Question for baby wearing pregnant mommas « Back to Group Discussions

[activealli]

I am 17 weeks pregnant and my son just turned 7 months. My son (and myself as well) is totally dependent on a daily basis on me wearing him around in my becco when he is tired and cranky. He resists cuddling and other than walking 20-30 laps up and down the our hall way (I HAVE to be walking.... standing and bouncing doesnt cut it) and holding his 16 pound body until my arms are permanently cramped. When did you stop front carrying during your pregnancy. I understand most moms dont have kids this close together but Im hoping someone can shed some light? Any dangers in continuing to front carry as long as I am somewhat comfortable and not very big of a belly? Im already dreading the day I cant carry him around and the screaming that will ensue (yes, my son is spoiled, but he deserves to be).

[Carlin]

I know lots of moms who wear their kids right through their pregnancy. I think, just like with most things, as long as you listen to your body and don't over do it you should be just fine. As far as getting too big for front carries goes, can you start getting him used to back carries now. I know it's a different situation but I babysit my 9 month old nephew a few times a month and I've found I far prefer to have him up on my back. He'll now go to sleep just as easily on my back as on my front.

[WindyCityMom]

How is his muscle tone?  Like Carlin said, most neurotypical babies are ready for a back carry around this age, but, given his heath problems, you might want to assess whether or not he is truly ready.  I know some people carry in wraps in slings from early early on on their backs, but with a Beco, you'll want to make sure he's not having any chin-to-chest stuff going on that could restrict his airway.

I do agree, a back carry is easiest at this stage!

I wore my 1.5 yo during DD2's pregnancy on my back in a Moby of all things(!!), and currently wear my 2yo DD2 on my back in a Boba carrier (similar to the Beco and Ergo).  As long as I listen to my body, I'm fine! :)

[activealli]

He has good muscle tone, especially for having DS. He is always leaving hte Drs "eating" their word about him supposed to have low tone! I am not really familiar with back carrying. He usually falls asleep in the carrier. What kind of head support can you get with back carrying? Im willing to try new carriers. I bought a wrap, but it was stretchy. I was still pregnant and didnt know any better. I dont like the slipperiness of the stretchy wrap. I battled with a sling for a while, but I think it was too small and he was flopping his head into his chest too much at the time (he was fresh out fo the NICU at the time).

[WindyCityMom]

My kids usually rested their heads on my back, or against the back of the carrier before they were taller than it.

Hopefully Carlin can chime in :)  She's much more well-versed in the babywearing world than I am!

Woven wraps are awesome, tricky, but awesome :)  If you were going to purchase anything extra, I'd just get some kind of a good woven wrap.. they're pricey but very worth it.  You can try the back carry now with your Beco.  It takes practice and patience.

[Carlin]

I'm not sure how high the back of the beco goes, as I've never used one but if you want to stay with an SSC you can get ones that have a nice high back and should give you decent head support. I know Kinderpack is pretty good for that and I'm sure there're others.If you go with a wrap, totally look for 2nd hand and you should be able to find one for less than $100. You can get excellent head support although there is a learning curve. If you have a babywearing group near you, I'd totally suggest checking it out. They will be able to help you get started and probably let you try out a few different wraps before you buy (if you want, let me know where you live and I can probably check for you.) If not there are some very good tutorial videos on youtube that can show you how to back wrap. There are also different wrapping methods that can give you more support and transfer some of the weight off your shoulders a little more.

I was trying to find a good pic showing DD asleep on my back but as I'm usually my own photographer this is the best I found that shows how well her head is supported. If I get a chance to throw my nephew up and have him fall asleep in the next week or so I'll try and get a better pic.

[greatgatsby]

I don't have any advice, but I wanted to let you know that I don't think your son is spoiled for needing to be worn for a nap, especially at only 7months! DH and I took turns with DS in the ergo until he was about 18 months or so to get him to nap.  We would have to walk with him up and down the hall of our condo building exactly like you described!  You sound like a great mama!

[cryswilkins]

As long as you are comfortable wearing him on your front I would keep doing it. I wore DD through almost my whole pregnancy with DS, and she was 2.5!

I agree a wrap may work for you, on your front or on your back. Or maybe a really supportive ring sling for a hip carry? Is there a local baby boutique that you can go to and try stuff on?