Adventures In Babywearing 2.0

By the time I had us ready and out the door for the grocery store I knew she'd be ready for a nap.

I put her in the mei tai, thought maybe we could have a quiet trip, take my time while she slept.

You can lay your head on Mama, and she does. Her soft hair nustles against my neck, I breathe into her, kisses. But she sees the cart and perks up, "Seat, Mama! Seat!"

I untie and

lift

and lower her into the front of the cart. Maybe we'll have a nice nap at home later instead. Better make this quick.


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She's almost 20 months old now, and I wear her maybe a couple times a month.

She's busy, on the go. She has a bicycle now, likes to run, loves to birdwatch from the stroller, be closer to dogs.

I wore Gray past the age of two, that was his way. Each child is different.

Strange, yet familiar relief, is that I'm okay with this.

My lap still makes for her favorite chair, my arms her best holder.


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I'll always have babywearing in the title of this journal, it's a part of me. And I'll forever promote the benefits and treasures found [often in a moment of sleepy desperation, or quiet awe, or necessity] in keeping Mama and Baby close to each others' hearts.

My favorite babywearing photo ever, fall 2008

MIGHT I RECOMMEND

I've been babywearing almost five years now and have tried pretty much every style of carrier there is. This is what I've learned...

A Ring Sling is a must-have carrier for newborn on up to toddler. My personal favorites include Sakura Bloom [if you have the $, the Luxe is absolutely worth it], I also love the Artisan Silk & Essential Linen. The very first sling (and my forever favorite) I ever bought was on ebay from KimzKreations (she has an etsy shop now and still lists slings every now and then.) Other affordable options are Prairie Mama and Rockin' Baby.

A Stretchy Wrap like a Moby or Sleepy Wrap (or my favorite the Gypsy Mama Bali) is wonderful for newborns, and Woven Wraps like Didymos or Storchenwiege are ideal as baby gets heavier (the woven fabric won't sag like the stretchy.) It looks like a huge long piece of fabric, but is really easy to figure out. Must see: watch this awesome video of a Dad putting his newborn in a wrap.

A Mei Tai is my favorite of all. It's a traditional carrier with four ties, but is the easiest to put on and wear in my opinion. I prefer using my mei tai when baby is at least three or four months old, or whenever they have decent head support, and I continue to use it until they are three years old. It's the most comfortable for longer wear. After all I've tried, my favorites (and the ones I still use today) are a really old Freehand mei tai (the style I prefer is no longer made) and a gorgeous one from Baby So Smart.

If the ties aren't for you, buckle mei tai carriers like the Ergo are the popular choice. Great for active moms & dads, and for longer wear as well. I do like my Ergo, but don't wear it nearly as often as my mei tai.


BABYWEARING SAFETY IN THE NEWS

Due to recent recalls of certain baby carriers (Bag Slings = no no.) that all babywearers have been warning Moms about for YEARS, some people are assuming all babywearing is unsafe. This is not true. Babywearing is absolutely safe and can be an amazing method of bonding and loving your child.

A refresher:

• Your baby should be in a position similar to holding them in your arms
• You should be able to kiss the top of their head
• Your chest, back, or sling fabric should not obstruct baby's face
• Do not wear a carrier that is too tight or too loose, or not properly fastened
• Read and follow your carrier's instruction manual
• Be aware of baby's temperature, don't let them get too hot or too cold
• Do not perform any activities that you wouldn't normally do while holding your baby in your arms

IN MY EXPERIENCE

To break it down for you, if you could have only one sling, I'd get a ring sling. Two? Ring sling and mei tai.

Find helpful tips for using your carrier at TheBabywearer.com and Sakura Bloom has a whole series of helpful videos for using your ring sling.

Just for fun don't miss these fabulous, hilarious, & heartwarming babywearing videos.

MY PARTING GEM OF WISDOM

Babywearing is not just for parents to have their hands-free. I encourage you to wear your baby in times of rest, and not always busy-work. Take it easy, snuggle, love, do lots-of-nothing with your children while you can.


I'm happy to answer any additional questions you might have in the comments below.