Big, heavy 4 month old, and lack of head control.

[daisymommy]

DS is only just now 4 months old, and therefor doesn't have great head control yet. But he is 18 lbs. and 28" long already! So I can't do the cradle hold with him, and tummy-to-tummy with head tucked in frustrates him.

Lately I wear him tummy-2-tummy, but have to use one hand to hold his head--very inconvenient when grocery shopping.

What would you suggest I wear him in?

I have an Ergo (too early for legs straddled?), Kozy & Babyhawk, Moby, several ring slings and pouch slings.

[anotherpeanut]

Could you do the moby and pull up part of it a little to help support his head? Or even sort of pull it all the way so it covers his head, and his head is resting against your chest? I had a heavy baby too but he had good head control pretty early on, I guess I was lucky! He hated being in any position except upright so cradle was never an option for us! Good luck.

[Amanda Williams]

My babe was born the same day, is 20 pounds and is still a bit floppy.... I do what the PP suggested. Using a wrap, like a Moby, tuck it up behind his neck so he can still look around at EVERYthing and get the support he needs. I cannot wait to use the Ergo!

[nigellas]

Babyhawk has a great head rest.

If he is pulling his legs up to toe-play during diaper changes he's ready for legs out.

NAK

[MichelleAnnette]

I love the Moby for my 17 lb almost 3 month old. I wear her both facing out and in. I wore my first one in the Ergo at this age (he was big also) but the Moby is more comfy for me (didn't have the Moby with him). I haven't had any problems with her head flopping around. She has pretty good control, though.

[Quirky]

How floppy is he, and how floppy were your other kids at this point? Four months does sound a bit old for him not to be able to hold his own head at this point.....is there a possibility he may have low muscle tone?

I'd try the Kozy and BabyHawk, since both have good head support -- he may be a bit bobbly, but with legs out and with his bum well down in the carrier, he shouldn't have his head be flopping backwards, and it should give him gentle support while encouraging him to build his muscles by holding his head up more.

[Bokonon]

I started wearing DD in the Mei Tai (similar style to the BabyHawk but no headrest) when she was about 1.5 months adjusted for prematurity, and honestly I think it helped her strengthen her neck muscles. There was enough fabric behind her head that it supported it fairly well, but she would kind of snuggle in to me too.