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Help me get DS to enjoy being "worn"...

Soon2BMrsNSoon2BMrsN member
in Attachment Parenting

... DS is almost 7 weeks old and what I would describe, so far, as an "active baby" (hates being swaddled, loves to kick and throw his arms around).  We have a mai tai carrier and a Snugli (given to us used).  I used the mai tai a couple of times in the first few weeks of his life when I had my mom or MIL around to help me get him in it, but was afraid I couldn't get it on by myself.  I tried putting it on myself again yesterday and he cried after about 5 minutes.

The Snugli is fine for a short period of time but he doesn't really like it and I don't think there's any way he'd ever fall asleep in it.

I really want to "wear" DS more because sometimes I feel like I don't hold him enough.  What should I do?  Did I not get him used to being worn early enough?  Is it because he's so active?  He was drowsy yesterday when I tried the mai tai but he clearly didn't like being in there.

Or should I get a new carrier altogether?  I've been looking at Hotslings...

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Re: Help me get DS to enjoy being "worn"...

  • cathy_and_mattcathy_and_matt

    Your son sounds a lot like mine! Maybe because they're both Henrys that were born in June 2009...hmmm...

    Anyway, the only time DS seems to like being in a wrap is if he's sleepy. If he's wide awake, he will very rarely tolerate being in the Moby. He's also very active and fidgety, so he'll start kicking his way out if he's not in the mood to be carried. I recently bought an Ergo for outings, since there's no way he can kick his way out of it.

    I think I've just resigned myself to having a baby that is active and already somewhat independent. As much as I would love to carry/hold him more, my little man would sometimes just prefer to be sitting in a bouncy seat on his own. And if that's what makes him happy, well that's what we'll do. 

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  • Soon2BMrsNSoon2BMrsN member
    imagecathy_and_matt:

    Your son sounds a lot like mine! Maybe because they're both Henrys that were born in June 2009...hmmm...

    Anyway, the only time DS seems to like being in a wrap is if he's sleepy. If he's wide awake, he will very rarely tolerate being in the Moby. He's also very active and fidgety, so he'll start kicking his way out if he's not in the mood to be carried. I recently bought an Ergo for outings, since there's no way he can kick his way out of it.

    I think I've just resigned myself to having a baby that is active and already somewhat independent. As much as I would love to carry/hold him more, my little man would sometimes just prefer to be sitting in a bouncy seat on his own. And if that's what makes him happy, well that's what we'll do. 

    Aww, yay for active Henrys born in June '09!  :)

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  • calhoun05calhoun05

    I wouldn't say that it is too late at all.  He's still very young and his preferences are going to be changing constantly.  My best advice is not to push it, but to give it a try once every day or two.  Try different carries, try it at different times of day (or more, when he's in different moods).  If you can borrow different types of carriers from people, that would be ideal.

    Also, maybe try to start walking immediately after he's secure.  I remember when I first put my son in the sling, he was screaming, but then I started walking and it was almost like a switch turned on (or off, rather).  He immediately calmed down.

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  • mrsjbaker06mrsjbaker06
    I would look into getting something you can cradle him in, like a sling, wrap, or baby k'tan. DS is a very active baby, but he likes being cradled in the carrier. And now that he can hold his head up pretty well on his own he like being carried where he can look out.
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  • ncbellencbelle member

    My kiddo hated being swaddled and has never been still unless he's asleep.  He loves being wrapped/worn though.  The key is movement - once you get him in, go for a walk - even if it's just laps around the house.  At that age, he would also be happy sometimes if I just bounced and rocked on my exercise ball (this still works when he's sleepy).  You may need to try different carriers as well.  I'm think that a baby who truly doesn't like to be worn is a mythical beast (or at least very rare!), but some babies are pickier than others about what carrier they like.

    Definitely try moving with him.  It may take him a while to settle into it so if he does fuss at first, just try moving with him and singing to him - give him a chance to settle in.



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  • kbud9kbud9

    Why force the issue? If he doesnt like to be worn then dont wear him.

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  • pixiedustiepixiedustie
    imagekbud9:

    Why force the issue? If he doesnt like to be worn then dont wear him.

    This.  My DD barely tolerates the ergo now, she hated all the slings I tried, why force it, it doesn't make you not AP to not wear your child all day.

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  • mrs.baummrs.baum
    I would try wearing him when he is happiest. Some babies have to get used to being worn/swaddling/etc. I would practice tying your mei tai w/o your LO so you feel confident about it also.
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