International Babywearing Week 2016: How Babywearing Saved My Sanity

Babywearing, oh how I love thee.

I don’t know how I would get through most days if it wasn’t for the convenience of babywearing. I loved it with my first child, but fell even more deeply into love with all things babywearing with the birth of our second kid. With a crazy, rambunctious toddler to keep alive and a little sweet, but lately super-clingy little baby girl, babywearing saves my sanity in so many ways.

Use of Both Hands

Have you tried making a PB&J with one hand? It’s tough. Throwing the kiddo in the baby carrier allows me the use of both hands for every day tasks that you took for granted pre-baby. It allows me to somewhat keep up with keeping our house moderately clean (laundry, vacuuming, dusting) all with baby in tow. Cooking? Yep! That too (most of it — I don’t do much stove top cooking while wearing for fear of splatters of surface burns).  You know how baby always starts fussing the minute your meal is ready to eat? Just pop them in and eat. Warning:  crumbs in their hair will happen. And most importantly, I can have both hands available to use while taking care of our toddler which I’ll get into a little later.

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Exercise

I love being able to get up and move around while babywearing. No more feeling trapped on the couch underneath a sleeping baby. There were countless times the first few months with both my kids, that I would put them in the carrier and walk, walk, walk. Aside from walking, there are babywearing yoga and cardio-resistant workouts. CariFit offers a great line of cardio classes online for babywearing mamas.

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Happy Baby, Happy Mom

Most babies love being worn. The close proximity to mom mimics their life in the womb and brings them comfort and peace. If any of my children were fighting nap time or being super fussy, I could put them in the carrier and walk around a few minutes/sing and they’d be out within minutes or at least calm and no longer crying. With a little practice, you can even nurse discreetly in the carrier which is great for those that are a little nervous about public breastfeeding.

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Shopping

Infant car seats are huge! The first time we went shopping with our toddler and infant, we realized that there was no room in the cart for groceries. By using the carrier, you open up a ton of grocery cart space and there is less fussing too. Double win!

Travel

Although we have a double stroller to put both kids in, there are times that a stroller (especially one that large), can be a hindrance and impossible to maneuver. When we recently went to an amusement park as a family, being able to wear the baby while the toddler rode along in the stroller was so convenient. On another vacation, we were hiking trails and walking sand dunes. There was no way the stroller would have been able to cover that terrain.

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Keeping Up with the Toddler

If you’re about to be a mom to two under the age of 3, you need a carrier. Those first few months would have been exponentially more difficult without being able to put our newborn/infant into a carrier. It’s such a time of transition and this allowed a great balance and opportunity to keep everyone as happy, healthy and safe as possible. The carrier allows me to meet my toddlers needs and prevent him from feeling like he’s not getting as much attention while still keeping our baby safe and cozy. It’s easy to be able to be outside with our son playing while sis takes a snooze or just comes along for the ride.

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I often get asked about what my favorite carriers are. I loved using a Sakura Bloom silk sling ring during the early newborn days. It’s easy to use and nestle baby in nice and close, while also keeping them supported. As my babies got older (and more wiggly), I often switched to a more structured carrier. I currently use an Ergo Original, but have been hearing rave reviews about LilleBaby carriers too. I’d love to be able to have a structured carried that baby can face outward in such as the Ergo 360  (I have an older carrier from several years ago) or Lillebaby Complete Airflow(Totally on my wishlist! It’s breathable, has 6 carrying options and has amazing support).

Are you a babywearing mama?  What’s your favorite aspect about babywearing or favorite carrier?

 

About Guest Blogger:  I’m Amber, a 30 something year old wife and mama. I have two wonderful children, Aiden and Brielle, an incredibly supportive and hardworking husband. I’m fueled by coffee, re-energized with yoga, love a good mind-clearing run, gardening, creating recipes in the kitchen and unwinding with a glass of wine. Most of my days are spent in graphic tee’s, a top knot and yoga pants, playing cars, babywearing, kissing boo boo’s and cleaning sticky fingers and faces. Despite some days being tedious and draining, I wouldn’t trade it for the world as this time is fleeting and so very precious. I strive to teach my children kindness, acceptance and to value others differences, especially in these tumultuous time. I believe that more kindness and empathy can do this world a lot of good and much of that starts at home with our children.