- Baby-wearing keeps baby close. For newborns I prefer slings, and really appreciate the way the sling keeps my baby close to me, and keeps other people away. Not that I don't want people to peek at my babies, but peeking is about all I want them to do! Chances are with baby snuggled closely to my chest, most (normal) people are going to keep their distance.
- Baby-wearing gives me free hands. This was especially important to me when Stinkbug was born... having a toddler who still needed a lot of attention and help, it was a wonderful advantage that I could wear Stinkbug and still have two hands available for Ladybug. It also helps to have free hands while trying to grocery shop, or fold laundry!
- Baby-wearing is essential when you regularly use public transportation. For our first six months of living overseas, we did not have access to a car. (Now, we have the use of a car every other week.) Wearing the kids on buses, metros, and mini-buses is a whole lot easier sometimes than wrestling a stroller on board!
- Baby-wearing feels safe and comfortable to baby (and toddler!) I was blessed to not have colicky or fussy babies. Even though I didn't have "needy" babies, I could tell each of my kids loved being worn, and felt "at ease" in the Mei Tai or the Ergo. Often they would conk out inside, feeling safe enough to get the rest they needed!
- Baby-wearing helps build an attachment to mom and dad. I am not an attachment parent in the sense that it is mostly used today (I generally find myself in the middle of the road!), but I do believe babies and toddlers should have a healthy attachment to their parents. Baby-wearing allows our kids to be right there with us, seeing what we see, hearing what we hear, and getting lots of kisses! (I just cannot not kiss my babies when they're right there on me-- I love it!)
Lately, baby-wearing has gotten a bad rap from some unfortunate events. I have been asked if I will still wear Doodlebug after all the bad press baby-wearing has received. The answer is yes. When used properly according to manufacturer instructions, the carriers that I wear are safe for my baby and for me. I also follow common sense guidelines such as these. I can't wait to snuggle Doodlebug against my chest and wear him. I know too soon he'll be running and jumping and pushing mama away, so I'll soak in every moment he wants to be strapped in my arms, just as I have done with my other two babies!
This post is in support of the baby-wearing link up call to action at Adventures in Babywearing. If you'd like even more information and updates about baby-wearing safety, and aiding small baby carrier manufacturers, check with the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance.
10 comments:
Love this! And so cool to hear of your transportation experience. For so many moms baby carriers are just another helpful baby gadget, and for some they are a necessity. (and for many, slings BECOME the necessity!)
Steph
Fabulous post! I just love my sling. I don't know what I would do without it.
What all brands of slings and carriers do you recommend? I want a sling, and don't have one yet for our little man... I am open to any and all suggestions. :)
I completely agree, what a necessity!
Catie, I have a pouch sling (from Kangaroo Korner, but it looks like they are closed right now which is super sad!) that I used with the first two for the first three months or so. I have a ring sling to try this go 'round and I'm really excited-- so many people rave about ring slings! They can often be found on etsy. I also have a Mei Tai from here: http://www.meitaibaby.com/
I like the Mei Tai for two-ish months on. Once they are over six months I generally prefer my Ergo Baby Carrier, but a lot of people swear by their Mei Tais all the way through toddlerhood. I guess I just like the structured-ness of the Ergo once they are bigger/heavier!
I hope you enjoy baby-wearing your new little man!
Yup! My sling is packed up in my hospital bag-- one of my favorite baby items!
I know! I loved babywearing when I was in the States and had a car all the time, but living somewhere else, it's easy to see why so many internationals wear their babies-- it's a must to get around!
It just feels natural to wear my babies now... I hate that so many small companies are suffering and closing meaning new moms won't have the chance to enjoy wearing their babies!
I love this! I love that mei tai in the second to last pic :)
I could not agree more about the need of babywearing on public transportation. We live in the city and take the bus everywhere. I can't imagine trying to hold on to two children and a stroller on the bus. Great post!
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