my babywearing journey

I have come a long way in my babywearing journey since I first began. My first taste of babywearing happened when Moose was just a few weeks old. As a first-time-mom I felt I needed to constantly be holding him, but I couldn't get anything done while he was in my arms. And not just the cooking and cleaning suffered, my sanity did as well. To remedy this, I began searching for a solution.

My first babywearing purchase was an Infantino Pouch of Death. When I got home and put Moose in it he practically turned into an overripe tomato, he was so red with fury. I never put him in it again (thank goodness!!!!) and exchanged it for a Snugli carrier. I tried him in the Snugli, but quickly realized he was too young for it. After some time spent googling baby wraps I found a site that taught me how to make a DIY stretchy wrap. I'm always looking for ways to save money, so I returned to the babywearing central that is Walmart (sarcasm) and bought a few yards stretchy fabric. I didn't even hem the edges, just googled instructions for wrapping and popped him in. My little homemade wrap was actually a great first taste of babywearing. While it was not supportive enough to last as long as a Sleepy Wrap, it certainly helped me out a lot during those first months. Moose was comfy-cozy and I was hands-free!

When Moose became too heavy for my homemade stretchy wrap (maybe three months old?) I began to use the Snugli. I know, shame on me. But I didn't know any better! I had no idea that their poor design is not only uncomfortable for babies, but bad for their hips (hence the loving nickname "crotch dangler" bestowed upon Snuglis and Bjorns by babywearing mamas everywhere). We quickly learned from our own experience that the Snugli was uncomfortable for both of us. Moose's head was constantly conking forward onto my chest and my back ached when I used it. I probably used it all of three times before I tossed it in the closet and forgot about it.

I didn't babywear Moose again until he was 10 months old. We were going on vacation and bought a pack similar to a Kelty for hiking. This served its purpose well. Around the same time I began hearing about Mei Tais. I purchased my first after hearing rave reviews and was astounded with how comfortable it was! I could carry my 25-lb Moose with no problems!

After my first taste of real babywearing thanks to my mei tai, I was hooked and knew I wanted to babywear Brax. Before his birth I began collecting babywearing items and attempting to test drive them on Moose (Those that were safe to use with a larger baby. I learned a lot in my research at this time). Moose has never been a super snuggly baby, though, and since he never really got used to being worn he heavily protested my experimentation, so I put it on the backburner until Brax arrived.

And now here I am, a proud babywearing mama! I love to wear Brax not just for the convenience and comfort, but for the snuggles. Brax is much snugglier than Moose ever was, and I am soaking up all the extra lovin's I get from him. I do not claim to be a babywearing expert, but I sure know a lot more than I did before. I also know what's comfy and safe for my baby, and I admit that I love the chic-factor of the carriers. Yes, babywearing can become a fashion statement (and addiction) just like cloth diapering.

There are so many different types of carriers to try! Between wovens and stretchy wraps, ring slings and soft-structured carriers, mei tais and pods, each type having its pros and cons of comfort, convenience and style. I'm going to be incorporating a bit of this new hobby of mine into my blogging-realm. I will also be periodically hosting babywearing reviews and giveaways, so keep your eyes peeled for those! I hope you enjoy reading about me stumbling along on this new journey.