My Back Hurts

So, I've already complained about the fact that Alex is NOT a stroller baby - not even for a very expensive stroller. This means that I have her in a carrier most of the time when we are out - in fact, I don't remember the last time she sat in a stroller. (hmmmm... I'm probably not helping anything here)

Maybe it's because I am 4 and 1/2 years older than when Owen was a baby, or that I was in much better shape when Owen was a baby, or a combination of these things, but my back is KILLING me!!

My lovely Baby Trekker worked so wonderfully with Owen. I really don't remember having much back pain and he was a bigger baby.

So, I borrowed a friend's ERGO Baby Carrier that everyone is raving about for a week to see if a) Alex would like it, since you cannot face them outward and 2) if it helped my back pain.

First of all, Alex is quite content in it. I think she is actually more comfortable, since it is more like sitting than hanging. She has a good view even though she is not outward facing because the straps are under her arms and do not get in her way.

Most importantly (since she was content in the Trekker so that wouldn't be reason enough to spend $120 on something I already own) it really did reduce my back pain.

So I spent the money. I figure you can't put a price tag on a healthy back.

A few challenges however...

The real benefit to my back with this carrier comes from wearing her on my back rather than on my front. But GETTING her into the carrier with no one there to help me is a pretty challenging task. I know it gets easier with practice, but right now it is pretty daunting and I often just wear her on the front.

The other thing is that I bought the wonderful M Coat, which only works with a front-carrier. So, on cold mornings I continue to wear her on the front.

I think it will pay off in the end. Everyone I have spoken to has continued to wear their child on their backs for a few years without much trouble. And it certainly makes it easier to keep up with Owen...