Podaegi secrets?

[forshure]

I just bought a Ellaroo narrow podaegi and I would love some tips or secrets not found on the instruction site!

For instance, I just figured out that I can easily strap on my DS in the front carry by using my bathroom sink as a positioner....while carefully holding him, of course. I find that much easier than the suggested method of sitting on a couch with the babe in your lap since the sink 1) keeps him at the right height and 2) makes it easier to pass those incredibly long straps around behind me which seemed impossible sitting down on a piece of upholstered furniture. Before I discovered the sink trick, putting my DS in the podaegi was a two-person job.

I'm sure I'll stumble upon some other tricks and positions, but I wanted to see if any podaegi pros out there could shorten my learning curve...

Also, how do you wear this out with your DS/DD? I would love to take my babe on back carry strolls around my neighborhood---that's the main reason I got it---but I just can't imagine getting him around to nursing position and then back in without some major assistance. When my DH is around, he'll help, sure. But how about when I'm home alone---should I hire a babywearing doula?

Please, help me become a podaegi pro!

[yitlan]

Me, too! I just got mine on Monday and am loving it. I have a two year old who still needs to be held often. I've taken her out on my back to the store and done well, though I know I'll get better at positioning with more practice. Today she's not feeling well and I wore her in front and it was great! I just put her on my lap, but she's bigger than your little guy.

My oldest did not want to be slinged as soon as she was walking, so I was surprised that I found myself still needing one with my youngest at 2 yrs old. I'm so glad I got the podegi now!

[Bekka]

I made my podegi copied from my Korean friend. Interestingly, she never used/uses any furniture to support--just swing the babe up on your back, then position everything while looking in the mirror/car window to check position. I never (and she never) nursed the baby while in the carrier, but it lets you wear the baby at all the other times. The long straps are a bit annoying in the rain/snow ...

So, if you can picture staying bent over and positioning the wriggly baby on your shoulder--if you can have dh or a friend put their hands in the middle of the baby's back, while you get used to it. I found it had a learning curve of several weeks before I really, really got it. Also, your baby will get used to it--learn to collapse into mama's back to make it easier. With a 2 year old (I have one ) I use the phrase "hug mommy's back" if he starts to "rear up" while I'm bent over. I don't actually stand up tall until I have the straps under his bum tied in front.

I do a mei tai the same way, and I don't think that everyone does ...

[yitlan]

Originally Posted by Bekka

With a 2 year old (I have one ) I use the phrase "hug mommy's back" if he starts to "rear up" while I'm bent over. I don't actually stand up tall until I have the straps under his bum tied in front.

Exactly what I say and do!