My first ERGO was purchased used from a woman on Craigslist.  Prior to owning it I wasn’t babywearing much, if at all.  I purchased a ring sling when pregnant with my first son and just couldn’t get the hang of it.  Back then I was a complete newbie to babywearing and parenting.  I read online how amazing the ERGO was and when I saw one for 75.00, gently used, I jumped at the chance.

That carrier introduced me to the wonderful world of babywearing and at a great price!  Knowing what I know now I would have paid anything to have that carrier and have it work as well as it did.  He almost lived in his ERGO.  Months later we started exploring other carriers but the ERGO has a special place in my heart as my introduction to comfortable babywearing.

You can imagine when I heard that Petunia Pickle Bottom (the brand of diaper bag I also use and love) and ERGObaby teamed up that I was over the moon.  My old black ERGO was faded.  It still worked like a charm, but I used it less and less in favor of my other “prettier” carriers like my Boba.

An opportunity to try the PBB ERGO came courtesy of Mom’s Milk Boutique.  They kindly offered to bring one to the ABC Kids Expo for me and I said “OH GOD YES.”  Well…. I was thinking that but I kindly accepted in a less eenthusiastic, more professional way.

Since that time I have been using the PBB ERGO on a very regular basis.  I chose the Peaceful Portofino which goes beautifully with my son’s bright blue eyes.  I love all three of the prints so it was a very difficult choice.  I got to see all of them, and the other new colors and prints of the ERGO when I attended the ABC Kids Expo.

As a Petunia Pickle Bottom owner who is familiar with the depth and beauty of their brocade prints I was curious how they would translate over to the ERGO.  I love them on a diaper bag but was just a little apprehensive about that fabric on a carrier.  Luckily they just translated their STYLE of print to a flat cotton material.  I think this works best for durability and washing reasons.

The carrier itself is still an ERGO which means it is insanely comfortable for Moms, Dads, and caregivers to wear their babies and toddlers.  You can also nurse in it, wear a newborn while using their Heart2Heart insert, and use it for front and back carries.

Mom’s Milk Boutique sells the Petunia Picklebottom ERGObaby Carrier as well as their standard carriers in the new colors like the Mystic Purple (which is stuning in person!), the Performance ERGObaby Carrier, and their Organic Carriers.  You can find all of the ERGObaby accessories there including my favorite, the front pouch.  I kid you not, I use it every day as my purse.

Right now MMB is having a special.  If you buy a full price ERGObaby carrier receive a free Infant Insert.  This doesn’t include the Petunia Picklbottom Carriers.  ERGObaby carriers also ship FREE!

Pssst…… Don’t forget to RSVP and attend the #MilkMiles Twitter Party for Mom’s Milk Boutique. There are a gazillion prizes to be handed out in just 1 hour, including a few ERGObaby front pouches! My fav! It all goes down November 22 at 9 PM EST.

*Bang*

That is the sound of me shooting my TV Screen at yet another show that has incorrectly, and dangerously, portrayed a baby being worn in a carrier.

You might be thinking, “Who Cares?  The actor is just wearing a creepy doll, no babies were harmed in the making of that film.”

Hollywood makes money because people, millions of them, watch TV, commercials, and movies.  And then they buy what the actor is wearing, or eat at the restaurant they talk about, or cut their hair the way that actress did, well, you get the picture.

I’m not underestimating the intelligence of every American, but when you see this on the silver screen, some people might actually think that is the proper way to wear a baby in a sling.

Not a purse, that is a baby in a sling

Notice how low and covered the baby is

My Idiot Brother: The fact that this movie (My Idiot Brother) was made very recently, after the CPSC issued a warning about the safety of slings and still chose to portray a baby being worn in such a clearly unsafe manner, is just baffling.

I try to put myself on the set during filming.  Do no mothers (or people with common sense) work on set?  Not a single soul spoke up to the director or actor?

Grey’s Anatomy: Another case of unsafe babywearing was during last season of Grey’s Anatomy.  Mark wore newborn Sophia in an Ergo.  Yes, this is really awesome because in general most shows depict babies facing out in crotch danglers.

Mark wearing the Ergo

Unfortunately he was wearing a newborn in the Ergo without an insert, the chest clip wasn’t fastened, and she was positioned far too low.  This show is seen by over 9 million viewers.  What if just one mother thought this was OK and wore her infant this way?  And what if that baby slid out from the side or suffocated?  That is one baby too many.  The previous week Callie wore Sophia in a ring sling but made it look like a full time job by clutching at the bottom for dear life.  And I wanted to spread the fabric over her shoulder so bad I couldn’t stand it.  {View a clip on Carry Me Away}

Sears: In the “close but no cigar” category is the recent Sears ad that has gotten so much airplay I have seen it at least 5 times, and I don’t get to watch a lot of TV.

A couple is seen shopping for appliances and the mother is seen wearing a small baby (doll) in a STRETCHY WRAP.

Good try, Sears

#Win for putting a lesser known baby carrier out for the world to see.

#Fail for having the poor baby (doll) incorrectly positioned so that it still seems to be hanging way too low, and the face is smushed into the mother’s chest.  Mom is also clutching the baby, likely to hide the fact that it is a doll, but it makes her look uncomfortable with wearing it, as if she thinks the baby will fall out at any moment.  {view commercial here}

Breathe.  

It is just TV.

I just don’t get why it is so hard to portray babywearing correctly.  Real moms do it every day.  We put our baby in our carrier the way they should be worn so that they are safe and comfortable.  Can’t someone behind the scenes take an extra minute to consult the INTERNET, or hell, even read the instruction manual that came with the carrier being filmed, to keep babies in the real world safe?

And my final thought: Hollywood, please stop glorifying the crotch dangler!!!  We babywearing moms love that you are starting to look past the Baby Bjorn to more comfortable carriers…. just do your research before you film the next movie, ok?

SNL almost had it right, I bet those babies are frog legged

Am I overthinking this? I’d also love to hear where else you have seen babywearing on TV or in movies, especially if the baby was worn correctly! I wrote this post for International Babywearing Week because this topic has been nagging me for a long time.

This Wordless Wednesday made possible by Amber and Jeff {Cloth Diaper Newbie} who have been working behind the scenes to make DDL run again.  It has been a hot mess for a few weeks now and it looks like what you see and what I see are finally working.  If you see @WamberWhimsies on Twitter give her a big kiss!  Oh, and that beautiful Ergo is the new Petunia Pickle Bottom given to me to review by Mom’s Milk Boutique, so keep an eye out for that!

Trying to choose between the three most popular and well known brands of Soft Structure Carriers (also known as Buckle Carriers) on the market? As I see it, the ERGOBaby, the Beco Butterfly II, and the Boba are the most compared and inquired about SSC’s on the market today.  Since I have used all three with both of my children I have decided to film videos comparing each carrier in different aspects of useage.  The videos will be a visual reference for my written comparisons.

This post will focus on the ERGObaby and Beco Butterfly II only because I am comparing their newborn babywearing capabilities.  The Boba is intended for babies 15 pounds or more.  You can find the other videos and posts on comparing all three carriers by following the ERGObaby/BBII/Boba Series.

ERGObaby

The ♥2♥ (Heart2Heart) is an accessory that is sold seperately from the ERGObaby.  It retails for $25.00 or $38.00 (Organic).  If you intend to wear your baby from birth in your Ergo you will have to have this insert to safely wear your them.  (There are ways to roll up blankets and place them under the baby but please be safe whichever method you choose.)

Pros:

Snug and Cozy. This insert is padded, soft, and a cocoon like shape that wraps your baby.

Adjustable. The Heart2Heart can simulate being swaddled for the baby; you can adjust it to completely wrap the baby.  Not shown in the video, you can also leave it open face if you prefer.

Research: The Heart2Heart has been carefully designed to support your baby’s spine in the best way possible.  As long as you are following their directions closely you will have a very safe and developmentally appropriate newborn carrier.

Cons:

Price. The added expense of 25-38 dollars on top of a high dollar carrier is hard to swallow.  You might be able to find a gently used one on a number of sites, or check your local Craigslist.

Warmth. The Heart2Heart is padded so it might make you, and your baby, a little warm.  Babywearing is already a sweaty practice.  In cold weather this is a bonus, but indoors and outdoors in warmer weather it might get toasty.  The most important thing to to make sure you baby isn’t overheated.

Beco Butterfly II

Not me- but a good photo of a baby in the insert in the Beco

The infant harness is always included with the purchase of your brand new Beco Butterfly II.

Pros:

It does the job. The infant harness raises your newborn to a safe height and also keeps them in the carrier.  The crotch is also narrower than if they were in the seat of the carrier.

Price. FREE with purchase.  This saves mamas the conundrum of deciding whether to buy an accessory.  If they want to try their Beco with a newborn they can.  If not, they aren’t out any money.  Beco’s do cost more than Ergo’s when purchased brand new, but the Ergo tips the scale if you buy the carrier and insert brand new.

Slim. Because the insert is not padded in any way it is slimmer in appearance and less bulky to wear than the Heart2Heart.  It would also be less warm for you and the baby.

Cons:

Placement. I really (probably unnecessarily) had trouble getting the insert placed just right.  The velcro is very strong (good thing since it IS holding a baby) but I may have cursed at having to un-stick/re-stick the thing over and over until it was flat and level.  I also always wanted to attach it the opposite way it was meant to go.  Visually, it looked that it should go that way, but then it wouldn’t buckle so I knew it was wrong.  I wish there was a Front/Back designation for dummies like me.

Intimidating. The Beco itself just looks-scary.  There are straps and buckles everywhere.  Brand new moms who are also brand new babywearers have to learn how to use the carrier, and also have to figure out the infant harness.  They might just throw up their hands and give up.  Coming from using an Ergo I even had trouble getting things together.

Commonalities:

Both inserts are meant to be used from birth up to about 4-6 months.  This is completely dependent on your baby and your own comfort.  Once baby has good head control, is large enough that falling out of the carrier through the side is not possible, is tall enough that they are not in danger of suffocation inside of  the carrier, and you feel that they are ready to move up then you can discontinue using the inserts and put them in the carrier directly.  There is no hard and fast number for this.

The only photo of Ev in the newborn insert of the BBII

The ERGObaby and the Beco Butterfly II both instruct you to in some way, shape or form, put the baby somewhere, then place them in the carrier, then put it on.  I always used the couch when I was at home, my lap when out of the house.  When I was out I would often sit in my front passenger seat, take the baby out of the carseat, then so as shown in the video for the Beco.  I didn’t have a Heart2Heart for the Ergo for my newborn so I never used it.  I was able to put the Beco on and place the baby inside while standing (such as in a parking lot) but it never felt as well done as when I did it the long way.  I’m not sure how you could do that with the Heart2Heart.

Since I never used the Heart2Heart it I don’t want to give my judgement on the actual wear of it compared to the infant harness for the Beco. From playing with them both, and as a user of both carriers, I see the positives and negatives of each.

As always it comes down to your preference, your budget, and your baby. I hope the visual side by side comparison helps those on the fence make a decision when not able to visit a store or borrow one.

You can find all of the products mentioned linked below on Amazon.com*

ERGObaby Heart2Heart Infant Insert

ERGObaby Carrier

Beco Butterfly II Carrier

I was sent a Heart2Heart by ERGObaby to faciliate filming this video at my request.  The ERGObaby carrier was purchased by me, as was the Beco Butterfly II.  *I am am affiliate of Amazon.com.  If you order using my links I receive a small percentage, so thank you!

Trying to choose between the three most popular and well known brands of Soft Structure Carriers (also known as Buckle Carriers) on the market? As I see it, the ERGOBaby, the Beco Butterfly II, and the Boba are the most compared and inquired about SSC’s on the market today.  Since I have used all three with both of my children I have decided to film videos comparing each carrier in different aspects of useage.  The videos will be a visual reference for my written comparisons.

This post will focus on each carrier’s version of a Back Carry.  Wearing your baby or toddler on your back is easily the best way to keep them close and safe while accomplishing tasks around the house, tending to your other children, or while enjoying outdoor activities.

ERGOBaby-

ERGO in action

There are various ways to put a baby on your back using the ERGO.  The safest and easiest would be to have another person that yout trust place your baby on your back and help you secure the carrier buckles.  We all know that most of the time this isn’t an option.  Here are a few other ways:

The Superman Toss- After placing the ERGO around your waist and fastening the buckle, keep the ERGO facing backwards and let the back panel hang down.  I like to check my straps to make sure I have them untwisted and get a feel for which way I will be sticking my arms in since it is easy to do it the wrong way.  Have a happy baby either laying down, sitting, or standing nearby.  (This is only for babies with great head control and strength).  Cross your arms in front on you and grab the baby under their arm pits, then swing them over your head and onto your back while you are bent over.  ALWAYS keep a hand on the baby, preferably under their rear ends or behind their back.  Place one arm at a time in the straps and double check that the back panel is high enough on their backs.  Buckle chest strap and make appropraite adjustments.

Couch Corner placement- This method is best for non mobile (with head control) babies.  Using a couch or chair lay your ERGO down into the corner with the front facing the couch.  Lay your baby into the carrier in such a way that their legs are in the appropriate position when you are wearing them.  Back onto the couch and on top of them (without smothering them of course) then buckle the waist belt around yourself.  Next reach behind you and grab your straps and put them on.  As long as your baby holds relatively still this can be done but it is harder than the Superman Toss in my opinion.

Hip Scoot- This is my least favorite way to put a baby on my back in the ERGO but I know others who prefer it.  Buckle your ERGO around your waist and have the panel in front of you.  Place your baby in the carrier just as you would for a Front Carry but don’t buckle the strap on your back.  Scooch the baby around to your side, then move your arms and bend forward to scoot the baby to your back, all the while keeping one hand on them at all times.  (This move is far easier in the Beco due to the internal harness)

Beco on Daddy

Beco Butterfly II:

Laying down/ Couch Corner- Thanks to the internal harness of the Beco almost anyone can do a back carry.  One way would be laying the Beco down on a bed or soft floor and placing the baby into the internal harness.  Clip the buckles of the panel to the internal structure, then lean backwards and very close to the baby and carrier.  Buckle the waist belt first, then put your arms in the straps.  Lift from the surface slowly being aware of your baby’s position and well being.  Clip your chest strap and tighten as needed.  Can be done similary to the Couch Corner method as well.

Hip Scoot- The Hip Scoot maneuver is easier since the baby is attached to the carrier while you are moving it around your body.  Put your baby inside the Beco making sure to utilize the internal harness properly (see video).  Take your arms back out of the straps (if you put them in) and then slowly scoot the baby around your body, under your arms, and to your back being sure to bend over once the baby is on your back.  Put your arms back through the straps and secure your chest clip, then make any tightening or adjustments as needed.

Fletcher in the 1g Boba

Boba:

Superman Toss- I use this pretty much exclusively when I am wearing my son in the Boba.  The Boba is designed for babies 1 year and older so you may find that the child you intend to wear in the Boba will be cooperative and assist by holding onto you.  This doesn’t mean you should trust them, but it will make things easier.  Have your toddler stand up or sit facing you and cross your arms in front of you.  Put your hands under their arm pits and lift them over your head then twist them around and place them onto your back.  Keeping a hand on their bottom, reach behind you and pull each side of the strap up onto your arms and the back panel high over their backs.  I have mistakenly not checked the back panel and then noticed that it wasn’t as high as it should be (and thus not as safe since the child could lean backwards).  Once they are secure and straps are on, buckle the chest clip.  You can also then place the child’s feet into the straps on your waist belt if their legs are hanging down low.

If you aren’t comfortable with this toss you can kneel down and ask your (older) toddler to clib onto your back, or have them sit on a safe place like your sofa then allow them to climb on.  If the child is too young for this try the couch corner idea as described for the ERGO.

Hip Scoot- Boba recommends a modifed Hip Scoot where you place 1 set of straps on yourself (left shoulder for most people) and place the baby on your hip, the reach in between the carrier and your body to grab the baby’s foot and hold from one side while scooting them into the carrier.  I am not very good at this particulat method however it is perfectly safe and many will find it easier than tossing.  Boba has a great video demo.

Which is best for Back Carries?

Each carrier has strengths (and weaknesses) in different areas.  To say one carrier is superior to others wouldn’t be true; they are all good carriers.  It will truly depend on more variables than can be written but I am going to tell you how I prefer to use these carriers and when.

ERGO- For back carries I like the ERGO for babies from about 6-8 months and up.  I use the Superman Toss pretty much exclusively unless my husband is around to put the baby in the carrier.  The Sleep Hood stays attached to the ERGO so I don’t run into the issue of forgetting to bring it or attach; if my son falls asleep it is always within reach.

Beco- I used the Beco for back carries more when I first started back carries and wasn’t comfortable tossing.  It gave me a way to wear him on my back that was easy and safe for a newbie.  It still takes practice but it is fairly straight forward.  I don’t like it for front carries to it only gets used on my back.

Boba- When my second son gets big enough the Boba will be my go-to carrier for my back.  It is my go-to for my 2.5 year old since the back is higher and the seat is wider.  As with the ERGO, it gets used with the Superman Toss.  The foot straps are very handy once the child is taller; it keeps their legs from dangling and keeps them in a comfortable seated position.

I’m sure there are numerous other methods of putting a baby on your back but there are the ones I have personally tried.  If you have a favorite method leave it in the comments!

Don’t forget to view the How to Breastfeed in the ERGObaby, Beco Butterfly II, and Boba video/post and the other installments in the ERGObaby/BBII/Boba Series.

If you are looking for an ERGObaby, Beco Butterfly II, or Boba they can all be found at my affiliate- Granola Babies! Shop at Granola Babies & use code NEW4147 for $7 off $75 first time order.

{RSS and Mobile Readers will need to click over to see the video}

Trying to choose between the three most popular and well known brands of Soft Structure Carriers (also known as Buckle Carriers) on the market?  As I see it, the ERGOBaby, the Beco Butterfly II, and the Boba are the most compared and inquired about SSC’s on the market today. Since I have used all three with both of my children I have decided to film videos comparing each carrier in different aspects of usage.  The videos will be a visual reference for my written comparisons.

A Soft Structure Carrier is easier to use than Wrap, Mei Tei’s, and Ring Slings in most ways.  Even though they take practice the learning curve is lower.

You can nurse any age baby in the three carriers in the video (Boba weight limit is 15 lbs +) but the adjustments will vary based on the height of your baby and your own build.  Those with larger busts or taller babies might need to loosen their waist belt and push it lower so that the baby can reach the breast.  At times I need to do this with the Boba.

My tips for successful and easy breastfeeding in a SSC.

1. Find the right SSC. Out of the three carriers I use my ERGObaby and Boba the most for front carries.  If I know I will be nursing I definitely skip my Beco.  The ERGO works great for infants up.  You can purchase the infant insert to wear your baby from day one in the ERGO.  The Boba is built for larger babies over 15 pounds or above a year.  Ev can still be nursed in the Boba but he sits low since the back panel is higher than the Ergo.
2. Ensure your straps are adjusted properly. I have found the perfect balace on my SSC’s with my back strap, position and tightness of my waist belt, and arm straps.  With a front carry you have to be able to reach your back clip (unless you clip ahead of time and do the one arm on, squeeze in method.)  You ca tighten the back once you have the baby inside the carrier also.  Incorrect adjustments will be an uncomfortable experience for you and nobody wants that!
3. Getting  instructions and hands on help from another- more experienced- babywearing mama can really speed up the learning curve for any carrier hold and/or trick.  Find a Babywearing International or other trustworthy group to join.  Not only will you enjoy the meetings and learn a lot, you will probably be with your “tribe.”
4. Dress for Success(ful Boob Access).  Breastfeeding in a SSC or any other carrier is far easier when you can pull up and out of your top.  Pulling a shirt up while wearing your baby in a ring sling is not only hard to do but it can be less than flattering to show your stomach openly.  Usually the carrier squishes things down in all the wrong places.  Deep V necks, stretchy tank tops, button-up shirts, nursing tanks, shirts designed for nursing with a lift up or slit opening, anything that can be undone or give access to one boob from the top is perfect.  If you are worried about showing too much remember that the straps cover most of what can be seen. More ideas for dressing to nurse in public in my “How to Nurse in Public” post.
5. Practice makes perfect. Trying this at a crowded fair for the first time isn’t going to work well.  You will be nervous, you may be clumsy, and your baby will be hungry and impatient.  If that hungry baby starts crying they might be harder to latch when you do get them into position.  Try nursing in your SSC in your home and when the baby isn’t hungry yet (and in a good mood).

I have nursed both of my children in the ERGO and Boba (only a few times in the Beco) out in public in about as many places as I have visited.  On Paddle Boats, Subways, Museums, Fairs, Malls, Outdoor Walks, and so on.  I can guarantee you the general public had no clue that I was nursing my baby.  Even though I find it easier to nurse in a ring sling when making adjustments, once I did it a few (billion) times in my SSC I became just as fast when making adjustments.  When I first started it took a while.  Another point to make is that that straps do get more pliable over time so that does affect how well the buckle slides and affects how easy it is to adjust.

I’ll be continuing this series of ERGObaby/ BBII/ Boba videos in the coming weeks.  You can view all of the posts and videos in the series by following the ERGObaby/BBII/Boba Series.

If you are looking for an ERGObaby, Beco Butterfly II, or Boba they can all be found at my affiliate- Granola Babies! Shop at Granola Babies & use code NEW4147 for $7 off $75 first time order.

Please share your own experience with nursing in your SSC (even if it isn’t an ERGO/BBII/Boba) and the fun places you have nursed at!

I was so excited to wear this newest baby.  While pregnant with my first son I knew I would wear him.  I decided wraps were too complicated and purchased a ring sling.  I couldn’t quite get the hang of it so I didn’t wear Fletcher much until I bought my Ergo from Craigslist.  Then I was hooked.

For this newborn I knew I would wrap him, and sling him, and wear him in SSC’s.  He would get a taste of them all.

Wraps:

2 weeks

Wraps are amazing for the newborn phase.  If you are into the “4th Trimester” thinking this really is the way to go.  They are warm, snug, secure, and right next to your heart.  The Sugar Sweet Baby wrap I reviewed worked like a charm.  When the baby has very little head control a wrap can hold their head tightly down on your chest.  It is a VERY hands free way to wear your baby.  You could jump on a trampoline and as long as they are wrapped correctly they would stay put.  (note: don’t do this lol)

Personally, I used the wrap the most during the first month.  If I knew I was going out I would pre-wrap and place him inside in the car when we arrived.  Wrapping in a parking lot is hard, especially when there is snow on the ground.  Around the house I wrapped the little guy to get work done.  This enabled me to type and hold the baby, or chase after that 2 year old of mine.

Slings:

9 Days old. Maya sling

After the “newborn” phase I prefer a ring sling.  Once that baby has decent head control a ring sling is an easy way to babywear.  If your goal is to nurse in a carrier a ring sling is the easiest to do this, you can nurse on both sides easily as well.  I start off in the tummy to tummy hold, I skip the cradle altogether.  You can bring the sling up and behind their heads to give support.

I began wearing Ev in the sling at a few days old but definitely preferred the wrap when he was that old.  I started him out with his legs tucked in and tummy to tummy.  Slings are great to keep in the car for quick trips.  They take less time to get the baby in and out than a wrap or SSC.  I also liked them for around the house when I was just needing to wear him for a short period of time.

Kangaroo, first try, early at 7 weeks

At about 7 weeks I started leaving his legs out since he was big enough for that.  I have worn him in the ring sling and nursed him in tons of places and it is fabulous!  I can now wear him “kangaroo” style  (frog legged facing out) comfortably since he has great head control.  I started around 10 weeks with this.

Soft Structure Carriers:

In the grand scheme of babywearing the SSC gets the most use in my family.  My first son lived in the Ergo after he turned 3 months up until he was 18 months or so.  I started wearing Everett in the Beco while using the newborn insert when he was about 3-4 weeks old, but only on occsasion.  When he reached about 2 months the SSC got used a lot more.  When we go shopping I use the Beco the most.  I just adore my Scooters print that I got used on Diaperswappers in a trade.  I also have the Owls print Beco, and a black Ergo.  Maybe one of these days I will go into the differences between the 2 brands.

Beco with infant insert

I definitely find a SSC buckling carrier the most comfortable once they are larger as well.  My guy is already over 14 pounds now.  I stopped using the infant insert in the Beco when he was 12 pounds.  This insert just keeps them higher up and safer.

As for nursing in the SSC, the Ergo has been easier than the Beco.  I just find loosening the straps easier.  The Beco is just so adorable though!

Life without carriers with a newborn and a 2 year old would have been virtually impossible.  I was able to take my toddler to playgroups and activities, starting just a few days after giving birth, while keeping the infant happy and snug.

Did you wear your newborn?  Any favorite carriers or brands?

I have written pretty extensively about my love for babywearing since beginning this blog.  There is nothing in the world better than snuggling your little one close to your body, with their sweet heads right under your face within easy kissing reach.  Safe babywearing is the ideal way to spend time with your baby, keep your sanity, chase a toddler, make a sandwich, and get things done.

I’d like to say I wore my son because of the many benefits to babywearing, but for me, it was truly something to save my sanity.  He didn’t want to be put down, and I couldn’t carry him everywhere.  I have worn him all over.  I used to take plane trips with nothing more than my baby, my Ergo, my Ergo Backpack stuffed with diapers, and an ID.  Seeing other moms pushing their strollers through security made me realize how convenient babywearing made travel.

I wore him during fireworks for 4th of July.  He was wrapped up and slept through it all.  I know that he felt safe and loved.

I have worn my son and nursed him while navigating through busy festival crowds and no one was the wiser.

To me, not babywearing (unless your child truly hates it, a rare but possible problem) is crazy.

The thing is, we need to do it safely.  I think the majority of mothers who even use the term “babywearing” are doing it safely.  These moms are using wraps, slings, soft-structure carriers, and so on.  They are not usually wearing Baby Bjorns or the recalled elastic pouch slings.  They didn’t get their carrier from Wal-Mart.  These moms are in the know.  But there are others who don’t know the correct positioning for a baby who is being worn.  Just yesterday I saw a father wearing a very new baby, tummy to tummy, in a Baby Bjorn.  The baby was practically down to his waist, and the back was not crossed correctly.  How he figured this was how it should be done is beyond me.  Did he even read the instructions?  And, if you want to know my opinion, I feel the Baby Bjorn is far more dangerous than any properly made and used sling or SSC.  Every time I see a baby dangling from their crotch, hardly even touching their parent’s body, I cringe.  Who are these pediatricians who are endorsing this product as safe?  Would you want to ride around on your crotch for hours?

To the CPSC has recalled a few slings recently, but their warnings made it seem that ANY baby carrier was unsafe.  This sent a shockwave of panic amongst parents who worried that their carrier might be unsafe.  Now it seems the babywearing industry is under further threats from the CPSC.

The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance is in need of monetary donations and help to spread the word.  The BCIA can help standardize safety standards for slings and is very close to doing so.  Hopefully this, along with better education about babywearing and how to do it safely, will prevent any further unnecessary infant deaths.  Thanks to online videos and very descriptive illustration tutorials, I was able to learn how to wear my son safely and comfortably.  I also don’t take for granted that there are local resources willing to teach classes on babywearing.

You can read the BCIA’s Position Paper on Babywearing/Kangaroo Care. This is a wealth of knowledge about the benefits of babywearing besides just the practical convenience of it.

If you are able and willing, please consider donating to the BCIA to help their legal fees.  If you can’t but you still want to help, share their page on Facebook, tweet it, or blog about it.

Let’s be clear: Proper babywearing is safe!  It is wonderful!  It is beautiful!  Don’t let all baby carriers suffer for the sins of a few.   Let’s use common sense when babywearing.  It really isn’t that hard!

There isn’t much more to share about my babywearing experience that I didn’t already divulge during All About Babywearing Month.  I didn’t start from day one but I wish I had.  Babywearing is such an intimidating thing at first.  I wish everyone could attend a babywearing class to help them learn how to use their carrier properly.  That would have helped me a lot.  I will just share some highlights.

I have worn Fletcher in the Florida heat for 5-6 hours with a few breaks.  He did great.

I have worn Fletcher for 10-12 hours a day in Las Vegas for ABC Kids Expo.

I have worn Fletcher in virtually every type of carrier available.

I have worn Fletcher and nursed him discreetly while fighting a crowd like a salmon upstream at a state fair.

This post is part of “All About Babywearing” Month (which turned into months…) on Dirty Diaper Laundry.

As we continue on with “All About Babywearing” Month which can taken over the beginning of November as well, I am reliving my babywearing past on DDL.  I have posted quite a few entries about Babywearing, or photos of us in a favorite carrier.  Here are some oldies but goodies…

Babywearing FTW- Where I discover that Babies in pouches=people magnets.

An Ode to Babywearing- A Picture Post from Tampa FL.

Daddy Babywearing- Photos from our weekend, littered with babywearing pics

Fireworks and Babywearing- My first experience with Woven Wraps

Ergo, How I love thee…- I count the ways that I love my Ergo

How to Nurse in an Ergo- A video Tutorial

How Did People Ever Live Without…- Babywearing of Yore

SInce many of these posts I have learned a lot more about Babywearing, and tried a lot of new carriers.  It was a lot of fun looking back to the days when I was wearing my son 5-10 hours at a time while traveling.