Baby Wearing Tips

This helps your body get used to your baby's weight gradually as he grows. Your body will protest if you all of a sudden start slinging a 20 lb six month old!

It also gets baby accustomed to being carried. Newborns expect to be held close to their mothers and caregivers. But, if you train them to get used to a lot of open space around them, they will not take to a carrier as well. It will be much more difficult to start baby wearing at two months then right away from birth.

If you can only choose one carrier--get a wrap!

They are so versatile and so comfortable--I can't say it enough--I LOVE my Moby wrap!

Be careful with Baby Bjorn type front-pack carriers.

They are fine for occasional use, but if you desire to carry your baby for much of each day, it would be wise to pick a different type of carrier.

The reason is that the mainstream front pack carriers hold the baby right between their crotch with their legs dangling down. It is uncomfortable for a baby to only be held by a narrow piece of fabric between the legs.

It is also hard on a baby's developing spine to have all their weight concentrated on their spine.

A good rule of thumb with any carrier, is to make sure that baby's bottom is lower than their knees when baby is in an upright position.

In other words, the baby should always look like she is in a seated or squatting position.

Dad or Grandma or any other caregiver do babywearing too!

If possible get a carrier style that will accommodate different sizes or get a couple of different sizes if needed. This way the whole family can share in the baby care--even siblings!

Have an experienced baby wearer show you how to use your baby carrier

If possible, go to a store that sells baby carriers and baby slings and have the staff instruct you on how to use all the different carriers.

They can also make sure that you get the right size if you purchase a sized carrier.

Get your carrier in a color and fabric that you love!

You will wear it more often if you like the way it looks.

Practice makes perfect.

Don't give up if it seems awkward the first few times. Your baby may be a little fussy at first, because he senses that you are trying something new and are not confident.

Take you time, have a helping hand nearby, and start moving as soon as you get your baby in the carrier. If one hold or carrier doesn't seem to work try another.

After practicing a few times, you will soon become a pro! You will be cleaning, doing laundry, walking, and shopping all while wearing your baby.

And get used to the admiring looks and comments..."She looks so content", or "I wish I had something like that when my babies were little". And other baby wearers will frequently stop you and say, " Don't you just love wearing your baby?" And you can confidently answer,

"ABSOLUTELY!"

Do you have a story to share about a particular baby carrier? Is there a carrier that you've tried and absolutely love? Or hate? Post a review of what's worked for you here on the website and give other attachment parenting moms a little bit of advice...

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