New babywearer for special need baby

[anj_rn]

OK, so my DD is 9 months now and almost 20 lbs. (yes I have big babies). I need a new wrap/sling to carry her around in, but she has special needs, so I have some caveats.

1. She has a trach, so I have to have constant easy access to her neck to be able to suction her (I have to do this about every 10 minutes).

2. She has very poor head control, so I need to be able to support her head (OT is working on this, but when she is tired she loses control).

3. We go to lots of appts and do a lot of walking, so it can not take me 15 minutes to get her in the wrap.

Any suggestions?

[junipervt]

maybe a soft structured carrier that has a higher back or head rest (maybe someone can rec something?) babyhawk's oh snap might work

or
babyhawk mei tais have a pretty high back & a good sized head rest

not sure what other meitais have head rests. hopefully someone else will chime in

[GreenGranolaMama]

I have this one and started using it when DS was only 4weeks and I love it. It has awesome head/neck support and is super easy/quick to get on and off. I wanted a carrier that would last a while (this one goes up to toddler) and I could use on a nb w/o any inserts or extras. I got the organic one, but the velveteen ones look so comfy. http://www.edenbabycarrier.com/index.html

Hope this helps Mama

[Quirky]

So I assume you need to be doing front carries and not back carries so you can get to her trach to suction it?

I think a buckle carrier with a good supportive hip belt is going to be your fastest option as well as the most supportive for your big baby.

I think something like the Oh Snap might work well -- it's a buckle carrier, and very supportive, and has the BabyHawk firm headrest that can be flipped up for head support or down for more visibility/airiness. You can cross the shoulder straps on your back, which is more comfortable than wearing them backpack style for a front carry.

You might find some helpful threads on the special needs babywearing forum at TBW:

http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/f...play.php?f=148