Baby wearing is a great way to bond with your baby, keep him content, and give yourself some freedom to do those hands on activities and chores that you can’t quite manage while cradling an infant in your arms. Unfortunately, not all babies are keen on being crammed into a pouch; which I quickly learned after my first attempt at getting my son into his Peanut Shell.
The IDEA of baby wearing seemed sweet to me. I could just imagine my son staring contently up at me, snug and safe, swaddled on my chest. But the truth is, my son likes his space. He LOVES being cuddled up on mommy’s lap after a lengthy luncheon at the Booby Cafe, but he wants to stretch out and move. This is something I could not have known before he was born. So, my $55 sling purchase may have been made in vain. (I am HOPING that he’ll like it at some point.) Had I known then (3 months ago) what I know now, I probably wouldn’t have made such a purchase without some kind of test run.
After the Peanut Shell experience and some conversations with my forum friends, I purchased a Moby Wrap, which is much more compatible with my baby’s personality. It can be worn several ways. It’s very comfortable, washable and cheaper than most carriers. Best of all, my baby actually likes it!
If you are thinking of baby wearing, realize that there are many ways (and price points) to do so. Carriers, like the BabyBjorn, are available at most major retail stores that carry baby gear. Slings, wraps and mei tais are widely available on the net, in some specialty boutiques, and even carried by retailers like Babies R Us and Target, though the selection is minimal at those stores.
Some things to keep in mind when choosing how you’ll wear your baby:
- Safety – Obviously this is the biggest issue when making any purchase for your baby. Check for product recalls and read consumer reviews.
- Functionality – Is it easy to wash? Is it adjustable? Will the baby outgrow it quickly? Does it have special features like pockets or a key ring? And – IS IT EASY TO USE? If you can’t figure it out or just can’t get baby in it, you’ve wasted your money.
- Comfort – CRUCIAL. Look for breathable materials and remember you may need warmer fabrics for the winter months.
- Style – Moms like to accessorize too!
- Price – Crafty ladies can find patterns online and make their own slings or carriers. For the sewing challenged (like myself) be sure to look for special promotions or online coupon codes. As always, Craigslist or second hand specialty stores like Once Upon a Child offer great deals on used baby gear. The most important thing is to comparison shop before buying. Deals change daily.
- Sizing – Adjustable slings are more forgiving, but be careful to measure yourself and follow sizing guidelines. Read the return policy before ordering just in case you aren’t sure of the size.
Here are some links to popular sling/wrap/carrier manufacturer sites:
You can also check out Etsy for handmade slings and wraps.
Enjoy cuddling your little one by finding the carrier right for both of you!
I am curious as to where you are located. I’m in the Portland, OR area and we have a Babywearing support group that educates and allows you to try out carriers, and even check them out a month at a time. So awesome! I have used a ring sling, a wrap, a pouch, and a mei tai. My son has loved them all. I figure there must be a carrier (or position) for every baby’s personality–or else how would tribal babies get along? I hope you have figured out that your sling can be used to carry your baby on your hip (or front or back) now that he is older. I have just started doing that with my 7 month old.
I am about 20 minutes east of Indianapolis, IN. I wish there were a babywearing support group here but I am almost 100% sure that there is not. I ended up buying a BabyBjorn and my little boy is enjoying that a lot. I think when it warms up a bit I’ll go back to the Moby Wrap.