The wonder that is baby wearing
I talk a lot about baby wearing with clients. Yes I’m an IBCLC and feeding is my focus, but there is SO much more to being a great IBCLC than just how feeding is going. It’s going really supporting and educating the dyad, helping the parent adjust to this new person, this new way of life. It’s one of the biggest changes we will ever go through in our lifetime, and it deserves care and compassion.
So why baby wearing? Because it’s like duct tape….it fixes everything! Crying, fussy, won’t fall asleep? Baby wear. Need to cook or take care of the laundry? Baby wear. Want to go for a walk or do some light exercise? Baby wear. Baby needs to develop head strength but hates tummy time? Baby wear. Managing two kids for the first time and it’s super hard? Baby wear for the win.
Seriously baby wearing does fix, or at least help, all of those things and more. It frees up your hands so you can cook, do dishes, laundry or just straighten up your space. You can now take care of your older kids, or pets, without having baby crying because you aren’t holding them. Basically you get some of your life and independence back, just with a baby strapped to you.
And baby gets a lot of of this too. Babies need not only to develop head strength, but to also have postural stability- the ability to keep your body upright against gravity- and the best place to learn that is on your body. Babies also are co-regulators, that means they can’t calm their own nervous system, they rely on the nervous systems of those around them. And if your nervous system is stressed (maybe from a fussy baby and sink full of dishes) they can’t calm down. By wearing your baby you are able to calm their nervous systems and yours at the same time! It’s really wonderful. Feeding is also easier when baby is right there on your body, whether you feed in the carrier or not.
Now that you know just a few of the many benefits of baby wearing, what type of carrier should you get? Well the short answer is you will likely want more than one style, there are SO many. Here are just a few of my tops favorites for you to look at:
Wrap style carrier- this can be a Moby, Solly, Boba, or other long pieces of fabric. While they come in different sizes most are very, very long, typically around 5 yards of fabric! In my opinion this is the most versatile type of carrier. You can use it the regular way to “swaddle” a baby to your chest (even skin to skin). You can use it to put a baby on your back, making it easier to bend over and move around (yes in this type of carrier it’s safe even with newborns). If you have 2 large rings you can turn it into a ring sling. It also can become a belly wrap for support when pregnant, knotted to become a toddler hip carry assist and much more. These really are so versatile.
Other great options are buckle carriers, such as an Ergo, half buckle carriers like Lenny Lamb. Then there is the Onbuhimo with no waist strap, baby worn high on the back (older than 4 months) and is great for those who don’t want anyone on their waist, pregnant or want more upright view for baby. There are carriers meant for wearing in the water, those for hot weather with more breathability, and those meant for toddlers into preschool age. There are truly carriers for every different age and need.
I am not a certified baby wearing expert, and I do recommend learning more from on. There is so much they can teach you. Here are some of my favorite baby wearing experts on IG (it’s fun to scroll IG late at night and watch all these baby wearing videos).
Cassidy at Let’s Talk Baby Wearing
Anna at Baby wearing 365 in real life
I hope you try on some carriers and find one that is comfortable for you and baby. I hope baby wearing becomes more than just a way to get things done, but a way to connect, to build that bond with your baby, and becomes a way of life.