Wallypop: Wallypop Babywearing: Help! I'm Having a Problem

Help! I'm having a Problem Using my Sling!

My baby hates the sling!
I hate the sling!
My sling hurts my back or neck or hips
I'm afraid my baby can't breathe
I can't seem to get comfortable
I can't put my carrier on without help
My baby pulls my hair

My baby hates the sling!

Don't despair if your baby doesn't seem to like the sling on the first try. Try again a few days later, and again if necessary. It's new to both of you, and might take some getting used to. If baby resists the sling, keep initial trial sessions short and happy. Don't force an unhappy baby to remain in a sling if she is protesting!

I hate the sling!

Don't despair if you don't seem to like the sling on the first try. Try again a few days later, and again if necessary. It's new to both of you, and might take some getting used to. If a few more tries don't change your mind, consider trying a different type of carrier - some people have very distinct preferences about what types of slings they like and don't like.

My sling hurts my back or neck or hips.

Babywearing should not hurt!

An aching lower back or hips usually means that your baby is sitting too low. Look at yourself in a mirror - is baby's bottom resting below your belly button by more than an inch or so? Is baby sagging all the way down to your pubic bone? That's too low.

In a wrap or any carrier with straps, bounce and pull a few times before tying the carrier. This will tighten things considerably. In a ring sling, pull on the tail to tighten the sling and raise baby. If you've got a pouch, chances are that it's too big. If you're using a stretchy wrap (one with lengthwise stretch like a Moby, not the GypsyMama which has minimal lengthwise stretch), and your baby is getting to be on the heavy side, it's likely that baby has simply outgrown the carrier. Stretchy wraps unfortunately are not as supportive as they need to be for heavier babies and toddlers.

Generally speaking, most carriers can benefit from a tightening-up about ten minutes after putting baby in. Simply untie anything that's tied and do a bounce-and-pull to tighten. For a ring sling, just pull on the tail a bit to make sure it's all snug.

An aching neck or upper back usually means one of two things: 1) You've got a ring sling and it's pulled up waaay too close to your neck. A ring sling or pouch should rest on the cap of your shoulder, well away from your neck. 2) Your baby's getting too heavy for you to comfortably carry them in a one-shouldered carrier.

I'm afraid my baby can't breathe

First, follow some common-sense rules. Make sure baby's face is not buried or covered. You should be able to see your baby's face, it should not be hidden deep down inside the sling. Make sure baby's airway is not compressed by checking to see if you can slip a finger or two between baby's chin and chest. And check out this link for a great article on newborn positioning.

I can't seem to get comfortable

Babywearing should not hurt! Check to make sure that nothing is bunched or twisted. Make sure nothing's pressing on your neck. Find a picture of how the carrier you're using is supposed to look, then look at yourself in the mirror while wearing your baby in the carrier. See if you can find any differences between the picture and your reflection. Get hands-on help if available.

If your baby's getting heavier and you're using a ring sling or pouch, consider moving up to a two-shouldered carrier. If you're using a stretchy wrap that has all-over stretch, consider moving to a nonstretchy wrap or something like the Bali Baby, which does not stretch lengthwise.

I can't put my carrier on without help

I bet you can! Get yourself some good instructions, memorize them. Get yourself a mirror and position yourself so you can easily see what you're doing. Ask your helper to spot you, to keep their hands on the baby, but not to actually assist you in supporting the baby's weight or in getting the carrier on. Eventually, you'll be soloing with confidence!

If one particular carry is difficult for you by yourself, substitute a different carrying position which might be easier. If one method of getting baby onto your back doesn't work for you by yourself, try a different method!

My baby pulls my hair

This can be painful and annoying, can't it? Here are some things to consider:

• Tie your hair up in a bun and cut any wispy bits at your nape.
• Cover your hair in a scarf.
• Braid your hair into two braids and let baby play with the braids. Try to keep daddy from teaching baby to use said braids as reins. That's the voice of experience talking, there.
• Give baby something else to play with. Tie a toy on to the carrier, wear a nursing necklace (which can be tossed around to the back), let baby wear a baby-safe bracelet.
• Tuck baby's hands/arms into the carrier. Some babies will not tolerate this restriction, though.