When I was pregnant with my 1st child I was doing the typical First Time Mom things: I read a lot, made lists of baby gear, and added everything I could find on to my registry at Babies R Us. One day I was talking with my mom and she offered to buy me a stroller. She wanted to make sure I had a good one. I promptly told her that I wasn't sure I wanted a stroller at all... it seemed un-natural to me to strap my baby into a stroller and roll him around. I wanted to find a good baby carrier and WEAR MY BABY! *gasp* My mother was horrified. She thought I was being my typical unreasonable, opinionated self & obviously I didn't know what I was talking about. SHE had 4 kids and SHE was the queen of all things natural, so of course SHE knew best and I would definitely be needing a stroller.
Now a couple of friends/coworkers hooked me up with some hand-me-downs from their babies before my son was born and low and behold I found a couple of baby carriers in the loot! I was given 2 of the most popular baby carriers on the market: the Bjorn and the Snugli. I was thrilled! I tried them both on before I even had a baby to put in them and I was immediately disappointed. Neither of them were very comfortable, easy to use or pretty. I actually gave them both back to their former owners and told them thank you, but no thanks. I was now on the hunt to find a good baby carrier.
I quickly found something new that I thought was perfect for me... The Infantino Sling Rider aka The Bag of Death! Muahahaha I liked the SR not only because it was pretty, but because it let me hide my baby away from the peering eyes of strangers and it had a cool pocket. The problems were that I never felt I could get my baby up high enough and the one shoulder carry wasn't comfortable for long periods. Also, I was never truely hands free because I would keep one hand under my baby's bum for support & the other hand was always holding the rail of the pouch open so I could check on my sweet little boy.
I did end up letting my mom buy me a stroller. She got me a great "travel system" with the carseat, base & jogging stroller to click the carseat right in. For what it's worth, it really was a nice set up. Comfortable & easy to use. Bulky? Yes. Impersonal? Yep. Comforting to my baby boy? I'm not so sure about that one.
Initially I didn't use that stroller much. My boy was born a month early and at only 4 lbs 13 oz. He was a tiny little guy and being the First Time Mom that I was, I felt really uncomfortable when out in public. I hated hearing people gawk and cry out "Oh my God he's so tiny!". So we used the SR when we went out and it was a lifesaver for me. But, my boy grew and eventually I couldn't carry him in the SR anymore. I had to find a new baby carrier. I did a ton of research again, and settled on an Ergo.
I guess the Ergo was the drug that started the addiction that is baby carriers. It seems that with each new baby carrying device comes a new love and then is followed by the curiosity of "what else is out there?" and "will that work for us too?". I have since owned many baby carriers: Mei Tai, pouch sling, and now wraps. The wraps are by far my most used baby carriers. There is nothing better then being able to snuggle and calm your baby and still having the freedom of being hands free. I just wish I had known the wrapping love before the birth of my 2nd child. If only I had known how wonderful it would be when my older son was just a baby. Still now at 3 years old, he does ask to be wrapped. He was never wrapped as a baby, but he can still enjoy the snuggle time as a toddler. He mostly asks to be wrapped just before bed or if he is sick. He knows it just feels right to be snuggled up with someone you love. He feels safe and isn't that the best feeling in the world for a small child?
Besides just feeling right, wrapping is ideal for baby's development. Keeping a baby close by Momma is good for preventing PPD and helps stimulate milk production. Being in an upright position (and up high near adults' faces) helps prevent acid reflux, promotes healthy development of eyes, neck muscles, the spine, and encorages babies to be part of the conversation, thus creating a sense of security and self confidence. I'm actually helping my children develop into good people while doing something that is more convienent for me!
Babywearing is a huge passion for me. I hope to be able to share this love with my future nieces/nephews (if my brothers ever have kids!) and my grandchildren too.
The photo above really showcases the important points about how to wear your baby.
1. Your baby should be in a seated position with knees at or above the bum.
2. The carrier should support baby from knee to knee.
3. Your baby should be up high - high enough for you to kiss his head.
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