What carrier can i go to now?

Ds doesn't like the hug-a-bub, so i've been using some kind of sling which goes over one shoulder. I have worn him in this pretty much 24/7 since early on as he would cry otherwise (reflux). It's terrible for my back though which i already have issues with, i also got 2 bouts of mastitis recently and wondered if the pressure of it on my chest contributed - a lumpy mass i had in one side was on the side where he sat. Anyway.... so i've stopped wearing him in this (My hubby still does though when he gets home), but instead i'm just carrying him around, i really need my hands free. What else can i try? Are the baby born's any good? i'm not really a fan of those styes, but have seen heaps of people with them at the shops. Are they okay for settling baby? What he doesn't like about the hug-a-bub is the restriction i think, which is odd because he likes being wrapped? This is unfortunate because its SO supportive on my back. Is there anything else i can try?

The Baby borns and those type of pouch can be pretty hard on your back too for long periods with a bigger baby. I ditched mine once they were around the 6kg mark because it just felt like it was pulling my balance out kwim? Have you tried him facing outwards in the HAB? Maybe that's what he doesn't like, not beeing able to see? With the slings (I have a hotsling I use it Alister now and love it) they aren't meant for all day carrying for that reason. One other thing I can suggest is go to carryingaway - they have a checklist for choosing the right sling/carrier depending on how you want to use it.

funny you should mention , i got mastitis after i carried around dd in a tomy pouch, it was also major stress on my back too , so i would stay away from the pocuh type like baby bjorns ..

you could try an ergo , he may still need the infant insert though , but from 2 fellow (me and my dh) bad back suffers we absolutley praise the ergo as is so not hard on our backs at the end of the day ..

also you can try a mei tei ...

The ergo is a great carrier, I have back problems and the ergo has been wonderful for me....can wear it all day. If you go to Babes In Arms they usually have some good specials.

I made my own meitai. It's great for one's back, babe can face in or out and be worn front, back or hip (hip isn't great for bad backs though...).

If you want to see the pattern (has a lot of pics in to show one how to use it) PM me an email addy to send it to (it's a Word document :))

Bx

ETA - thought i'd add, DD is now 15kg+ and is still worn almost daily in the meitai, though always on my back.

Mel from here has Wrigglebots, which sells Pikkolos (comparable to Ergos sort of) and BabyHawk Mei Tais, and the reason I tell you that is because I have one of each and I love them and use them both for my boys. I like the BabyHawk slightly better for my 6 month old, and the Pikkolo slightly better for my 2yo, but either is great for either kid. Supportive on your back, good for your kid...

Depending on where you live, you might be able to hook up with someone who can give you a try? If you live anywhere near me you're more than welcome to try mine.

the ergo is fantastic, my ds loves it

ergo is good but i find it hard to put on alone maybe i am unco or just need more practice.

I also have a baba sling but get sore wearing that

Thanks.... :)

Nelle i am interested in the babyhawk mei tai, i couldn't tell much from the picture though, does it tie on like the hug-a-bub? how is it different? what do you like about it?

I love that it's so adjustable. A MT is a flat panel for the body, with straps - you tie the bottom ones around your waist, and the top ones around your top half - YouTube is full of tutorials if you get stuck. It's different to a HAB in that it's not stretchy, and you can wear and older kiddo on your back.

What state/area are you in? We could point you to someone in your area who could lend you one. Otherwise, if you join the google group BabyCarriersDownunder, they have a lending system too.

Okay thanks, do you find it quick to put on? the thing with the HAB is that it takes me so long to put on that by the time i've got it perfect, he is too distressed to relax in to it.

I am in WA... do you know anyone here with one? I'm loathe to shell out for it only to find he doesn't like it because he is our last baby so i won't be passing it down.

Also with the HAB, i never wore my first son outwards, do you tie it the same way but just put them in front out?

And how is the pikolo different?? it seems to have buckles instead of tying up??

I had a MT with Lindsay and it never felt right for me, but I don't think I was using it properly LOL.

Anyway, do you sew? You could make one yourself.

With the HAB, I know many people tie it on loosely, then grab bub, pop them in and just tighten it. For example, if you're wanting to use it at the shops, put it on and wear it in the car, so it's ready to go when you get there.

Nope, don't know anyone with carriers in WA (off the top of my head) - I'd definitely recommend you join BabyCarriersDownunder, they are like babywearing geniuses, and you could use their carrier library to try a BabyHawk or Pikkolo.

I bet the HAB site would have instructions. And YouTube. (Trillian, I didn't do my first MT up properly for awhile, had bub sitting too low, but I watched a YouTube tutorial, and voila! I was sorted. :D)

The Pikkolo yep, is a SSC (soft structured carrier), but similar to a MT. With the Pikkolo, you can wear bub on your front facing in OR outwards (brilliant), or on your back. It buckles at the waist, and then kinda under the arms. Its made by CatBirdBaby if you want to google.

Ah! And I have a few pics in the babywearing section of my homepage too. (You'll find the link if you click on my name)