Baby carrier not working for us

[Ddimynswr]

I invested in a baby carrier and a sling before birth and put baby in several times now. Watched lots of videos and read instructions etc.

I think baby was in correct position and she seemed OK but tbh I just didn't really like it. It felt odd and uncomfortable and I didn't feel comfortable wearing her for too long. She also didn't seem to like it for too long either.

Carriers and slings seem all the rage and I feel like I'm missing something here. Friends have raved about how great they are and I see positive videos about it on SM often.

Please tell me there are other parents out there who don't see what the fuss is about? Or am I missing out here?

Thanks for all the comments. Baby loves the pram and hasn't minded being put down until past few days when she wants to be carried more so I thought I'd give baby carrier a proper go again but just not feeling it. I'll see if I have a sling library nearby in case I'm doing it wrong but it might just not be for us.

Definitely your local sling library - I run my local one and we help so many people get their sling comfy when parent or baby isn't loving it!

Do what works for you.

I loathed any form of baby wearing and only did it when I was flying long haul by myself with a tiny baby.

I preferred pushing to carrying!

We were the same when she was tiny - both actively disliked it.
Around 5 months I tried her front facing and we've enjoyed it ever since.
Still not our go to as I'm easily touched out and she seems the same, but she's happy for a woodland walk or a quick whizz around tesco instead of getting the buggy out.

Agree try a sling library - I went to mine determined to get a Ergobaby, but when I tried it on, it just felt really wrong on my shoulders. Ended up with a Manduca, which I had never even heard of before, and it was fab. Could barely feel it was on. We used it until DS was about 3 (obviously when he was 3we weren’t using it terribly often, mostly after long days out when he was too tired to walk any further. But I could carry him when I needed to).

I did not get on with the one I spent £80 on! Just didn't like it.

Went to local sling library and the one I borrowed was amazing and life changing! Used it daily for ages. They helped me fit it perfectly and everything.

Slings and carriers vary massively, you may just want to try a different style.

I wouldn’t worry, babies are all so different! Some take bottles, some don’t, some like to be swaddled, some like co-sleeping etc.

I found the sling useful at home as my baby seemed to enjoy it and it meant I could get things done. I only used it for short trips out. It was so much easier having the pram as you can store all your stuff in it and they can sleep and you’re free! Very useful in restaurants. My baby hated cosleeping, would only sleep swaddled lying flat in their own space!

I loved them but always found it a big faff when shopping etc and wished I had the pram then.
how do you hold even a small bag?
maybe a bumbag underneath the baby?

Agree with other PPs that you might just need a different type. I went to our sling library & tried several, finally choosing a Tula.
Loved it - used it with both DD & DS.
I still used the pram & pushchair, but the carrier was great for days out & meant DH could carry too.
I didn't get one with the stretchy wraps - had no faith in my knot tying ability! Much preferred a full buckle version where it was all clips & adjustable straps.

My baby was the same. I only ever used a carrier twice when he was little and both times he screamed blue murder. It always hurt my back too, I could never get on with it! Fortunately he loved the pram, being on a play mat while I got on things. They don't suit everyone!

They didn't work for us either. I felt uncomfortable and awkward and it was the only time my rarely cries baby would cry.

I'm pregnant and won't bother at all this time, it was such a faff and a waste of money.

My children andy spine hated them! Tried a lot of styles but none suited. I just used a pram/buggy.

Both mine have hated the pram and are only happy in the carrier! All babies are different. If your baby likes the pram I would say thats easy and convenient so roll with it!