Aren't babies supposed to like carriers - update

huntjul · October 2013

Today I put DD in her front carrier, a Boba 3G, for the first time today. It's a front carry with baby facing me. However, she doesn't really seem to like being chest to chest with me. The only time she likes to be held like that that is when she tries to climb up my shirt, not to sleep. In the carrier she can't climb up, so she gazed around a while, then started howling. I thought babies were supposed to like carriers? Are there some that just don't? Any ideas for helping her enjoy it more? I really want to use it.

Update: I took some advice (thanks ladies!) and fed her then took her for 1/2 mile walk. She fell asleep. Guess there's hope yet! Now it's off to the pumpkin patch with her aunts and uncles this weekend!

MangoMama82 · October 2013

Maybe a wrap would be a better fit for such a little baby? More like a swaddle feeling? I got the Boba wrap and 3G. I plan on using both

jennlin · October 2013

i feel like the boba would be too structured for an itty bitty one. (but i don't know since i don't have the boba and have never tried it..just the pictures). i feel like a moby, ring sling, or ktan is more fit for babies this small.

my dd hated the carrier when it was hot...and it got hot in it quick. you're in FL, right? i bet that could be it. try the bouncing to get her settled but then also airing her out and fanning her to keep her cool.

Aunt Edna · October 2013

DD1 hated being worn! I tried a baby k'tan, ring sling, ergo, beco, and several others and she hated them all. She has always been a kid that liked her own space. She loves hugs and cuddles, but when she s done she likes her space. I think some kids just don't like them. Luckily DD2 seems to like the carrier so far and I am using the baby k'tan and will use the ergo when she is older.

pmarie33 · October 2013

DD didn't like being carried. We tried every carrier out there.

huntjul · October 2013

I'll try taking a walk with her in it tomorrow. I chose the soft structured Boba instead of a wrap-type carrier because we will be returning to St Kitts in about 6 weeks and felt the wraps would be too warm to wear.

Favority · October 2013

crunchymama11 said:

It seems to take most babies a little time to enjoy the carrier. At first DD hated the Moby, but after a few times she loved it, and she still loves to be worn 2 years later!

One thing that helped a lot with DD was putting her in, and then immediately going for a walk. She would cry for a few min, but after that she calmed down. After a few walks I could wear her inside with no problem. Another thing to do is when you first put them in, do some sort of bouncing/swaying/movement/dancing. Give them a few minutes to calm down, and try it a few times in different situations (inside the house, outside for a walk, at the store, ect) before declaring BWing a failure. And some babies like and respond differently to different carriers. Hope she likes the carrier soon!

Exactly this. I also put DD in right after a feeding to make sure she was a little milk drunk and happy. After a few days of hating it at first, she loved it and still loves to be worn. It was a total lifesaver for the first 6 weeks because it was the only way she would nap. Also make sure she is in correctly. My friend's newborn hated the K'Tan at first, but her legs weren't froggied just right. A few adjustments and her DD was loving it.

Amjoy25 · October 2013

My niece never liked being swaddled. I guess babies aren't as predictable as you would think.

SuperTreesa · October 2013

Movement is key for my kids. I had to be moving, walking, shaking or jiggling them constantly. If I tried to just stand or god forbid sit down, they were pissed.

jkuns7ty · October 2013

All LO are different. DS hated carrides and swings... Things most babies love. Try some different carriers, but maybe your LO will never take to them. (Our choice of carrier is the moby.)