are you wearing it high enough? be sure that the waist support rests ON your hips, not around them. and also adjust the shoulder straps so they are nice & tight. it won't hurt or bother your little one to be so tight & close to you because she will be able to see over your shoulder.

to recap: high & tight.

abigail is 20 months old, and nearly 30 pounds .. we walk everyday from our house, probably close to a mile round trip to the park. also, to the market, the penn campus, the bookstore and all over philadelphia .. never does my back hurt. people stop me all the time and ask about the ergo, and they hardly believe when i tell them that my back doesn't hurt, ever. i should start carrying ergo business cards. ;)

anyway, be sure the center strap that connects the padded shoulder straps is high enough .. it should be almost on top of your shoulders, and like i-dee suggested, be sure the padded waist strap is *on* or just below your hips. also, those shoulder straps should be snug, pulling your baby thisclose to your body. the fabric will eventually stretch just enough where you'll have to adjust to your comfort, but it will always keep it's sturdy shape.

now, i hate carrying abigail on my back for more than an hour around the house, and i always carry her on my front when we're out (easier for nursing,. too) but you'll have to figure what's best for you & your babe. i also was opposed to the back carry because we're not in a suburban environment .. we're always on the trolley, or in a very busy downtown market and i didn't/don't want people touching her without my being able to see.