Advice on sling wearing, what am I doing wrong? (Pic)

[Stillmonday]

My baby is just 4 weeks old and very clingy so I thought I'd try a sling so I can at least make a drink!
Trouble is he pushes himself away from me so he doesn't feel secure and his head is bobbing around, I feel like I still have to hold his head to support him.

I've followed the YouTube video so I know I've put the sling on right.

Do I just have a strong nosey baby or am I doing something wrong?

There’s lots of things you can do to adjust, but quite hard to convey in writing! Have you got a sling group near you?

Firstly the straps are quite bunch up together, see if you can flatten them to make it wider and make sure both are supporting all of him bum and back.

You can make one side very wide to go over his head too. If he doesn’t want his head covered then make sure the v where the straps cross re high up behind his neck.

A tighter tie might help too if it feels loose.

My DD does/did this (she's 13 weeks now). I've given up tucking head in, she won't stand in unless completely asleep, she wants to look around so I just make sure as much of her back is in the wrap as possible and support her head with my hand if she needs it (she's always had good neck strength but if she's tired or just being unhelpful she need my help)

If you have a horizontal panel covering your cross straps (poor explanation but hopefully understandable) ehich is below baby’s head, i used to roll a muslin there so there was like a padded headrest for DD when she still needed the support but was more curious about everything other than my chest

I could never get on with slings or carriers, they always hurt my back no matter what I did so I can’t offer you any help, I just had to say - omg look at that gorgeous tiny squishy little baby head 😍😍😍

• as you were

Found a pic to demonstrate!

To stop the head bobbing around, the babies bum needs to be lower than hips - this means the sling supports the back and the upper back iscurved back in towards you (Google Sheffield Sling Surgery for a good picture of this.) The sling should never cover the baby’s head or face.

Link to the picture I mentioned (the post is a really useful one for carrying!) www.sheffieldslingsurgery.co.uk/new-to-slings/how-to-use-a-sling-safely/

If you wait for your baby to go to sleep, then turn their head sideways (they like to nuzzle in forwards, ime) and tuck it into the spread out fabric of the shoulder strap, that willl support it. Just make sure that their airway is completely clear.

Thank you so much for all the tips, I did some tinkering and popped him back in and I'm amazed to say he went to sleep straight away!!! I've had lunch, made a drink, put some washing in and now sat down with some chocolate! I could literally cry, this is the most I've done since he was born!!

He's adorable!

Sling groups are fab if you have one locally. You can try a range of styles and see what suits you best.

He is gorgeous! Good work on getting the sling sorted, they are a lifesaver

What a beautiful baby! He's gorgeous! Glad you got the sling sorted.

He's very cute! I'd second going to a sling library, they'll give you loads of good tips (google for your local one). I wonder from your picture whether he's a bit low? It may be the camera angle but I'd be inclined to have him a bit higher on your chest. The guidance for safe sling use is TICKS:

T.I.C.K.S is the universal safety acronym for babywearing, it stands for Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep the chin off chest and Supported back.

Keep persevering with the sling - once you suss them out they really are a godsend!

I have just popped in to say that I absolutely definitely do not want any more babies but your baby is just beautiful!

Fantastic update! And I agree, he could be even higher and tighter, and that makes it comfier for you, too.

Do remember to sit down and not do all the chores at once (or go out for a coffee and relax while people coo over your beautiful baby).

Cute baby !

Thanks everyone!! I'm very proud of his cuteness.
He's still asleep, think this sling is going to be my lifeline after feeling so 'not me' for the last 4 weeks!

Aww. Glad you are feeling brighter. The sunshine helps too

Well - Mumsnet at its very best. OP has a question, lots of helpful and supportive answers, OP now sorted and her life has changed for the better........ He is scrummy Stillmonday - enjoy your chocolate.