Help, My Arms Are Soooo Tired!!!

I too have a maya wrap and while it has definitely come in handy I think I will buy something without "rings" next time!

K. - I can't really tell you why your daughter wants to be hold. That would be a good question, to ask her pediatrician What worked with my son, the foster kids I kept (they had bad anxiety seperation!) & what helps with the little boy I babysit (who is held all the time at home!) was this...Sit on the floor, with her and play. That way you're with her, but not having to hold her. That way when she's up and about, she maybe not want to be held all the time. When you go out in public, use a stroller (if I didn't have one, I would have died..just kidding)I gave my son toys, snacks, juice cups, anything to keep him busy, in the stroller. When you put her down, for her nap & to sleep, for the nite..rock her to sleep, and then lie her down. Don't make the mistake of sleeping in the bed, with her. Hope that helps.

R.

Mine did the same at that age too. It's just a stage and soon enough, they'll have nothing to do with being held. :(

I would recommend something like a Maya wrap (or any other fabric wrap) to wear her on your hip. I think the playtex and baby bjorn carriers are so awkward in comparision to the simpler fabric wraps. It was so easy with the Maya wrap and I could go about my day doing things while he rode along. My ds was also very big (90th for height and weight) so I can relate to what you're goign through. The wrap made it so much easier and more tolerable. There's a good baby wearing web site. They may even have patterns to make various wraps. http://mamatoto.org/

K.,

I have a simiular problem, my son is only 4 months old and weights almost 17 lbs. I checked out HotSlings.com, but went with a sling from KangarooKorner.com. They are adjustable and come in so many different colors and patterns. I ordered the cotton one since it gets super hot here, but they also come in mesh for the water and fleece for the winter. I read that they are great for bigger kids; either on your hip or on your back.

Good Luck
J.

I tried the slings/wraps and those worked well when my son was smaller, but I found the baby back packs (the smaller Gerry style) to be much more comfortable for me for a longer period of time. My sons loved it - it gave them a bird's eye view of everything that was going on and I could even cook and vaccuum with him in the backpack. My younger son wanted me to vaccuum because he knew he'd be in the backpack then. We used that when we traveled as well and never took a stroller. The backpack does require that you remain conscientious that they're up there and you'll get some great leg exercise when you have to squat down to reach things (i.e, no leaning allowed!).

I used a hotsling from www.hotslings.com (The lady that started it lived in my neigborhood and I asked her about it when I first saw her). It worked great and was very comfortable.

My 15 month old is the same way and has always been. I use a homemade no sewing required wrap or Mei Tai with her. The wraps are very versital and can do everything from a front hold carry (facing in or out), hip carry, back carry, etc.....the Mei Tai is also comfortable, can do front or back carry with one of those (my sister makes and sells these, that's where I got mine from and it's so pretty).
I teach a babywearing class every Tuesdays in Southlake at 10:30 am and you are welcome to join and try out what I have (right now only a Wrap and Mei Tai, my others are loaned out without response when I'm getting them back, but that's another story). The information is on here http://wearyourbaby.com/Default.aspx?tabid=201.
Also I will help out privatly if you cannot make it and our schedual allows. Good Luck!!!

I know the feeling!! My daughter is 2 and a half and I stil use the Mei Tai!!! It's great for bigger children..my daughter is now 28 lbs. When she was smaller I used a hotsling...but with more weight the Mei Tai is awesome! And no buckles or rings and it fits anyone!
Good Luck!

I know the feeling. I used a few different slings, but eventually they became uncomfortable for both my son and me. I now use a back pack baby carrier. We started with a fairly inexpensive one that I bought at a resale store, just to see if it would work for us. We just upgraded to a super duper one! Our son loves it!

Hope that helps!

S.

I don't have any suggestions but if you find some, PLEASE let me know! My son is 7 mo old and 20 lbs. I am 5ft2 and 106 lbs. He is going through a phase where he wants to be held a lot too. I'll go into the grocery store or Target with him in his carseat, but after a few minutes he gets finnicky and noisy and quiets down and is much happier when I hold him. I'm usually having to do it with one arm as the other is pushing the cart and grabbing items. My arms(especially my inner elbow area) are almost always sore and tired from carrying him. I SO need a massage!!

Well, I would recommend the Ergo or Patapum carrier, but instead of that, I would like to suggest a way to get her to want you to put her down. If she is walking, or even crawling, maybe, and likes to be doing things, one of the best ways to get her to make you put her down (it works better if it's her choice) is to sit down and do nothing everytime she makes you pick her up. Either sit on the couch or the floor or something and just don't do anything. She'll get bored and want down. If you do it every time she makes you pick her up, she'll figure out that you're not going to be her chaffeur and she'll give it up. Just and idea. It worked with my son and a lot of the kids I've nannied. That way, you're not pushing her away or ignoring her pleas for closeness, you're just showing her that you're not going to carry her around and show her around everywhere. It will take some time and patience.

Hope this helps,
A.