Can someone please help me and DD figure out Pikkolo?

[chix99]

I purchased a Pikkolo after lots of research online. Theoretically, it all should have worked out. I have a smaller frame and I want a few options to carry my daughter (4 months old) so I figured Pikkolo would be a good way to go. I'm completely new to babywearing, but DD needs to be held about 75% of the time or else she melts down. I also have 2 other youngish kids, so need hands free!

The Pikkolo seems easy to use - in the sense that it is just a couple of buckles. But I feel like an idiot when I am trying to put it on with DD inside (and then she gets impatient and fusses, and then I get nervous and it all goes downhill from there!)

Can anyone help me troubleshoot what I'm doing wrong?

First problem -
When I wear her Front Facing in - her head ends up smushed into one of the shoulder straps, and since she's drooling/teething - she ends up "chewing on the shoulder strap" or getting smushed by it.

Second problem -
So I tried turning her Front Facing out - and then she ends up leaning forward so far that it put a strain on my back almost immediately. Somethign just did NOT feel right when I did that!

Third question -
I don't know how hard to tighten the straps. I did use the Moby Wrap with her for a few weeks, and I'm used to holding her very tightly against me with that wrap. But with this carrier, I'm worried about hurting here when i do that and she seems to complain the tighter I pull the straps.

Fourth question - (is anyone actually still reading this novel?!?!)
I don't "get" what the two straps that I'm supposed to pull do. I mean, what's the difference between pulling the two? What area does each one tighten? (See I told you I was stupid when it comes to baby carriers!)

Can anyone help with any of these questions?!?!
Thanks!

[MommaShark]

1. sounds like it's not tight enough - but all babies chew on all carriers - hence sucking pads
http://www.abbyslane.com/catalog.php...category%3D212

2. maybe not sitting low enough or tight enough - pics would help!

3. You want it tight enough so that they are supported but not so tight that they hurt (duh I know but I don't know how else to say it...)

Here's what someone else had to say about a diff. carrier:
You want the front-loading straps tight enough so that your baby is snuggled fairly close to you. Your baby's butt should be at or slightly above your navel. If the front-loading straps are TOO tight, then the baby will feel squashed against you, and the baby's weight will not drop down to be supported by the padded waistband. You will feel pressure on your shoulders. Loosen up those straps a little.
If the front-loading straps are too loose, your baby will sink down from your chest towards your belly, and lean out away from you. The top of the carrier body will angle outwards away from you. This will strain your back. Tighten up those straps until your baby is back on your chest snuggled up to you.

4. Okay - the reason you can tighten the same strap 2 ways is for your convenience - whatever it's easier to reach and has slack to pull. I like to keep them even - I pull the back ones until I can't pull anymore then I pull the front ones - I keep the left and right front and back lengths the same

That was my quick response - have to attend to kids but post pics if my suggestions didn't help...I may have misunderstood.

PS I will make sure they're nestled in before tightening but bouncing them a little....

[chix99]

Thanks for the reply! I definitely need to give this a try a bit more. The Ergo sucking strap cracks me up

[MommaShark]

You can also tie a bandanna to it or baby legs or car seat strap covers or cut the toes out of cute socks......lot's of choices!

(for the sucking pads....)