October 4, 2010 10:45 am

Wearing Wesley

Even before I had a baby, babywearing just felt “right” to me – I bought a knockoff Moby wrap before Wesley was even born. It took me a few tries to get the tying and the tension right, but I was hooked. When Wesley arrived, we used it for walks, around the house, and on public transit instead of a stroller and it was awesome.

I liked that I could always see what he was doing. If he spit up, I could clean him. If he was making bad faces and wanted a pacifier, I could give one to him without him having to cry for it to get my attention. If he started getting wiggly and restless, I knew I could bounce on my toes to calm him down. It made it easier to attend to his needs and I liked being able to snuggle him while having my hands free to open doors and whatnot.

As well as the Moby, we also have an Ergo Performance carrier in green that I now use practically every day. The Moby was great, but I wanted something that would be quicker to get on and off that wouldn’t drag on the floor in the meantime. We love our Ergo! I especially like that it can fit both Daniel and I with a minimum of adjustments even though he is so much taller than me.

Babywearing

Wesley often falls asleep when he is in a carrier. And why not? It’s cozy and he doesn’t have to work to be upright – he can just snuggle me and hang out.

Adventures in Babywearing has recently posted a call to action regarding babywearing. It seems the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about baby slings, failing to take into account the myriad of safe and varied styles and lumping them in with the “bag-style” slings that can be dangerous to babies. (Common sense, right? You wouldn’t put your newborn in your purse to carry them around, and that’s basically what bag slings amount to. Awkward and weird.)

Refreshers from Adventures in Babywearing:

  • Your baby should be in a position similar to holding them in your arms
  • You should be able to kiss the top of their head
  • Your chest, back, or sling fabric should not obstruct baby’s face
  • Do not wear a carrier that is too tight or too loose, or not properly fastened
  • Read and follow your carrier’s instruction manual
  • Be aware of baby’s temperature, don’t let them get too hot or too cold
  • Do not perform any activities that you wouldn’t normally do while holding your baby in your arms

The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance has posted a Position Paper outlining their thoughts on the matter. Here is an excerpt:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a warning about the dangers of using baby slings, due to the occurrence of three infant deaths that the agency attributed to baby slings. As parents, we are deeply saddened by these tragedies and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected. As educators, we are dismayed that the CPSC has mistakenly lumped all carriers together and inadvertently tainted our industry as a whole. The carrier in question is structurally distinct from baby slings in general and the BCIA is working to clarify this difference. Sling-style carriers have an exceptional safety record. While the death of any baby is tragic, the small number of deaths in sling-style carriers only serve to emphasize the safety of these products.

Next week is National Babywearing Week, so if you wear your baby, know someone who does, or want to wear your future babies, spread the word! Our family loves babywearing and will continue to do so and let people know about how awesome it is!

Babywearing at the Zoo

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9 Comments

  • the grumbles says:

    baby purse! ROLF! BAHAHAHAHA. i’ve thought that in my head so many times.

    i love the fabric on that last wrap carrier. tré chic.

  • Melissa says:

    I had no idea next week was National Babywearing week, but since my new mei tai will be on my doorstep on the 6th, I’ll celebrate by trying it out! Like you, I definitely needed something easier to use than the Moby wrap. I hated having to adjust it in public (like at the airport) and have the ends dragging all over the place.

  • That last wrap is fabulous! thank you so much for spreading the word so well!

    Steph

  • BreAnna says:

    I wore Z on Friday. I will wear her again this week. I love that at 28 months I can still carry her in the Moby. :)

  • erin says:

    Ooh, I didn’t know next week was National Babywearing week either. I’ll have to put a post and some pictures together. I wear Cody everywhere, especially in the fall and winter.

  • Meagan says:

    Love love LOVE to wear the Ro-man. I can’t imagine life without the myriad of carriers we have!

  • Caity says:

    I love the idea too. It is so much better than a stroller in most situations, in my opinion. I think I will definitely get some sort of wrap when I have a baby. Nice post!

  • Hev says:

    I have to admit that is I ever decided to have a baby (heaven forbid) I would be into baby wearing all the time. I like your top one, though. I don’t think I get the hang or trust the ones that are just strips of fabric that you tie.

    Sorry, I am not planning on ever having children. I will keep my adopted daughter & that is it, lol. I get more then enough enjoyment from seeing all your (yours & Jem’s) babies. Nothing against current mothers, just have too many medical problems with myself to want to pass it on to a child.

  • Liz says:

    That is so cute xD LOL.

    The bottom one is my favorite. :D Polkaaa dotssss. Ahhh. I want it.