For an item that doesn’t get many mentions in the public media, baby carriers are all over the news these days. Unfortunately, it seems they have come out in a negative light.
Safety warnings and recalls are nothing new. Cribs are recalled. Strollers. Toys. Cars. Occasionally a part malfunctions, something sticks, something breaks. People get outraged. Yet many babies still sleep in cribs, ride in strollers, play with toys and ride in cars…and it’s ok. Just because one brand/type is bad, doesn’t make them all bad.
Yet when we are talking about an item that doesn’t get much publicity in the first place, bad publicity can destroy it.
Babywearing has been around for hundreds, probably thousands of years. After spending 9 months in the womb, babies need to be held. The benefits to babies who are worn are numerous – they cry less and learn more. Babywearing allows mamas (or daddies) to have their hands free to take care of other little ones, make dinner, write their thesis, email their boss back and a mirage of other tasks.
Being educated when you buy a baby carrier is as important as which stroller or car seat to buy. Just because a brand is on the shelf at a popular big box store doesn’t make it the safest, or the right carrier for you.
The first carrier I purchased over 6 years ago was a bag sling I found at Target – the Infantino Sling Rider, the car
rier that prompted the CSPC to issue a safety warning. Graeme was just a few months only, and I had only read a little about babywearing. Even so, something just felt wrong – he would bang into my legs and swing when I walked. I couldn’t figure out how to adjust it, and I felt like I couldn’t see him. He looked uncomfortable, and my lack of knowledge about how to wear him scared me. It wasn’t a good fit for me, so I took it back.
Another baby later, I decided to give babywearing another shot. My husband thought I was crazy to spend $100 on a carrier, but I did it. I purchased an ERGOBaby Carrier. It was a structured carrier and it was so easy to use. It was versatile and felt very safe. Plus, I was able to use this carrier with Graeme and with my second baby. Front, back and side – 40 lbs. or 14 lbs….I had found my perfect carrier. That was fortunate, because I probably would have given up had I not had a good experience with this carrier. Plus, after wearing it, my husband loved it too.
But, as many of you carrier mamas know, once you start you can’t stop. I had found the babywe
aring love! I had to try them all. I bought a Mei Tai – it was so easy to nurse in. A good friend made me a fabulous summer ring sling – loved its adjustability! Then another good friend lent me a Moby Wrap. Oh, to have a newborn and put them in a Moby Wrap…it’s heaven!!
If you are a babywearer or want to be a babywearer, don’t let the CPSC warnings stop you. Get online and do some research. Join TheBabyWearer.com. Get involved with a local babywearing or attachment parenting group (even if you aren’t completely AP). Visit a local boutique that carries a variety of slings, carriers and wraps and try them all on. Take a babywearing class. If none of those are available to you, you may be a little overwhelmed and get frustrated with it, but you can jump on board and start trying anyway! Sometimes you just need the confidence that you can do it. You can safely carry your baby!
It’s St. Patty’s Day and I love the Moby! So, we are giving away a Forest Moby Wrap to one lucky winner! Please comment below and tell us your babywearing experience or why you want to try! Contest will run through 10 am MST on 3/20/10. Giveaway open to US residents only (sorry my International mamas!) Winner will be announced Saturday – it is the winners responsibility to contact us to claim their Moby! 🙂
WINNER IS ANNE – post #34. Please email me at abbie@momsmilkboutique.com to claim your prize!
by Abbie
