Your Babywearing Questions, Part 1

From Jana- What is your preferred carrier for hot weather?

I prefer a lightweight ring sling, not double-layered, and maybe made of linen or cotton. Mei tais are great as I feel that the air flow can get to Mom & baby easier, and woven wraps are also ideal as it also has only one layer compared to other carriers.

If you're going to be by water, a mesh water sling like this one from Nest is fantastic, and also something I used everyday in the shower with Gray as a newborn!

From Heather- I would LOVE first hand observations of the $$$$ slings and wraps.

In the first class I attended at the babywearing conference, an instructor was wearing a Psling. Oh my. So beautiful and from what I could see, and how she described her experience with it, yes- it is worth the money! I was very impressed by the make and feel of the Oopa Slings that were at the SoBeBabies booth. I also saw firsthand the Didymos and Storchenwiege wraps, both of which I found to be equal in quality and heard from other babywearers that either are great woven wraps.

From Madeline- I want to know if its possible to carry a baby beyond 35 lbs.

As long as it is comfortable for you, it is possible to carry a baby beyond 35 lbs. Many carriers suggest up to 40 lbs. The best way to carry a larger baby is on your back in a two-shoulder carrier such as a wrap or mei tai. You'll want to use a woven wrap, and not a stretchy wrap as it will sag after about 20 lbs. If you are concerned about getting baby on your back, use someone to help you or a mirror for the first few times, and maybe try using a baby doll or a bag of rice before trying it out with baby.

From Kim- I have a 14 month old who is only 16 lbs, so I carry her everywhere. I am also 5 1/2 months pregnant - so I am wondering what you have found that works. I am really running out of room for her on my front and side.

Babywearing while pregnant is not something that is often heartily recommended, but it is possible. Some tips I got were to wear baby in a mei tai or podaegi up high on your back, with the straps tied in the Tibetan tie above your belly. And another Mom told me how she wore her baby while 9 months preggo by using the Ergo with straps under the belly and resting on her hips.

I personally stopped wearing Gray after a few months pregnant because it just wasn't very comfortable for me.

From Seeryus Mama- What is the best carrier to carry your baby so they are facing out?

This is something else that I was surprised to learn about at the babywearing conference. Wearing your baby facing out is not recommended! For newborns, the main problem is overstimulation. For mom, especially as baby gets larger, your center of gravity is much better when baby is facing you.

Most carriers that are made for facing out, such as the Baby Bjorn, have the baby's legs and feet hanging straight down in front, which is not good for the baby's hips and spine. The pressure on the crotch artery can also make baby's feet go numb.

If your baby is going to be worn facing out, the Kangaroo Carry with feet in is best- you can do this in a ring sling, pouch, and wrap. If they must have their legs hanging out, it would be best in a stretchy wrap or a wrap hybrid like the Baby Ktan. Try to make sure their legs are spread froggy style rather than hanging straight down. The best way to get baby used to not facing out is to never give them the option!

If you have a babywearing question, please feel free to email me or leave it in the comments below! Stay tuned for Your Babywearing Questions part 2!

I'll be posting all about babywearing and birth stories in the coming week. You can subscribe to my feed here. Also, join the Babywearing Bloggers blogroll if you'd like!