How long before your back starts to hurt?

pammi2003

I just started using my Baby K'tan today (My little man absolutely loves it!) But my back started to get a little stiff 30 minutes into it. I would love to use it for longer periods of time, But I'm just scared my back is going to feel like hell at the end of the day.

What do you think?

ncbelle

Babywearing shouldn't hurt!  It is true that you had a baby fairly recently so your core is out of shape.  But I'm guessing you've been holding your little one so your body should be fairly accustomed to his weight.

My guess is that either your k'tan is a bit big for you and he's riding too low or that you are already sensitive to the fact that the k'tan is super stretchy and therefore not as supportive as other options.  

If you want to post a picture, we can help you troubleshoot.  But if everything looks good but doesn't feel good....there are lots of other options that will provide you more support.

I wore both kids for hours a day when they were newborns.  I can still comfortably wear either of them for several hours if the need arises (not that it does often for that long!). 

pammi2003

ncbelle:

Babywearing shouldn't hurt!  It is true that you had a baby fairly recently so your core is out of shape.  But I'm guessing you've been holding your little one so your body should be fairly accustomed to his weight.

My guess is that either your k'tan is a bit big for you and he's riding too low or that you are already sensitive to the fact that the k'tan is super stretchy and therefore not as supportive as other options.  

If you want to post a picture, we can help you troubleshoot.  But if everything looks good but doesn't feel good....there are lots of other options that will provide you more support.

I wore both kids for hours a day when they were newborns.  I can still comfortably wear either of them for several hours if the need arises (not that it does often for that long!). 

I think I am wearing him wrong. The back of the Baby K'tan should be an X across my back at the center. But the X looks very lopsided when I look in the mirror. And the back seems a little tight. The front is very comfortable though. I'm not sure if I'm wearing him too low. The lowest part of him comes right above my bellybutton? I'll definitely adjust it once he wakes up.

He's been sleeping in it for almost 2 hours!

 Thanks for the advice!

ncbelle

Glad he likes it

Sounds like some adjusting will help out a lot.  You definitely want the X centered and spread evenly across your back or you'll get more weight in spots which can lead to back pain.

As for the height...depends on how long your torso is and how long he is.  His head should be close enough for you to easily kiss.  If he isn't, try using the band part to snug him higher.  You can also wash and dry the k'tan on hot as it starts to stretch out.  You want it to fit pretty snuggly - it has enough stretch that it should be fairly snug to you before you put baby in for it to be a good fit.

Keep practicing! 

pammi2003

ncbelle:

Glad he likes it

Sounds like some adjusting will help out a lot.  You definitely want the X centered and spread evenly across your back or you'll get more weight in spots which can lead to back pain.

As for the height...depends on how long your torso is and how long he is.  His head should be close enough for you to easily kiss.  If he isn't, try using the band part to snug him higher.  You can also wash and dry the k'tan on hot as it starts to stretch out.  You want it to fit pretty snuggly - it has enough stretch that it should be fairly snug to you before you put baby in for it to be a good fit.

Keep practicing! 

Thank you so much for the advice! You've been very helpful.

And I love your baby wearing guide. That is what gave me the idea to buy a K'tan.

I'm thinking of getting a Maya online right now. They have the cutest colors!

ncbelle

No problem!  And glad you like my guide

The Maya wraps really are pretty - and very soft to boot!