As moms, we all know that time flies – one day your baby is a teeny newborn, and in the blink of an eye, they're off to school. While we would all love to spend all our days lazily snuggled on the couch with our babes, the reality is that there are things that need to be done to keep our households somewhat functional.
The list of stuff that I've attempted to do one handed/while carrying a baby is rather comical:
- Cooking dinner
- Folding laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Applying sunscreen to a squirming toddler
I bet you can relate. Any multi-tasking, busy mom knows this struggle. The answer to your struggles is babywearing, and in honor of International Babywearing Week, let's celebrate by trying it out! Trust me; you'll love it once you've tried it and you'll be convinced to give it a try after seeing this infographic from Mom Loves Best.
If you're thinking about giving babywearing a try, here are some things to know about how to do it safely, and why babywearing is such a lifesaver.
Choosing a Carrier
Before you start babywearing, make sure you've chosen the right kind of baby carrier. There is a wide range of varieties and styles available, ranging from fabric slings and wraps to structured carriers with buckles and straps. Look for fabrics that are appropriate for your local climate so that he/she does not overheat in the carrier, and always ensure that there is no fabric obstructing baby's airways.
Helpful Tips
Some moms find that the earlier you start babywearing, the more comfortable baby will be in the carrier. I had this experience with my youngest child and waited until he was about 10 months old to try a baby carrier in preparation for a vacation. By that age, he was already crawling, nearly walking, and his resistance to being confined took precedence over snuggles with mom. However, with my other kid I started earlier and found that he got used to being in the carrier and liked the closeness more.
If you've waited, don't fear, you just might need to try different carriers, different positions, or just more exposure to the carrier.
Before each time you try the carrier, ensure that your child is not feeling fussy or otherwise uncomfortable by making sure that they are:
- Well rested: shortly after a nap can be a good time, but avoid trying this right before a nap or bedtime.
- Well fed: make sure that baby's tummy is full, and he/she is content. Keep in mind; you want baby to be satiated not too full, because you don't want to be on the receiving end of their tummy getting squashed.
Wrapping it Up (Pun Intended)
I hope you'll decide to try babywearing, in celebration of International Babywearing Week 2017. The benefits are so great your baby, your family as a whole, and for you. Or if you are already a babywearer, tell us below what your favorite carry is.
About the Author
Jenny Silverstone is the mother of two, a breastfeeding & babywearing advocate, and a mommy blogger. You can find her sharing her journey through motherhood on her blog - MomLovesBest.com.
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