Tuesday, October 5, 2010

babywearing.

is International Babywearing Month. Since I've been accused of needing a 12-step program for the number of slings & carriers we own, I thought I'd link up a few pictures to celebrate with her. Stop by her blog & leave a link to your babywearing story to enter to win a Sakura Bloom sling too.

maya wrap at the library
I'm not sure where I first noticed babywearing as a trend, but once Cassidy was born I became a believer. Both she & Kalea were always calmest when nestled up right under my chin beginning just days after they were born. 
babyhawk at a baseball game
I know there has been controversy lately about the safety of babywearing & I'm glad that there are people out there who take the time to ensure child safety. The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA) states however, in their position paper that "Using a soft baby carrier (“babywearing”) supports baby and mother’s biological need to be together. For mothers, it facilitates initiation and ease of breastfeeding as well as helps mothers form attachments to their babies, care for themselves and their babies during the newborn stage and avoid postpartum depression. In addition, babywearing is practical, comfortable and convenient for caregivers. For babies, it decreases infant crying, colic and infant acid reflux disease. It promotes healthy physical development of the spine, vestibular system, vision and other systems in babies. It optimizes the mental development of babies because worn babies have an enriched environment which, in turn, helps their brains to develop better. Babies in slings spend more time in the quiet alert state known to be optimal for learning and development. Further, it helps babies develop socially and keeps babies safe from the multitude of surrounding hazards of every day life." Check out BCIA on Facebook.
moby wrap & kelty while snowshoeing
So that's a whole lot of words to say: I think my babies were better off close to me than anywhere else. They were (& still are!) happier, slept better & more content when in a sling, wrap or carrier than anywhere else. And, particularly with Kalea, it made me better able to cope, be productive & care for a toddler while caring for an infant. As far as safety goes, I followed the general rule that babies should be worn close enough to kiss. And, really, who doesn't like to be able to kiss a baby at any given moment. Mmmm, sweet baby smells.
hotsling in Moab
So, even if you think it's not for you, I encourage you to try it for a few days just to see if babywearing might work for you. If nothing else you'll get some good snuggle time in with your little one. And, of course, if you need one to try, I've got plenty to share!
ergo - newest purchase...love it for 3 y/o & 1 y/o!


10 comments:

tiarasandtrucks said...

That exact Ergo has saved my sanity more times than I can count - grocery stores, on vacation when the babe reacted like the Pack & Play was covered in toxic waste, at the zoo, I could go on and on. I wore my daughter infrequently in a Hotsling, but I don't know how I could have juggled the toddler and the baby without my Moby & Ergo. (We're starting to use a ring sling for hip carries, and that's pretty great, too.)

Ratz said...

well i have heard about the controversies that come with baby wearing.. if it is safe, then it is absolutely great to do that... hey Jackie.. is it just me or has someone ever told you tat u have a small resemblance with Meryl Streep...

lumpsonablog said...

It's funny that you say that b/c a few others have said the same thing...but not for a few years. Thanks!

lumpsonablog said...

Toxic waste, huh? Bet that was loads of fun!

I know I'm an addict, but seriously don't know how people survive w/o them!

AdventureInBabywearing said...

Oh, great photos! I love the orange, too!

Steph

lumpsonablog said...

Thanks for stopping by!

lifewithkaishon said...

: ) I say do whatever floats your boat and makes you happy. I think it is interesting how strongly people feel about it : ) If it makes your baby happy and you happy, well, then WHY NOT : )

Love your pictures. Sweet as can be!

lumpsonablog said...

Thanks! I feel that way about most things. I'm a crunchy, babywearing, vegetarian, cloth-diapering, co-sleeping, breastfeeding mama...b/c those things work for *my* family. As long as it's safe & healthy for everyone involved, then I say do what makes you (& your family) live your best life. :)

Booyah's Momma said...

Sigh. I miss the feeling of having a little one snuggled next to me. My littlest outgrew the snuggli months ago, and I miss it. You can use an ergo for your 3 yo? I may have to check that out!

lumpsonablog said...

You can - my (almost!) 3 y/o is kind of on the small side at only 27 lbs, but the ERGObaby "recommends a weight limit of 40 pounds (18 Kilograms) for its carrier; however, the carrier has been tested up to 90 pounds (41 Kilograms). Our carrier will accommodate you as long as you and your baby are happy using it." It's on their website on the FAQ page: http://kb.ergobabycarrier.com/questions/6/What+is+the+weight+limit+of+The+ERGObaby+carrier%3F