This week is International Babywearing Week. I love wearing Baby Bug. I fully admit babywearing sounds weird and conjures up images of someone wearing a shirt made of babies. I assure you I do not make shirts out of babies and no babies are harmed when worn properly. In fact, research shows babies that are worn are happier and healthier. You can find more research and facts on Babywearing International’s webpage.
I didn’t always know I would wear my baby. I think because we did adopt I felt it was more important than ever to do every thing I could to ensure we bonded. Babywearing simply seemed to be one of the best things I could do. Baby Bug spent a month in NICU before we got her. She was used to being in this plastic box covered in wires and listening to a monitor beep. None of which is natural for a baby. The very first thing I bought, after a carseat to bring her home in, was a Moby. I wore her in the Moby the majority of the first four to five months after we brought her home. She loved it!! It calmed her down being right next to my warm body and hearing my heartbeat. I feel strongly it is part of the reason we were able to bond.
4 week old 6lb Baby Bug in the Moby.
When I announced I was going on a long road trip with Baby Bug this summer people were very skeptical. ”That is going to be horrible with a 9/10 month old!” ”She is going to be crazy!” I, however, had few doubts. We had moved on from our Moby. I was sad to give it up but the South is way too hot in the summer for a Moby. I had acquired an Ergo and a water ring sling. She loves the Ergo. I can wear her anywhere and she is perfectly content. If I’m holding her in my arms, she wants to move around and act crazy. When she was sleepy while visiting relatives I could put her in the ring sling and with in minutes I could rock her to sleep. While sightseeing I put her in the Ergo and off we would go.
Meeting the wildlife at Natural Bridge, VA.
Posing like statues at the TN Parthenon.
Sluicing in North Carolina
During our four hours of sluicing in North Carolina, we did all the positions of the Ergo. On my front to sleep, on my hip to eat and on my back to play. I wore Baby Bug to the top of the St. Louis Arch, on a ghost tour of Gettysburg and we rode around Valley Forge. She enjoyed Philadelphia, Jamestown and trekking through cemeteries on genealogy hunts all from the comfort of the Ergo. Together we enjoyed 18 states in 19 days. I couldn’t imagine trying to do it without the ease and comfort of babywearing. Every single day someone asked me about wearing her. ”Is it comfortable?” Yes. ”Does she like it?” Yes. ”I wish I had something like that when my baby was little.” I’m sure they did. People have been babywearing since the dawn of man. I love answering questions about babywearing. I even met one of my current new best friends because she saw me wearing Baby Bug in the grocery store and stopped me to talk.
I must warn you -> babywearing can become an addiction much like cloth diapers. There are so many types and the possibilities are endless. I currently own a Moby, Ergo(husband’s current favorite), Baby Bjorn, water ring sling and a bamboo ring sling(my current favorite). I joined a local babywearing group, the Savannah Slingers. They have a facebook group where we can offer advice, provide the inside track on good deals and generally share our obsession. We meet at least once a month in the park to try out different carriers and learn tricks. I’ve learned I want a Mei Tai, Omni and a woven wrap next.
If you aren’t a babywearer, I suggest you search for local babywearing groups and see if they have a meetup or a lending library of carriers so you can try one. Also, check out the website TheBabyWearer for information, advice and if you are really lucky a good deal on a used carrier. I realize babywearing is not for everyone or for every child. I do think it is worth a try.
If you are a fellow babywearer -> Happy International Babywearing Week. What is your favorite carrier? Do you have a local group or feel alone in your love of babywearing?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I used to love carrying mine when they were small although there was nothing available like there is today. I think it is the most natural thing in the world and so good for the child and parent.
awww so cute…
genskie recently posted..Count Your Blessings
I loved the Moby when L was little and the Ergo when she got bigger. Now that she’s a toddler though, all she wants to do is walk by herself….
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! I love you and Phi!!
I love my Ergo!!! So convenient! I haven’t yet tried the back position yet, and couldn’t figure out the side position either, but the front rocks and we use it all the time. So much more convenient than a stroller!
Alex recently posted..Greetings from Bedrest