PLEASE help me with my Hotsling!

[newmomto1]

I am getting frustrated!
I have already downsized form a 4 to a 3 to a 2.
I am confident that the 2 is the right size for me (even though I should be a 3 according to the Hotsling site).
I am trying to cradle carry my 3 1/2 week old DD.
Here are the problems I am having:

Shoulder & back pain (& yes, I do have the back part spread out evenly over my back).

And, constantly feel lile the carrier is slipping off my shoulder.

I'll include some photos of me wearing it.

Please help me out with this. I really need to make this work so I can keep up with my almost 3 year old DS!

Thanks!!

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u276/newmomto1/hotslinghelp003.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u276/newmomto1/hotslinghelp002.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u276/newmomto1/hotslinghelp001.jpg

[tarynsmum]

Thanks for the pics (Before reading your whole post, I was going to ask you for them :))

Have you tried a shoulder flip: pull the top layer of fabric on your shoulder over and down to pull baby in closer. That *should* cure your shoulder problem.


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/37403.jpg

Also, have you tried using a rolled up rceiving blanket under DC? (so the head is a little higher in the sling). There are really good tips about this in this month's Mothering mag (it's actually a great babywearing issue, andI highly recommend everyone getting a copy). Pics and everything (before and after, etc). When their that tiny, they can get too scrunched down in there. Also, with the blanket in there, DC will be closer to your chst, and you should feel better in it.I know it took me awhile to really feel super secure about the sling (a pouch was my first sling too).

[new_mommy25]

Try folding a recieving blanket and putting it under his body (not his head) and then lowering the whole thing in there. That will help prop him up a little bit. I will try and search for a picture on the web for you.

eta: I searched on TBW for you and saw you already posted. Look like you made it to the right place :)

Good luck!

[npace19147]

You may also want to try turning the sling so the seam is more directly under your armpit/along your side, if that makes sense...that along with the shoulder flip helped me a lot.

[rrosen]

I think that is an excellent suggestion. Let us know how it all works out for you.