“My baby hates being worn.”
A recent discussion on the Babywearing International Facebook page prompted this post. Because this is something babywearers hear a lot.
By wearing your baby in public, we invite others to open up about their babywearing experiences.
- middle-aged lady in the thrift store, “All they had when mine were babies was the Snugli!”
- excited Asian man: “That’s how mothers carry their babies in my country!”
- checkout clerk at the supermarket: “I had one of those when my daughter was a baby!”
- mom with arms full of baby at the library: “I got one of those for my baby shower but I couldn’t figure out how to use it!”
- African grandmother: “I haven’t seen that since I was a little girl!”
- mother with a stroller, perhaps sadly or defensively: “I have one of those but my baby hates it.”
We all know that different things work for different families. The reason why this statement bears further looking into is because many babies who don’t like the sling, really do like it once the problem is found.
How can you respond to a parent who claims that their baby hates being wrapped up?
- First, be willing to accept that it is true.
- Second, be interested enough to discover if a change might be all that is needed to lead this parent and child to a happy babywearing relationship. You might end up with a friend for life!
Many babies “don’t like being worn” when it is new to them, and when they can tell it is new to their mommy, who is putting out uncertain vibes all over the place. Many babies “don’t like being wrapped up” when it takes too long to wrap them up, and the process is too fiddly, as is often the case when a mother is learning the art.
This mama may benefit from having your help to wrap her and her baby up more quickly, postponing the learning curve until baby is more familiar with the wrap. She may benefit from practicing on teddy bears for a while so that she can learn how do the motions smoothly, quickly and confidently so that it does not try her baby’s patience when she next puts him in the wrap.
Many babies “don’t like the sling” when they have not given it a chance on a good day, when they are dry, and clean, and rested, and fed, and cuddly.
Simply suggesting that the mamma try wrapping up only when baby is in a cheerful mood could change the course of their babywearing adventure. Assure her that once they are both accustomed to wrapping, it will be a life saver during the tired and cranky times, too!
And many, many babies “hate being worn” when the wrap or carrier is too loose, or not adjust quite comfortably enough by a new mom.
For any of these babies (and their parents), a little help goes a long way. Having a friend tweak the carrier (snug this up, pull this down and that up, tilt baby this way…) could result almost instantly in a cozy, snoozing baby and an amazed and happy mamma.
Many babies “hate to get wrapped up” because they dislike the process of getting into the carrier…but are happy once it is all done and they are comfortable.
Tell this mama to go for a walk immediately upon tying the knot. A walk is best because you have the benefit both of the motion of walking, and the distraction of scenery. Babies soon find that the wrap means they get to explore the world comfortably from a really good vantage. But if there’s nowhere to walk: sway, dance, start moving. Housework works really well, too. Baby will likely come to anticipate the fun part of babywearing, and become patient with the process (and, of course, mama will get faster and faster at it the more she does it).
Babies, like the rest of us, can be very particular about details that can be difficult for us to predict given the language barrier. One baby doesn’t like pressure on his tummy; another baby wants to be able to kick her feet; the next baby doesn’t like feeling constrained; and a fourth baby wants to face the world.
Ask the parent if they’d like your help to try out some different positions, or different carriers, to see if there is one that baby will be happy with.
One thing I love about woven wraps is that they offer the most versatility for working with an individual baby’s needs. A mother may need to baby her injured shoulder, or is uncomfortable with a knot digging into her chest, and wrapping gives her the options to accommodate her particular needs. So wrapping can also accommodate baby’s needs. But in this case you may need to try a few different things to find out what the objection is, and what position will find favor with the little one.
- Many babies prefer being held upright rather than in a cradle position, and upright carries are recommended from birth as a better position for novice babywearers to keep an infant’s airway clear. If mama has been working a cradle carry, show her how to wear baby upright.
- Some babies don’t like having their feet wrapped in the carrier, and there is no need to tuck a baby’s legs into the carry, no matter how young. Help the mama find a comfortable position for baby’s legs with knees froggied higher than baby’s bottom, but still free to hang down. Make sure baby’s legs are not spread uncomfortably to straddle mama, but rather bend up in front of baby between mother and baby.
- Some babies will be much happier if you wrap with one or both shoulders and arms outside the wrap. They feel less constrained. These babies might be the one who do not appreciate being swaddled (and might well want their legs out, too, as mentioned above). If baby needs head support, one side of the wrap can be pulled over arm, shoulder and the back of the head (see photo below), while baby’s face is directed toward the more open side, where his or her other arm can be out. This also allows for more of a view.
- Some babies want to be able to see the world–not be tucked in against a parent’s chest. You can try wrapping one or both of baby’s arms outside the wrap to give them a better view. You can position baby sideways in the wrap, or wear baby in a high back carry that allows a view over mama’s shoulder. You can try a burp hold with baby high up on mama’s shoulder looking over her shoulder behind her. You can use a hip carry once baby has sufficient head control.
- A baby with reflux may do well in a tummy to tummy position, while another reflux baby may hate any pressure on his or her tummy and do better in a sideways position.
Wrapping with baby's arm out of the wrap.
Burp Hold for colicky babies or those who like a view.
If your baby hates babywearing, you may be able to solve it and change that. And even if you cannot solve it, know that everything changes with babies. Often. Try again every couple of weeks. It may suddenly click for you both, and become a valuable parenting tool from which you both derive a lot of enjoyment!
Babywearing groups are great resources for a parent who would like to wear a baby but has a baby that hates to be worn. Your local babywearing group will usually be full of people who have a lot of babywearing experience and different babywearing experiences that they can share with you. They are part of the group because they really want to help make it work for you. Many groups have a lending library so that you can borrow and try out a different carrier, and if they do not, you may find group members who will lend you one of their own carriers to try.
Lakshmi April 12, 2014 at 11:03 am
I tried wrapping my 10 day old baby, the problem is that he becomes like a ball in the wrap after some time, and I feel his head is not being supported adequately.
What am I doing wrong?
I used the front cross carry
Diana April 17, 2014 at 9:44 pm
I recommend trying the Front Wrap Cross Carry, as it can be easier to tighten well and keep your baby high and supported. Front Wrap Cross Carry Photos Spend plenty of time on step 6 getting the initial band around him snug and make sure there is no slack anywhere. You will go back and forth tightening from one shoulder and then the other. Pull upwards instead of forwards, so there is less friction. Getting all the slack out here means there will not be room for him to sink down in the carry. Make sure his chin is up and rest his cheek on your chest. This way you can pull one side of the wrap over the back of his head and make sure his face is clear of fabric. This link has some great photos showing what position your baby should be in so you know what you are aiming for: Positioning Pictures
Morgan June 10, 2014 at 2:38 pm
My baby used to love being worn and would fall asleep within 10 minutes. Now at 7 months she’s ok with it for a while but refuses to fall asleep I’m it. I was wondering if she was too distracted or too bored but I try wearing her outside, inside, in a dark room, swaying, and bouncing. She starts to push against me and wants out 🙁 any advice? Have you seen this before and maybe she’ll come to like it again?
Diana June 11, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Morgan, I shared your question on Facebook and got a lot of responses. A lot of people found their babies didn’t sleep in the wrap as much as they got older, and some said their babies wanted to spend their time scooting or crawling, practicing mobile skills for a while. Several said their babies would fight it right before falling asleep as a nap-protest. You can read all of the replies here to see if any of them are helpful to you! https://www.facebook.com/wrapyourbaby/posts/897918790223197
Carly November 18, 2014 at 1:04 am
My four month old enjoys being wrapped, but I have the hardest time getting him to nurse in it. It always feels really awkward and like he is too snug against me to be able to get latched on correctly. If he does get latched on, it does not last long, and he gets frustrated. Is there something I am doing wrong or something I can try to help things go more smoothly?
Diana November 25, 2014 at 1:26 pm
Carly, I re posted your question on my facebook page and got several suggestions for you from other moms. You can see the conversation here: https://www.facebook.com/wrapyourbaby/posts/995693620445713
Also, see if any of the videos on this playlist give you some inspiration that gets it to click so it can become really convenient and comfy for you both: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJylmeJsq8NTaOPzHEJWCpF5iM4IAI1xF
Hopefully this will help you out!
Lidija December 13, 2014 at 10:27 pm
Hi! I have tried a baby bjorn on my month old she falls asleep then wakes after 30 min trying to go sideways. I have tried front wrap as well same issue. And I have tried a pouch but seems like she tries to stretch her legs in it? And can’t. Should I just keep persevering? Tried those all about 3 times each.
Diana December 16, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Are you wrapping or wearing your baby with legs out of the carrier? You do not have to keep them tucked in, and many babies prefer to be able to stretch them out.
Delora June 14, 2015 at 4:08 am
I have a 2 month old. I don’t know anyone who wraps so I’m going at this blindly. I don’t know what to do or how often. I only know the front newborn wrap that was in the instructions. She fights going in it now. She is fussy and squirms all over when before she instantly fell asleep. I’d like to be able to breast feed in it.
Diana June 15, 2015 at 3:59 pm
Do you have a stretchy wrap or a woven wrap (doesn’t feel stretchy)? I’d be happy to see if I can help you both like it, but need to know what kind of wrap first 🙂
Rebecca September 4, 2015 at 1:06 pm
I have a small, 6#, 3 mo old special needs baby who most of the time dislikes being cradled or snuggled up on my chest. He arches back out of those holds. When we swaddle him it is only his arms because he kicks out his legs. He has never liked being constrained and much rather prefers to have his bum in one hand and head in the other while being bounced but I need my hands back! When he is really sleepy I can snuggle him but is such a light sleeper that I couldn’t try different holds at that time. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
Diana September 4, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Rebecca, with an infant that small, and with special needs, it is best to work with the baby’s physician to find a safe and physiological optimum way to carry him. If you want to tell me what city you are in, I can see if I know of any babywearing educators in the area who might be able to help with this.
I can tell you that you don’t need to keep his legs inside of a wrap to use one with him and it sounds like he would prefer legs out. You can also wrap with arms and shoulders out and use your hand to support his head (leaving at least one hand free) or else wrap with one arm tucked in and the other arm out over the wrap. When positioned right behind his neck, that one cross coming over a shoulder can provide some head support. I would recommend a woven wrap over a stretchy wrap for the best support and you should look up the TICKS guidelines for safe babywearing to ensure you understand safe positioning in any carrier. Especially important is keeping his chin up off his chest so as not to compromise his airway (and this is true in all baby-holding devices or even in arms, as well).
Some babies seem to be protesting against a tight wrap when in fact the protest stops when the wrap is snug enough, as it was actually a not-quite-tight-enough wrap that was bothering them. It can leave them feeling unsupported. You can experiment to see if a firmer, more womb-like cradling is upsetting to him. It may be that he really does prefer less touch and restriction but I thought I would suggest this as a possibility. I hope you get back to me with your location and maybe I can help make a connection that will open up a world of babywearing for you and him. As a mother of a very clingy baby (once upon a time 11 years ago), I can deeply sympathize with the need to have your arms back, to be able to function, and to stay sane. And remember, at this age everything is a phase and things are changing constantly!
Rebecca September 4, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Oh…and he has little to no control in supporting his head for very long.
Zornitsa January 22, 2016 at 9:04 am
Hello, I have a two month old baby boy and a stretchy wrap. I used it first when he was ten days old and he fussed a bit but as soon as we were out the door, he would fall asleep for up to two hours. The problem is he’s gradually started to hate it more and more to the point where I go back home after a 5 minute walk around the block because he would not stop screaming. I do have a slight suspicion there is a problem with his breathing because he sometimes makes a gurgling sound while he sleeps inside that goes away if I lean forward and comes back when I get back up. Do you have any suggestions what might be the problem and what I could do to make him comfortable. He only likes being carried in my arms if I let him face ahead and not cuddle next to my skin. I’m desperate at this point because he doesn’t go out nearly enough and I have no idea what to do : (
Diana January 22, 2016 at 11:55 am
Zornitsa, definitely check that baby is positioned safely as a gurgling sound can certainly be a sign that something is not right. Is he upright? Is the wrap holding him snug against you with no room between his chest and yours? He should not be able to sink down into the wrap, or curl at all. If he is curling up, it could result in his getting less oxygen, so your wrap job needs to be more snug. Check here to see if there is a babywearing group near you that might be able to help you with positioning: http://wrapyourbaby.com/babywearinggroups.html
Also check if he is overheated – stretchy wraps can be quite warm, and it might explain why he doesn’t want to be cuddled facing you. If that seems to be it, dress him in fewer, lighter layers, keep him hydrated (with breastmilk or formula), bring one or both of his arms and shoulders out of the wrap (providing head support with your hand if needed, and take him out of the wrap as frequently as he needs. If you determine that it is the heat that he doesn’t like, you may want to get a woven wrap as they are cooler and breath better than the stretchy ones, and you can get them in shorter sizes as they’re safe to use with fewer layers over baby.
I hope this helps give you a lead on discovering what your son doesn’t like about the wrap so you can both benefit from the convenience of it and get out more. Good luck!
Tracy February 12, 2016 at 8:38 pm
My baby used to love being carried in the Baby Ktan when she was very small and would fall asleep in the cradle position. She then graduated to the facing in, frog leg position and was fine to start with but at about 3 months she just started fussing and crying and refuses to go in it, she absolutely hates it. She also doesn’t like her stroller (we’re onto our second one) so I feel like I’m housebound and I’d love to get out and about with her. Any suggestions?
Diana February 16, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Aw, housebound can be so tough so I hope I can help! The K’tan is stretchy, and it can’t be adjusted very much if it doesn’t fit just right. So as your baby has gotten bigger/heavier, it’s possible it’s not supporting well enough for your baby’s comfort. It should hold your baby right against your chest, just under your chin. There should be no room for baby to lean away from you (no space between you) or sink down lower. So check that and see if either of those things are happening. If so, you both might benefit from switching to a non-stretchy carrier (like a woven wrap).
Another possibility is that you don’t have a good, secure seat under your baby. Are your baby’s knees being held up by the K’tan so that knees are higher than bottom? Is the cross going between both legs and each loop spreading all the way from one of baby’s knees to the other so the seat is comfortable?
And finally, try letting her have arms out of the K’tan if you haven’t already.
Cassie April 17, 2016 at 6:00 am
My 14 week old used to love his wrap but now wants to be stiff legged and struggles/cries when I try to wrap him. He’s always trying to stand when I hold him which puts a constant strain on my back/shoulders (I thought wearing him round the house more could help). Ive never been quite confident (apart from when he was tiny and just curdled into a ball naturally) how his legs should go. If they’re out they seem slightly squashed by the wrap where they poke out. Also trying to get him to froggy leg in front is hard too as he’s quite a long boy at 26″ already. Any help would be great as I did love wearing him when it worked.
Diana April 20, 2016 at 9:53 am
Cassie, you can wrap him with his legs out of the wrap. Are you using a woven wrap or stretchy? And are you doing Front Wrap Cross Carry with it? I’m trying to picture how his legs might be squashed by the wrap so I can make some suggestions for adjustment. Assuming you are using Front Wrap Cross Carry, first make sure the horizontal pass comes under his bottom and then scoops his legs upwards and extends to the back of his knees. Make sure that bottom rail is snug so it holds his knees up. Once you get that entire pass nice and snug and all the slack out, you can make your crosses. If bunched crosses seems to be squeezing him, try spreading the crosses. They should each go between his legs and spread from knee to knee. If he has a good seat, his weight will be on his bottom and thighs, and all three passes will support him to form a comfortable seat under him. If you want to email me with a picture, I may be able to provide more help! diana @ wrapyourbaby . com
One more idea: when my babies would go stiff-legged, I would wait until they relaxed and then get them into the knees-bent position that would make for a comfortable wrap job, instead of trying to force their legs to bend when they didn’t want to.
Angela August 5, 2016 at 12:32 pm
I try several times a week, when she’s in the best mood possible, varying from Snugli to ring sling, and it’s still a no-go. We used to be able to roll her into a simple non-ring sling when she was already asleep and wear her cradle position. As soon as she woke up she screamed, but it was a few hours of peace! That was only for a few weeks in the first month. Now at 3.5 months she will have none of it. Forward, backwards, legs in, legs out, tightened, loosened. She just screams. I’ve tried giving it a few minutes of bouncing and shushing to see if she’ll settle. Screaming. I’ve done the research and I’m sure I’m putting her in right. I don’t know what to do. She won’t let me put her down. She won’t be worn. I’m injuring my arms! I want to be able to leave the house. Help!!!
Diana Rosenfield August 5, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Angela, sorry it’s been so rough! Is she content in your arms, just not in the carrier? Do you have a carrier that you can use to hold her in the exact same position that you hold her in your arms? Also, could it be the warmth? Do you have a cooler carrier, can you try it in the air conditioning with her dressed very lightly (diaper only). And I encourage you to see if you have a babywearing group within driving distance that you can visit for some in-person help to troubleshoot what your daughter doesn’t like about the carrier. That can make all the difference! Click on Babywearing Groups in the menu at the top of the page and Find a Group Near You!
Andrea Snyder August 24, 2016 at 9:32 pm
i love the idea of baby wearing and have invested in a few ring slings and a few stretchy wraps. i know this sounds crazy, but as soon as i get my baby in the carrier he starts rooting uncontrollably and wants to nurse…it doesn’t matter if we’ve just come from a marathon nursing session. he bobs his head all around and tries to break free. i’m so disheartened because i love wearing him and he is just never content and ends up crying. i’m not sure what to do.
Diana Rosenfield August 30, 2016 at 10:44 am
Doesn’t sound crazy, Andrea! In fact, a lot of nursing moms have this problem. The smell of all that good mom milk is just too distracting for some babies. If your little one gets used to being wrapped on your chest he will probably stop assuming he’s there to nurse, but how to get to that point?
Try holding him on your chest after nursing, with his cheek laying against you high on your chest, right under your neck. If he seems good there, try the exact same position with the ring sling or wrap. You can even have the wrap or ring sling on already when you pick him up to hold him on your chest, so if he is content, you could slip it over him.
You can also learn to nurse in the wrap. That way when he’s desperate to nurse you can let him, and if he’s not really hungry he’ll soon be done and will still be in the carrier. Usually you’ll loosen the ring sling or wrap to lower baby down to nurse, but you should tighten the carrier up and hike him back up high on your chest when done nursing. You can look under my ‘learn to wrap’ menu for some ideas on how to nurse in a woven wrap, and check YouTube for tutorials using a ring sling or stretchy wrap (Wrapping Rachel has some real good ones).
You can also look on my menu for babywearing groups to find out if there is a group near you because that is where you can get some hands on help if it’s difficult to troubleshoot yourself. I hope this helps!
Jemma Pollari January 29, 2017 at 1:42 am
Hi Diana, I am trying to perfect wearing my small 4.5 month old son in an Ergo performance carrier. We are using the infant insert because he’s too little yet for his knees to reach the sides of the carrier seat. He can hold his head up but not for long periods (he gets tired and mad). My problem is that because his neck gets tired, he starts getting annoyed in the carrier after about 15 minutes and pushes against my chest (his hands are up in front of him). It’s like he is refusing to lie his head down on my chest to rest; he just keeps arching backwards and getting madder. I think I have it done up tight enough, it feels very firm, but he has a fair bit of room around his head and upper chest because my boobs are quite large (they’re at about tummy/chest level on him). Any ideas how to get him to lie his head down to rest?
Diana Rosenfield January 30, 2017 at 12:20 am
Jemma, first I wanted to say that it’s very good you’re using the insert. It’s not only for the optimum hip placement but also to fill in the room in the carrier around baby until they have good trunk control (are sitting unassisted) so that they cannot slump or sink into a dangerous position.
Second, when he gets annoyed in the carrier, have you tried wearing him through that instead of taking him out right away? Maybe bounce or swing, or pat his back or bottom through the carrier or a combination. Or possibly put your arms snuggly around him (in a hug) while walking rapidly. Most babies respond to some kind of rhythmic motion like that and sometimes a subtle sway isn’t enough – it may need to be more firm to really sooth him. My idea is that he may be fussing because he’s tired and many babies fuss for a few minutes before falling asleep, even though there is nothing to stop them from falling asleep immediately. My youngest daughter used to start crying and seemed like she wanted to come down but if I waited for 5 minutes, staying in motion the whole time, she would fall completely asleep.
When you are walking and his head seems unsupported, try cradling it with your hand, encouraging him to lay against your chest. He may protest or it may do the trick!
I don’t actually have any experience with the Ergo since I use wraps, so these recommendations are more general than carrier-specific. You can also check for a babywearing group near you (find groups in the menu on this page) and there may be a group that meets near you where you can get in-person ideas and help from moms experienced with your exact carrier.
I hope this helps and the two of you settle into a happy, workable, babywearing routine! Remember, everything is a phase at this age, so if something doesn’t work today, try again a few days later!
Love,
Diana
Jemma Pollari January 30, 2017 at 5:37 am
Thanks for your reply – I will give it a go tomorrow pushing through the mad!
Jemma Pollari January 29, 2017 at 1:54 am
Ps. I forgot to add that he doesn’t like it any more when we go out walking in the carrier – in fact, when I walk, his head is bobbling around like a bobble head doll :S Again I think it’s because of his weaker head-holding ability (he’s only been holding it up himself for the last 4 weeks or so) and because my boobs are moving g up and down as I walk (hence jiggling him). Hope you can help us! 🙂
Luna March 5, 2017 at 10:36 pm
Hi Diana, thank you so much for posting all this helpful advice! My 13-month-old son loves being worn in a front-carry position – when he was a newborn we used a stretchy boba wrap, and then switched to the boba carrier. But he’s getting quite heavy now and I want to transition to something that’s easier on my back and allows me to do more chores and hike while wearing him. I recently got a wrapsody hybrid wrap so I could wear him up high on my back, but he absolutely refuses to stay still on my back while I tie the wrap. I think he would be happy once it’s tied and he’s snug back there, but I’m finding it hard to get to that point because he screams and struggles and pushes off my back so that it’s impossible to tighten the wrap properly. I’ve been trying to find a really easy back-carry tie that we can practice with while he gets used to the new wrap, but he always just squirms his way out before I can finish. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Diana Rosenfield March 6, 2017 at 4:22 pm
I do have some suggestions! First, is the Boba Carrier something you use for back carries (I’m not familiar with all the different carriers)? If so, you can put your baby on your back in that carrier and practice with the wrap over top of it. This gives you a chance to learn a carry, to get faster at it, and to learn how to reach to spread and adjust behind you. You will get to practice tightening and adjusting to get a perfect carry and you will get much faster at it. That way, when you try it without the carrier, he will be a little more familiar with what is going on, and he won’t have to be patient for as long because you will be faster at it and more confident.
Squirmy babies fluster you too much if you’re not already familiar with and comfortable with the carry! So try that with one carry that you practice over and over and see how that goes!
If you don’t have a carrier that is safe for back carries, then I recommend practicing the same way over a heavy backpack, instead of over baby. It will be almost as good and still give you the chance to learn the carry well, even if it doesn’t have arms and legs!
Try Secure High Back Carry – it’s one that has a half-knot after the first pass, so that helps hold baby in place while you finish the carry. That could help you out 🙂 Wrapping Rachel demonstrates it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDvxaGYiofc
Luna March 8, 2017 at 5:44 pm
Hi Diana,
I thought I left a reply but it doesn’t seem to have posted…anyway, yes I can wear the boba carrier on my back, and I’ve started practicing the Secure High Back Carry while he’s in it – thanks for the great idea! I especially like how this carry allows his arms to be free – the other ones I’ve tried have his arms in the wrap, and he seems to get frustrated by that.
Thanks again!
Diana Rosenfield March 10, 2017 at 3:30 pm
You’re welcome! I’m glad it’s working for you and I hope you both end up loving it . . . without the Boba soon!
By the way, I have to approve comments manually to keep the spam off the site, so it was my bad I hadn’t seen your comment to approve it sooner. Let me know if you need any further help. You can reach me pretty reliably by email diana @ wrapyourbaby.com 🙂
Lindsay July 14, 2017 at 1:05 pm
How do you keep your baby cool in any kind of carrier? Moby, babybjorn, sling wrap etc.
I want to wear my baby but she gets so fussy and hot. None of these seem to be working for us. Truth is we don’t try them s lot because of our lack of success.
Any advice on how to deal with the heat and how to get her happy in them would be great.
DianaR July 15, 2017 at 12:59 am
Dress baby down in a diaper only or diaper and t-shirt or short sleeve onesie. Use a cooler carrier. The Moby is VERY warm. If you have a woven wrap or ring sling, those should be cooler. The Baby Bjorn is probably cooler – I haven’t used it. If you have a woven (not stretchy) wrap, try using it in a single layer carry such as Front Wrap Cross Carry with passes bunched, not spread. You can see how to do this if you click on my Learn to Wrap Menu and then go to Learn This Carry First 🙂
Keep baby hydrated with breastmilk or formula. Try hanging somewhere air conditioned like a mall or library instead of outdoor outings while it’s Summer.
Position baby with one or both arms out of the carrier if possible. In a wrap or ring sling you should be able to have one arm and shoulder out even if the other side is providing head support. With an older baby you can do both arms out. Make sure baby’s legs are not covered and bare feet.
I hope this will help so you can both start to enjoy the experience and the convenience!
Carol June 28, 2018 at 5:49 am
Hello!
My 2 months old doesnt like to be in the sling. i watched many videos and i think im quite fast and good in binding it. i tried out the front cross wrap, african back wrap, craddle wrap, rebozo…. non of them are possible if he is awake. when i insert him into the sling he will get angry and frustrated crying and complaining within an instant. i think he doesnt like to be constraint at all (i wrap his feet and shoulders outside and tried firm as well as loose ways of binding him).
i would so much like to carry him in the sling… its a way of moving much more freely for me as i use public transport a lot. also i would like him to be in the sling when i work (paint). he loves to be carried on my arms and does not want to be lying down on a bed or so when he is awake. he just doesnt want the sling… i should be carrying just with my arms…
im now trying again and again, almost every day we have a trial…. i want him to get used to it or even to enjoy it, but i dont want to force it on him against his will….
is there anything i can try?
thanks for ur response
Carol
DianaR July 1, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Carol, what position does he like to be carried in your arms? Can you replicate that position with the wrap? For example, up on your shoulder in a burp hold looking over your shoulder? Or in a cradle position vs upright. Also, let me know where you are located and I’ll try to find you a local group where you might be able to get some ideas in person for adjustments that will help your baby decide to love the carrier!
Jessica August 7, 2018 at 2:31 pm
How do you prevent red marks on your baby’s legs when doing a front cross carry? My son used to love his stretchy wrap, but now that he is 4.5 months and heavier, we’re using a woven wrap and I find that he’s uncomfortable and fussy in a FCC position. I believe that it may be because the wrap is digging into his legs, no matter how deep of a seat I get. He tolerated the wrap for a month or so, but now he hates it. My husband also used to wear him in our ergo carrier, but now my son freaks out and tries to push away. 🙁
DianaR October 1, 2018 at 3:48 pm
Jessica, make sure the edges of the wrap go all the way from knee to knee. If you have the edge on his thigh before the knee, that may dig in. And while a deep seat does help with keeping weight distributed to the entire seat area, make sure it’s tightened enough to really be supporting him all along the thighs and bottom. If he’s just prone to red marks even when perfectly tightened knee to knee, you can make some folds of the wrap at the edge to make the edge softer. And trying another carry can often help with these sorts of troubles as everything will fit a little differently. Email me if you need more help and lets get you and your son happily wrapping for sure – diana@wrapyourbaby.com
Allison September 13, 2018 at 2:25 pm
I have 2 different carriers for my 3 month old. She weighs about 10 lbs. i have the lile airflow and a k’tan active and just tried using both. She likes to be held cradled up sideways in my arm with her feet toward her chest. She’s too long for a fetal carrying position in either wrap and they both require an inward-facing froggie leg out position. Which she hates. All she does is scream like someone is trying to kill her. Any suggestions?
DianaR October 1, 2018 at 3:46 pm
Buckle carriers are generally for upright positions only. For more of a cradle hold, get one of the wraps from my store 😀 or a ring sling. You may be able to sell one of your carriers for funds. Or if you cannot get another carrier or do not want to, keep trying with her. At this stage they change weekly and the cradle position stage probably won’t last too much longer. If you get a wrap, email me or message me on FB and I will help you with a carry that will hold her in the exact position she prefers . . . whatever that is at any given stage!
Ashley June 2, 2020 at 3:32 pm
I got a woven wrap when my little was 8 weeks old and she was totally fine in a FWCC. Could even fall asleep in it. Now at 12 weeks she absolutely refuses the wrap and I have no idea if She’s uncomfortable or just protesting the wrap right now. I’m trying to get her in a FCC so that I can pop her in and out (practicing so I can use the wrap out and about but want to pretie at home) but she just screams. She likes to be carried in a high burp position and could walk around the house all day like that so I’m not sure why she’s hating the wrap so much. Is there a good carry to try that can mimic a high burp? She loved ring slings when she was a newborn so I thought a woven wrap would be great as it can grow and change with her – I bought a beautiful wrap for us and now it just hangs on the wall unused 🙁 I haven’t found a baby wearing group in Seattle yet 1 do you have any contacts? Thanks in advance. Breaks my heart I can’t wear my baby right now.
DianaR June 5, 2020 at 12:24 pm
I’m sorry she’s fighting you, Ashley. I do think a woven wrap is going to work great for you and you just need to find the magic recipe for her to love it. Only a woven wrap gives you all the versatility to find that magic recipe. Sounds like you are on the right track with the burp carry. I did a video on how to do this recently on my FB page. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/wrapyourbaby/videos/1163839840623096/
Check out Seattle Babywearers for a local group: https://www.seattlebabywearers.com/