8.05.2013

Ode to Baby Wearing

My husband and I both wore our first child. Mostly when we were outside the house, but sometimes inside too, if he was extra fussy. It calmed him and gave us hands free snuggle time. This time around it's a whole different story. Baby wearing has saved my life, or at least preserved what sanity I still possess.

Infants like to be held. A 2.5 year old needs to be fed, played with, dressed, diapered, cuddled and kissed. Also this mom needs a cup of coffee (or two) in the morning. I also enjoy eating occasionally. All these things happen around here because of a wrap, carrier or sling - depending on the situation.

Here are my mini-reviews on the carriers I own.

Wrap - Moby Wrap - Wraps are pretty much really long pieces of fabric that you can wrap and twist around your body in different ways for different sizes of children and different holds. I really like the Moby for around the house or short jaunts. It keeps Marlowe close against me so there is little jostling and it's not bulky, so I can easily wash dishes or see in front of me to type this blog, for example. It's very versatile. I leave it at home for long walks or times when I know I'll be wearing Marlowe for most of the day because it's fabric and it stretches. So by the end of a couple of hours she is much lower than she was initially, which can cause issues if I'm out and about.


Soft Carrier - Ergo Carrier - This is an easy on, easy off, carrier that has two clips and an insert for infants, to keep them supported until they can hold their heads up on their own. It can be worn on the chest or back, but I personally like the chest option. It's super sturdy and there is no slippage, so it's great for long haul wearing. There's a sun shade and pockets. It's really nicely designed. My only issue is that right now Marlowe's head kind of flops around, it's nothing too concerning though and it doesn't seem to bother her at all.

Ring Sling - I was never too impressed with my ring sling until Beckett got to be a toddler. It's great for hip holding. I would just pop Beckett in at social events and he'd feel like part of the conversation. He stayed entertained and my arm didn't feel like it was going to fall off.

Obviously, you only need one, not three, but the more the merrier. I loved wearing my first baby. I would especially recommend it through that fourth trimester or if you have an early arrival. It promotes bonding and listening to your heart beat while all snuggled up against your chest makes babies who had a rough start, or are just having a hard time adjusting to the outside world, thrive. But for parents who are adding kids 2, 3 or more I am calling the baby wearing apparatus of your choice an absolute must. You will never be happier to have two hands available.

Of course, use caution while sipping that latte and make sure any crumbs from lunch get brushed off of Junior's head afterward. 

1 comment:

  1. I think I'm most excited about knowing I'm going to get to wear a new squishy little one again!
    I always had mad love for the ring sling at the grocery store and running errands. It always seemed the easiest to slip Oliver in and out of quickly.

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