Sometimes On This Journey You Just Need To Be Carried...

...If you are a baby or toddler that is! That's right we are talking about one of my favorite things: Babywearing!!!!!
There are so many cute carriers out there, but more than that; they are a staple in Attachment Parenting. They are great for little ones, and free up mom's hands so she can get more done, like hugging the other little ones.
*I speak about the adoption side because that is where I am, bit but most moms that wear are bio-moms that use natural feeding methods which is so much easier in a carrier, from what I have read, anyway. ;) 


While going through the adoption process I started studying Attachment Parenting and what it could do for my future little ones and I kept coming across baby carriers. I knew I was on to something...so I stared researching. The basic idea is I couldn't carry this little one in my body so I carry them on my body. Thus making for easier for bonding(holding, feeding, nurturing), bonding in napping, and sweet cuddles for special one-on-one time. This is such a gift for little one that come to you through adoption..they are close to that heartbeat that beats with so much love.

Thankfully I was a little ahead of the game:.. I got into babywearing on a much smaller scale a few years back with just one sling, full hands, and an open mind. I work in childcare~ it was a life saver!!! Now another baby is in my care and I have added a few more to my stash, and Baby just loves them (as you can see picture below where is sound asleep on hubby's back..poor little guy, don't worry I pulled up the hood to support his little neck after the picture.)

There is so much great information out there, but I thought I would share a little just to get you started, enjoy!

The 5 Main Styles/Types Of carriers:

Wraps~ A Long piece of Cloth...which can be stretchy (Moby) for newborns, or a nice woven for older babies & toddlers.*I love my wraps!!!

Ring Sling~ An adjustable sling made of fabric with rings to hold it in place..many times the same fabric as the wraps above. I so want one of these!!!

Asian Style~ Mei Tai

Just a side note, Babys knees should have been a little higher..

Soft Pack~AKA SSC  Kind of like the Mei Tai, but with buckles like a backpack, & also called a full buckle.

 * I want a NICE one of these sooo bad!!!

Frame/Hard Pack~ Like a Soft Pack but with a metal from inside, most popular for hiking, camping, & etc.


Those are the basics... I could start listing all of my favorites brands, but I would be typing all day!

Now for the serious stuff...
First off some of you may have heard of the recalled sling a few years back. Yes, these are very dangerous and no longer on the market, so just be careful when shopping for a used carrier. A quick google search is all it takes...

Second, is not all carriers are the same!!! There is a huge difference in cotton and woven...a Mei Tai that has XL straps and one that is standard and not very flattering if you have a little umm..cushioning...a cheap carrier that will hurt your back and something good quality that will last!

The third is the most important in the Mei Tais & Soft structured packs; and that is that your little one needs a good seat. There are many mainstream (like you would buy at the local babystore) that are considered "crotch-danglers" (don't judge me, I didn't come up with that name..) and basically the fabric just holds under baby's pelvis. The problem with that is that the legs dangle and all of pressure is on the developing lower back and hips.
As a good rule of thumb: baby's knees should ALWAYS be positioned higher than their bum.

So there you have it, just a little taste of babywearing.... Please let me know if you would like to hear more.