Worn babies also benefit from this, mentally, emotionally and physically. Mentally, they spend more time in a quiet alert state and receive more stimulation. Emotionally, they quickly develop a sense of security and trust, becoming more attached which, in turn, allows them to become independent earlier. Physically, newborns adapt better by being so close to their caregiver's heartbeat, breathing, and voice, and older babies develop a better sense of balance.
Ring sling
First up, our ring sling. This is great for quick trips - fast and easy to get on and off. Because it's a one-shoulder carrier, however, it's not great for long trips, especially for older/bigger babies.
This particular ring sling is a Didymos wrap, Lena print, turned into a ring sling by Sleeping Baby Productions.
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Sleeping after a walk this summer
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Front, side, front
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Mei tai
Next, our mei tai. This two-shouldered carrier is great for people who find wraps too challenging. They can be worn easily on the front or back, and are generally faster to put on than a wrap. Definitely a husband-friendly carrier.
This particular mei tai is a Kozy brand, Windsor print.
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Sound asleep
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Wraps
Wraps are my favourite. They are so versatile. They can be worn on your front, back or hip in a nearly infinite variety of ways. We have four wraps - a soft stretchy one that's great for cold weather and for newborns (a red Moby), a short one that's good for taking places to wrap there (an Ellaroo LaRae), a thin one that's great for warm weather (an Ellaroo Christiane), and our new (to us) German woven wrap that's nice and supportive for my growing boy (a Paul Didymos). Four wraps is not a necessity - one would do easily. I'd pick a long woven wrap if I have to pick just one. There is a learning curve to wraps, but perseverance and practice is so worth it in the end. When I can scoop up a crying baby, flip him onto my back, wrap him up and get back to cooking supper in no time at all, life is good. Wraps are our most commonly used carrier. I personally prefer them to mei tais because I find them to be cozier and softer.
My son, several months ago, in our Ellaroo brand, Christiane print.
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More recently, same wrap.
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Our new German woven wrap, Didymos brand, Paul print.
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And back home, rosy-cheeked, after a walk in the cold.
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Hanging out on mommy's back
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A great place to learn more about babywearing is thebabywearer.com, particularly their forums.
great idea - me, i remember when i had my first born back in '79. I had a "snugli" brand front/back pack and my mom thought the baby would be so uncomfortable in it. But the joy of holding a child so close is amazing. We used it for all 3 of ours, my husband mostly carried them, even on a mountain hike (only about 1 mile up). anyway, looks good to me.
ReplyDeleteYour son looks so cosy in those wraps! Wish I had known about them when I had my boys
ReplyDelete.....a mama from GCM
I currently have a 3 month old and two carriers (ring sling and a european style wrap). I can't figure them out to save myself. I am so glad you posted this link. I just went, signed up and have posted my questions. Hoping to get help soon so we can be on our way to baby wearing happiness.
ReplyDelete