Babywearing

The reason for this post is two-fold: 1: To inform my loyal (5) blog readers about babywearing, and 2: to try and win a new carrier from Heavenly Hold!

First off, what is babywearing?  It's basically using a carrier attached to your body to carry your baby sin manos (without hands :)).  I don't really know how I got into it, but I knew even before we had Preston that I wanted to have him close to me, and what better way to do it than having him "strapped on"?  I first registered for a Hotsling (who now are unfortunately no-longer being made), which I received from a coworker (actually, it was her used one, but in the babywearing world, it is commonplace and very accepted to pass your carriers on to other moms when you're done using yours).  Anyways, it was just great when Preston was a teeny weeny.  I was able to take him into stores and do things around the house, all the while having him close to me.  I took advantage of it as much as I could since I knew I would be going back to work soon...

Anyways, as he got bigger, I did some more research into various carriers, after realizing the Infantino Front-2-Back Rider we had was not the most ergonomic carrier for either me/Skip or Preston.  There is some argument in the babywearing world as to why "crotch-dangler" style carriers are not ideal, but I say that to wear anything is better than not at all.  So I don't get into the arguments, but do things more for my own comfort.  Infantino has improved their carriers lately, though, offering a lot more options...

Anyways, after researching, I found what is called a Mei Tai, which is an asian-style carrier with a thick body and long straps.  It's a very versatile carrier that can be worn on the front or back. I totally love the Beanslings that I have, but they too have unfortunately gone out of business.  Here's a place that still sells them, just to get an idea of what I have: http://www.marsupial-mamas.com/categories/Mei-Tais/Beanslings/.  I still use this as my go-to carrier, since it is extremely supportive for me and Preston... though the straps are a little wide for my frame.  I still love it, though, especially the pattern!

After some more research, I decided I wanted to try a wrap, which has been a learning experience.  I got the front carries down okay, but the back carries (which is only now really the only comfortable way to carry him for longer than 20 mins or so) have not been my friend.  He's too squirmy now to hold still long enough to get him tied on, so I usually just use the mei tai.  Looks like I'll have to wait for another little "squishy" before I can really learn again how to use the wrap!  This is the one I have, though: http://www.gypsymama.com/shop/proddetail.php?prod=orion. It's very airy and light, and the color is really pretty.

Soft-structured carriers are another kind that we have, first using an Ergo borrowed from Cassandra, then getting an Action Baby Carrier.  That's pretty much the one we both (even Skip) use the most these days, because it's the quickest.  It's especially great for mall trips when I don't want to lug the damn stroller around.

Anyways, that's my babywearing story.  I have since acquired 3 other pouch slings like the Hotsling, oh, and a ring sling as well.  That has been my pal these days since it's more supportive for both Preston and I, and just as quick as the pouches.  Here's an example of a ring sling: http://www.heavenlyhold.com/category_14/Ring-Slings.htm.