I’ve brought this post out of the archives to link up with Adriel from The Mommyhood Memos today on her babywearing carnival!
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I’ve looked but I don’t see them anywhere…
Why is it that we use our $100 Babybjorns and slings we wanted so badly while we were pregnant only for the first couple of months of our baby’s life and then they sit unused in a closet until the next baby arrives?
Do our babies not still crave our arms around them; keeping them secure for the next year or two?
Is it easier to clumsily push around a stroller through a store bumping into racks as we weave in and out and around? To find a spot to “pull over” and reinsert the paci or the bottle or adjust the blanket or pick up the lost sock or thrown toy? Maybe because it’s just expected of us to buy a stroller of every type when we have a kid? Who knows? I’m just sad not to see anyone wearing their babies. It is such a great way to get to know your child…
When Connor is up on my hip riding in his sling he’s able to see the world as I see it. It’s new and exciting and I can easily point new things out for him to see and learn. I get kisses and snuggles and the yes, the occasion earring pull but I’ve learned now that those just don’t make an appearance that much anymore now that he is older. 
Babies are happiest in your arms. It’s even been studied!
Numerous studies have shown that babies that are worn cry less. In many other cultures babywearing is the norm and those babies are said to cry only a few minutes a day in comparison to our babies crying a few hours! Geesh! Many people who do wear their babies only do so during infancy but most slings accommodate up to 35 lbs. So where are those 20+ pounders?
I definitely think that kids need their time on the ground to explore and experiment with their surroundings but I also believe the world can get overwhelming for a toddler. Overstimulation is a real thing and very common with babies and toddlers. They need somewhere to escape. Having a sling with you to throw on while you are out is an excellent idea for our babies when its time to wrangle them in for some down time.
This also promotes a sense of security and trust between you and your child
You let him go off and discover the world on his own which builds up his confidence while still allowing him to let you know you’re available for some down time together when it’s necessary. Now you are still able to walk around and get things done that you need to. Baby wearing can be done both in and out of the house! Many times Connor will be playing happily and then all of the sudden I look down and he’s at my feet while I’m washing dishes, arms extended up signaling “Mommy, I need you!” Instead of ignoring him or giving up on the dishes that so desperately need to be washed I pick him up, go around the corner, grab the sling and now we’re washing dishes together! No over thinking the situation or getting stressed that you have a crying baby at your feet but also have 3 loads of laundry waiting to be done, dishes in the sink and a dishwasher needing to be emptied. Just do it together with the help of a sling! (Yikes, I sounded like I was in an infomercial just then!) Every time we do this Connor learns something new. You don’t always have to be on the floor playing with a toy to help your child grow and develop. I am just consistently talking, telling him what I’m doing and he is absorbing it all up!
they look so unhappy, right? boys…
Baby wearing can even help our child’s vestibular system (sense of balance) and now scientists have found that stimulation in baby wearing helps them to breath and grow better as well as regulate their physiology and motor development. Score, score, score!
It’s all about finding the right product. I loved both my sling and baby bjorn when Connor was a newborn. As he got older the bjorn just got too tight around his chunky thighs and he was no longer comfortable. The first sling I bought wasn’t adjustable and it worked great when Connor was lighter but now that he’s a year and 20 pounds I use an adjustable sling which has been my favorite so far!
Quick Tip: If you like the idea of the adjustable sling like I do but don’t like the big piece of fabric dangling down the front just wrap it around the ring piece after you’ve finished adjusting. For a nice comfy fit, make sure to fan the fabric on your shoulder wide. It makes a huge difference!
I’ve brought this post out of the archives to link up with Adriel from The Mommyhood Memos today on her babywearing carnival!
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20/52
my mother’s day
18/52 & 19/52
i had it coming. my daughter hates sleeping…
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17/52
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We tried the baby wearing… and still did it on occasion. We had 2 problems though. As soon as my little guy started to notice the world around him he wanted to see out of the sling… but he was late holding his head up, so this did not really work. Problem number 2 is that he does not like being hot and he is not a snuggler. He will come and snuggle when he wants. We tried several different baby wearing items with little success. I will have to try more on the next one! Thanks, Chocolate Mom
Gina, It's nice to hear you gave it a shot though! Every little baby is different. I wonder if your next little one will love it!
We baby wear a lot, but here in Florida when we are outside or even walking around certain places it is just too hot. We both end up VERY sweaty and DS would get VERY cranky. He enjoyed his stroller much better during these times.
At home he is ALWAYS in our arms (when not running around like a crazy man).
Jenivieve, I understand that! Hot weather + babywearing = uncomfortable! Definitely need alternatives for that time of the year in most cases
Oh, BTW – I am very happy with my water sling – we use it ALL THE TIME – in the pool and beach. LOVE it!!! Much better than sticking baby in a floaty thing..
Jenivieve, I’ve never even heard of a water sling! I need to Google this…
In theory, I completely agree with your post but in actuality…my baby didn’t read the same material I did! Baby-wearing worked for us up till about 12 months. I’m really short and petite and my baby takes after his daddy — 90% for height and 60% for weight. This meant that my hubby got to enjoy babywearing a lot longer than I did! But around 13 months, when my little one starte walking, that was it with the Ergo! Now he insists on walking everywhere or using the pram/stroller because he can see better.
But with regards to infants, I couldn’t agree more! My little one has always wanted to be up where he could see/hear everything. He’s always wanted to participate in life and the sling/Ergo was perfect for that!
That’s funny – “my baby didn’t read the same material I did.”
But a year is still a good amount of time! Much longer than I’ve noticed other parents wearing their babies. We saw a dip in our wearing days after Connor started walking also. Now when we’re out and about we tend to switch it up, a little walking here, a little wearing there!
I love this: “No over thinking the situation or getting stressed that you have a crying baby at your feet but also have 3 loads of laundry waiting to be done, dishes in the sink and a dishwasher needing to be emptied. Just do it together with the help of a sling!” And yes, it does sound a little like an infomercial (ha!)… but it’s true.
I too, think that babywearing can be a really “active” time for the littles to learn and absorb and interact with mama (or daddy) and the world. So much more than just a mode of transportation!
Thanks for linking up!
Thanks Adriel! I may have a future in the infomercial industry! Soon you’ll see my face on your tv in the wee hours of the night. haha!! Great carnival idea
My youngest is almost eighteen months old and I will still put her in my Moby wrap. This is really funny, I actually just did that on Friday night while I was trying to shred cheese, finish off a white sauce and wash dishes before our guests arrived for our Friday night dinner. I got just about everything done, even though I looked scattered and unorganized. However it would not have been possible without my Moby to help console my crying baby girl.
That’s great. They really are super useful. I’ve never tried the Moby but I’ve heard many people say they are the best especially for teeny tiny babes
love this post! Babywearing rocks!