Wearable Wednesday: The Sling

The sling is considered one of the simplest, "beginner" carriers of them all, so I figured I'd start with it.  I'd like to start off with a disclaimer:  There have been a few mass-produced slings in the past few years that have been recalled and made a bad name for babycarriers in general.  They are NOT considered slings and never have been by the babywearing community!  They look like huge puffy bags that you drop a baby into and hope for the best.  Like I've said in the past, a carrier needs to keep baby's face from tilting down into her chest and it must also keep baby close enough to kiss.  This sling doesn't do that, and it's heartbreaking what happened because of it.  But don't fear--not all slings are bad!  In fact, most are seriously amazing!!!!  So I'll be talking about the other 99% and giving you an idea of the uses and child ages that go (in my opinion, of course) best with this carrier.

My daughter's first trip outside!

Slings are excellent for all ages, ranging from newborn to toddler.  As the child gets larger, he is positioned differently in the sling, and it does tend to get heavy on the shoulder.  For that reason, it is generally suggested that the wearer change shoulders regularly when carrying an older one.  But with a wee one, the shoulder shouldn't get too tired and it is mostly just a sweet snuggle feel the entire time!

A newborn carry is basically like the photo above.  The sling is fully adjustable by means of two rings (hence the term "ring sling") lacing the fabric over and through each other.  As you pull sides of the fabric, it tightens each end.  With a bit of learning, one can figure out how to make it looser on one side or tighter on the other in a few simple tugs.  I personally preferred a different carrier in the beginning, because I felt a bit like I was constantly touching and checking baby in a sling.  But then, it could have also been because I was a nervous first-time mother!  I know many a mom who prefers this carrier and one of the great benefits it has--the ability to breastfeed simply and discreetly without removing baby.  Simply lower one side of the carrier, undo nursing top, and voila!

As baby gains neck and then back strength, she can be placed upright in the sling and carried on the hip.  This carry is ideal for a few different occasions:  Going in and out of shops airport trips, grocery stores, etc.  The reason that it works so well is because of ease of use.  It's takes up little space and can be carried in most bags, and it is incredibly easy to take on and off.  I used it on basically every airport trip we took for her first year!  Another great aspect of this carry is that it mimics the hip hold that baby is used to from mama already, so it is an excellent way to get baby down for a nap.  He won't suspect a thing since it's a normal position, and once he passes out he's already supported.  Score!

Finally, this is a very versatile carrier style-wise.  There are literally hundreds of styles, fabrics, and designs you can choose from when looking to buy.  They are made in UV protected waterproof fabric for the pool, stretch cotton for snuggling newborns, fleece-lined for winter, and even embellished silk for formal events.  No matter where you plan on going, you can surely find a sling for the event!

So basically, after all my random drivel above (yes, I'm still mostly decaffienated, can you tell?), I'll offer you a simple list of pros, cons, and best uses.

Pros
Easy to take on/off
Can be used from infancy to toddlerhood
Light and compact
Can wear during breastfeeding
Tons of different fabrics for all occasions

Cons
Not completely hands-free
Heavier children need to be shoulder-swapped
Not as easy to adjust as something with straps

Best Uses
Short outings
Airports
Poolside
Formal events

My Favorite Brands (totally opinion-based!)
Maya Wrap
Zolowear
Sakura Bloom

For more awesome information on ring sling carries, positioning, safety, and troubleshooting, go HERE.

Any questions?  If you have a sling, tell us what your favorite brands and uses are and/or why you love it.  Next time, I'll be talking about wraps, yippee!!

Wearable Wednesday 2: Babywearing Myths

So last week, I talked about some of the general benefits to babywearing.  This week, I figured I'd address the myths out there.  Here goes.
Myth #1:  Babywearing is unsafe.
Babywearing, when done properly, is just as safe as putting a child in a stroller.  The safeness depends solely on the parent, though.  There was a big upheaval a while back when one brand of baby sling was recalled due to suffocation.  Scary shit!  BUT this brand of carrier is NOT the norm at all.  Also, the caregiver should follow proper safety protocol whenever putting baby in and out of a carrier.  Just as you can put a baby in a stroller wrong, you can put her in a carrier wrong too.  To prevent suffocation, make sure that the baby’s airway is not blocked by her chin slumping down to her chest, just as you would while putting her in a carseat. Keep the baby either in an upright position (my preferred), or in a horizontal, cross carry. Do not let the baby curl inward.  Carriers will have instructions on proper use, and practice around the house is key.
Also, one should make sure to ensure that the baby’s nose and mouth are not compressed against the side of the carrier, or against the carrier's body. Some people believe that SIDS is caused by the rebreathing of carbon monoxide, so always make sure that baby has constant access to fresh air in the carrier.  Once baby learns head control, this should take care of itself.  Baby should never be down too far for you to kiss, so it is quite easy to make sure she is safe.

Always kissable = always safe (and snuggly!)

Myth #2:  Babywearing is uncomfortable for the caregiver
Well, again, it can be IF done improperly.  I blame this one on cheap carriers completely.  But with the proper carrier and the proper carrier placement, it is just like wearing a backpack.  I mean shoot, we went through nine months of baby on our bodies, why is it so bad to continue it?
Like I said in the last section, baby should be close enough to you to kiss.  The reason being (for your body) is that it takes away strain from your lower back.  Put a backpack on a loosen the straps all the way, and you'll notice that it becomes much heavier.  The same with a baby, of course!  And once baby starts to get too heavy for the front of your body, they're probably ready to be on your back.  There are multiple carriers that make this an easy task, and it's quite safe and comfortable for your body.
Another reason people believe that babywearing is uncomfortable is because they insist on making baby face outward.  It "lets the baby see", but in reality it just moves baby's body weight slightly farther in front of you.  And I'm sure we've all taken physics in school and been told about carrying 10lbs against our body vs. carrying it away from our body.  So keep that baby up and facing you, and your back will be much stronger than it's ever been!

Zack is hungover AND using poor form!

Myth #3:  Babywearing causes hip/back problems for baby
This can actually be quite the opposite.  But again, only if done correctly!  There is one very important rule to remember when choosing a upright carrier for proper baby back safety:  baby's knees should not be below his butt.  When you hold your baby in your arms, do you support just his crotch while letting his legs dangle?  Probably not!  But for some reason, the less expensive baby carriers are made to do this.  Allowing legs to dangle puts all the stress in baby's lower back and can indeed cause hip/back problems.  There is a simple solution though--don't use those carriers!
Before baby can wrap his hips around you (usually until they're 4 months old) they should be placed in the frog position, which is knees to chest.  Basically like fetal position, except upright (I did this in the first picture).  This allows baby to breathe properly and keeps hips/back in perfect alignment without separating hips.  Wrap carriers are perfect for this position, and soft-structured carriers usually have infant inserts that can be purchased separately which allow for it as well.
Once baby is big enough to put his legs around your waist without overstretching (as we don't want to cause hip dysplasia) you can put baby in a regular carry.   The base of your carrier should support baby from knee to knee, without the butt sagging below or above that line.  This spreads the weight throughout the lower body instead of putting it all on his lower back.  Here is an example:

Taken from The International Hip Dysplasia Institute http://tinyurl.com/7n5ucv8

 Myth #4:  Babywearing is too complicated
Not at all!  There are soooooo many types of carriers, and everyone can find the type perfect for them!  Before my daughter was born, I ordered my first wrap (super long piece of fabric).  When I got it, it honestly scared the crap out of me.  How could I possibly use that big huge thing with ease?  Well, I practiced at home and it became second nature.  I practiced with a doll at first, and then with baby as I sat on the bed.  Soon I was out and about and could tie that huge thing in my sleep.  For the second baby, I knew about lots of other carriers but still preferred a newborn in a wrap.  Like everything else in life, practice makes perfect.  I became the mom who could toss her toddler on her back and throw the straps up faster than someone could run over to (attempt to) help.  And if my uncoordinated ass can do it, ANYONE can!

Korean "podaegi", a tougher learning curve.  But I made it work!

 Myth #5:  Carrying baby will spoil her
Okay seriously.  People say this?  You mean carrying a tiny baby that's never experienced anything but being INSIDE someone will get spoiled by feeling close, nurtured, and safe?  It spoils a baby to keep them from overstimulation of crazy lights and grabby old people?  Just use your natural instincts to let you find the right answer to this one.  To get a little New Jersey on you--fuggedaboudit!

She looks super spoiled, huh?

 So there you go.  A few more reasons to babywear.  If done properly, it can be super comfy, fun, simple, healthy, and safe!  I'll start to break down the different carrier styles over the next few weeks so we can see which carriers are best for which situations, and eventually I'll get to some fun babywearing exercises!

In the meantime--Any other funny myths you've been given about babywearing?  I'm sure I left some out.  Happy snuggling!

Wearable Wednesday 1: Benefits of Babywearing

After I did 14 miles of mud and obstacles, he needed snuggles in the Ergo.  Totally worth it!

Here's my first installment of Wearable Wednesday, yahoo!  As a new mom, one of the quickest things I learned was that I didn't want to be confined on where I went with my baby.  Between having to ride the bus and all the little German cobblestone roads, I didn't feel so comfortable with lugging a stroller everywhere.  And the second I would put her in the carseat, I'd be sad and just want her back near me.  Thus, I chose to "babywear", or carry her on me in a fancy baby carrier.  It was SO SIMPLE and comfy and I always had a sweet smooshy baby next to me!  Over the years and with both kids, I've grown to be a self-proclaimed expert on almost every type of baby carrier and when/where they work best.  And I'd really love to share that info with anyone who's willing to listen.  (Disclaimer--I'm not anti-stroller.  I own four, in fact.  I just really think that this is a topic that isn't as mainstream as it could be and love to share.  Don't think I be hatin')   So for this first week, all I simply want to do is tell you about some of the benefits of babywearing:

1.  Closeness=less crying.  There have been numerous studies in major pediatric journals stating that babies who are carried close tend to cry less.  Putting them in a carrier directly by the body is the closest a baby can come to recreating the womb situation, so it makes sense that it will soothe them!  I found that whenever we were in a brighter environment, it also served as a way to keep my babies from getting overstimulated.  If done from the beginning, it is really an amazing way to quickly and efficiently comfort a baby.

2.  Babywearing can give a parent more confidence.  As a first-time mother, I was very scared to leave the house.  There was SO much to think about--What do I do if she cries?  If she's hungry?  If she poops?  If my milk explodes everywhere?  If, if, if???????  Well, putting her in my wrap seriously diminished the nervous factor for me.  If she was hungry, I could nurse her IN the carrier or use it as a cover.  If she pooped, I had something to lay her on or at least cover up the poop clothes with.  And if my milk exploded, well, she covered that for me too!  And like I said above, the lessened crying seriously upped my confidence level as well.  I felt like a rock star in moments that I doubt I would have if I had brought a large carrying contraption otherwise.

Our first family trip--Ireland!  My mei tai made the trip possible.

 3.  Daddy can feel close, too!  In the beginning, baby spends so much time bonding with mom that dad can feel a bit left out.  But most carriers can be adjusted to fit all shapes and sizes, so dad can get all the snuggles he wants as well.  Remember, baby needs the warmth of another person, but it doesn't always have to be mom.  And even when that new dad is totally scared of holding baby the wrong way, a carrier can make it much less stressful.  (Feel free to interchange dad with grandparent, partner, aunt/uncle, older sibling, whatnot.)

Babywearing dads are pretty hot, too.

4.  It helps mom get back into shape.  After nine months starting with running turned to walking turned to waddling, it's nice to be able to carry just yourself again, I know it.  BUT you've had that weight on you already, and it makes it much easier to hold baby from the very start.  Keep it up, and after a few months you're toting the most adorable 15lb weight vest one can imagine!  As baby gets bigger, change carrier style and switch him/her to your back. And when you're doing your first obstacle race a year after baby comes, you'll be able to make that tire carry your bitch without even "training" for it.

Two kids at once.  In Times Square.  And yes, he's eating her hand.

 5.  If you have multiple children, it's a lifesaver.  I mean sure, it was wonderful when the first one came, but for baby 2 it was a new level of helpful.  My kiddo wasn't ready to slow down for some silly new little person, and I didn't want to make her.  So I put the little dude in his wrap and we went about our business as soon as I was on my feet again.  I rarely had to feel that I was giving one less attention to tend to the other, and in those first few months that's a tough one to balance.  See above photo.

6.  You can go anywhere, seriously.  Festivals with crowds?  You can make it through.  Up a mountain?  Like carrying a bouncy backpack.  Busy grocery store?  No crazy old ladies squeezing your baby's cheeks anymore!

Ancient castles aren't stroller-accessible, but they sure are purdy.

I'm sure there are other reasons why babycarrying is awesome, and for more benefits feel free to visit Babywearing International.

Next Wednesday:  Babywearing 101, basic types of carriers.  I'll name the most used styles and give a very short list of uses for each.  In the following weeks I'll discuss each individually.  Please feel free to share this with