I mean, there are worse things that can happen to a person, surely. But arthritis? Not fun. You don't want it. Maybe you've already got it. Maybe that's why you're reading this page. Okie dokie. Here's the deal -- if you've got arthritis, you already know this -- when you can't get your fingers to obey you, it's kinda hard to work those buckles and snaps and zippers and such. And tying a knot, not too easy, my friend. You can still wear your baby. You just have to be a little creative. You have a lot of options.

• wrap without tying a knot (just tuck)
• ring sling, preset to good fit, then pull on tail to adjust, if you are able
• non-adjustable pouch, made to size

I had a terrible attack of Rheumatoid Arthritis for four months, could hardly even get dressed. Brushing my teeth was torture. But I kept babywearing. I did not have the strength in my arms and hands to hold my baby securely WITHOUT a carrier, so I HAD to use a carrier. It was terribly painful for a moment or so while I got it situated, and I had to accept the fact that the final tie was not picture-perfect. But my baby was safe and I didn't have to rely on my unreliable hands to hold on to her.

Even though I have a fabulous ring sling (thank you Diane from Mothers-Helper.ca) and a non-adjustable pouch, I found myself going back to the wrap, for several reasons. One, I am totally spoiled by the comfort of having baby's weight distributed evenly across two shoulders and to my waist. Also, I have balance issues to begin with, so that plus the pain in my knees and ankles meant that I really needed to have baby on tight and secure, close to my body where her body weight could not shift independently of mine -- causing me to have to counterbalance -- which I'm not good at, and to “catch“ her and pull her body back closer to me -- which was painful for my fingers and wrists. Thankfully, the arthritis is much better now. I hope yours gets better soon, too.
~Tracy Dower