Baywearing on crutches? Also embarrassed using a stick.

[MeAgain91]

I’ve got a 16lbs 4mo Whom I babywear when he tires of the buggy, but I use a crutch due to spine/hip/leg problems. I want to try a ring sling as the k’tan is so hot and we’ll be going to Chessington in 32 degree heat tomorrow. Really anxious about how I will cope as I was only newly pregnant at legoland last year and struggled so much. I also have asthma and the heat/struggle makes me so out of breath. I hate this, my OH has to do everything with my 10yo because I can’t.

Also, does anyone struggle with embarrassment using a crutch? I’ve never been embarrassed about anything in my life save for public seizures but I’m only in my 20s and hate using the crutch in public. I know it’s stupid as I’d never think twice about anyone else using an aid especially as I was a carer before this.

Sorry to ramble, suppose I’m just struggling today.

Hi there! I hope it went well for you today. Did you have a go with the ring sling? I loved using a wrap but my 5 month old is absolutely huge and you're right about the heat! My husband has needed various walking aids but people don't generally seem to think anything of it. He uses a structured carrier because it has better back support for him. People seem more interested in the baby than him, in a nice way. I can empathise with your feelings as I know it gets to him sometimes, but I honestly think most people don't notice or care. I hope you were able to enjoy the day

Hiya, thank you for the reply. I did see quite a few others with mobility aids from sticks to full wheelchairs and realised how silly I’ve been. Due to the rush getting the baby out (hates the car) I forgot my stick and knee brace. We weren’t there long at all (baby caused 3 hour delay from stopping loads) and I got to sit down a lot luckily but I’m paying for my mistakes. Can’t take more than paracetamol and ibuprofen as I’m breastfeeding and it’s not touching the pain. Luckily it was rainy so not as hot as it said (32!) but we’ve got it all again tomorrow

I’m sorry you’ve had to struggle with the pain, i hope it’s easing now and that the next day went well. It’s hard coping with the added complications of disability as a parent, especially remembering your stuff as well as baby’s and fitting it all in the car!

I hate using my walking stick, I got one that folds so I can get it out of my bag when I just can't manage any more. Your little one is only going to get heavier and I know it sucks to not be able to do what you want because of pain and so on but you might have to get them used to just being in the Pram for both your sakes.

That’s a really clever idea. I’ve bought a Tula now and that gives me much more time where I’m able to wear him and he’s secure to me when I use the crutch. I normally start him in that buggy but put the Tula under it and put my crutch in the basket/behind the pram handle so it’s there if I need it. Sometimes it’s easier to use the sling and crutch, sometimes is easier to lean on the pram and walk it depends what hurts that day. He’s 5mo and already in 6-9 months clothes, some of them quite small, so I don’t know how long I’ll get wearing him

Op I feel for you. I have a spinal cord injury and hate the days I do the school run because of the stares and the clumsy "oops what have you done" comments.
It's really hard sometimes.
I wore dd as a baby and very occasionally until she was nearly 3 due to her mobility issues and depending on where we were going ect. The older she got I did it in short stints and kept swapping with dh.

Omg I hate the “what have you done?” comments!
I agree, my DS is only 6 months but he’s 19lbs and I really can’t babywear for too long