I hear you Jac. I'm beat up from the life I've lived and the professions I chose. My hands and knee have arthritis and my back has problems from a jump gone bad. Wieght distribution does help when carrying loads, especially all day. If you have a sternum strap they make small sternum packs to carry immediate essentials and help distribute the wieght. My FAK is in a red pouch purchase at walgreens for $10 if I remember correctly. Of course I rebuilt it and it's considerably heavier now. The vertical fanny pack I mentioned could be worn flet to your back and should help with the center of gravity, as well as be more secure and not flop about if you have to chase your little one.