Babywearing

When I had Hannah, I didn't know anything about babywearing. We use to wear her in a carrier around town simply because it was more practical then pushing a stroller. It never once occurred to me that I could wear her inside the house! Hannah would have been a much more content baby if I had done more babywearing with her. 

While I was pregnant with Lilly, I randomly stumbled upon some babywearing videos on YouTube. I became increasingly interested by it, and did a lot of research before deciding on going with a Solly Baby Wrap. Aaron also wanted to wear Lilly, but refused to wear her in a wrap, so he went with an Ergo 360.
I ended up wearing Lilly in the ergo a lot more than the wrap. I think because it was a lot more comfortable for me. I was still struggling a little with getting the wrap on right. I also was walking in the mornings with my sister, and the structure of the ergo made babywearing a lot more comfortable. It also came with a sun shade which helped tremendously when walking in the high desert.

When I found out I was going to have another baby, I knew I wanted to use my wrap a lot more. I did more research into babywearing with a wrap. I also joined some groups on facebook which are dedicated to educating mothers on proper babywearing. I felt a lot more confident third time around. I started wearing Beck when he was two weeks old. It would have been sooner but recovery was not fun for me. He was so little and instantly snuggled up on my chest and fell right asleep. I could tell that he was in the wrap correctly because he was completely relaxed. He was high and tight, face visible, close enough to kiss, and his bum was lower than his knees. I was also extremely comfortable while wearing him which meant I had wrapped the Solly correctly. There were no twist or sagging in my fabric.
As you can tell, I did not buy a new wrap. I barely used it with Lilly, so it was in great condition. Yes, it is purple, take my advise when I tell you to ALWAYS go with gender neutral. I use my wrap while in the house, and wear Beck almost if not everyday. When we are going to be out for a couple hours, I wear him in the Ergo. It is more comfortable for extended periods of time, and easier to take off and put back on for feedings, diaper changes etc. I much prefer to have him close to me then in a carseat.

Here are just a few reasons why I love babywearing.

1. He loves it.
Beck can be screaming and as soon as I get him in the wrap he is out (sometimes he falls asleep while I am putting him in it.) If he doesn't fall asleep, he will look around for a little bit, fully content, then fall asleep. I am telling you these wraps are magical.

2. Hands free.
I have a five year old and a one year old who also need my attention. I love taking them outside to run and play. In these instances it is easier to have Beck in the ergo then in my arms. It also helps when the girls want to play or I want to do their hair etc.
I don't tend to do much cleaning when he is in the wrap (although you could.) Cleaning tends to involve a lot of bending and picking things up which I don't love doing while babywearing. I do mop the floor and fold clothes etc. I also do not cook while babywearing because I don't like my baby being so close to a hot stove and cook top.

3. We are creating a bond.
I love how content Beck is snuggled up on my chest. I do not breastfeed and so worried about not having the same bond with my children. Babywearing allows a closeness and oneness with Beck that I might not get another way.

4.  Convenient.
 Sometimes it is easier to carry a baby then push around a stroller. If we didn't carried Beck around Salt Lake City, we would have to take the big and bulky sit and stand. If I carry Beck then we only need to take along an umbrella stroller for Lilly Belle. The umbrella stroller is a lot easier to transport, maneuver, and navigate through crowds.

5. I love it.
Beck loves being wrapped, but I also love having him close to me. He is my sweet little baby. I know how quickly the days pass by and I want to cherish and soak up every day with him. Keeping him close enables me to snuggle with my baby all the time.

If you don't have any type of babywearing equipment, I would highly recommend getting something. I love the Solly Wrap and our Ergo 360 (links to both will be down below.) I am also looking into a baby ring sling for when Beck gets a little bigger.
I love babywearing and know you will too.

click on the links below for their websites
The Solly Baby Wrap
The Ergobaby 360 Carrier