3.30.2010

Wearing your baby


(Breastfeeding at a restaurant)
I know many mothers struggle with how to carry their baby around. There are so many choices in strollers, car seats and slings/baby carriers. And, you will probably not know exactly what you do prefer until you have tried them all! My first suggestion before you buy anything is to ask friends what they like, how often they use it, how easy it is to use and would they have done anything different. After my extensive reading, I knew that I defiantly wanted a sling. A sling provides that ultimate closeness between mama and baby that is so important. It keeps baby feeling warm and safe, while mama still has her hands free. I prefer the ring slings that you can adjust to fit yours and baby's body and there are several baby-wearing positions, versus the "peanut shell" kind. The ring slings also have a long "tail", which you use to adjust the sling, but it also makes for a great cover to breastfeed. Even to this day, I carry Nolan around often in the sling when we go out, especially when I know that he will want to feed. When you shop for a carrier, be aware of the age/weight requirements. Some you can not use until baby is a certain weight (around 8 lbs.). With having a small baby (6lbs, 13oz), I could not use mine right away. Be aware of the baby-carriers that have the babies in a "hanging" position with the legs dangling. Much research has been done regarding that this can be dangerous to the ligaments in the baby's hips, especially at infancy. Imagine the amount of tension on their tiny ligaments that connect their legs to their torso, and that tension pulling everytime you take a step as they bounce up and down!! Always make sure that the hips are flexed atleast 90 degrees (knees at the hip level or higher) as they sit in a baby carrier.
(sightseeing at a museum)
A sling is easy to put on and fold up in your diaper bag. Even if you prefer to push the baby around in a stroller, carry your sling with you for when baby is fussy or wants to eat. Mine is always in the bag or in the car. Many times, Nolan will fall asleep in the sling. I think it's just because he is so comfortable in there. He puts his little head down on my shoulder or chest and relaxes, knowing Mama is holding him. What he does not know is that I am still able to easily shop, fold clothes, talk on the phone, type on the computer - whatever without jiggling him around. Besides, I love having him close to me! I know that there will be the day when he wants to run and play and not be held. I want to keep him as close as I can. I love that I can smell the scent of baby shampoo on his hair, and that sometimes he reaches his hand around and rubs my back. Why would a mother NOT want to experience this? I personally have a stroller (the kind with the car seat that fits into the stroller), a sling and most recently a front/back baby carrier for longer treks through town. The type of sling that I have only allows me to carry Nolan all wrapped up in the front, which he does not prefer anymore, or on the hip, which bothers my back after a long period of time - he is getting heavy! The front/back carrier displaces the weight more evenly - great for hiking!
 (grocery shopping)                                                                                                             
The sling is great for when you have to run a bunch of quick in-and-out errands around town. No open and closing the stroller a hundred times. It has a handy pocket for keys and wallet. And I always get complemented on it. The only draw-back is I have to keep taking him in and out of his car seat. If only he could just sit on my lap while driving.....                                          (at the park)

2 comments:

Leena said...

Is there a particular brand you can recommend?

The Natural Mama said...

Leena, I like Moby and Maya wraps, but there are sooo many styles out other. See if you can find a certified baby-wearing coach in your area to help you.