Ergo.....my friend who's 5'5 and has swimmers shoulders does well with the Ergo as does my DH.

[almadianna]

It sounds like what you need is a little more practice or someone who knows how to do this to show you the "how-tos" or back carrying in person. Is there a ground of babywearers near you? I dotn know where you are located but if you let us know I might be able to find someone that can help you.

[jewelsJZ]

Thanks mommas! I exchanged the maya for an Ergo, and I love it. I can get baby in and out by myself and it's very comfortable. More importantly my baby loves it and falls asleep in the carrier quite often!
I agree, it is also a matter of learning how to back carry period, regardless of the carrier. Perhaps I'll move onto another kind of carrier later, but for now am really enjoying the Ergo for back carries and my ring sling for hip carries.