Is it too late to start babywearing?

[TxMominCT]

My dd is six months old, babywearing didn't really work for us at first because of my c-section pains! That seems to finally be over this past month or so. (no one ever said that it would take SO long to be normal) anyway, any advice on trying to get her to like a sling, and/or how to carry a 6mo in the sling? She is very independent, and I'm not sure if she'll go for it, but I'd like to try , so I can hold her and get stuff done!

[cece]

Hi mama! I was a c-section mama too, unfortunately. Can't agree with you more about underestimating the recovery time. At 6 months, she is old enough to be worn on your back, I would recommend a mei tai or wrap, but personally I feel a mei tai is much easier to learn .

As far as her getting used to it, this is what I would recommend. Put her up, make sure she's secure and then go for a walk. I have been wearing my baby since she was born, but I've had friends who started wearing their babies later. Make sure she's in a good mood, but more than likely she will like it once she gets used to it. I say to go for a walk because the only time my dd really gets annoyed in a carrier is if I stand in one place for too long. It doesn't happen all the time, but sometimes it's when I'm washing dishes.

Good luck, and let us know if you need any further help. I think you will find life a lot easier once you find a carrier that you like. Also, if there is a NINO chapter in your area, you could attend a meeting and possibly try a number of different carriers.

[lilylove]

I agree with the pp. Try when she is in a good mood and start walking. If she fusses stop and try again later. Maybe try a different position too, or try nursing her in the carrier.
I don't think any age is necesarily too late.
Good luck!

[GooeyRN]

Its not too late. I infrequently used a snuggli when dd was little. She would not go in a sling. When she was 7 months she agreed to very short intervals in a hotsling. At 8 months, I tried a mei tai. She still loves it at 13 months old. : She likes both the front and back carry. Back carry is nice for cooking and cleaning so you don't burn them or bump them with a vaccuum.

[Kimmie213]

6 Months is definitly not too late. My Friend only started wearing her DD at 18 months.
Your daughter is now old enough to be worn in a hip carry in a pouch or ring sling, or you can try a wrap or mei tai. I personally find wraps more comfortable and there are many more uses for it. Look into both before deciding.
Some brands to get you started for MTs are www.babyhawk.com and www.kozy.com.
For wraps I would get a woven, like a www.ellaroo.com or http://www.storchenwiege.com
Good luck. HTH

[Ammaarah]

I started babywearing when my daughter was about that age. I too couldn't figure out a sling with a big c-section incision. It just hurt too much to even slip it over my head. So I put the sling away and used a cruddy Snugli once in a while, although it hurt my back.

I took out the sling when she was around 6 months and started using a hip carry and it was really great. She was so happy in it. I am really glad I tried it again. Using a sling saved our lives on a recent long trip. I wouldn't have liked to bring a stroller or carry her through the airports in arms. We use a padded ring sling.

[TxMominCT]

Thanks so much everyone! I already have 2 ring slings, so I'll try some carries on those 1st before I buy something new! I really do like the idea of carrying her on my back, I bet dh would like it too! Thanks again!