Really want to babywear

[tank]

I have been really excited to babywear since before I even became pregnant.  Now my baby is here and he is 4 weeks old.  I have a moby wrap and the first couple of times I used it DS loved it but more wanted to look around while in it than sleep.  He also wanted to nurse shortly after being in it and seemed annoyed he was so close to my breasts but couldn't eat.  I am large breasted and haven't figured out how to nurse in it and doubt I will.  He also hates to have his head in it.  When I wear him I have to support his head with my hand because he gets annoyed by having his head supported by the fabric.  We are doing the newborn tummy to tummy hold. 

The one time I have brought him out in it he seems to get upset by it.  I got him in it, walked around a bit but he got fussy, I took him out for a few and calmed him down then I was able to put him back in it.  Now I feel he has to be in a certain mood to want to be in it and maybe he is liking it less and less.  He loves being held 24/7 but I think he might not like being so restrained.

Today while he was in a good mood I tried him in a mei tai and while I loved it he immediatly cried when I pulled it tight to tie it. 

Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to get my DS to like babywearing as much as I do?  Do I just need to try different things?  I know my options are limited while he is a floppy headed newborn especially since he hate his head being restrained.  We have an ergo on its way in the mail and I am really hoping he likes that.

[lifeguard]

With both of mine at this stage the ring sling has been great. I do the stretchy wrap only when I anticipate having her in it for awhile (like going for a long walk). I haven't tried the ergo with newborn but love, love, love it for older baby & toddler.

[svea]

Your post brought back so many memories! My babe is 9 mos now but we carried him in the Moby for the first few. We stopped because he was no longer submitting to being held facing in. He wanted to look around and there was nothing that would appease him, save, well, looking around... I then tried the Becco and Ergo and Baby Bjorn, but settled on that old stand-by, the ring sling. I like how simple and compact it is. Also, as he gets heavier I can transfer more of the weight onto my hip and across my back, not just on my shoulders.

Our babe also just wanted to nurse while in the Moby. I would usually try to nurse him before putting him in it, and wear a relatively thick cotton sweater so he wasn't being alerted by the smell of skin and milk. I never successfully nursed him in it, either (though this is one of the benefits of the ring sling, IMHO). Since the Ergo also wears the baby facing in, it's likely that this problem (of baby wanting to nurse) won't go away when it arrives...

I remember our baby falling asleep in the Moby a lot -- especially when we were doing 'clanky' things like unloading the dishwasher or walking down the street/in the park. He was not often content to just sit there when he was awake, but I guess newborns sleep a lot so it wasn't a problem until he was a few months old!

Hope this helps...

[lana k]

I used the Baby K'tan and would use nothing else!! It's the best baby sling out there, and the best part is, there is no tying, there are no rings involved, it's super easy to put on, very comfortable and adjustable to your body size and to the baby. I used it with my son from the day he was born until he was 12 months old, and I still use it when we go out. It can be used until well into toddler years with an extra panel it comes with. It's a lot safer than the ring slings as well. I wore my son all day sometimes. He would sleep in the sling, nurse in the sling, look around...and it freed up my hands to do stuff around the house, to shop, whatever I needed to do. Honestly, it kept him from fussing, especially in the evening hours before sleep when he was the most fussy. Check it out... http://www.babyktan.com/

[cat13]

I can't help you out with Moby tips, because I never really used one. I used my ring sling until a few weeks ago and now use the ring sling or mei tie (DS is almost 4 months). But I totally know what you mean about wanting to nurse when they are wrapped! DS still wants to nurse a ton, but at 4 weeks it seemed like there wasn't much time when he wasn't on the boob. He often would do the head bob trying to get at my boobs while in the sling, even if he had just eaten. For us, it was just a matter of him getting used to being in the sling, and learning that sling doesn't equal nursing. So, for us that meant that he would only be in the sling for 15 min or so, then taken out and nursed, then back in, repeat. After a few more weeks, he and I found a groove.

I still have moments where it's hard to get DS to be happy in the carrier, especially if we aren't walking somewhere (walking around the house doesn't always work). When you are getting him adjusted, try to squat/bounce up and down or walk around and sing/talk to him. Also, try only putting him in when he is well fed and in a good mood. I had to tell myself that we were 'in training' and try not to get too jealous of all the moms on MDC who pop their baby in their sling and are good to go all day long. Some days we would do it, some days not, it just took some time.

Lastly, how are his legs? DS would fuss and fuss if he was in the froggy leg position, but loves to have his legs out. You can do this in the Moby and mei tie, but you might have to wait a while before you can do it in the Ergo.

[tank]

Originally Posted by cat13 

I can't help you out with Moby tips, because I never really used one. I used my ring sling until a few weeks ago and now use the ring sling or mei tie (DS is almost 4 months). But I totally know what you mean about wanting to nurse when they are wrapped! DS still wants to nurse a ton, but at 4 weeks it seemed like there wasn't much time when he wasn't on the boob. He often would do the head bob trying to get at my boobs while in the sling, even if he had just eaten. For us, it was just a matter of him getting used to being in the sling, and learning that sling doesn't equal nursing. So, for us that meant that he would only be in the sling for 15 min or so, then taken out and nursed, then back in, repeat. After a few more weeks, he and I found a groove.

I still have moments where it's hard to get DS to be happy in the carrier, especially if we aren't walking somewhere (walking around the house doesn't always work). When you are getting him adjusted, try to squat/bounce up and down or walk around and sing/talk to him. Also, try only putting him in when he is well fed and in a good mood. I had to tell myself that we were 'in training' and try not to get too jealous of all the moms on MDC who pop their baby in their sling and are good to go all day long. Some days we would do it, some days not, it just took some time.

Lastly, how are his legs? DS would fuss and fuss if he was in the froggy leg position, but loves to have his legs out. You can do this in the Moby and mei tie, but you might have to wait a while before you can do it in the Ergo.

Thanks this is really helpful.  Yesterday I popped his legs out of the moby and he seemed happier.  I still had to take him out frequently to feed him though.  I wore a nursing tank so I didn't have to take it all the way off so that was nice.

The ergo arrived today and we tried it out for a bit.  I had his legs out like normal because it says you can with 12lbs and up.  He is probably over 12lbs now and has long legs.   I think he liked that his head wasn't smooshed against my chest but still had support and that is what I think will work for us.  I did spend a bit of time watching ring sling videos yesterday and it is hard to tell if he will like one. 
 

[Hymanroth]

I love my ergo. I actually want a 2nd one for Xmas. I used that and my RS most ... I never liked the moby. My son is almost 4 months and adores ssc. He's over 15 lbs now and he still wants tonbe froggy legged ... Are you sure its not too soon? My sons legs aren't ready yet indent think bc he isnupset when I try it.

[Amphyonis]

I had many of the same problems with my new little girl this past summer.  I remember being really frustrated by that.  My husband and I lived/worked on a farm so we had to have her in the sling a lot to get things done.  She liked having her legs out too, but we also had to power walk outside when I/my husband was putting her in the sling/wrap (we alternated carriers and we traded off carrying her) and for a little while afterward until she calmed down or fell asleep.  We had to have our shoes on and everything ready to go so we could just take off while she was being put in or she would cry.

I used to read all the posts from mothers who could just pop their baby in the sling and their baby would fall asleep while they were doing the dishes or something like that and I would get so discouraged and mad!  That was definitely not us.  So you might just walk briskly outside until he relaxes.  Our baby did this for the first 3 months and we had her in the sling ALL THE TIME as we were out on the farm most of the day.  Now she is 7 months old and it is so easy to take her in and out.  She got to where she liked going in the sling after about 3 months.  Don't give up :)

[tank]

I won't give up.  It is discouraging when I read about everyone just popping their kid in a carrier like it is so easy and natural and I really want it to be like that.  DS really loves to be held 24/7 so it only makes sence to use a carrier.  I hate going out and having to hold him in the stupid carseat thats bulky and aqward and I don't get to be touching him.

Anyway I made a little seat in the ergo out of a blanket and now I don't have to stick his legs out yet. I really think he wouldnt like the infant insert. 

[Mom2M]

I agree with a PP. It took a long time to get DD so that she was easy to get in and out of a carrier, wrap or whatever. Once she was in for a while she loved it, but I had to get her in it and then go for a walk outside and she really would fall asleep. This was when I used the Moby wrap and it was winter so I put on my husband's big coat and just wrapped it around her and put a hat on. I always felt like I was squishing her too hard or hurting her somehow because of the way she would cry or fuss trying to put her in. She wanted to be held all the time too and when I would go outside with her, I guess it distracted her so she forgot about the squirming to get her in it and she would be very comfortable and it was so much easier than holding her just in my arms.
I would nurse her right before also so that would keep her from constantly wanting to nurse. The hold she loved was the kangaroo hold and I could pull the center part or one of the x pieces up just enough to keep her neck from flopping around and she could turn slightly to the side. Make sure he is up high enough to kiss the top of his head. That helps with the nursing thing too. She did not like having her legs inside but I did not feel comfortable with how much she could lean in the tummy to tummy hold. http://www.mobywrap.com/instructionpages.aspx?Topic=kangaroowrap
It's definitely worth it to keep trying. Even now, when she's upset, she will calm down if I put her in her bamberoo (my favorite now)
Good luck!

ETA some stuff I forgot lol

[tank]

Thanks!  I will try the kangaroo hold.
 

[Reeha Smith]

nice i get huge beneficial points through upper conversation. keep on dear. 

[tank]

update:  he loves the ergo.  We are still putting a blanket under his bum so he can sit froggy style in it.  Last night I was able to nurse him in it and then he fell asleep!  The first time he has even came close to falling asleep in a carrier and I could nurse him hands free.  I am so excited.  Now I want to buy every type of baby wearing device out there to see if he likes them! This couldn't have come at a better time since I am bringing him to my work christmas party tonight and he hates hanging out in his bucket if we aren't in the car.

[Ohhedgehogs]

I cant wait to baby wear someday :)

[Megalopsychia]

Finding the right carrier & hold for you and your baby can be challenging.  I think it is great that you are sticking to it and trying new carriers & holds.  I recommend you see if there is a babywearing group in your area. Most have lending libraries that allow you to try before you buy.  Check out www.babywearinginternational.org to see if there is a BWI affiliated chapter near you.  They can also help you with positioning so you and your baby can learn to nurse in the carrier.   Best of luck and keep us posted of your progress!

Jessica

[Arianna1]

Have you tried a sling? I just got a sling online for $12 a week ago... from sevenslings dot com.. I can't remember the code to bring it down to just S&H but its an idea - They seem really easy to make.. If you google sevenslings promo codes you should be able to find it right away.. :D

I really like it.. Of course I would have bought a different sling but it was free LOL..

[GoGoGirl]

Don't waste your money on a "free" seven sling.  They're not good quality at all.

[cat13]

Originally Posted by GoGoGirl 

Don't waste your money on a "free" seven sling.  They're not good quality at all.

I agree, especially with a little baby. I got one from seeing a promo here on MDC, and it's kinda junky.

[k8schwartz]

i have a baby k'tan and my baby is 6 months old and 20 pounds. i am larger chested and find it hard to nurse in... i wonder if a ring sling is better? can anyone help me out??

[cat13]

Originally Posted by k8schwartz 

i have a baby k'tan and my baby is 6 months old and 20 pounds. i am larger chested and find it hard to nurse in... i wonder if a ring sling is better? can anyone help me out??

I've never been too good about nursing in the ring sling. How do you carry your LO in it? Hip carry? I have seen people do the hip carry, loosen it up a bit and just kinda pop the boob into their mouth so they are straddling your hip and facing your chest. My boobs are so small, that I can't seem to do it right.

I'm much more successful at nursing in the ergo or mei tie. I just loosen it up so his mouth is at chest level. It's not super comfy and I look awkward, but it works when I'm in a hurry at the store or something and he's fussy. I like how the ergo has a hood that gives me a little more coverage. I got a great tip on MDC about nursing in a carrier. I usually wear a nursing tank with a t-shirt on top so I can pull up the t-shirt and still have my belly covered. Before I put DS in the carrier, I shimmy my t-shirt up a bit so it's really easy to pull up when I want to nurse.