Baby-wearing question (long)

KYmama9286

I originally posted this on the AP board but I know there are quite a few baby wearers on here so I thought I would XP it.

So I feel like I am in a unique position-- DS is 13 months old, acts like a 13 month old, is physically doing what 13 month olds do but is the size of a newborn/3 months old (he is 13lbs). I feel like I have quite a few options for wearing him around (I prefer to do this since we are in and out of the hospital often and its easier to just wear him then put him in the stroller, lug that around in the small exam rooms, etc.) So I have: a moby wrap, maya wrap ring sling, Ergo sport, seven sling and a fleece kangaroo korner adjustable pouch.

I used the moby when DS was an infant but once it got into summer it just got too hot to wear. Last summer I really didnt wear him much since I didnt have a carrier that I felt comfortable using that wasnt blazing hot (I wore him in the ring sling sometimes but he was still pretty small and it was just awkward trying to get him comfortable and me comfortable since I couldnt do a side carry because he was only like 6-8lbs but he had great head control and core control so he wanted to be upright not cradled). Once it got a little cooler out I started wearing hi OFTEN in the fleece kangaroo pouch and this is by far my favorite because its super fast, he sits with his legs crossed facing out and is comfy, can look around and it works well for me. The downside is its not comfy for me for long periods of time (after about 1 hour of wearing him straight I start getting sore).

I just got my Ergo sport and havent tried it yet but its starting to get too hot to wear the fleece pouch. I have the seven sling my SIL got me and I've worn him in that a few times doing a hip hold but its not as sturdy or comfy as my fleece one is since the fleece has a little give and the seven is just a thin cotton that doesnt stretch at all. My sister was recently in town and she has been baby wearing for about 6 years and has probably every carrier out there...she helped me put him in the Ergo and get him situated but she thought I might need the infant insert. She unfortunately didnt have one b/c she never used it when her boys were infants and neither of us were sure if this would be a good idea for me to buy b/c while Nick is the size of a newborn he has WAY more head control and wants more freedom/doesnt want to be snuggled in tight.

I am also concerned because while I think Nick would like the Ergo for the back hold, he is just too small to wear in that position (I think? I need to try again when DH is home to help) and I doesnt like facing in. Should I get the infant insert for this? Will this help him fit better so I could do a back carry? Any other suggestions of what would be a better fit for us? Ideally I would like something lightweight/not hot that I could wear him facing out in (maybe a k'tan wrap...but wouldnt this be as hot as a moby?) Does something I already have sound like it would work and maybe I'm just not realizing it? Thanks!

Also-- how long is it safe to wear a baby while pregnant? Obviously I am sure its fine to do a back hold for a long time but what about a front or side carry? Do it as long as I feel comfortable? TIA!

 

kristinleigh

I have an Ergo infant insert you are welcome to borrow - just let me know and we can meet up next week.