Looking for a way to wear my 7-year-old disabled son on the side but facing forward

[mdear]

Hello,

I am a dad of a 7-year-old physically disabled boy with cerebral palsy and profound deafness.

I am looking for a solution to wear him on my left hip, but with him facing forward.
Only in this position am I able to communicate to him via sign language.  This is also the best position for him to communicate to me via eye gaze and facial expression.

The nature of his CP is that his muscles can suddenly go very stiff, or suddenly go very loose (he is not able to sit up on him own, walk or crawl).  Thus, I need a support system that is able to accommodate these motions and keep him safe without him slipping out of the sling.

I have tried several slings (Mai Tai, Ring sling), and I'm finding that the side-facing position doesn't work well for us.

Any help / ideas would be appreciated

[motherhendoula]

I have always found hip carrries to be harder - if you have tried the sling and a Mei Tai - i cannot think of too much more that can accommodate a hip carry...have you checked out this website?  http://www.thebabywearer.com/

very valuable for 'traditional' carries just using a wrap. - that may be your best bet!

[HopefulJo]

I read a post recently about a family that wears their disabled 11-year-old. You may get ideas from them, in their post or by contacting the parents there.