Why should I wear my baby?
Reason Number 1:Convenience
Let’s face it, one of the biggest advantages of wearing your baby is having your hands free! Free to fold laundry, push a stroller, make dinner, go to the bathroom. You know, all of life’s little luxuries. Baby-wearing is a good option for parents whose backs, arms, or necks are suffering from constant baby-carrying.
Reason Number 2: Bonding
A baby is born with an intimate connection to his mama. He knows her heartbeat, her voice, her warmth. There is no reason that has to abruptly end at birth. Babywearing helps babies to better adapt to life outside the womb. In fact, babies in babywearing cultures around the world almost never cry, even in the evenings. A baby worn in a carrier will not grow up to be more dependent or clingy. In fact, by experiencing the world from the security of an adult, baby will learn that the world is a safe place to explore.
Reason Number 3: Brain Development
A happy, carried baby spends more time in the quiet, alert phase. This is the perfect phase for learning. As baby goes through Mom’s normal day-to-day activities, he learns by watching and listening to her. He sees the world from her level. This extra stimulation promotes brain development. He can learn more by watching Mom fold laundry and answer the phone than from any Einstein video in the world!
Is it hard?
Many people think that babywearing is intimidating or complicated. They see unfamiliar carriers and think “I could never do that”. The truth is that baby carriers are incredibly simple to use. Even easier than unfolding a stroller and snapping in a car seat! The secret is to try on different carriers in person and see which one works best for you. It will depend on the size of your baby, how you want to carry him, and what your needs are. Every day, we hear parents exclaim “I can’t believe how easy this is!”.
In fact, there are very few “wrong” ways to use a carrier. And it is nearly impossible for a baby to fall out of one. We have never seen that happen.
How do I do it?
Come to Mom and Pop Place and try on the different carriers. We will be happy to help you find the right style and size for your needs. You can look in the mirror and wear the carrier around the store for awhile and see how you like it. Some people think that their baby does not like babywearing because the baby cried when trying out a carrier. The truth is, most babies LOVE being worn in a carrier. They may just need a little time to get used to it. Sometimes, the baby can sense that his mom is unfamiliar with the carrier she is trying on. He picks up on her uncertainty and gets nervous. Smart baby! Mom can easily reassure him by going on a quick walk around the store. In fact, we recommend that the first few times you use any carrier: plan on bouncing or walking for a few minutes right away to get baby settled in. Eventually, any baby who likes being held will learn to like being held in a carrier.
Most of our carriers can be used for a long time, from birth up through 35 pounds. Many of us used our carriers until our kids were 3 years old. Makes them worth every penny!
What are my options?
1. Ring Slings
Ring slings consist of a long sash of fabric worn over one shoulder and tightened with an adjustable ring near the shoulder. The fabric creates a pocket that holds the baby close to mom. Ring slings are one of the most versatile carriers available. Nearly any way you can carry a baby in your arms, you can carry them in a ring sling and have your hands free. You can carry a newborn cuddled against your shoulder or a toddler straddling your hip. It is the best carrier for breastfeeding. To nurse, you loosen the rings, latch on the baby, and then tighten the fabric back around the baby. The open “tail” of fabric can be used as a burp rag or privacy screen.
The advantages to a ring sling include its versatility. You can carry baby in almost any position. The sing sling is infinitely adjustable, making it a good choice even if your weight changes or you want to share it between more than one adult. It is one of the only carriers in which you can breastfeed. Disadvantages include the fact that they are sometimes more bulky than wraps.
2. Ergo Carrier
The Ergo is a soft-structured carrier with backpack-style straps and a waist buckle. It is an excellent carrier for larger babies who like to ride tummy-to-tummy with mom or dad and for larger babies/toddlers who like to ride piggy-back style. The back-carry is the most popular position in the Ergo. It is much more comfortable than other backpack-style carriers on the market because it distributes baby’s weight across your hips and not across your back and neck. People who have never been able to comfortably use a hiking backpack are able to use an Ergo.
The advantages to the Ergo include its padded straps and ergonomic design. It distributes baby’s weight symmetrically for a very comfortable ride. It promotes good posture for both parent and baby and is good for parents with back or neck trouble. The Ergo has more buckles and straps than other carriers and does not appear as streamlined. The Ergo is best for babies with a little head and neck control, not newborns. It is one of the best carriers for toddlers up to 35 pounds.
3. Wraps
Wraps consist of a long piece of fabric that is wrapped snugly around mom and baby. The long piece of fabric can seen intimidating for parents new to babywearing, but wraps are not difficult to use. The fabric is crossed and wrapped around the parent’s body to create an “X” that supports baby. Stretchy wraps are excellent for cradling a newborn baby right on a parent’s chest. Larger babies can also be worn tummy-to-tummy or facing out. Non-stretchy, woven wraps are excellent for back-carries, hip-carries, and front-carries. There are dozens of ways to tie a wrap and carry a baby!
The advantages of Wraps include their versatility. You can adjust the way you tie the fabric to suit your needs and there is only one size. Wraps are good choices for parents with back or neck trouble as they distribute baby’s weight symmetrically. Stretchy wraps are best for newborns and babies under 20 pounds. Woven wraps are good for babies and toddlers up to 35 pounds.
4. Mei Tai
Mei Tai carriers consist of a sturdy panel of fabric with a long fabric strap at each corner. The panel cradles the baby close to the parent, the bottom 2 straps secure the carrier at the waist, and the top 2 straps secure the carrier across the shoulders. Like the Ergo, the Mei Tai is an excellent choice for tummy-to-tummy carries and back carries. The straps can be wrapped and tied in different ways, making for a custom-designed carrying position.
The advantages of Mei Tais include their versatility. You can adjust the way you tie the straps to suit your needs and there is only one size. There are no buckles or rings to deal with. Mei Tais are good choices for parents with back or neck trouble as they distribute baby’s weight symmetrically.
