Babywearing

I think it was my husband's comments last year about babywearing that really introduced me to the concept.  He said that babies should be carried or worn and that he didn't see much of a need for a stroller.  As I was deciding what kind of parent I wanted to be before Lily was born, I discovered that babywearing was associated with attachment parenting, just like many of the other choices I was making.  Dr. Sears talks about benefits of babywearing, including that a baby that cries less and learns more.   I had this grand vision of Lily's first weeks being full of easy breastfeeding, cosleeping, picking up on elimination cues, and babywearing.  Well, breastfeeding wasn't easy, I still can't figure out her elimination cues, and she basically hated being in a carrier at the beginning.  It's been a journey, but we take a break and then we try something again.  She's slowly getting accustomed to the carriers, which allows us more versatility.  It's great to be able to get up off of the couch and use two hands to do something every now and then.

We have a Moby wrap, a Baby K'tan, a Balboa ring sling, a Baby Bjorn, and a Sleeping Baby Productions (SBP) ring sling.  I used the Moby a bit when Lily was little.  The K'tan is really easy to get on, and it has front carry positions, too.  I was really disappointed with the Balboa sling, because while it was recommended by Dr. Sears, it isn't very functional.

I just purchased a SBP ring sling.  It is all the rave with the moms I've come into contact with online.  It's affordable, durable, and custom made.  She really does a great job with them.  We went to Ikea last weekend, and I was able to breastfeed Lily discreetly in the sling while we walked around.  We even got to have dinner out! Babywearing win!

Lily got to see Ikea.  So many new things to explore!

Breastfeeding in the ring sling.  You can't event tell!

Dinner at a local restaurant!

Daddy is having more success with Lily Bean in the Baby Bjorn.  She loves to face front and see what is going on.