Posts
RSS Feed (xml)
The sun dapples through the golden yellow leaves.
Sitting in his sling, he tips his head back to look up at the golden light, meets my eyes...and smiles.
I can't put him down. I won't.
These moments are too fleeting.
Showing posts with label babywearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babywearing. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Yellow Bodied
I walk through the woods with the girls and some friends, The Tadpole in a ring sling.
The sun dapples through the golden yellow leaves.
The sun dapples through the golden yellow leaves.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Holding Him Close
Since he was born, I've been wearing him. Around the house, at the grocery store, at soccer games...everywhere.
He's been in pouches, ring slings, wraps, and MT's.
It's where he belongs. Close to my heart.
Newborn, in an adjustable pouch.
In a Moby wrap
My friend K wearing him in a carrier used by women in Senegal, Africa.It's what I've done for all my kids.
It's just what feels right.
And now, this beautiful practice of keeping our babies close and safe to us is in trouble.
Please go over and read this post at Adventures in Babywearing. And take action.
Friday, July 02, 2010
My Sanity Saver.
Saying the Tadpole is an in-arms baby is a gross understatement.
He loves being held. In fact, he gets a very cute look of confusion whenever we put him down.
Thank goodness for my baby carriers.
So far our favorites are the ring sling and the Moby.
You can read more about my thoughts on babywearing here, and see my entire collection of carriers here.
What are your favorite carriers?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Wearing Them Close To My Heart.
This week is International Babywearing Week. In honor of the occasion, I'd like to share some of my favorite babywearing posts.
I started babywearing when the Mermaid was eight months old. I started out with an Ellaroo Wrap, then started using pouches, slings, and finally, a Mei Tai
I have a favorite type of sling for each age, each occasion, each hold. I generally start out wearing my babies when they are little in ring sling or pouches and wraps, then generally switch to MT's when they get older. In fact, the MT's are the carriers that I tend to reach for the most.
Babywearing has made my life so much easier. Not only is it really convenient, but to be able to hold my babies close to my heart, to be able to bend my neck and kiss the top of their soft heads, to know that they feel safe and secure in my arms, is truly a blessing.
You can check out my babywearing stash here.
You should also read my Top 10 Things I Love About Babywearing.
What are your favorite carriers? What do you love most about babywearing?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Fashionable and Functional: My Babywearing Stash
Anyone who is a fan of babywearing can tell you that buying different baby carriers is addictive. Really. I know that if I didn't have a monthly budget and some will power, I would be spending all of our money on baby carriers alone.
As it is, my stash is more than enough for my own personal use, but since I am a doula and like to lend my stash out to clients, I am looking forward to expanding it soon. In the meantime, here is my stash:
As it is, my stash is more than enough for my own personal use, but since I am a doula and like to lend my stash out to clients, I am looking forward to expanding it soon. In the meantime, here is my stash:
1 Ellaroo wrap, 2 pouches, 2 ring slings, and 1 Mai Tei (or Asian Baby Carrier)
The Ellaroo wrap was the first carrier I bought, when the Mermaid was around 8 months old. I bought it at Peppermint.com and absolutely loved (and still love) it's versatility and comfort. I wore the Mermaid on my back for long periods of time without one complaint. Even though wrap carriers do have a learning curve, because of their comfort and versatility I highly recommend them for all carries and all ages.
The white pouch with blue flowers is from Blue Berriest, and the black adjustable pouch is from Kangaroo Korner. Pouches are great for the newborn stage, because they are easy-in, easy-out, which is essential when you are caring for a newborn baby who constantly needs to be taken out of the carrier to be fed or diapered, etc. Here you can see me wearing The Guppy when she was just four weeks old on Halloween night:
The purple ring sling I bought at last year's La Leche League conference from Sleeping Baby Productions. The Tye Dye ring sling is one that I made with the help from a friend. Like pouches, ring slings are great for newborns because of the easy-in, easy-out factor. I like them better than pouches because they are adjustable, and are oh-so-comfy for front and side carries.
Finally, the Mai Tei is one that I made with the help of a friend. This is by far my most-used and favorite carrier. While I tend to use the ring slings and pouches more when my babies are newborns, as soon as they can sit on up their own I always end up reaching for the MT. The Mai Tei is sooo easy to use, and while it isn't as versatile because you can only do front and back carries, it is so comfy!! When I babywear the Guppy, I do mostly back carriers, and the MT makes my life so much easier! I wear the Guppy in the MT a lot, especially during day trips, like when we visit Old Sturbridge Village.
So that's my babywearing stash. You can read more about why I love babywearing so much here. In the meantime, I'd love to hear what your favorite carrier is, and what your stash looks like!!
To see more babywearing stash, visit Adventures in Babywearing.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Our Stroller is Covered In Dust
In case you didn't know this by now, I love babywearing.
Our stroller is in the basement, covered in a fine layer of dust. And while we do have a wagon and a double stroller that I borrowed from a friend for those trips to the zoo and fairs, my preferred method of transporting my children is still in a sling or wrap or mai tei, on my back, front, side, whatever. Even at 2 1/2, the Guppy still loves to go on my back.
Even though babywearing is becoming more "popular", I still get the occasional odd look or comment when I'm out and about (less so now then before, but it still happens). So, when So Fawned gave her readers a heads up about this beautiful slide show, I couldn't help but share it with my readers.
So, sit back and enjoy this beautiful slide show of babywearing in indigenous cultures. I love the different varieties of carriers, and the beautiful and vibrant colors!
Our stroller is in the basement, covered in a fine layer of dust. And while we do have a wagon and a double stroller that I borrowed from a friend for those trips to the zoo and fairs, my preferred method of transporting my children is still in a sling or wrap or mai tei, on my back, front, side, whatever. Even at 2 1/2, the Guppy still loves to go on my back.
Even though babywearing is becoming more "popular", I still get the occasional odd look or comment when I'm out and about (less so now then before, but it still happens). So, when So Fawned gave her readers a heads up about this beautiful slide show, I couldn't help but share it with my readers.
So, sit back and enjoy this beautiful slide show of babywearing in indigenous cultures. I love the different varieties of carriers, and the beautiful and vibrant colors!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Fantastic Giveaways!
These giveaways are unbelievable! Click on the links to find out more!
Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)
Win a Bum Genius 3.0 Starter Kit from Nature's Child - Wholesome Goods for Mothers and Babies
Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)
Win a Bum Genius 3.0 Starter Kit from Nature's Child - Wholesome Goods for Mothers and Babies
Friday, April 04, 2008
Whirlwind
This past weekend, I was able to go to the LLL Area Conference in Chelmsford, MA. I left the Mermaid at home but took the Guppy with me since I was staying overnight and she still wakes up to nurse.
The conference was amazing! I learned to much from the session I took, and really, it was just so incredibly relaxing and amazing to be surrounded by mothers who share a similar parenting style. Slings were everywhere, breastfeeding in public was no problem, and everyone was just generally happy and positive towards each other. I also got a new ring sling that I absolutely love!
I did attend one session with Dr. Sears about his new book "The Vaccine Book". I wasn't able to sit through the entire session because the Guppy started to get fussy, but what I heard gave me a lot to think about. I'm going to be picking up his book soon and I recommend other parents to read it as well. It is not an anti-vaccine book, but rather outlines reasons why some parents do not vaccinate, and if you do choose to vaccinate, which ones you can skip and what ages to give the other vaccines in order to be as safe as possible.
This weekend is my SIL's wedding and so we will be going out of town again. This week coming up, I have work as a postpartum doula (which I am very excited about) and so far the rest of my April looks a little low key. Good thing my Arbonne business keeps me busy as well, or I might have to go a little crazy.
Right now in homeschooling the Mermaid is learning about the moon, and more specifically the different stages of the moon. I am continuously amazed at how quickly she picks things up, but most of all at how much she LOVES to just sit down with me and learn. We've been doing a lot of coloring and painting, and reading books about the moon, and every day when the Knight gets home she runs to him very excited about showing him the day's project. I am so happy and confident now with our decision to homeschool, and I am very excited to see where it takes us.
The Guppy is really starting to broaden her vocabulary. She especially loves to make animal sounds. It seems every day she learns a new word, which makes every day with her so much fun. She also loves to look on and watch while the Mermaid colors pictures of the moon, or read the moon books with us.
Well, that's it for the updates. I'm going to be busy all day packing and getting ready for the weekend, how fun. ;o)
The conference was amazing! I learned to much from the session I took, and really, it was just so incredibly relaxing and amazing to be surrounded by mothers who share a similar parenting style. Slings were everywhere, breastfeeding in public was no problem, and everyone was just generally happy and positive towards each other. I also got a new ring sling that I absolutely love!
I did attend one session with Dr. Sears about his new book "The Vaccine Book". I wasn't able to sit through the entire session because the Guppy started to get fussy, but what I heard gave me a lot to think about. I'm going to be picking up his book soon and I recommend other parents to read it as well. It is not an anti-vaccine book, but rather outlines reasons why some parents do not vaccinate, and if you do choose to vaccinate, which ones you can skip and what ages to give the other vaccines in order to be as safe as possible.
This weekend is my SIL's wedding and so we will be going out of town again. This week coming up, I have work as a postpartum doula (which I am very excited about) and so far the rest of my April looks a little low key. Good thing my Arbonne business keeps me busy as well, or I might have to go a little crazy.
Right now in homeschooling the Mermaid is learning about the moon, and more specifically the different stages of the moon. I am continuously amazed at how quickly she picks things up, but most of all at how much she LOVES to just sit down with me and learn. We've been doing a lot of coloring and painting, and reading books about the moon, and every day when the Knight gets home she runs to him very excited about showing him the day's project. I am so happy and confident now with our decision to homeschool, and I am very excited to see where it takes us.
The Guppy is really starting to broaden her vocabulary. She especially loves to make animal sounds. It seems every day she learns a new word, which makes every day with her so much fun. She also loves to look on and watch while the Mermaid colors pictures of the moon, or read the moon books with us.
Well, that's it for the updates. I'm going to be busy all day packing and getting ready for the weekend, how fun. ;o)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Weird and Spooky, But More Weird Than Spooky
Last night I had a nightmare about changing the sheets of the family bed.
Our family bed is a large waterbed. When the Guppy was born we took the water mattress out and put in a nice firm conventional mattress in order to co-sleep safely. So with this odd configuration, and the fact that the bed is up against the wall, changing the sheets is no easy feat, and something I do not look forward at all to doing every week.
In my nightmare, every time I changed the sheets, as soon as I would go to put the comforter back on, I would look down and the sheets would be dirty. So I would have to change them again. Then again. And again. Then the pillowcases began to wrestle with me when I began to change them, as if they were alive and were trying to eat me.
It seems like a silly dream now, but at the time it was very scary and frustrating. I remember thinking, "What kind of mother am I where I can't provide my family clean sheets to sleep in?". It was absurd.
When I woke up, the bottom sheet on my half of the bed had been undone at the top corner. Also, my pillowcase was completely off my pillow.
Weird.
Anyways, it is probably due to the fact that I've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately because I haven't been getting anything done, mostly because the Guppy is teething and extremely clingy. Then it hit me: I had slowly begun to stop wearing her as she had begun to get more mobile. In fact, I basically forgot for a while that I even had this nice collection of baby carriers sitting in my closet, waiting to be used.
Duh.
So, today the Guppy was still teething and still clingy, but I dug out my Mai Tei and threw her on my back. I am amazed at how much I was able to get done so far today, all the while attending to the needs of my child.
So, what kind of mother am I? A friggin' awesome one, thank you very much!
Our family bed is a large waterbed. When the Guppy was born we took the water mattress out and put in a nice firm conventional mattress in order to co-sleep safely. So with this odd configuration, and the fact that the bed is up against the wall, changing the sheets is no easy feat, and something I do not look forward at all to doing every week.
In my nightmare, every time I changed the sheets, as soon as I would go to put the comforter back on, I would look down and the sheets would be dirty. So I would have to change them again. Then again. And again. Then the pillowcases began to wrestle with me when I began to change them, as if they were alive and were trying to eat me.
It seems like a silly dream now, but at the time it was very scary and frustrating. I remember thinking, "What kind of mother am I where I can't provide my family clean sheets to sleep in?". It was absurd.
When I woke up, the bottom sheet on my half of the bed had been undone at the top corner. Also, my pillowcase was completely off my pillow.
Weird.
Anyways, it is probably due to the fact that I've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately because I haven't been getting anything done, mostly because the Guppy is teething and extremely clingy. Then it hit me: I had slowly begun to stop wearing her as she had begun to get more mobile. In fact, I basically forgot for a while that I even had this nice collection of baby carriers sitting in my closet, waiting to be used.
Duh.
So, today the Guppy was still teething and still clingy, but I dug out my Mai Tei and threw her on my back. I am amazed at how much I was able to get done so far today, all the while attending to the needs of my child.
So, what kind of mother am I? A friggin' awesome one, thank you very much!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Mamanista Sling Giveaway
As a lover of babywearing, I am always on the lookout for ways to expand my carrier collection on my tight budget. Mamanista is offering a great sling giveaway that I would love to win! To find out how you can win a Rockin' Baby ring sling, head on over to enter in the contest today!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Celebrities and Baby Wearing
Celebrity Baby Blog has a really page up of pictures of celebrities wearing their babies. Stop by and check it out to see celebrities such as Namoi Watts, Julia Roberts, and Gwen Stefani keeping their babies close and secure in really fashionable baby slings!
Monday, August 27, 2007
11 Month Old Letter
My Dearest Guppy,You are now 11 months old. Unbelievable. In two weeks, we will be celebrating your sister's and your birthdays with one big party. I was finally able to pick out a date and time, and even think up some activities for the kids to do.
So yes, I may have planned your first birthday party. And yes, I will be so happy to celebrate that birthday. But for now, I am so thankful for our quiet nursing times, for the fact that you want to be held a lot, and for the fact that you still are, and always will be, my little baby.
This month your two front teeth and one side front tooth has come in. You also decided that you would, in fact, like to crawl. However, you keep one leg in front of you when you crawl and push it forward as you go, so it is definitely amusing watching you do your "special" crawl.
You love to crawl after your sister. You two are playing together so well I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. You love it when I pull you up to a standing position. You still love being in the Mai Tei. And you've also discovered the joys of the kiddie pool. Your signing vocabulary has expanded to include Daddy and Thank you. You continue to love your solids.
Some times you get fussy and irritable; I imagine it's because you've been teething so much lately. But for the most part, you are so calm and relaxed and you love to just go with the flow. Your favorite pastime is watching the Mermaid perform her wild antics and sometimes you crawl frantically after her, trying to keep up.
One thing that I have noticed and that I am glad for is that you tend to gravitate for the quiet toys. Flashing lights and loud sounds just don't do it for you. Instead you will reach for the wooden blocks, or your wooden zebra and elephant. This is a great relief as your father and I have decided to slowly convert all the toys in the house to wooden and more natural toys. You also don't show much love for the television, thank Goodness, unlike your sister who wants all the TV time she can get.
Although your nursing has slowed down since you started crawling, you still crawl over to me several times a day to nurse and "touch base" after all your play time adventures. I make sure to always be there for you during these times, as I understand the value of a little down time now and then. Remember that I will always be here for you, supporting you, loving you. The same goes for your sister and your father. You, my dear, are one lucky baby. ;o)
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Babywearing in the News
I recently read this great article on the benefits of babywearing. According to the article:
I don't know what I would do if I couldn't wear the Guppy. Babywearing has definitely been a blessing in this house. It allows me to get my housework done and chase after the Mermaid in the park without me feeling like I am neglecting the girls. The Guppy loves to be on my back and in fact, she really doesn't like the stroller. Yesterday we went to the mall for a few hours and she was so peaceful and happy on my back in my MT.
Babywearing helps young children adjust to life outside the womb. It reminds them of the nine months they spent in utero, according to the Web site thebabywearer.com. The mother’s heartbeat, breathing, warmth and rhythm of movement makes them feel more secure. Studies from the McGill University-Montreal Children’s Hospital Research Institute in Quebec and
Columbia University in New York have also shown that babies that are frequently carried receive more stimulation, have better digestion and develop earlier. Babywearing is sometimes recommended for mothers suffering from postpartum
depression because it helps them feel more connected to their child.
I don't know what I would do if I couldn't wear the Guppy. Babywearing has definitely been a blessing in this house. It allows me to get my housework done and chase after the Mermaid in the park without me feeling like I am neglecting the girls. The Guppy loves to be on my back and in fact, she really doesn't like the stroller. Yesterday we went to the mall for a few hours and she was so peaceful and happy on my back in my MT.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Men and Babywearing
It's not too often you see a man wearing his baby, especially in one of the more traditional baby carriers, such as a wrap. So Stephanie's post Real Men Wear Babies was quite refreshing in that it pointed out the benefits of babywearing for Dads, too. The Knight will wear the Guppy, but only if he has to (as in, it's the only thing that will make her happy) and only if it's just in the house. He says that if I make a Red Sox or Patriots MT then he would consider wearing her more. Guess I better get sewing ;o)
Stephanie also gave her readers a heads up on this great video showing a dad putting his newborn daughter into a MT. Because the only thing sexier than a man who changes diapers is a man who wears his baby.
Stephanie also gave her readers a heads up on this great video showing a dad putting his newborn daughter into a MT. Because the only thing sexier than a man who changes diapers is a man who wears his baby.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Great Giveaway for Baby Wearers!
Stephanie over at Adventures in Babywearing is holding a fantastic giveaway that all babywearers should enter. The prize? A Podonbutai, created by Jenn at All Natural Mommies.
The Podonbutai is a unique carrier: a cross between a podeagi, a Mei Tai, and a obuhimo carrier. Three carriers in one, how cool is that?
Head on over to enter for your chance to win today!
The Podonbutai is a unique carrier: a cross between a podeagi, a Mei Tai, and a obuhimo carrier. Three carriers in one, how cool is that?
Head on over to enter for your chance to win today!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
MamaKanga Giveaway!
Stephanie over at Adventures in Babywearing is having yet another fantastic giveaway! This time you can enter for your chance to win a $75 to MamaKanga! 
As for MT's, I simply adore the BabyHawk Blue Asian Dragon Mei Tai!
I am, of course, addicted to baby carriers. And when I look at what MamaKanga has to offer, I drool. There are so many great carriers to choose from, I wouldn't know where to start! However, I haven't been able to try out a ring sling yet, and I am absolutely in love with a few of MamaKanga's ring slings, such as the Cosi Fuschia Fausty Reversible Silk Ring Sling and the ZoloWear Bliss Paisley Ring Sling:
As for MT's, I simply adore the BabyHawk Blue Asian Dragon Mei Tai!Maybe you are addicted to carriers like me, or maybe you've just been waiting for the chance to try babywearing. Either way, you should definitely head on over to Adventures in Babywearing to enter for your chance to win!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Top 10 Things I Love About Babywearing...
Stephanie over at Adventures in Babywearing recently wrote a great post about well, babywearing. This got me thinking about the great things I love about babywearing.
Top 10 Things I Love About Babywearing (not necessarily in any specific order)...
10. It allows me to express myself fashionably. See, for the most part I'm all about function and less about fashion. I don't wear any jewelry (gets caught on things too much), I do my hair just to get it out of my face (I can't remember the last time I took more than 5 minutes to style it), I wear functional shoes (no heels, black) and I barely put any makeup on (it's only going to be rubbed off with baby drool kisses, anyway). The most adventurous I ever get with my purses is a pink one I got as a gift. So imagine my delight when I discovered how many different colors, patterns, and styles that baby carriers are available in. I love being able to wear something that is both functional and fashionable, a bright and fun print that brightens up my day. Sometimes putting on a bright and fun carrier is just the pick me up I need on a drab day.
9. It has helped me to make new friends. While wearing the Guppy, I can't even count how many women have come up to me to ask me about the carrier I am wearing and where they could get one. Striking up a conversation with other fellow mamas is easy when you have a fun product to talk about! In fact, when the Guppy was about six weeks old, I was approached in WalMart by an employee who asked me about my pouch. Turns out she is also a fellow babywearing mama and she is the one that introduced me to a lot of my other babywearing friends and even gave me the information to join a NINO group. Talk about making friends fast!
8. It's more convenient. With the Mermaid, I always used a stroller. So wherever I went, I had to make sure the stroller was in the trunk, take the stroller out when we got there, unfold it, clip the Mermaid in, and then maneuver the whole thing through slim shopping aisles and pray that nothing got knocked over or that I didn't run over someone's toes. When we went to places that weren't stroller friendly, I had to carry the Mermaid in my arms...and boy, that wasn't fun! Very tiring! With babywearing, I just take the Guppy out of her car seat, pop her into whatever carrier I chose for the trip, and off we go! Very great and comfy for those long trips to places where you can't take a stroller!
7. It helps me to get things done. With the Mermaid, I didn't have any problems getting housework done because the Mermaid was not a "pick me up baby". However, with the Guppy, it's a different story. The Guppy loves to be held all the time, and I love holding her. In fact, it brings me great joy to hold her. And due to babywearing, my housework and other things I have to get done do not get neglected. I just pop the Guppy into the carrier and voila! I get to complete my to do list and hold my baby close all at the same time. What a stress reliever!
6. It helps me to spread my attention evenly. I will have to say that as a mother to more than one kid, babywearing has been a lifesaver. Before my first carrier that I ordered came in the mail, I had a hard time dividing my attention between the Guppy and the Mermaid. The Guppy would need to be fed but the Mermaid would need her diaper changed. The Guppy would want to be held but the Mermaid would be asking for lunch. The Guppy would be fussy and want to have me close but the Mermaid would want me to dance/sing/color/go for a walk with her. Babywearing was the perfect solution to this problem. I just pop the Guppy into the carrier on my back and I'm able to change the Mermaid's diaper, or go for a walk, or dance with her, color with her, etc. This way, both my kids are equally getting my attention. It definitely makes me feel more confident about eventually having a third child!
5. It keeps away the baby hogs. I know that this situation doesn't apply to everyone, but at this young age I believe a baby is better off and happiest in his or her mother's arms. Don't get me wrong, I do play an occasional game of pass the baby at family functions, no problem. After all, who can resist holding a cute baby? But when the Guppy is fussy or teething and wants her mommy, putting her in a carrier is a great way to keep pushy people from insisting on holding her. This makes both baby and mommy more secure and happy.
4. It's good for baby and mommy. The benefits of babywearing are proven and true. Benefits for the baby include: reassurance through physical touch; stimulation by viewing the world through the parents' point of view; less fussiness and crying; faster response to the baby's needs; and even improved motor control. Benefits for Mommy (or even Daddy) include: easier to prepare to leave the house; easier to get housework done; a boost in confidence at being able to meet your baby's needs immediately. You can read more about the benefits of babywearing here and here.
3. It's a great way to sneak in extra exercise. Struggling to lose the last of the baby weight? Babywearing is a great way to sneak some exercise into your day. Doing housework with the Guppy on my back actually gives me a great work out, better than if I had done it while she sat in a swing or playpen. I also get better exercise going for a walk while wearing the Guppy on my back rather than walking alone.
2. I love having my baby close. When I am wearing the Guppy, I feel comforted knowing that she is right there next to me. I don't have to worry about if she is getting into something, or if she is bored, etc. Feeling her breathe on my arm or my shoulder, being able to sniff her freshly washed hair whenever I want really does comfort me and help to keep the stress level down in the house. In fact, when I go to work and walk around doing my job, I feel a little empty without her familiar weight on my back.
1. It makes my baby happy. The Guppy loves to be worn. When she sees me bring out one of my carriers, her whole body wiggles with excitement. I usually wear her on my back and when I toss her up there she squeals and laughs with delight. She feels confident and secure when I wear her, because she knows that I am right there to respond to her needs. When she's teething or fussy, babywearing is the only thing that will calm her down and make her laugh again. And who can resist such a cute laugh?
So there you have it, my favorite 10 things about babywearing. So let's hear from you now: if you babywear, go ahead and leave a comment telling us what your favorite thing, or things, about babywearing are.
Top 10 Things I Love About Babywearing (not necessarily in any specific order)...
10. It allows me to express myself fashionably. See, for the most part I'm all about function and less about fashion. I don't wear any jewelry (gets caught on things too much), I do my hair just to get it out of my face (I can't remember the last time I took more than 5 minutes to style it), I wear functional shoes (no heels, black) and I barely put any makeup on (it's only going to be rubbed off with baby drool kisses, anyway). The most adventurous I ever get with my purses is a pink one I got as a gift. So imagine my delight when I discovered how many different colors, patterns, and styles that baby carriers are available in. I love being able to wear something that is both functional and fashionable, a bright and fun print that brightens up my day. Sometimes putting on a bright and fun carrier is just the pick me up I need on a drab day.
9. It has helped me to make new friends. While wearing the Guppy, I can't even count how many women have come up to me to ask me about the carrier I am wearing and where they could get one. Striking up a conversation with other fellow mamas is easy when you have a fun product to talk about! In fact, when the Guppy was about six weeks old, I was approached in WalMart by an employee who asked me about my pouch. Turns out she is also a fellow babywearing mama and she is the one that introduced me to a lot of my other babywearing friends and even gave me the information to join a NINO group. Talk about making friends fast!
8. It's more convenient. With the Mermaid, I always used a stroller. So wherever I went, I had to make sure the stroller was in the trunk, take the stroller out when we got there, unfold it, clip the Mermaid in, and then maneuver the whole thing through slim shopping aisles and pray that nothing got knocked over or that I didn't run over someone's toes. When we went to places that weren't stroller friendly, I had to carry the Mermaid in my arms...and boy, that wasn't fun! Very tiring! With babywearing, I just take the Guppy out of her car seat, pop her into whatever carrier I chose for the trip, and off we go! Very great and comfy for those long trips to places where you can't take a stroller!
7. It helps me to get things done. With the Mermaid, I didn't have any problems getting housework done because the Mermaid was not a "pick me up baby". However, with the Guppy, it's a different story. The Guppy loves to be held all the time, and I love holding her. In fact, it brings me great joy to hold her. And due to babywearing, my housework and other things I have to get done do not get neglected. I just pop the Guppy into the carrier and voila! I get to complete my to do list and hold my baby close all at the same time. What a stress reliever!
6. It helps me to spread my attention evenly. I will have to say that as a mother to more than one kid, babywearing has been a lifesaver. Before my first carrier that I ordered came in the mail, I had a hard time dividing my attention between the Guppy and the Mermaid. The Guppy would need to be fed but the Mermaid would need her diaper changed. The Guppy would want to be held but the Mermaid would be asking for lunch. The Guppy would be fussy and want to have me close but the Mermaid would want me to dance/sing/color/go for a walk with her. Babywearing was the perfect solution to this problem. I just pop the Guppy into the carrier on my back and I'm able to change the Mermaid's diaper, or go for a walk, or dance with her, color with her, etc. This way, both my kids are equally getting my attention. It definitely makes me feel more confident about eventually having a third child!
5. It keeps away the baby hogs. I know that this situation doesn't apply to everyone, but at this young age I believe a baby is better off and happiest in his or her mother's arms. Don't get me wrong, I do play an occasional game of pass the baby at family functions, no problem. After all, who can resist holding a cute baby? But when the Guppy is fussy or teething and wants her mommy, putting her in a carrier is a great way to keep pushy people from insisting on holding her. This makes both baby and mommy more secure and happy.
4. It's good for baby and mommy. The benefits of babywearing are proven and true. Benefits for the baby include: reassurance through physical touch; stimulation by viewing the world through the parents' point of view; less fussiness and crying; faster response to the baby's needs; and even improved motor control. Benefits for Mommy (or even Daddy) include: easier to prepare to leave the house; easier to get housework done; a boost in confidence at being able to meet your baby's needs immediately. You can read more about the benefits of babywearing here and here.
3. It's a great way to sneak in extra exercise. Struggling to lose the last of the baby weight? Babywearing is a great way to sneak some exercise into your day. Doing housework with the Guppy on my back actually gives me a great work out, better than if I had done it while she sat in a swing or playpen. I also get better exercise going for a walk while wearing the Guppy on my back rather than walking alone.
2. I love having my baby close. When I am wearing the Guppy, I feel comforted knowing that she is right there next to me. I don't have to worry about if she is getting into something, or if she is bored, etc. Feeling her breathe on my arm or my shoulder, being able to sniff her freshly washed hair whenever I want really does comfort me and help to keep the stress level down in the house. In fact, when I go to work and walk around doing my job, I feel a little empty without her familiar weight on my back.
1. It makes my baby happy. The Guppy loves to be worn. When she sees me bring out one of my carriers, her whole body wiggles with excitement. I usually wear her on my back and when I toss her up there she squeals and laughs with delight. She feels confident and secure when I wear her, because she knows that I am right there to respond to her needs. When she's teething or fussy, babywearing is the only thing that will calm her down and make her laugh again. And who can resist such a cute laugh?
So there you have it, my favorite 10 things about babywearing. So let's hear from you now: if you babywear, go ahead and leave a comment telling us what your favorite thing, or things, about babywearing are.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Friends and Mai Teis
This past Friday, my friend from Dakota's Natural Blog came over my house with her son to play and to help me sew up my Mai Tei carrier that I had been trying to make. I had attempted to make a MT carrier about a year and a half ago, and it came out so bad that I was a little afraid to try again. So she graciously offered to come over to help. 
It was nice also to be able to sit and chat with another AP/natural Momma. And I got a really great and wonderful MT at the end of the day:
Her son had a lot of fun playing with the Guppy and the Mermaid. The Mermaid especially loved chasing him up and down the hallway.
. 
. It was nice also to be able to sit and chat with another AP/natural Momma. And I got a really great and wonderful MT at the end of the day:
This MT is wonderful. I love the print, I love the feel of it. I wore the Guppy for three hours at the flea market on Sunday and barely felt it. I could have worn her for another three if I wanted. The Guppy finds it comfy as well: she even fell asleep in it while we were walking around. And now when she sees me putting it on she gets so excited and starts laughing, she loves being in it so much!
Just one problem: now I can't wait to get more fabric to make more MT's. I feel another addiction coming on...
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Mother's Day Giveaway!
There are always great contests going on over at 5 Minutes for Mom. And this Mother's Day, they have some excellent prizes up for grabs.
I'm hoping to win either the Apple iPod gift set or the Mei Tai from All Natural Mommies. Be sure to stop by and enter to get your chance to win these excellent prizes!
I'm hoping to win either the Apple iPod gift set or the Mei Tai from All Natural Mommies. Be sure to stop by and enter to get your chance to win these excellent prizes!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Babywearing in the News
I came across this short article on babywearing. It's nice to see babywearing getting positive exposure in the media!The Guppy can be definitely described as a pick me up baby, so babywearing has saved my sanity and allowed me to fully bond with my baby even while doing housework. I love wearing her in my Ellaroo Wrap and in my Kangaroo Korner pouch.
If you want more information on babywearing be sure to check out the Babywearer website and also Dr. Sears has a lot of great info on the subject. And of course, don't forget to check out Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing, she has a lot of great info on wearing your baby.If you want a more personal, face to face experience with babywearing, be sure to find a local NINO group near you, where you can meet other babywearing moms!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
