Help! My baby hates being worn.

mm&es

I did a lot of baby wearing with my first two babies--using mostly a Moby wrap when they were infants (and a little Bjorn) and then an Ergo.  My third, unfortunately, screams bloody murder when I try to get her in the carrier.  I can understand if she found the Bjorn uncomfortable, but she hates the Moby too.  She is too young to try the Ergo, and I don't have the infant insert.

Is there another carrier I should try?  The problem is that I'm pretty sure she just hates being held close.  She gets really fussy when I hold her upright and to my chest.  She is happiest on her side or out on my forearm.  Is there a good forward-facing carrier for young babies? She is seven weeks old. Or one that is less constrictive? I really don't want to spend more money just to fail again.  I have a sling, but my DH doesn't think it "looks" safe, plus she is on the heavier side and I don't think it would be very comfortable at this point.  

TiffanyBerry

DD would only face out in the Bjorne the first two or three months. Not my first (or second, or third) choice, but all she would do. Then she went onto my backand was quite happy!

ncbelle

Are you wearing her legs out in the moby? If not try that for sure. And try moving. Many babies dislike being worn while standing still. Go for a walk or try vacuuming . If you are trying when she's tired, she's likely just fighting sleep. Give her time to settle.

JessicaKS

Mine hated being worn as a little baby too. She is almost 7 months now and doesn't mind at all now.

chardonnay24

Mine didn't like being worn as a newborn. When he was a bit older, he liked facing out in the Bjorn, but I hated the Bjorn. I purchased an Ergo and he tolerated it, but it wasn't really until I could wear him on my back in the Ergo that he enjoyed it. I still occasionally wear him on my back in the Ergo and he's almost 3.

musicalmama5

Mine didn't like it either until he was big enough to be able to see everything around him.

mm&es

Thanks for the advice! I hate to push it if she oesnt like it, but while I'm home with my two eldest, it's either wear her or leave her in a bouncy seat while I'm running around. Is it possible to wear a newborn on your back in a Babyhawk?

Emerald27

I wouldn't wear a newborn on your back - you can't see her and it's really not safe until she can hold up her head.

Have you tried the ergo with a rolled up receiving blanket under her bottom? DS hated the moby, but was ok in the ergo once he was in it and I was moving.

Also, ring slings are so so great with newborns. Is there a babywearing group near you where you could get help with learning how to use your sling safely? That could give you peace of mind while allowing you to wear her comfortably.

I'm in the "don't give up!" camp. Keep trying. Babywearing has many benefits, keeps the two of you close with breasts accessible, and allows you to be hands free to handle your boys. It's worth it to figure it out!

ncbelle

mm&es said:

Thanks for the advice! I hate to push it if she oesnt like it, but while I'm home with my two eldest, it's either wear her or leave her in a bouncy seat while I'm running around. Is it possible to wear a newborn on your back in a Babyhawk?

Yes - you can do a safe high back carry with a newborn in the Babyhawk. I have a video and instructions here:  https://www.becomingmamas.com/wearing-a-newborn-in-a-mei-tai-high-back-carries/

You should make sure you master a front carry first of course:  https://www.becomingmamas.com/mei-tai-101-using-a-mei-tai-with-your-newborn/