Babywearing just not working :(

[twobears]

Want to be able to wear my Lo, but not working out so far. I have a Maya ring sling and an ergo carrier. My son is now 4mo and 15 pounds. I really tried to use the ring sling but was not having luck. Many of you gave me advice but just never felt comfy for him or me. Thought he was ready for ergo without the insert front not back carry. Had one wonderful day he seemed content, even fell asleep. I was so happy all was well. Then I tried again a few times and no luck he seems so uncomfortable a lot of crying and squirming.Could I be putting him in wrong? Are his legs being spread too far apart? Maybe I should try another carrier? Feel so lost. He of course loves to be held so why does he seem so unhappy in the carrier? Anyone experience anything similar?

[MEcatlady17]

We have both a maya ring sling and ergo, as well as a moby. Sometimes DD does fuss and squirm when first put in. Especially when tired. But instantly we move and shush and she calms and sleeps in no time. We've been wearing her at least occasionally from the beginning. She does not like cradle positions, never has. I am sure that she is in a froggy leg position and not just splayed straight out. Sometimes I have to help DH with this. Also, her little arms usually tuck under the shoulder straps in the ergo (rather than out the top of the carrier). She likes to hold the straps that run on my sides. I've also just started using links to hang a toy from the D ring on the back side of the shoulder strap for her to hold, chew, etc. When she is wide away I boost her higher so she can really look around, and when tired I sometimes put up half of the hood to block out stimulation.

In the ring sling how do you position your baby? DD likes a similar hold as achieved in the ergo. Now that she is bigger I always let her legs poke out and position her not straight on my front but to one side a bit (helps me actually use my hands more since I am very short and can't reach around her well). Not quite a hip carry, but modified upright/hug hold. I'd say keep trying and keep moving. Many babies need movement when first wrapped/carried to settle into the position, especially if they are active and wiggly like 4 months old can be. If around the house and wide awake DD often prefers to lay on the floor or sit up in a bumboo while I work (and I really can't do much while wearing her due to short arms!). With DH she rides along while he does dishes and stuff and she usually ends up asleep. I use babywearing especially for fussy/tired moments and when out and about. When out shopping DD doesn't usually fuss when put in because there is SO much to look at. She fusses when falling asleep regardless of where or how held...such a sleep fighter! I think being held close and tummy to tummy with me helps keep her from overstimulating on grocery store lights, overly friendly strangers, etc. Play around with positioning and times of the day. I think pre-baby I envisioned myself wearing her more around the house, but in our situation it hasn't been necessary. She sleeps awesome in a swing so I can do things around the house and more efficiently than when holding her.

[Nature Monster]

there are alot of different baby carriers out there. I believe there is a difference between wearing your baby and just carrying him. is there a local baby store where you can go to try on different carriers and slings. i'd hate for you to spend alot of money on one and not like it. I have two rings slings and baby bjorn (that i hate) and a home made moby wrap type carrier. I love the moby and my son is twoand i still wear him.

the first link take you to my local store and will show you 4 different carriers and there is also a link to show you how to safely and correctly wear your baby.
the second link goes to some videos on how to wrap your baby.

http://www.healthybabyboutique.com/s...rapVideos.html
i hope this helps


www.naturemonster.com

[twobears]

Thanks for the info. We are just going to continue to try. I will try moving more when he is first in maybe that will help. I've also noticed he has become very interested in what is going on around him so maybe positioning him higher will let him see more of what's going on. Having a toy attached is a great idea also.Thanks!!

[Asiago]

You had questioned about his legs splaying out. I can tell you from my experience with my son in a Beco Butterfly he was not comfortable with his legs splayed out until he was about 6 mos (and about 26 inches long) I put off using it until then as I could tell he was uncomfortable.
So that could be a possibility as you had mentioned.
Instead I put him in a kangaroo carry in a sling around your baby's age. He liked that a lot and seemed quite comfortable with his legs tucked in and his body in a little ball (like in a the womb). It depends though on your baby's head and upper body control if he is ready for such a position.

[jess5377]

Wait a few weeks and try again and then just keep trying every week at a time of day when your baby is in a good mood. Also, see if getting outside and just walking soothes his fussing before you give up completely.

My DD hates the back carry when I first put her in, but I let her fuss for a minute or two, take the garbage outside and by then she's usually either content or asleep.

[bluebirdiemama]

I have almost no experience with a baby that small! My kids were almost that big when they were born!

I did have trouble with my son at first in a carrier. The ring sling didn't work out for us AT ALL. Then we used a mei tei, and he... was ok with it, but not totally thrilled. Of course when he got bigger he was more comfy in there. Oh, we also tried a baby bjorn that was ok for him, but I didn't like it.
I had more success with my dd when she was a babe. We used a sleepy wrap (stretchy) and she loved it.

[bluebirdiemama]

Originally Posted by twobears

.Could I be putting him in wrong? Are his legs being spread too far apart?

I have trouble with that now, with my dd in our mei tei. If I have her in a front carry facing forward the circulation gets cut off to her legs It's such a pain in the butt.
It was really hard for me when starting to use carriers to tell if I was doing it right, and to read my baby's reactions... just keep practicing and you'll get it

[arianascrunchymama]

SSCs and mei tais tend to spread a smaller baby's legs apart too far, so there's a period of time when they're too big for froggied legs, but uncomfortable straddling you. You can always tuck one leg in and have one leg out. Most babies need to adjust to those carriers from 3-5 months or so.
Stick with the rings slings or wraps until he seems more comfortable!

[marinak1977]

My DS is approximately the same age and size, and he is just beginning to be comfortable in the Ergo with his legs splayed out. In the RS he likes facing out in the kangaroo carry or snoozing in the tummy 2 tummy. For the longest time I would tuck one leg in and one out in the ergo. That seemed comfy to him.
If you have any $$ to invest - I would recommend getting a smaller Mei Tai. My latest love - is a MeiTaiBaby mei tai, it has a bottom that sinches in and is super comfy for a smaller LO, I just started to do high back carry with DS and he loves it (although he did spit up on top of my head this morning) LOL! :Puke
Good luck!

[RachelJoy]

wrapping?

HAve you thought about getting a woven wrap or some material to make one? A lot of babies that hate other carriers love wraps. Have you looked into thebabywearer.com?

[almadianna]

do you have a babywearing group near you? i think this would be the best solution to help you try different things.