two-part question re: SSCs

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

I've been using an Ergo since DD was little, and now carrying DS. He loves the front carry. I also have a Pikkolo with the add-on support belt.

Trouble is, he's getting heavy (about 18-ish lbs) and I'm finding I'm getting more and more pain in my left hip - the same one that I had quite a bit of trouble with during pregnancy. The pain has now spread to my left knee, and it only shows up on days I have DS in the carrier a lot. I think maybe worse with the Pikkolo.

So question #1:
Has anyone else experienced this? Hip pain rather than back pain? DH thinks that it's the Pikkolo - he says that it doesn't hug DS as close to my body as the Ergo (which may just be I don't have it adjusted properly). Do you think it would make a difference whether the belt is around my waist or hips?

Q#2:
To try to spread the weight around, I'm trying a back carry with the Ergo. But I can't get it confortable around my waist. I'm slim and long waisted, with no abs to speak of at the moment. Where is the belt supposed to hit? My waist, below my belly button, on my hips?? If it's around my waist or belly, it cuts right into my jelly belly and is very uncomfortable. But if I put the waist strap lower, it seems DS is very low on my back.

I rely on babywearing to give DS a nap several times a week, and often in the evenings when preparing supper, so I need to get this figured out!

Thanks for any suggestions.

(A few years ago I wrote an incensed letter to the makers of Motrin about their "babywearing" ad. And here I am considering pain relief for this hip/knee thing now!)

[lifeguard]

I would definitely move to a back carry - I have found it to be much more comfortable after ds hit about 22lbs. When I wear the ergo I wear right around my waist - I can't say it's a flattering look but it works. I don't think there is a right or wrong in this quite frankly - I think whatever works & is comfy for you both is correct.

[MamaPhD]

Is there anyone that can critique your ergo wearing in person? I had hip pain when I first got Ergo but my mom&baby yoga instructor saw right away my waist strap was too high (resting on top of pelvis). I scooted it down lower (think extremelow rise undie from victroria's secret & or c-section cut bikini line) and no problems ever since. Also I find I need to tighten all the straps prety tight to keep DD snug and me comfy.