your child?
I'm 17-weeks pregnant today and I still wear my 3-year old fairly often. Yes, I know he can walk. Yes, I know that he's not a "baby" any longer. Yes, I know that several people think I'm totally bonkers for wearing him at all - especially while pregnant AND in the hot Summer months.
Why do I still wear him? Mainly because wearing him is sometimes the safest and easiest option when we're in public and he's only 3-years old so his legs tire far easier and earlier than mine. Also, he's pretty tall and it's becoming impossible to find a stroller that he can comfortably ride in for any long periods of time. And, I confess, whether at home or in public, both my son and I like the closeness that wearing him provides.
I weighed him today and he's finally 30-pounds. I realize that he's far from being a heavy load, but I know that my back will only continue to ache and it will get worse as this pregnancy progresses. At this point, however, it's not that big of a deal to toss him on my back in the Ergo or the Boba or to let him ride on my hip in the pouch or the ring sling.
But the clock is ticking and I will have to decide pretty quick when I'm going to stop wearing him. I don't want to bar him from riding on my back or hip too close to my due date because I don't want him to draw the connection that his loss of ridership privileges is the baby's fault. Depending on how I deliver this baby, I may not even be able to pick him up for weeks afterward - let alone hitch a ride for extended periods on my body. Besides, I'm assuming that I'll be wearing the baby all cozied up in a wrap so that only leaves my back available for toddler rides anyway.
So, back to my original question, when did you stop wearing your child(ren)? Did you wear your kiddos during pregnancy? When did you stop wearing them if you wore them in pregnancy? Was your older child jealous that the new baby was being worn and they were not? If you had a c/s, did the older child ever want to be worn again once you were able to wear them?
Showing posts with label babywearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babywearing. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
He's Becoming One of Us!
I freaking love my husband!!! LOVE HIM!!! I'm sure we seem like we're an odd couple to a lot of people, but sometimes I'm shocked at how well we get along and how we get each other. That last bit is something that I never, never, never thought that I'd experience because I'm a weirdo with some crazy ideas. My hubs may not always agree with my opinions (I think we're around 90-10), but he gets where I'm coming from and he understands me.
I confessed that I'm officially a hippie just last week. It looks like living with me for nearly eight years has started to rub off on my hubs. No, he isn't creeped out by meat and dairy products. He isn't railing about the big business of childbirth and baby feeding. And he certainly isn't eschewing deodorant and wearing patchouli. But he totally supported me and my hippie tendencies this weekend.
We've resumed house-hunting and I always choose to wear our son when we walk through any property that is currently inhabited. My thoughts are that it is far easier to focus on the faults of the house if I don't have to divide my attention to keep an eye on him. Yes, I look for the problems in a house before I look for things that I might like about it - I waste less time that way.
Anyway, we popped in at a couple of open houses on Sunday; one we specifically planned to check out and one was spontaneous. We aren't particularly looking in the neighborhood of the second house because it's geographically less desirable to my way of thinking, but we had time and we spotted the sign so we stopped. I wore my son on my back in the Boba at the first house and I pulled out the pouch to let him ride on my hip at the second house. I never have a stroller on-hand (since he outgrew his stroller), but I always have at least two carrier options in my car.
The agent opened the door and looked surprised to see my son was cozied up on my hip in the pouch. She commented that the pouch was an ingenious way to tote around a tot and keep my hands free. She wasn't snarky or anything; she just seemed to think that it was pretty cool that I was wearing my son. I told her that I agreed that babywearing is a smart way to keep your kiddo safe and out of mischief.
My husband chimed in. . .
Awesome. Totally awesome.
I confessed that I'm officially a hippie just last week. It looks like living with me for nearly eight years has started to rub off on my hubs. No, he isn't creeped out by meat and dairy products. He isn't railing about the big business of childbirth and baby feeding. And he certainly isn't eschewing deodorant and wearing patchouli. But he totally supported me and my hippie tendencies this weekend.
We've resumed house-hunting and I always choose to wear our son when we walk through any property that is currently inhabited. My thoughts are that it is far easier to focus on the faults of the house if I don't have to divide my attention to keep an eye on him. Yes, I look for the problems in a house before I look for things that I might like about it - I waste less time that way.
Anyway, we popped in at a couple of open houses on Sunday; one we specifically planned to check out and one was spontaneous. We aren't particularly looking in the neighborhood of the second house because it's geographically less desirable to my way of thinking, but we had time and we spotted the sign so we stopped. I wore my son on my back in the Boba at the first house and I pulled out the pouch to let him ride on my hip at the second house. I never have a stroller on-hand (since he outgrew his stroller), but I always have at least two carrier options in my car.
The agent opened the door and looked surprised to see my son was cozied up on my hip in the pouch. She commented that the pouch was an ingenious way to tote around a tot and keep my hands free. She wasn't snarky or anything; she just seemed to think that it was pretty cool that I was wearing my son. I told her that I agreed that babywearing is a smart way to keep your kiddo safe and out of mischief.
My husband chimed in. . .
"This is normal in most parts of the world."
Awesome. Totally awesome.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
BABIES: Wearing v Carrying?
If you've been reading this blog (or my old blog) for any amount of time, or if you know me personally, you probably realize that I adore babywearing. I will always be an advocate for babywearing on your body instead of baby-hauling in some sort of baby gear like an infant car seat/carrier or stroller. Please understand that I have a very definite opinion on the matter and it may differ from your own feelings.
Back in April, I designed a six-page handout titled Babywearing Basics for my local mama group. In the introduction, I explained that many types of modern baby gear subtly encourages Western mothers to not touch their babies. You might feel that I'm being unfair, but think about it for a minute. Infant car seat/carriers, bouncy seats, infant sitters, swings, jumperoos, johnny jump ups, strollers, and who knows what else are all incredibly popular and require virtually zero interaction with the infant being contained.
Of course, I didn't belabor the point because I know that not every mother I know agrees with that assessment. But I still believe it's absolutely true. I might be unreasonable, but it seems like the babies who end up suffering from Container Syndrome would agree.
Not surprisingly, I didn't have an infant car seat/carrier prior to my son's birth. Many friends insisted that I would want one. No, that I would need one. I was told that I won't want to wake the baby if he falls asleep in the car, I was told that it's more convenient to carry a baby in the car seat than take them out, and I was told that I'd change my mind and want one once the baby arrived. As it turns out, none of those points were a valid concern in my situation.
I trusted my instincts and held off on buying one. I ended up just sticking with a convertible car seat that could be used safely with a baby as lightweight as five pounds. My eight-pounder easily fit in the convertible car seat and I never once regretted my decision to eschew an infant car seat/carrier.
I don't care if you love/loved infant car seat/carriers and use/used one all the time. That's your choice to make and your right as a parent to make that decision for your own child. I just would never ever use one with my own child. Neither opinion is right or wrong, they are simply differences in opinion.
I hate infant car seat/carriers above all other types of baby gear. There. I said it and I'm not ashamed of my feelings. I also acknowledge that my opinion on infant car seat/carriers is only based on my observations and the research that I've done on them. I never used one so I really can't comment on their effectiveness, convenience, or safety.
What's my beef with the ubiquitous infant car seat/carrier? I actually had a couple of reasons for not liking them. One, they all are so heavy and bulky. It always looks like an awkward item to carry. Why would I want to tote my tot in a heavy piece of gear when I have two capable arms or a cozy carrier? Two, a car seat that so easily detaches from the base just doesn't seem as safe as one that is completely anchored to the vehicle via LATCH or seat belt. As I've learned more about infant oxygenation levels and how SIDS is related to deep and uninterrupted sleep, I actually have a third gripe that is probably much more legitimate, but more on that later. . .
I didn't really know much about babywearing, but I knew that I wanted to try it out. I am so glad that I did! Thanks to my stubbornly unmovable breech baby, I had a c-section. I couldn't lift my stroller out of the car for months after my son was born. That also means that I would not have been able to life an infant car seat/carrier out of the car. It isn't an exaggeration to say that I don't know how I would have survived those earliest days of motherhood if it hadn't been for safe babywearing options.
I purchased a stretchy wrap and familiarized myself with how to wrap yards of fabric around my body to create a safe seat for my bundle of joy. I wore my darling little baby in that wrap from the moment we arrived home from the hospital; mainly because I was afraid that I would drop him. Typical new-mom jitters, right? Additionally, I think that thanks to keeping him upright and belly to belly with me in a wrap, he had outstanding neck control and was able to push up to look around at only one month of age.
I think he liked being carried so close too. I suppose every new mother thinks their child is absolutely wonderful, but he really was a very pleasant baby. As an infant, he only cried when I didn't pick up on his hunger cues or, much later on, when he was teething. Even taking him out of the car seat if he was sleeping didn't really bother him all that much. He might have stirred awake a little bit, but he'd cuddle right up to me in the wrap and oftentimes would just snuggle or fall back to sleep. I don't know if his easy-going attitude was because I wore him or not, but I will definitely wear any subsequent children I may have in the future!
My son was worn in a wrap for his first six months or so and then I started to use the stroller. The only reason I stopped wearing him is because he grew too heavy to wear in my wrap. I used the Ultimate Baby Wrap and it became a real hassle to have to constantly adjust & tighten due to his increasing weight demand on the stretchy fabric.
Knowing what I know now, I would have simply transitioned him to a woven wrap. Or a ring sling. Or an adjustable pouch. Or an SSC. Or a mei-tai. Or an onbuhimo. Yes, there are plenty of options for babywearing older infants clear into toddlerhood!
I rediscovered babywearing when my son was nearly 18-months old. Oh, I am so thankful that I did! I purchased several styles of barely used carriers from a certain meetup organizer (you know who you are!) and my son happily transitioned out of the stroller when I reintroduced baby/toddlerwearing into our lives.
I wonder now how I parented all of those long months without babywearing. Thanks to putting in hours upon hours upon hours at hospitals and medical centers this year, I have truly come to love babywearing. Hands-free parenting of my toddler has been a requirement while navigating wheelchairs and helping "patients" into and out of vehicles. On top of that benefit, it has been so nice to keep my son close, comfortable, and quieted while in impossibly stressful situations.
Even now, at nearly 2 1/2 years of age, my son still likes to go "in the pouch" or on "mama's back." Putting him in a carrier often wards of meltdowns and tantrums, it helps him feel secure when he's overwhelmed, and it gives him a cozy place to snooze if he's tired while we're out & about. Just this weekend I pouched him for thirty minutes to calm him when we were at church and it worked like a charm.
Though my son can certainly walk, there are still plenty of places we go that I need to keep him safe and secure - whether it's in a stroller or a carrier doesn't really matter. My son is too tall for his regular stroller so I haven't used it in months. But he still easily fits in my ring sling, pouch, and ERGO so here's to enjoying many more months of baby/toddlerwearing!
Did you wear or carry your baby or do some mix of both? How did you find that your choices made your life easier when learning how to live with a new baby? Please share your feelings below.
* * *
Back in April, I designed a six-page handout titled Babywearing Basics for my local mama group. In the introduction, I explained that many types of modern baby gear subtly encourages Western mothers to not touch their babies. You might feel that I'm being unfair, but think about it for a minute. Infant car seat/carriers, bouncy seats, infant sitters, swings, jumperoos, johnny jump ups, strollers, and who knows what else are all incredibly popular and require virtually zero interaction with the infant being contained.
Of course, I didn't belabor the point because I know that not every mother I know agrees with that assessment. But I still believe it's absolutely true. I might be unreasonable, but it seems like the babies who end up suffering from Container Syndrome would agree.
Not surprisingly, I didn't have an infant car seat/carrier prior to my son's birth. Many friends insisted that I would want one. No, that I would need one. I was told that I won't want to wake the baby if he falls asleep in the car, I was told that it's more convenient to carry a baby in the car seat than take them out, and I was told that I'd change my mind and want one once the baby arrived. As it turns out, none of those points were a valid concern in my situation.
I trusted my instincts and held off on buying one. I ended up just sticking with a convertible car seat that could be used safely with a baby as lightweight as five pounds. My eight-pounder easily fit in the convertible car seat and I never once regretted my decision to eschew an infant car seat/carrier.
I don't care if you love/loved infant car seat/carriers and use/used one all the time. That's your choice to make and your right as a parent to make that decision for your own child. I just would never ever use one with my own child. Neither opinion is right or wrong, they are simply differences in opinion.
I hate infant car seat/carriers above all other types of baby gear. There. I said it and I'm not ashamed of my feelings. I also acknowledge that my opinion on infant car seat/carriers is only based on my observations and the research that I've done on them. I never used one so I really can't comment on their effectiveness, convenience, or safety.
What's my beef with the ubiquitous infant car seat/carrier? I actually had a couple of reasons for not liking them. One, they all are so heavy and bulky. It always looks like an awkward item to carry. Why would I want to tote my tot in a heavy piece of gear when I have two capable arms or a cozy carrier? Two, a car seat that so easily detaches from the base just doesn't seem as safe as one that is completely anchored to the vehicle via LATCH or seat belt. As I've learned more about infant oxygenation levels and how SIDS is related to deep and uninterrupted sleep, I actually have a third gripe that is probably much more legitimate, but more on that later. . .
I didn't really know much about babywearing, but I knew that I wanted to try it out. I am so glad that I did! Thanks to my stubbornly unmovable breech baby, I had a c-section. I couldn't lift my stroller out of the car for months after my son was born. That also means that I would not have been able to life an infant car seat/carrier out of the car. It isn't an exaggeration to say that I don't know how I would have survived those earliest days of motherhood if it hadn't been for safe babywearing options.
I purchased a stretchy wrap and familiarized myself with how to wrap yards of fabric around my body to create a safe seat for my bundle of joy. I wore my darling little baby in that wrap from the moment we arrived home from the hospital; mainly because I was afraid that I would drop him. Typical new-mom jitters, right? Additionally, I think that thanks to keeping him upright and belly to belly with me in a wrap, he had outstanding neck control and was able to push up to look around at only one month of age.
I think he liked being carried so close too. I suppose every new mother thinks their child is absolutely wonderful, but he really was a very pleasant baby. As an infant, he only cried when I didn't pick up on his hunger cues or, much later on, when he was teething. Even taking him out of the car seat if he was sleeping didn't really bother him all that much. He might have stirred awake a little bit, but he'd cuddle right up to me in the wrap and oftentimes would just snuggle or fall back to sleep. I don't know if his easy-going attitude was because I wore him or not, but I will definitely wear any subsequent children I may have in the future!
My son was worn in a wrap for his first six months or so and then I started to use the stroller. The only reason I stopped wearing him is because he grew too heavy to wear in my wrap. I used the Ultimate Baby Wrap and it became a real hassle to have to constantly adjust & tighten due to his increasing weight demand on the stretchy fabric.
Knowing what I know now, I would have simply transitioned him to a woven wrap. Or a ring sling. Or an adjustable pouch. Or an SSC. Or a mei-tai. Or an onbuhimo. Yes, there are plenty of options for babywearing older infants clear into toddlerhood!
I rediscovered babywearing when my son was nearly 18-months old. Oh, I am so thankful that I did! I purchased several styles of barely used carriers from a certain meetup organizer (you know who you are!) and my son happily transitioned out of the stroller when I reintroduced baby/toddlerwearing into our lives.
I wonder now how I parented all of those long months without babywearing. Thanks to putting in hours upon hours upon hours at hospitals and medical centers this year, I have truly come to love babywearing. Hands-free parenting of my toddler has been a requirement while navigating wheelchairs and helping "patients" into and out of vehicles. On top of that benefit, it has been so nice to keep my son close, comfortable, and quieted while in impossibly stressful situations.
Even now, at nearly 2 1/2 years of age, my son still likes to go "in the pouch" or on "mama's back." Putting him in a carrier often wards of meltdowns and tantrums, it helps him feel secure when he's overwhelmed, and it gives him a cozy place to snooze if he's tired while we're out & about. Just this weekend I pouched him for thirty minutes to calm him when we were at church and it worked like a charm.
Though my son can certainly walk, there are still plenty of places we go that I need to keep him safe and secure - whether it's in a stroller or a carrier doesn't really matter. My son is too tall for his regular stroller so I haven't used it in months. But he still easily fits in my ring sling, pouch, and ERGO so here's to enjoying many more months of baby/toddlerwearing!
Did you wear or carry your baby or do some mix of both? How did you find that your choices made your life easier when learning how to live with a new baby? Please share your feelings below.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Warm Weather Babywearing
Summer is nearly here and the heat is on!
I was looking over my stash of baby carriers to find the coolest possible solution for wearing my toddler during the hot Summer months. My son weighs between 25 - 30 pounds, but I still wear him a lot. I haven't used the stroller in weeks because, between the ERGO and the Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch, he's perfectly content to hitch a ride on my back or on my hip.
I'm sure that some are surprised that wearing such a heavy toddler is possible without breaking the wearer's back. I think it's totally comfortable if you use the correct carrier in the correct carry. I can only tolerate front carrying, for example, for a few minutes before my lower back begins protesting. On the other hand, I can carry him on my back or on my hip for HOURS without experiencing any pain. Similarly, using a crotch-dangle baby carrier (like the Baby Bjorn) wouldn't be comfortable for either of us for any long period of time. Using a wide-seated carrier that allows the child to "frog" out their body (legs spread, knees bent & drawn up higher than their bottom) is comfortable for hours at a time.
My only complaint about babywearing at this point is that it is already hot in my neck of the woods and our combined body heat just slays me some days. The ERGO and my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch, while supportive and comfortable for the two of us, are constructed of a canvas-like material and they don't exactly breathe easily. My ring sling is made of a more gauzy material, but I just can't wear him for hours in the ring sling. However, I'm still learning how to wear and adjust the ring sling, so I'm hoping that it gets more comfortable in time. At this point, I can only wear him in it for about an hour or so.
I'm tapping the knowledge and experience of my readership to help find a Summertime babywearing solution. What are your favorite baby carriers for warm weather babywearing?
I was looking over my stash of baby carriers to find the coolest possible solution for wearing my toddler during the hot Summer months. My son weighs between 25 - 30 pounds, but I still wear him a lot. I haven't used the stroller in weeks because, between the ERGO and the Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch, he's perfectly content to hitch a ride on my back or on my hip.
I'm sure that some are surprised that wearing such a heavy toddler is possible without breaking the wearer's back. I think it's totally comfortable if you use the correct carrier in the correct carry. I can only tolerate front carrying, for example, for a few minutes before my lower back begins protesting. On the other hand, I can carry him on my back or on my hip for HOURS without experiencing any pain. Similarly, using a crotch-dangle baby carrier (like the Baby Bjorn) wouldn't be comfortable for either of us for any long period of time. Using a wide-seated carrier that allows the child to "frog" out their body (legs spread, knees bent & drawn up higher than their bottom) is comfortable for hours at a time.
My only complaint about babywearing at this point is that it is already hot in my neck of the woods and our combined body heat just slays me some days. The ERGO and my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch, while supportive and comfortable for the two of us, are constructed of a canvas-like material and they don't exactly breathe easily. My ring sling is made of a more gauzy material, but I just can't wear him for hours in the ring sling. However, I'm still learning how to wear and adjust the ring sling, so I'm hoping that it gets more comfortable in time. At this point, I can only wear him in it for about an hour or so.
I'm tapping the knowledge and experience of my readership to help find a Summertime babywearing solution. What are your favorite baby carriers for warm weather babywearing?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A Looong Day of Babywearing
My son stepped on the digital scale this morning and I mentally made a note of his current weight. 26.6 pounds. This is interesting because I wore my son in the ERGO for six hours today. He spent four hours on my back and two hours in front while I desperately tried to get him to take a nap.
I have to say that I am more impressed with the ERGO each time I use it. Initially, I didn't care for it and I found back-carries to be difficult at best. Somewhere along the line, I have become very good at hoisting my kiddo over my head and onto my back. I still feel like a weirdo when I bend over at the waist so I can reach the straps, but I can't figure out another way to grab them. I've also learned that it is far more comfortable for me if I wear the waist strap down at hip level.
I'm excited to report that my back doesn't hurt. My shoulders don't hurt. Nothing hurts at all even though I wore a 26.6 pound toddler for six hours!
I still love my pouch and I'm still enjoying my ring sling, but the ERGO is definitely one of my three favorite carriers for toting my toddler. Here is my order of preference: pouch, ERGO, ring sling.
What carriers do you like for toting your babies or toddlers?
I have to say that I am more impressed with the ERGO each time I use it. Initially, I didn't care for it and I found back-carries to be difficult at best. Somewhere along the line, I have become very good at hoisting my kiddo over my head and onto my back. I still feel like a weirdo when I bend over at the waist so I can reach the straps, but I can't figure out another way to grab them. I've also learned that it is far more comfortable for me if I wear the waist strap down at hip level.
I'm excited to report that my back doesn't hurt. My shoulders don't hurt. Nothing hurts at all even though I wore a 26.6 pound toddler for six hours!
I still love my pouch and I'm still enjoying my ring sling, but the ERGO is definitely one of my three favorite carriers for toting my toddler. Here is my order of preference: pouch, ERGO, ring sling.
What carriers do you like for toting your babies or toddlers?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A Couple of Milestones
Milestones are always exciting to me. They break up otherwise typically predictable days and they are solid evidence of growth. Today was a day of milestones!
I love wearing my son. I've worn him since he was a newborn and, though he's a toddler, I still wear him now. My favorite carriers and my favorite carrying positions have changed as my son has grown. My formerly favorite stretchy wrap has long since been retired - at least until the next little one comes along. Front carries (always facing in toward Mama) in soft structured carriers (SSCs) didn't last much longer.
I know most people associate pouches with wearing tiny babies, but I prefer to wear him in a hip carry in a pouch these days. The pouch is remarkably simple to use and I've comfortably worn him in it for hours at a time. I also like the ERGO because back carries are also comfortable when wearing a 25- to 30-pound child. My main problem with the ERGO is that I find it difficult to put him on my back without help. Well, something clicked today and, for the first time ever, I was able to put him in a back carry all by myself!
My son also did something new today. He was asking about the box of goodie bags on our dining room table and I replied that they were for his birthday next month. I asked if he knew how old he was going to be and let him know that he'd be two. He threw his arms up in the air, similar to a prizefighter's victory pose, and shouted, "TWO!" That's a new word for my little guy! When I began to sing the Happy Birthday song, he added in the "cha, cha, cha" at the right spot. That's another first!
I love wearing my son. I've worn him since he was a newborn and, though he's a toddler, I still wear him now. My favorite carriers and my favorite carrying positions have changed as my son has grown. My formerly favorite stretchy wrap has long since been retired - at least until the next little one comes along. Front carries (always facing in toward Mama) in soft structured carriers (SSCs) didn't last much longer.
I know most people associate pouches with wearing tiny babies, but I prefer to wear him in a hip carry in a pouch these days. The pouch is remarkably simple to use and I've comfortably worn him in it for hours at a time. I also like the ERGO because back carries are also comfortable when wearing a 25- to 30-pound child. My main problem with the ERGO is that I find it difficult to put him on my back without help. Well, something clicked today and, for the first time ever, I was able to put him in a back carry all by myself!
My son also did something new today. He was asking about the box of goodie bags on our dining room table and I replied that they were for his birthday next month. I asked if he knew how old he was going to be and let him know that he'd be two. He threw his arms up in the air, similar to a prizefighter's victory pose, and shouted, "TWO!" That's a new word for my little guy! When I began to sing the Happy Birthday song, he added in the "cha, cha, cha" at the right spot. That's another first!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Been a Busy Evening of Babywearing Basics
I'm happy to report that my son feels much better today!
I'm hosting a meetup based on baby/toddlerwearing at my house in a little less than two weeks and I want to give attendees useful information to take home. I've been gathering information for weeks and finally spent a few hours researching the validity of the information. I have written about six pages (obviously I'll be printing them front to back!) and I have two separate handouts that contain illustrations and photos depicting safe holds.
I felt that I knew quite a bit about babywearing before I embarked on this journey, but my mind is boggled at how much I didn't know! I have seven carriers, five different types. I'm afraid that I want another type of carrier now that I've learned more about it. . .this is becoming an addiction, isn't it?
I have a little more work to do on my handout and I'm hoping that this meetup will be fun and informative for everyone who attends!
I'm hosting a meetup based on baby/toddlerwearing at my house in a little less than two weeks and I want to give attendees useful information to take home. I've been gathering information for weeks and finally spent a few hours researching the validity of the information. I have written about six pages (obviously I'll be printing them front to back!) and I have two separate handouts that contain illustrations and photos depicting safe holds.
I felt that I knew quite a bit about babywearing before I embarked on this journey, but my mind is boggled at how much I didn't know! I have seven carriers, five different types. I'm afraid that I want another type of carrier now that I've learned more about it. . .this is becoming an addiction, isn't it?
I have a little more work to do on my handout and I'm hoping that this meetup will be fun and informative for everyone who attends!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Slingin' Babies & Pouchin' Toddlers
I won't have time to write a post tomorrow, so I figured that I better do it tonight.
Earlier this month I wrote about how much I adore my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch. It has proven to be an indispensable part of my parenting arsenal. I truly wonder how I parented effectively without an appropriate carrier for my toddler.
When my son is upset or overwhelmed, he goes in the pouch. When my son is tired and we're out, he goes in the pouch. When we're in situations that can be dangerous, he goes in the pouch. When Mama needs an extra pair of arms, he goes in the pouch. You get the idea. I have "pouched" him as he's starting to have a meltdown and being held close quickly restores his sweet attitude. I've joked that we should have named him Joey because he likes being in the pouch so much.
I took my MIL to the doctor again today and she requires a wheelchair at the moment. He won't sit still on her lap and he can't be trusted to walk by himself without holding Mama's hand, so he went in the pouch. My son eagerly snuggled up to me once he was safely ensconced in the pouch and I was able to push my MIL in the wheelchair.
Two different people stopped to ask me about the pouch.
While in the elevator, one woman asked my son's weight and I replied that he was around 25 pounds. Her eyes widened and she asked if he was too heavy to carry him in the pouch. I told her that it's perfectly comfortable for us and just a few weeks ago he was pouched for 3 1/2 hours with no problems. She told me that a friend can't wear her 20-pound baby because the child is so heavy. I let her know that there many types of carriers, one for nearly any mama and nearly any baby, gave her some ideas, and exited the elevator.
While checking in, the receptionist commented that my son looked comfortable hanging out in the pouch and I replied that I thought he was. She wanted to know if it was difficult to wear him. I told her the same thing that I'd told the woman in the elevator. The receptionist responded that she can't wear her 6-month old anymore because it's painful for mama. I asked what type of carrier she was using and it sounds like she's using a Baby Bjorn or some other type of crotch-dangle baby carrier. You know what I mean, the kind that has the baby facing outward, legs dangling, and all the baby's weight is supported by their crotch. I suggested a few carriers that would be more comfortable for her and for her baby. She countered that there has been a "sling recall" and I let her know that the recall is about a specific type of carrier, not all "slings" or carriers are dangerous. She mentioned that babies had suffocated while being worn and I let her know that it is perfectly safe to wear your baby or toddler if you are using an appropriately-designed carrier and using it properly. By now there was a line behind me and I finished by encouraging her to check out babywearing to learn about the vast variety of carriers that are available.
I typically like to quickly go about my business and don't like to idly chit-chat with strangers that I will most likely never see again. Since when do I care what someone thinks of baby/toddlerwearing? I can only guess that I care because I love it so much and it has brought tremendous comfort to my son. I believe that we have a special bond because I wore him so often in the early days. No, I'm not saying that mamas who don't wear their babies don't have a special relationship. I'm saying that I believe that my relationship with my son has been enhanced because I chose to keep him close all the time. Well, except bedtime because he's always slept in his own bed.
The pediatrics department was busy today and ALL infants were strapped into their infant carseat/carriers while waiting. Yes, every single infant was left to sit in a carseat/carrier. Some of the carseat/carriers were on the floor, which is the safest place I suppose, others were on a chair next to mom. Out of all the moms that I saw today, around ten or so, only one was paying any attention to her baby. Even when babies were fussing, moms still didn't pick up their child and chose to rock/shake the carseat/carrier instead. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers, I know some good mamas who have used them, but the behavior in the waiting room today was interesting to me.
I can't imagine putting my baby in a carseat/carrier and toting them around that way. Let's start with the fact that they are heavy and bulky. Kind of like, well, a carseat. I hated the idea of leaving my son in a seat when he didn't have to be and I loved to cuddle with him in waiting rooms, in stores, in restaurants, anywhere. Before anyone gets all up in arms, remember, I am not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers. I just would never, never, never tote my son around in one because I prefer to wear him close.
Wearing your children, pushing them in strollers, toting them in carseat/carriers. . .I don't know which is best. But I do know which I prefer for my children and now my readership does too. What about you?
Earlier this month I wrote about how much I adore my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch. It has proven to be an indispensable part of my parenting arsenal. I truly wonder how I parented effectively without an appropriate carrier for my toddler.
When my son is upset or overwhelmed, he goes in the pouch. When my son is tired and we're out, he goes in the pouch. When we're in situations that can be dangerous, he goes in the pouch. When Mama needs an extra pair of arms, he goes in the pouch. You get the idea. I have "pouched" him as he's starting to have a meltdown and being held close quickly restores his sweet attitude. I've joked that we should have named him Joey because he likes being in the pouch so much.
I took my MIL to the doctor again today and she requires a wheelchair at the moment. He won't sit still on her lap and he can't be trusted to walk by himself without holding Mama's hand, so he went in the pouch. My son eagerly snuggled up to me once he was safely ensconced in the pouch and I was able to push my MIL in the wheelchair.
Two different people stopped to ask me about the pouch.
While in the elevator, one woman asked my son's weight and I replied that he was around 25 pounds. Her eyes widened and she asked if he was too heavy to carry him in the pouch. I told her that it's perfectly comfortable for us and just a few weeks ago he was pouched for 3 1/2 hours with no problems. She told me that a friend can't wear her 20-pound baby because the child is so heavy. I let her know that there many types of carriers, one for nearly any mama and nearly any baby, gave her some ideas, and exited the elevator.
While checking in, the receptionist commented that my son looked comfortable hanging out in the pouch and I replied that I thought he was. She wanted to know if it was difficult to wear him. I told her the same thing that I'd told the woman in the elevator. The receptionist responded that she can't wear her 6-month old anymore because it's painful for mama. I asked what type of carrier she was using and it sounds like she's using a Baby Bjorn or some other type of crotch-dangle baby carrier. You know what I mean, the kind that has the baby facing outward, legs dangling, and all the baby's weight is supported by their crotch. I suggested a few carriers that would be more comfortable for her and for her baby. She countered that there has been a "sling recall" and I let her know that the recall is about a specific type of carrier, not all "slings" or carriers are dangerous. She mentioned that babies had suffocated while being worn and I let her know that it is perfectly safe to wear your baby or toddler if you are using an appropriately-designed carrier and using it properly. By now there was a line behind me and I finished by encouraging her to check out babywearing to learn about the vast variety of carriers that are available.
I typically like to quickly go about my business and don't like to idly chit-chat with strangers that I will most likely never see again. Since when do I care what someone thinks of baby/toddlerwearing? I can only guess that I care because I love it so much and it has brought tremendous comfort to my son. I believe that we have a special bond because I wore him so often in the early days. No, I'm not saying that mamas who don't wear their babies don't have a special relationship. I'm saying that I believe that my relationship with my son has been enhanced because I chose to keep him close all the time. Well, except bedtime because he's always slept in his own bed.
The pediatrics department was busy today and ALL infants were strapped into their infant carseat/carriers while waiting. Yes, every single infant was left to sit in a carseat/carrier. Some of the carseat/carriers were on the floor, which is the safest place I suppose, others were on a chair next to mom. Out of all the moms that I saw today, around ten or so, only one was paying any attention to her baby. Even when babies were fussing, moms still didn't pick up their child and chose to rock/shake the carseat/carrier instead. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers, I know some good mamas who have used them, but the behavior in the waiting room today was interesting to me.
I can't imagine putting my baby in a carseat/carrier and toting them around that way. Let's start with the fact that they are heavy and bulky. Kind of like, well, a carseat. I hated the idea of leaving my son in a seat when he didn't have to be and I loved to cuddle with him in waiting rooms, in stores, in restaurants, anywhere. Before anyone gets all up in arms, remember, I am not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers. I just would never, never, never tote my son around in one because I prefer to wear him close.
Wearing your children, pushing them in strollers, toting them in carseat/carriers. . .I don't know which is best. But I do know which I prefer for my children and now my readership does too. What about you?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wrap Stars and More!
I adore babywearing. Other than when he was going to bed in the evening, I wore my son nearly non-stop for his first six months. Since I was physically unable to lift my stroller in and out of my car (thanks to my c-section), I felt that my wrap was a god-send.
I used an Ultimate Baby Wrap, which is a very thin and stretchy material. I used my wrap like an extra pair of arms, cradling my son throughout the day. Of course, I couldn't help but constantly rub my son's back or kiss his sweet head when I had him in the wrap. Kissing and lovingly caressing your child seems like it would be so much more difficult when they are strapped into a stroller or carseat carrier. . .
My son seemed to like being held so close and he rarely cried unless I didn't catch his hunger cues. I loved this wrap and was so happy with my purchase. The bloom wore off when my son hit around 15 - 20 pounds or so. The stretchy material became a total hassle because I had to constantly adjust and tighten the wrap.
I was sad on the day that I retired the wrap and began using the stroller full-time. I thought that my babywearing days were over, a fond memory of my earliest days of motherhood.
I have rediscovered babywearing. Well, I never actually forgot babywearing, so I guess I have just discovered toddlerwearing. I bought a few different types of carriers a few months ago and I have to say that I absolutely adore wearing my 22-month old.
Due to my father's recent health problems, I spent many hours at the hospital last month. Thanks to my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch, the time passed quite comfortably. I was amazed that I could wear my 25-pound son without experiencing any aches or pains. My son liked being able to snuggle up to me when he was feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed. I appreciated the pouch acting like an extra set of arms and enjoyed the special closeness with my darling son.
I spent four hours at the doctor's office with my MIL today and I wore my son for 3 1/2 of those hours. My son is usually an impossibly busy toddler and he never stops moving. But, while in the pouch, he was calm, relaxed, and content. I honestly wonder how I handled parenthood without a pouch.
Note: Some types of carriers are very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Bag-style slings (like the Infantino Sling Rider) are all but impossible to use safely and their use has resulted in many infant deaths. If you are interested in babywearing, please do your research and make sure that you are properly using a carrier that is safe for your child.
I used an Ultimate Baby Wrap, which is a very thin and stretchy material. I used my wrap like an extra pair of arms, cradling my son throughout the day. Of course, I couldn't help but constantly rub my son's back or kiss his sweet head when I had him in the wrap. Kissing and lovingly caressing your child seems like it would be so much more difficult when they are strapped into a stroller or carseat carrier. . .
My son seemed to like being held so close and he rarely cried unless I didn't catch his hunger cues. I loved this wrap and was so happy with my purchase. The bloom wore off when my son hit around 15 - 20 pounds or so. The stretchy material became a total hassle because I had to constantly adjust and tighten the wrap.
I was sad on the day that I retired the wrap and began using the stroller full-time. I thought that my babywearing days were over, a fond memory of my earliest days of motherhood.
I have rediscovered babywearing. Well, I never actually forgot babywearing, so I guess I have just discovered toddlerwearing. I bought a few different types of carriers a few months ago and I have to say that I absolutely adore wearing my 22-month old.
Due to my father's recent health problems, I spent many hours at the hospital last month. Thanks to my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch, the time passed quite comfortably. I was amazed that I could wear my 25-pound son without experiencing any aches or pains. My son liked being able to snuggle up to me when he was feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed. I appreciated the pouch acting like an extra set of arms and enjoyed the special closeness with my darling son.
I spent four hours at the doctor's office with my MIL today and I wore my son for 3 1/2 of those hours. My son is usually an impossibly busy toddler and he never stops moving. But, while in the pouch, he was calm, relaxed, and content. I honestly wonder how I handled parenthood without a pouch.
Note: Some types of carriers are very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Bag-style slings (like the Infantino Sling Rider) are all but impossible to use safely and their use has resulted in many infant deaths. If you are interested in babywearing, please do your research and make sure that you are properly using a carrier that is safe for your child.
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