It’s International Babywearing Week.
My babywearing story began 13 years ago, when my oldest son was just a couple of days old.
Someone had given me a front pack baby carrier, and it had a million buckles and straps. It was confusing, but I was determined to make it work.
My mom took me for a walk around my neighborhood.
I still have my fuzzy slippers on.
In this picture, I sat down somewhere, and cried.
The buckles and straps had dug into Caleb’s tiny thigh. I was convinced I was killing him. (Looking back, he scarcely noticed. I would later learn that babies cry when they’re in pain. But, y’know… postpartum hormones.)
I sold that carrier on eBay. And looked for another. A friend pointed out a NoJo (yuck) while we were consignment shopping a few weeks later. I bought it, and couldn’t figure out how to use it. I was pretty sure it wasn’t supposed to reach my thighs.
I had a high need baby who needed to be held, and if I was every going to get anything done (like, pee), I was going to have to figure this thing out.
I went to a La Leche League meeting. Breastfeeding was going well, but I really needed to learn how to use my sling!
After the meeting I quietly asked if someone could help me out, and about 6 women jumped from their seats simultaneously, grabbed their slings and began demonstrating. One particularly eager mom picked up a Cabbage Patch doll from the floor and used that for demonstration purposes. (It was in a more cooperate mood than her toddler was.)
I eventually got rid of the NoJo and discovered the Over The Shoulder Baby Holder. Here I am carrying a newborn baby #2 in it.
Excuse the bad 90′s hair, but my gosh I was flat bellied!
I loved those slings, but the padding began to get on my nerves. They were only comfy in winter.
Somehow I discovered the Maya Wrap, which became my sling of choice for the next several years. I literally wore one threadbare. 
I couldn’t find a picture of myself wearing it, which is difficult to understand, since I wore it more often than I wore a bra for those years. Here’s a picture of a camping trip. I have a preschooler at my knee, a toddler in my lap, his unborn sister in my belly, and my trusty Maya next to me.
With my 4th baby I mostly used a Maya and a mei tai made by a work at home mom. I couldn’t remember what brand it was, or where I’d purchased it, but it was my favorite, most beautiful carrier… and I lost it. I mourned for that thing for months!
With my current baby, I’ve used the Moby Wrap (liked it), the Sleepy Wrap (loved it), and the Baby Hawk.
Now my older kids are big enough to wear their baby sister, which is so sweet.
My girls have had baby doll slings, and sometimes they make their own.
On Different Baby Carriers for Different Uses:
There’s no one best baby sling. I hate padding, but some moms love it. Some moms hate complicated ties, but others love the flexibility of a sling like the Moby, Sleepy or Didymos. Some moms love the structure of an Ergo or other similar “hiking” carrier. Ring slings are super easy to slip on and are portable, as are tube style pouches. (But rings can make a shoulder sore.)
I use different carriers for different needs, ages and babies. For newborns who are light and who can be worn for hours, a wrap style is lovely. For errands, a mei tai or ring sling is easy and fast. Now that my baby is heavy, I can’t wear her in the mei tai for long periods. I love the Sleepy wrap for naps though.
Why do I love Babywearing?
- To comfort a baby or fussy toddler
- To get some extra exercise
- To breastfeed discreetly
- To help a reluctant napper relax
- Slings are easier and more portable than strollers
- They help settle/discipline an older child
A couple of other babywearing stories I’ve enjoyed from around the web:
- Stephanie says “Thank you, Babywearing”
- PrairieMama talks about the Evolution of her Babywearing
