So sore - any tips on preventing?

[laliu]

I'm new to posting on this site but have been reading the great advice posted for a while now, it's wonderful to find like-minded people!

Question for you all: I've been wearing my son regularly since he was 3 months old (using moby wrap and snugli carriers.) He's a big boy at 5 1/2 months old and 20 pounds. I wear him on average 3-5 hours a day but as of late have been SO SORE from wearing him around all the time. I really want to continue to wear him for a while longer but every morning waking up I feel like I had a major workout the day before, so stiff and achy.

To top it off, he has now begun kicking me quite a bit during the day while being carried (and at night while co-sleeping) and I am finding bruises on my stomach, legs and elsewhere.

Any tips on dealing with this or does this soreness go away after a while? TIA!

[ShwarmaQueen]

Are you still carrying him on the front? If so, maybe try switching him to your back, it seems it would be easier on your back muscles.

[gbutterflykissesm]

[Alisse]

My son's 20lbs as well.

I switch from front to back carry, and alternate between 2 carriers. That way the same muscles aren't always being used.

[ElaynesMom]

At this point you probably need a more supportive carrier. The snugli and the moby aren't great for supporting larger babies (more than 15 or 20 lbs max). A mei tai or SSC (soft structured carrier) would give a great deal more support and you could carry him on your front or back easily. I especially love my Ergo carrier

If you want to stick with wrapping, you could get a woven wrap like a stochenwiege or hoppediz.

[laliu]

Thanks for the ideas, I will have to try switching between front and back carrying. Hopefully that will help

[Comtessa]

I second the recommendation of an Ergo. For really heavy babies, these are especially marvelous because they shift the babe's weight from your shoulders to your hips. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for the world!

[Bokonon]

I have a Mei Tai, and can wear my 20+ pound baby for several hours at a time, without getting sore (and I am NOT an athletic person, LOL!). I agree that it sounds like a Mei Tai or Ergo would work better for you at this age.