Babywearing

As it turns out, I do other things besides cloth diaper.  You were wondering, right?

Anyway, we recently picked up a Snuggybaby ring sling for 50% off (whoo hoo!), and The Baby Fish loves it!  He has been a nosy curious baby since the moment he bungee jumped his way out of me and into the world.  I think he enjoys being worn because it keeps him up and in the thick of things.  Now that he is practicing sitting up, he especially likes it.  It's pretty simple to use and it fits in the diaper bag.  He can also nurse in it (although he gets REALLY distracted).

We have a Moby Wrap too, and it has its merits, but if you think it's your only option, do not be deceived.  I feel like the Moby is kind of like the "Kleenex" of baby wearing.  You know how people say they need a Kleenex when they really just mean they need a tissue?   If you want to wear your baby, you might think you need a Moby, but what you really need is just some kind of carrier.

The thing about the Moby is that it's like a million feet long.  I'm only slightly exaggerating.  If you're really good at wrapping it, I'm sure the length isn't a big deal, but when you are in an airport, for instance, and the stupid thing is touching the filthy ground as you wrap it because it's a million feet long, and then you have to put your baby in it?  It's a little annoying and it requires an extra set of hands (if you're me).  The other drawback is that its million-foot-longness makes it ridiculous to try to stuff in a diaper bag.

On the other hand, it is very versatile and comfortable because it distributes the baby's weight beautifully.  I think it's one of those things that is worth waiting until your baby is born and trying out before you buy it.  I suggest visiting your local mom and pop baby store and trying out several different types of baby wearing apparati before committing.  None of it is cheap, so you want to know you and your baby will like it and that it will suit your body type before shelling out the money.   Since they are washable, buying used is also a great option.

The airport example wasn't hypothetical...




I came across this article on baby wearing tips this week.  I thought it was interesting, so I'm linking it here for my own reference as much as anything else.  There are ways to screw it up (besides letting your kid fall out of it).  We are still new at this so if you have your own tips, share them!

As an aside, check out Sarah's link up for lots of cool stuff!