Baby

Babywearing – What Is It and Why Do It

January 5, 2015

[c/o denotes a gifted item. See full disclaimer here]

Babywearing - What is it & why doit?  via www.mommyzoid.ca

Wrap: c/o Solly Baby Wrap  | Oliver’s Shoes: Padraigs

Babywearing is a beautiful thing. Giving a new mom the ability to soothe her baby and have her hands free to feed herself, use the washroom, or to just feel human again is an amazing gift. I think it’s hard to explain how life changing babywearing really is to someone who hasn’t yet experienced how trapped you can feel when your baby’s need for comfort and soothing takes over your world. Your needs immediately take a back seat but the reality is that your needs STILL need to be met because a happy mom = happy baby. Whether you’re breast feeding or bottle feeding, you’re going to need your hands free to either get yourself a glass of water or to make the baby a bottle.

The act of baby wearing can be a very special bonding experience for both parties whether it’s a mother, father, or grandparents wearing the baby. It was suggested to me to wear my baby without a shirt or bra (skin-to-skin) to help improve my milk supply.

Both my husband and I have worn our baby since birth in all sorts of carriers: Baby Bjorn, Evenflo Snugli, Boba , Moby , Solly… the list goes on! If that’s all greek to you, I’ll break it down for you.


 

Soft Structured Carriers:

ex: Boba , Ergo, Tula, Beco…

We use our Soft Structured Carrier when we want to wear the baby for an extended period of time (1 hr +) or are doing rigerous activities like hiking or in my husbands case, stacking wood at the cottage! There are usually two heavy duty buckles that are easy to do up on your own and are very structured, hence the name! Each brand has their own list of features and fit the body differently but all get the job done! There are different weight limits for all carriers but when it comes to soft structured carriers, the weight limits can go up as high as 50 lbs.


Slings:

I don’t have much experience with slings, although I did wear Oliver a few times in an Evenflo Snugli sling that he was buckled into. He was able to sleep as if he was wrapped up in my arms but I was able to be hands free. This is where my baby wearing began. I remember my first day trying this: my husband was back at work and all the family had gone home 2 weeks after Oliver was born. I felt like every time I set him down, he shrieked and nothing would soothe him. The first time I was able to eat food while still carrying him was GLORIOUS!


Wraps:

ex: Solly Baby Wrap, Moby

I wear my wraps around the house, usually while blogging or doing housework. Oliver is able to be front and centre and snuggled right into my chest. Wraps can be a little intimidating looking and there is a bit of a learning curve. I suggest sitting on the couch or a bed when you first try putting the baby in it just so you aren’t stressed about baby falling. The amount of fabric can be a little intimidating (not to mention HOT) so that’s why I’ve switched to the Solly Baby Wrap exclusively. It’s light weight, breathable t-shirt material, and comes in fabulous colours. The material your wrap is made of will dictate the weight limit.


Babywearing - What is it & why doit?  via www.mommyzoid.ca

Here’s a great tutorial on how to tie your wrap for a “Classic Carry” (note: there’s a different carry for newborn) from the owner of Solly Baby Wraps! Elle knows her stuff!

Do you baby wear? If so, what carrier/s do you use?

HAPPY BABYWEARING 

Stephanie @ Mommyzoid

PS: I’ll be sharing this post on these lovely blogs!

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  • http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/ Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom

    What a helpful post to explore wearing your baby! I had a sling, Ergo, and a wrap. I used my wrap the most because it allowed me to be most mobile. I could do chores while wearing my little one. I “wore” both of my girls but my oldest liked it most.

    I got into baby wearing by accident. I had joined a salsa dance fitness class and you wear your baby for the whole class. I bought my wrap then and immediately fell in love with the mobility baby-wearing gave me.

    Thanks for sharing! Pinning.

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

    • http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/ Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom

      Thanks so much for sharing and for linking this post up to the #SHINEbloghop!

      Wishing you a lovely day.
      xoxo

  • Monica Geglio

    Beautifully written! I haven’t wore my baby in awhile and need to start doing it before he gets too big. When we was under 6 months old, I used a Moby Wrap. I can still use that one now, but I prefer my homemade Osnaburg wrap because it’s sturdier for my big boy! I love babywearing and can’t wait to get it out during the Spring and summer to carry my son on my back as we stroll through fairs and parks. :)

  • http://www.glamgranolageek.com Glam Granola Geek

    Great post! I liked the stretchy wraps for newborns too but another good one for newborn wearing is a ring sling using an african style carry. I did this with my second and it was awesome! Baby is around back so you can cook without worry or deal with other siblings. It felt SO amazing on my back! I love my ring sling, though I don’t use it past the newborn stage. Then I switch to the Ergo!

    • http://www.mommyzoid.ca Stephanie @ Mommyzoid.ca

      Ring slings scared me! Did it ever scare you that baby would fall out? I LOVE wearing my baby in my carrier on my back! So freeing and he seems to love it too!

      -Stephanie

      • http://www.glamgranolageek.com Glam Granola Geek

        oh gosh no! there are like a billion how to videos on youtube plus in africa they just use a towel and like tuck it in, they don’t even tie it! I have seen lots of people carrying kids/babies this way, and I figured out why with baby 2! because it’s so comfy! i should try and find the pic of my boo on my back that I took. the wierdest bathroom selfie ever. lol.

  • Gingi Edmonds Freeman

    Babywearing is one of THE BEST decisions I have made as a new parent. I grew up with “hippy” parents that baby wore me, and my earliest memories are hikes in my dads carrier. In fact, I have a picture of me in my dads baby carrier and 25 years later, his first grandchild in his carrier! hehe. Anyhoo, lovely post! I stumbled upon your blog through a fellow blogger, and thought I would just stop by and say hi! It would totally make my day if you stopped by my page and dropped me a line sometime.. or even kept in touch! ^_^ – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    • http://www.mommyzoid.ca Stephanie @ Mommyzoid.ca

      Awww, so sweet! I’m so happy baby wearing is becoming more and more mainstream because with my hippie routes I know I would have baby worn no matter what but I definitely appreciate all the different brands, options and help from other moms!

      Thanks for stopping by, Gingi!

  • http://www.handandtheheart.com/ Andrea Laughery

    Such a great post! I got a solly wrap for baby #2 (used the Moby with my son), and I love the video link you included. A great refresher! :)

    • http://www.mommyzoid.ca Stephanie @ Mommyzoid.ca

      Thanks so much Andrea! I love my Solly soooo much. It’s so snuggly yet so breathable and light.

      Stephanie @ Mommyzoid

  • http://www.OurCharmedLife.net/ Amber Bates

    Thanks for sharing the video on how to use a wrap-style carrier. It can be really confusing to try to figure them out on your own. I tried the Moby but it was just too hot for us here in the tropics.
    We have been major baby-wearers from the start since it’s a highly recommended technique for bonding with adopted toddlers, and you’re right, it is so wonderful to have your hands free!
    Found you on the Blogger’s Digest link up
    Amber at OurCharmedLife.net

  • Kirsty U

    Great post! Both my children have had terrible reflux and been miserable when put down and baby wearing can keep you sane when a baby just won’t stop crying. I still use an ergo carrier for a three year old when hill walking and it’s just as good for my 5 month old.

  • Sherry Thecharmofhome

    They grow out of that stage so fast. Enjoy it while you can! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

  • Courtney

    I’ve found baby wearing an absolute must with 2 children! My baby prefers a wrap although I find it quite hot. It is Summer here so I’ve been using a Baby Bjorn carrier which is great. Popped over from the Shine Blog Hop :)