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Early Years (2-6)
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The modern American mom wants for nothing when it comes to baby accoutrements. From feeding to clothing to comforting her newborn, there are tons of products on the market designed to make her life easier. There must be at least a dozen different types of bottles, for goodness sake! Yet no one has invented the one thing moms really need - an extra pair of hands. It's been on every mother's wish list since the dawn of time, and somehow our more "primitive" ancestors, while they went without wipes warmers, figured out how to manage their babies hands-free. They simply strapped their children onto their backs, hips or bellies and went on about their business. Many cultures still embrace the concept of babywearing as a way of nurturing newborns, infants and toddlers while empowering moms to be all that they can be. More and more of today's hip moms are parking their strollers and schlepping their babies around in slings and carriers. When my son was 6 weeks old, I decided to give the trend a try. We were marginally successful, but I was never sure if I had the fit quite right and, in my sleep-deprived state, I couldn't figure out how to maneuver my baby into the many suggested positions. After a few weeks, I felt about as committed to babywearing as I was to my postpartum weight loss plan. Fullerton mother of two, with one on the way, Jennifer Beattie had a similar experience initially, but necessity (her daughter had stroller phobia) forced her to persist until she became a babywearing pro. "I was always the mom who was pushing an empty stroller," says Beattie, who spent months trying to juggle grocery shopping, housework, you name it, all with a baby in her arms. After finding her bliss in babywearing, she now "feels much more confident and empowered as parent." Beattie teaches babywearing classes, hosts babywearing parties and has designed her own sling, which she sells locally and on the Internet (lovingmybabies.com). She also organizes the Orange County Chapter of Nine In Nine Out (NINO), an international nonprofit that promotes babywearing. The group believes babywearing is a natural extension of the womb, helping infants adjust to life on the outside. It makes sense that babies would feel most at home nestled close to mom, listening to her heartbeat and feeling the rhythm of her movements. All of this bonding and mom is free to multitask. Since human beings aren't built like marsupials, we have to purchase our baby carrying pouches. Here are some of the options with name-brand examples of each: - Pouch carrier - New Native Sling - Mei-tai (Asian-inspired baby carrier) - Baby Hawk - Wrap carrier - Maya Wrap - Padded or unpadded ring sling - Over-the-Shoulder Baby Holder - Structured front packs - Baby Bjorn - Heavy-duty front or back packs (for kids up to 60 pounds) - Ergo Carrier Fit is the first thing to consider when buying your ultimate babywearing accessory. Slings and carriers are meant to feel comfortable for mom and baby. If you feel pain in your shoulders or back, try a different model. Also take your baby's size into consideration. Most slings and carriers can handle loads up to 30 or 35 pounds (check your manufacturer's instructions for specific safety precautions). Experiment with different types of holds too. There's the hip carry, the cradle position, tummy to back, kangaroo and tummy to tummy - just to name a few. Ladies, don't try this at home without the assistance and support of a seasoned babywearer. Since the concept isn't engrained in Western moms the way it is for women in other parts of the world, you may look and feel a little foolish at first, but the pay off for you and your child is huge once you get in the groove. S. Danyelle Knight is a regular contributor. |
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