International Babywearing Week Part 1

I have found I have two real passions on my short journey (to date) of motherhood. Breastfeeding and BABYWEARING.
What is babywearing? Babywearing is an alternate way of carrying your baby then in a stroller or in their infant car seat (see my post about carriers below).
I love wearing my baby! And, since it is International Babywearing Week, I thought we could clear up some babywearing myths.

1. Babywearing is Expensive- not so! There are plenty of work from home moms who have reputable products. My personal favorite is Sleeping Baby Productions. Jan is a wonderful working from home mom who provides quality Ring Slings.
2. Babywearing is too complicated- UM- can be but can not be. A ring sling is VERY simple. You just throw it over your shoulder and put your baby in. The hardest part is the first 1-2 times when you have to get it adjusted to the right spot. Other carriers, such as Mei Tais are pretty simple once you do it a few times. The most complicated for me is the wrap- such as the Moby and Sleepy Wrap. I will be honest, I barely used the moby because of all the wrapping. That and it is HOT!
3. Babywearing is Dangerous- With the recent recall of the infantino pouch slings, and a rumor amongst Babywearers of another recall, it is understandable why people thing Babywearing would be dangerous. BUT IT IS NOT! As long as you have a SAFE carrier and are knowledgeable and aware it is COMPLETELY SAFE! The biggest one people worry about are slings. First- you need a sling that encourages the baby to be VERTICAL. The problem with the pouch slings is it encourages the baby to ride low and in a c-shape. Your baby's head should always be kissable when being worn. Also, you should always be aware of your baby's breathing. Make sure your carrier is safe for the age and ability of your baby. Also, people worry about the baby falling out. Most Mei Tais and SSCs are EXTREMELY SECURE. Slings are very secure as long as you are careful when turning and always hold your baby when you bend AT ALL!
4. Baby will never learn to walk if he is always carried- Mommy does not wear baby 24 hours a day. A babywearing mommy still does plenty of floor time, etc with their baby. I hope she doesn't mind me using her as an example but a babywearing mommy friend that often comments on my blog has a VERY active, walking, nearly running 11 month old. I have seen the videos on the blog.
5. Babywearing is IMPOSSIBLE if someone has a bad back- Both true and false. Someone with a bad back would not be able to wear something like a sling. HOWEVER, SSCs are great options for those with bad backs as it puts most of the baby's weight on your hips. Ergos and Becos are both great options. Both are having giveaways this week as well.
6. It is not possible with twins- There are several baby carriers that are made for twins. Moby Wraps are one that let you carry infants 2 at a time. Granted, as they get older, it will be less likely that one parent can wear both, but this is where taking turns or both parents wearing a baby comes in.
7. Babies who are worn have less social contact- While babywearing is something that helps moms control who has contact with their little ones (especially during flu season), it also puts baby at the same level as the mom. Rather than people looking down on the baby, many are at eye level- or close. The baby gets to interact with the mom, instead of people just talking over a stroller as the baby watches from below.

I hope this helped clear up some babywearing myths. My next post will be about the benefits of babywearing.