International Babywearing Week

I love babywearing! I didn't always. When the girls were babies I had a Evenflo Snugglie; but it was so hard to get them in and out, especially if they were sleeping. I did find it useful when RaeRae was a small baby. We lived only a block from the library, so I would put her in the Snugglie and then zip up My Man's winter jacket over the both of us. It wasn't long though before she grew too big for that. I also had a ring sling but it was too big for me (it didn't have a long tail) and it had such thick padding on the rails that the baby seemed to get lost and smothered in it. Needless to say I didn't think very much of babywearing at that time. When I was pregnant with Baby Bear though, I knew that I was going to have to be able to carry him hands free more than I had needed to with the girls. I had some friends who had been able to babywear successfully, so I thought I would do some more research into it. I am SO glad I did! The MUST-Go-To site for finding out more about babywearing is The Babywearer. They have so much information about so many different kinds of baby carriers, pros and cons, how to's, diy tips, and so much more! My most used carrier has been the Wrap Style carrier. Also known as the Moby Wrap. I actually have three of these that I made myself. Two of a brown cotton/polyester blend, light knit fabric, and one of a cotton gauze. The knit is great because it's no-sew, so it's super easy to make! I just took 4 yards and cut it in half length-wise so I would have two carriers. It's also great for small infants and for nursing because you can get a snugger fit. The con of knit is that it does tend to stretch and sag if I carry Ally with it. You also wouldn't want to use a 100% polyester knit... It's way to hot!
Here I am hiking with Baby Bear in what Moby Wrap calls the Lotus Hold. His feet are crossed and tucked up infront of him. It's a great position for babies who are gassy, or like Baby Bear, want to feel more secure but still face forward to see all that's going on. He fell asleep so I tucked his head just inside the part going over my shoulder so his head wouldn't bob all around. Also to make the wrap look more stylish I tied the knot on the side, as you can see, instead of infront or in back. (I wouldn't recommend doing that for all holds though.)
Here's the Baby Bear after he woke up. His feet are still tucked up to his chest, but his arms and head are free to move around.
Here he's a little older and feels safe enough to let his feet dangle.
Here I am using the wrap made from the cotton gauze. It's more light weight than the knit. The cons are that you do have to hem or surge the edges, it's not as stretchy so it's harder to get the right fit for nursing. The knit wrap is my first choice to take shopping. Especially if I'm shopping alone with all three kids! It makes shopping trips much quicker too because I don't have to stop and sit to nurse Baby Bear... I nurse him hands free while I shop! And with the knit wrap it's very modest and discreet.

To find wearing instructions for a wrap style carrier go here to the Moby Wrap website, or here to The Babywearer for links to other sites with instructions.

Though I love the wrap carrier, I found that I sometimes need a carrier that's quick and easy to put on. So I decided to make a Ring Sling. The fabric I used is a medium weight linen. (Simple cotton weave/quilting fabric is not wise to use as it's not made for heavy wear and tear.) The Ring Sling is versatile (although not as versatile as the wrap). Baby Bear's favorite position in the Ring Sling is similar to the Lotus hold in the Wrap carrier, with his feet crossed and tucked up by his chest.
Here I am with the Ring Sling that I made. (Baby Bear was sleeping so I borrowed a baby doll to pose with :-) ) You can find all the information you need to make a ring sling at Jan Andrea's site. Before making your own Ring Sling, PLEASE!!! read the information that she has first! It's important to the safety of your baby that you use the right fabric and rings.

The last type of carrier that I made was a Pouch Sling similar to HotSlings or New Native. I wanted something that would be easy and more "manly" so that My Man could enjoy "wearing" Baby Bear as well. Especially since he travels for work and is gone most of the week. I thought this would give them more bonding opportunity. The instructions are found at Jan Andrea's site
Here is My Man posing with Baby Bear's baby bear (Baby Bear was already sleeping). Honestly though, this carrier hasn't been used much. A Pouch Sling should be custom made to fit the adult wearer, and I'm afraid that I made this one a touch to small. It works, but it's a little snug. For more help in measuring for the right fit watch this video from ZoloWear (I wish I had seen it before making the Pouch). If you are not certain of the amount of fabric you should use add an inch or two. Remember, you can always make it smaller. The other thing that would make this a little nicer is a button to adjust the fit. ZoloWear has video instructions on how to use a Pouch Sling and you can see the advantages of having an adjustable fit (Getting Started video).

So there you have it! I hope this was helpful. Do you have a baby carrier that you enjoy using? I'd love to hear about it and why you enjoy it.

Happy Babywearing!