Leila Rose Petal

Leila often refuses to sleep during the day unless she is held. I don’t mind holding her - it’s lovely - but it’s impractical. And it’s incredibly bad for my back, neck, shoulders and arms.

I was using the Baby Bjorn a bit, but it still put a strain on my upper back and got quite uncomfortable after a while. Then a woman on a forum I frequent recommended the Hugabub. I got myself one via Ebay and I think I like it. It’s essentially a long strip of fabric that you wrap around your torso and it straps the baby to your body.

Putting it on is a bit of a dark art, but I think it’s the kind of thing that looks harder than it is. You just need to get the knack of it. And I haven’t yet. I always seem to have it too tight or too loose.

Too tight puts Leila’s head right up under my chin. Uncomfortable and really awkward. Too loose has her sitting low on my stomach and puts a strain on my lower back. And you really don’t want to get the fabric twisted. That hurts! But too tight, too loose or twisted, it’s still more comfortable and holds her more firmly than the Baby Bjorn and it leaves my hands free for those small but essential tasks such as eating and drinking.

I’ve yet to work out how to shower and get dressed without putting the baby down, though…