How to keep wearing baby??

[sharkysmom]

Ds is now 6mo and a little over 21 pounds. I used to wear him a lot and he loved it, now he doesn't seem to like it so much and he is so heavy it kills my back! I have a Pikkolo and a Moby and I cant afford to buy any other carrier right now. I can wear him almost comfortably facing inward but in the last week or so he has started flinging himself backwards in my arms and when I try to put him in the carriers that way, so the only way he will tolerate it is forward facing out, which again kills my back. Any suggestions?? He is an Hn baby and needs constant attention and wearing him used to be my salvation! I also can't shop with him anymore since he doesnt sit up well enough to be put in a cart yet and refuses to be carried for any length of time. Advice please!! TIA

[ElaynesMom]

Do you ever wear him on your back in the pikkolo? My dd prefers to be on my back or hip if she is awake, because she associates being on my front with nap time, plus she can see more I think if she's on my back.

I'd try wearing him on your back and see if that helps. If you're nervous because you haven't done it before, just practice over a bed or couch.

Also, if you find the waist of the pikkolo is getting uncomfortable because of his weight, they do make a support belt that you can add on to the waist.

HTH.

Kassandra

[lizvt]

Hi
My DS also started doing the fling backwards around 5-6 months. It is so uncomfortable and sometimes scary! I found that the Moby was just not supportive enough and he could break through the crosses when I had him on my front facing in.
It sounds like you are at a great point to try back carries. He may be happier with a new point of view! I've found that different carriers and different positions have worked for us at different points.
This is my favorite back carry with a wrap. www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h-QqZms9Qw
Super supportive and comfortable. I used a woven wrap after DS was around 15 lbs, but I have seen this one done with a Moby. Just be sure to wrap really tightly since it is so stretchy and you your lil guy is getting heavy!
If you really want to try a new carrier without spending a lot of money, you could look for a used one. There is a buy/sell/ trade group on yahoo and Thebabywearer.com. Also, not sure where you live, but some support groups can get them for you at cost (here in VT we have Good Beginnings of Central VT)
Good Luck! I'm sure you still have many more babywearing days in front of you

[lifeguard]

I'd also recommend a back carry. It made such a big difference when I switched ds to my back.

[sharkysmom]

I have two issues with the back carrying. One is I'm really nervous because he is such a wiggle worm these days I dont want to drop him or not get him in right. I have always had someone else put him in to wear him on my back. Practice would I'm sure make this less of an issue. Second issue though is that he rips my hair out when he is on my back. I have long hair and he is fascinated with it.....actually with ripping it out!! I tie it in a bun mostly but he also just goes right to the scalp so tying back doesnt really help? Any suggestions with that?

[ElaynesMom]

Hmm, I'm not sure about the hair thing as my dd only pulled my hair if I left it down, once I put my hair up it was fine. Hopefully someone with a more determined hair puller can chime in. Maybe you could give him a little toy to distract him (attach it to the should strap?). I'm not sure.

As far as being nervous about back carrying, I think most of us have been there. What you can do is clip the waist belt around you and then sit on a couch or bed with your baby. Put the baby on your back while sitting on the couch and then bring the carrier body over his back and bring the straps over your shoulders. Then stand up There's virtually no risk of him falling if you put him on your back while sitting down.