My baby doesn't seem to enjoy babywearing

[Pookietooth]

I have always read that carried babies cry less, develop better, are happier, and bond better, but dd often cries in the sling, and in the mei tai, and in the sleepy wrap (which I haven't been able to put her in without a total meltdown). I think it might be sensory issues, but what should I do? I see all these quiet babies in strollers, and here I am with my screaming baby in the sling and I think, why am I putting myself and her through this? The two times I put her in the stroller she fell asleep without any fussing. Anyone else have this issue? Any tips to help her be more comfortable? I've noticed that sometimes she'll put up with it better if she's sleepy and I am moving constantly, but not always.

[mntnmom]

I haven't had it myself. But every baby is different. My friend tried wearing both of her little girls as babies. They hated it. At about a year old, the oldest was fine, but the baby never got into it.
Respond to what your baby needs. Babywearing is just a tool. A stroller can be a tool too.

[itsy]

I have a friend who's son hated to be carried much to her dismay. As much as she wanted to...it just wasn't going to happen. Don't fight it.

[MamaKickyPants]

I notice that your DD is around 4 months? This was a really hard babywearing time for us. I've heard other mamas say that same. I'd experiment with different holds and carriers if you can. What hold are you using? Lots of babies are happier in an upright, tummy-to-tummy hold than lying down in a cradle type carry. If the sleepywrap isn't working, put it away for a while. I also had trouble with the sling at this age, until I mastered and upright hold. we had the most success with the mei tai. I'm guessing your DD is sitting with her legs 'froggies' inside the carrier? You could try cinching in the base of the MT with scrunchie or a belt or something, so that it is narrow enough for her to have her legs out. This made a HUGE different for us - DS hated having his legs froggied. There's no warm in using the stroller sometimes if it helps your little one sleep!

[eli's mama]

I second the idea of trying a more upright hold. NONE of my kids ever liked laying down in any carrier. And 2 of mine preferred being on my back and not in front. The MT was a godsend for that.But if that doesn't work, use the stroller, come back to the carrier a little later.

[Lauren710]

I agree with the two previous posters.. your DD is at a notoriously difficult BWing age. Keep trying it, but if a stroller works best for you then don't be afraid to use that too. If it makes you feel any better, I wore my DD for just a few minutes here and there until she was about 5 months, and she would scream almost every single time. I used the Ergo a fair amount after that and she tolerated it okay, and now that she's over a year I'm wearing her multiple times a day, every day, so there's still hope for you

[Pookietooth]

Actually, my dd reacts the most strongly negatively to the upright hold in the MT. I have tried her legs froggy style, as well as sticking out, and she absolutely freaks out in it when I try that, other than the one time (and her legs were folded under her like in the fetal position. She has sometimes accepted the tummy-to-tummy hold in the sling, but not always. The cradle hold sometimes is ok with her as long as she's sitting up enough to see out. Sometimes I have her sitting up facing out and that seems to be better for her but it doesn't feel that secure as she tends to lean forward.
She has freaked out in the Mei Tai from the beginning, and the tummy to tummy hold in the sling has also usually not been a hit.

[clovergirl]

have you tried a hip carry with the ring sling? it's the most natural position and should allow her to see enough to keep her stimulated. i know many people don't start doing hip carries until babies are 6mo and up but it's actually a great carrying position for babies once they can hold their heads up. this summer i wore a friend's 2mo old in a hip carry (legs out) a few times and it was great.

also, i just want to say that you shoud go with your gut about the sensory issues. is babywearing the only time/thing she reacts strongly to? you may want to talk to her care provider about it. if her dislike of babywearing stems from a sensory integration disorder then the soomer you get her into the occupational therapy the better. craniosacral therapy and chiropractic work may be worth looking into as well.

hang in there mama!