Have I bought ANOTHER sling that will gather dust in the cupboard? Say it isn't so.

[Lawks]

Finally decided that the Patapum would be PERFECT for carrying large 10 month old ds on my back. It just arrived in the post.

How do I pop him on my back by myself?

In the instructions it says I need someone to help. That's RUBBISH! I don't HAVE someone to help. The whole point is that I am out by myself and need to be able to pop him on my back while I look after dd and do everything else.

Tell me I can do it.

Tell me it can be done and will get easier.

we had a thread full of videos on this the other day here

Great! I'll go and read.

Are the ergo and the patapum very similar in design then Mileni?

Youtube videos are great for seeing how to do back carries - it sounds really complex in words, but once you have done it a few times, back carries are easy

Well I've been looking at youtube this morning and not managed to get anywhere.

whatever the carrier i get them on my back the same way

Yes of course you can do it yourself!!

I carry my 17m old in a mei tai carrier on my back. It takes a bit of practice to find a way that you and your lo are comfortable with but then it is easy! I get hold of dd like I'm doing aeroplanes then put her over my shoulder and lower her down my back holding on to her hands.

Enjoy your new carrier.

You'll be fine!

It just takes practise.

You'll find that as they baby gets used to it, he'll automaically lean in while you attach him, make sure you're really leaning forwards, and that the straps aren't twisted, then with one hand on his bum to steady him, just hook your other arm into the strap and pull up.

pull the fabric over his bum before you put your other arm in, then hold the straps and bounce up and down if you need to shake him in (not too rough now!).

Honestly, the Patapum has been the ONLY piece of equipment which has got me through having twins. They are 20 months now and fight over who gets to go on my back. Good luck!

Okay. I'm feeling encouraged.

I can't practice right now because my boy is ferociously grumpy this afternoon. As soon as he is in a sweeter temper we'll give it another good go.

I think I was a bit floored because I carry him on my back in a kanga with no problems. This was supposed to be easier but it's SO MUCH HARDER!!

Thank you for the tips. I shall report back.

Reporting back:

PIECE OF CAKE!!!

I absolutely cannot get the hang of shuffling him around to my back, but no matter because we are becoming masters of the superman! It's quick and easy and I've done it loads of times out and about over the last couple of days.

Thank you thank you! He loves it. I love it. It's ace.

The only thing I can't do it put on his sleep hood when he falls asleep on my back, but unless my arms grow another foot or so I don't think we're ever going to manage that.

yay

does the sleep hood tuck into a pocket? my ergo one does and i untuck it and leave it dangling if i'm expecting dd to go to sleep at some point, then i can just reach back and grab the straps and do a kind of butterfly stroke to get it over her.

but grabbing a random stranger is usually an option - i do it all he time for hoods/hats as that's impossible unless she'll cwtsh right into my back for me and usually she won't.

in fact trying to stop random strangers from trying to help is the hardest part of getting them on your back. nobody believes that it really is easier just to do it on your own!

I thought of leaving it dangling, but so far haven't remembered to do so. Will enlist the help of strangers.

Everyone comments on it. Ds absolutely loves it too, so he's a grinning little chub kicking his legs and waving at people as we wander.