Baby Wearing Love

A Note From Sarah:

As I talk to moms around me, it seems like baby wearing can be a little intimidating to some people. For whatever reason our society has gotten away from baby wearing as a norm.

I remember sitting in a professional development workshop while I was still teaching and the keynote speaker addressed the issue of how children of all ages need to be touched to feel loved and safe. As a teacher, it meant that I would pat a students back or shoulder or place my hand on their arm while talking to them. A touch that makes the child feel connected to you. I remember her explaining how sad it made her feel to see babies in their infant seats for good amounts of time without their caregivers touch. I made a vow to myself that I would always be conscious of that and that I would carry my babies whenever possible.
It wasn't always the easiest thing to do, but it meant a lot to me and I don't regret that promise to myself at all. Luckily, I discovered baby wearing soon after Liza was born. Once I started wearing Liza, my life became a little easier. Liza was happy and content to be snuggled up against me which meant that I could relax and take my time at Target or the grocery store. It meant cry-free walks with my husband and even yard work.

A Note from Katey:

I never knew about Baby Wearing until my sister started with her baby. Even then I tried different carriers like the Eddie Bauer sling and the hot sling. I never loved them and they were so uncomfortable. My husband was skeptical when I had my third baby that I wanted to try it again. He knew I had gone through a few carriers already and he thought baby wearing was just not for me. However, I was determined considering I needed to have both hands free when I had my boy, because I also had a two year old to run after. When Baby J was newborn I used the Moby. It was hard at first to wrap until I did it a few times. I was so relieved that this carrier worked for me! I started researching others, and knew I would want something easier to put on, and since the I had success with one carrier maybe my hubs would be on board for another?? Hehe! My sister recommended the Beco and I went with it. I am happy I did! I used it all the time with my little guy and put my toddler in the single stroller. I preferred this method over a double stroller. I was also lucky enough to have a good friend of mine lend me her ring sling. I loved that as well and wished I had it when Baby J was a newborn for nursing. It was so easy to put on and off, and to nurse in.
Remember, it is never too late to start baby wearing, whether its with your 1st or 3rd baby!


Since we both fell in love with baby wearing, we have spent a lot of time researching carriers and will share some basic styles with you today. There are a million brands and types available to you and it can be a little confusing.

Here are some of the more well-known safe and sturdy carriers:
 
The Moby Wrap is easy to find since can be bought at Target and Babies R Us. We both used the Moby with our newborns until about 7 or 8 months old. We love how secure your new baby is to you and how hands free you are while wearing your little one. It almost feels like you are pregnant again.

 

The Baby K'tan is similar to the Moby, but doesn't require as much wrapping. Neither of us have ever used the Baby K'tan, but it's popularity is rising and we won't deny that we'd like to try it!

 The Ellaroo wrap is well-known in the baby wearing community. It is a reasonably priced wrap that is much more durable than the Moby. You can also use this wrap through toddler hood so it's very useful. You can read our friend Nichole's review of it here.

The Ergo can also be found at Babies R Us and is a very popular carrier. Sarah has one and likes it although she finds it a bit bulky on her small frame, but it's been very useful and has been used tons.

 

 Beco is a wonderful brand. They have three variations of their carrier and offer some gorgeous patterns. Katey loved her Beco Butterfly 2. It is pictured below. It was easy to put on and off and you can wear baby on the front or on the back when they are able to sit up.

Sakura Bloom Ring Sling is Sarah's favorite sling. They are beautiful and super simple to use for infants and toddlers. You won't be as hands-free using this type of carrier, but it is still a very worthwhile investment.

Here are some helpful resources:

*** Here is a great article about choosing the carrier that is right for you.***
BabyWearer- Huge baby wearing forum where you can find everything from used carriers to a babywearing community.
Wikepedia- Baby wearing isn't anything new...even Wikepedia knows that.
What is Babywearing?- Dr. Sears
Adventures in Babywearing Blog- A really nice description of different carriers.
Abby's Lane- Used baby carriers
FrogMama- Used Carriers
KellyMom- If you have ever breastfed a baby, then you know this wonderful website! Check out her info on baby wearing.

There are so many carriers to choose from. What is your favorite carrier and why? Please share with us!