Not only do I love babywearing, it is one of my essential parenting tools. I have worn both of my babies. My younger daughter, Kaya, is 15 months old and I am nowhere near giving it up. I can't get enough of that feeling of a sleeping babe nestled into me, safe, warm, and in complete comfort.
I am not even sure how I found out about wearing babies. This practice, steeped in ancient tradition, wasn't nearly as trendy back in 2005 when Sara, my first daughter was born. Now you can walk down any street in Vancouver and catch a mom or dad with a babe strapped to them.
There are many advantages to babywearing.
These advantages include strengthening the parent/baby bond, aiding in brain development, and the most obvious one, allowing the parent to have both hands free. Next week in my second installment of Babywearing Diaries, I will give a more in depth description of the advantages and benefits.
At this point, with Kaya moving into toddlerhood, I use babywearing mainly for the practicality aspect. Having Kaya on my back keeps her safely contained and happy (especially while teething!) so I can clean up around the house, do laundry, prep meals, and even do some light yard work.
Outdoor adventures are big part of my family's life.
Out in nature is where we get a lot of our exercise and how we like to spend time together. Babywearing has help facilitate this for our family and has help integrate Kaya and her needs into our regular routine. I enjoy wearing Kaya when we take the dogs to the beach or the woods. I have been doing this since she was only two weeks old. The added advantages of having Kaya up close to me when we're outdoors are keeping her warm and also safe from strangers' dogs; puppies are unpredictable and there are dogs that simply aren't baby friendly.
Being able to get outside and move my body is important, not only for me physically, but for my mental health as well. Nature is where I find space to recharge and connect with myself. This was especially key for me in the first few months postpartum. Getting out in nature regularly is no doubt good for my kids' health and well-being as well.
Also, if it wasn't for babywearing, getting our dogs to the beach or the woods wouldn't be even be feasible. Logistically, the large jogging stroller and Rocco, our German Shepherd-Collie, cannot fit in our Jeep at the same time.
Happy baby, happy mama.
As I mentioned, we do have strollers and use them, however babywearing is still my go-to in terms of getting Kaya from A to B. I much prefer to have Kaya in the ring sling when we stop by the mall or in the grocery store for a quick shop. I find Kaya is a lot more content being up at my level and its easier for her to communicate her needs to me. Also, I don't have to find an elevator or worry whether we will fit in a small boutique .
I have so much more to say on babywearing, what carriers I have used, and how it has positively impacted our family. This post is just the start to an ongoing series, Babywearing Diaries, where I will continue to discuss this beautiful tradition. Next week: proven benefits and advantages of babywearing.
Keep in mind, I am aware that babywearing isn't for everyone. It can be physically draining and difficult on the body, especially early on in the postpartum period. I don't want to add on any unnecessary guilt if you have no desire or physical ability to wear your baby! If you are looking for an alternative way to gain some of the benefits of babywearing, such as temperature and breathing regulation, I would suggest incorporating some skin to skin time into your routine. This simple way of connecting with your baby can be done by both the mother and father/partner.