My family and I just returned home from a short notice trip to Tampa, Florida.  This was our first plane trip as an entire family since Everett joined us.  I’ve been places with just Everett, and prior to him being born we have taken many plane trips with just Fletcher.  Having two children can certainly make things logistically challenging.  We chose to take 2 car seats and check them, plus luggage for 2 adults, two kids, diaper bag for the plane trip, laptop bag for husband’s work, snacks, and a few toys.

I’ll be talking about why we went to Tampa at a later date, but for now I’d like to list out a few of the tips I use for flying with kids that have been successful.  Flying was the least stressful part of our trip considering we were almost stuck in Orlando, 1.5 hours from our hotel, with no way to rent a car or leave the airport.  LONG STORY, but believe me when I tell you it would make a great new movie in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series…

Tip 1:  Bring a Ring Sling!

Unless you are really keen on back carries a ring sling is the perfect airport carrier.  It can be compacted and rolled into your diaper bag, it works for any age baby, can be used for a hip carry, tummy to tummy, and the kangaroo hold (for younger babies with head support).  Not only is it good to keep your hands free at the airport- it doubles as a nursing cover if you want one, and I even use it to wrap around myself and the baby while they sit in your lap.  Talk about versatile!  Oh….. and if you need to cover the little one or need a makeshift pillow it can do that too.  I love my Soft-Structure Carriers like my Boba but with the buckles and bulk it isn’t quite as convenient at the airport.

I used my ring sling to cover the top of my breast while Ev nursed

Tip 2:  Let em’ Roam

I hate flying with crawling age babies because I am a firm believer in letting them roam while waiting for the plane, whether it be before the first flight or on a layover.  Babies and toddlers can’t grasp the concept of “sitting still” as well as we do, so giving them plenty of exercise before a flight will hopefully “get the wiggles” out enough that they are willing to sit and read books, color, or play a game.  This trip my husband and I took turns walking the aisles of the airport.  At one point my boys started holding hands and walking…. trust me when I tell you that this sight made the day of many travelers and weary pilots.  Everyone that passed let out an “awwwww…”

Roaming the halls

Tip 3:  Find a Safe Play Area

Tip 3 goes right along with Tip 2.  For non mobile and crawling babies, if you can find an airport play area, use it.  If it is disgusting beyond belief then make a judgement call.  Not every airport has a play area though.  I ASSUMED Orlando would have one considering it probably has more pint sized travelers than any other airport in the US but I was wrong.  They did have an arcade and we chose this as our play area… Fletcher got to play some games and even Steven and I got to kill time and play games like air hockey and pinball.  Everett was entertained by the flashing lights and noise.  Win/Win/Win.

Tip 4: Bring Strategic Entertainment

In the past my diaper bag has been packed to max capacity with activities for Fletcher.  I even brought a puppet at one point…. With two boys I had to think in terms of what items they could both share and what would entertain them the longest.  For Fletcher we let him pack his own tiny backpack that he would carry around.  He chose to bring a few tiny trains, a monster truck, a sticker, a lego train, a train book, and a piece of his motorcycle game.  I packed Everett’s 2 favorite board books and some snacks (including pouches which are the perfect airport snack food for both boys).  The final piece of the entertainment puzzle was the iPad.  It is space saving and contains more than enough games to occupy both boys.  We also have a few shows for the really desperate times.  The books for Everett and the tiny trains for Fletcher were the most used.  I read and re-read Quiet, Loud 100 times.  You can also get creative- whn the light was just right we did shadow puppets!

Tip 5:  Let the Kid have the Window

If you have a child with a seat then let them have the window.  It will give them a wall to rest their head if they sleep, and they might like seeing the view.  If they are terrified then you can always switch places and close the window.

Tip 6:  Bring Noise Cancelling Headphones/ Ear Plugs

The first flight with Fletcher had him yelling that he didn’t like the airplane.  In the airport he explained that he thought it was loud.  On our return trip we gave him the noise cancelling headphones and he promptly fell asleep.  If your kid will let you put in ear plugs you can try that too.

Fletcher wearing headphones and sleeping

Tip 7: Forget the Routine

If your life is dictated by naps schedules and set meal and snack times then you may want to lose your watch.  If 12:00 rolls around and you make your child nap at the airport while waiting for the plane then they will be wired and ready to roll once boarding comes.  I always keep them up as long as possible before we board, even if they look like zombies.  This paid off big time when it was time for our second flight on the way home.  By take-off Everett had already passed out on my lap.  Even after napping far later than normal they still went to bed at a reasonable time that night.

Both kids snoozing soundly on me

I’ve learned over the years to care less about the other passengers and just worry with making the trip as easy and enjoyable as possible for my kids. I used to be so tense and stressed if one child cried or yelled that my energy was spent frantically making them stop. Of course crying isn’t good but it is normal, especially during take-off and landing. if you are nursing then putting the baby on the breast during those times will help their ears pop. Older kids can be given a drink or snack to swallow. Bigger kids can have gum if you allow it.

What are your favorite travel tips with children or babies?

One of my favorite brands of carriers is the Sakura Bloom.  I could browse their website all day and drool over their gorgeous ring slings.

Every so often the stars align and they put on a Sample Sale.  Usually their carriers are very pricey but at the Sample Sale you will find prices at about half off retail!  This is when I purchased one of my slings a few sales back.

The slings will move very quickly since  there are just 1 of each item so if you see something you love, GRAB IT!

I would love if you decide to buy that you use my affiliate link as well.  Happy Shopping!

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Nursing Newborn Ev in an Elevator while Pushing a Stroller. Win.

One of the most valuable tools in my parenting tool belt is nursing while babywearing. I wasn’t always an expert but once I mastered the skill it became essential to me as a parent.  With my second baby it became even more important; I am able to nurse and comfort my youngest while holding the hand and walking with my oldest.  There have been many situations since having my second baby where I wondered “What would I do without this skill?”

This video will show you how to put on your ring sling, double check that it is threaded correctly (CRUCIAL to using a ring sling and making the proper adjustments for breastfeeding), put baby in the sling, tighten, then loosen, latch the baby, and re-tighten the carrier to a safe setting.

My tips for successful and easy breastfeeding in a Ring Sling.

1. Find the right sling. In my case that would be a quality linen ring sling.  Thicker linen slings like the Maya Wrap are supportive and easy to adjust.  My Sakura Bloom Pure Linen Sling is lightweight and the linen glides through the rings like butter.  If your sling is hard to adjust  then mastering breastfeeding on the go will prove near impossible.
2. Ensure your sling is threaded properly. This one is a biggie. I THOUGHT I was using my ring sling correctly but the threading would always get a little screwy.  I shurgged it off and still used it that way.  Yes, it totally worked but adjusting the sling took longer.  Longer adjustments= cranky and impatient baby.  It can really put you off to ring slings.  I watched a million videos and followed the directions that came with a sling to re-thread..  Only after seeing a real live person swiftly thread a sling (and make it look like it was second nature) did the lightbulb go off.
3. Speaking of “Real People,” 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 ring sling 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 you can add a scarf ot use the ring sling tail to cover up.  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 ring sling in your home and when the baby isn’t hungry yet (and in a good mood).

Once you have this skill mastered you will wonder how on Earth you ever lived without it. I especially loved nursing in a ring sling in the early days when Everett was a newborn up until he was 4-5 months old.  We do still use it but we have moved to our Ergo for our longer trips. You can also breastfeed in the Ergo.

The sling shown in the video is a Sakura Bloom Pure Linen {in Wheat} and the most affordable in their line.  Link is an affiliate link.

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?

Having a second baby, at least for me, has been a completely different experience.  With my first son I obsessed over what I would buy, what I would do, and what life would be like when he came.  This time, I haven’t done a lot of looking around.  Life with a toddler makes it hard to sit back and daydream about your next baby.

Life with two children close in age also presents challenges.  I have many of the basics left over from my first son, but I have to add things like double strollers into the mix.  I also know that toddlers aren’t delicate with babies.  I need baby containers that protect the littlest one while I do chores or am not in sight of both of them.

And then there are the things I just want!  I am making a list for my own entertainment.  You can critique it or praise it and let me know what you think.

4Moms Mamaroo Infant Seat

I had the immense pleasure of seeing this infant seat in action while attending the ABC Kids Expo.  The idea behind it is simple: recreating the natural movement of mom or dad.  Instead of a swing which goes in a line back and forth, it mimics the bouncing and swaying of a parent.  I am almost afraid it will work so well the baby will never want to leave it!

Go GaGa Slide Tote

I first saw this bag on Twitter.  The idea instantly made sense to me.  A strap that spreads across your shoulder like a sling to evenly distribute the weight is genius.  I did get my hands on one while I visited Diaper Lab (an awesome cloth diaper/baby store near Boston) and fell in love with the design and strap.  A good diaper bag is worth the money.  Currently I own a Petunia Pickle Bottom (and a Baby Kaed I never use) but I’d love to own this before the next one gets here.

Sakura Bloom Silk Baby Slings – Artisan Collection

I admit that I have expensive taste.  I don’t always get what I want, but a girl can dream.  I have a Maya Ring Sling I found as a consignment store for, wait for it, 12.00!  However, nothing compares to the Sakura Bloom sling.  I got to try it on with my son and was personally assisted by Lynne of Sakura Bloom herself.  This sling and this lady made me realize I had a ring sling that was hard to adjust and I wasn’t doing it right (not the maya, another one).  I changed my ring sling tune after that.  The rails glide through the rings like butter.  Mmmmmm…..  I would love to wear the new little guy in one of these.  I am not planning on buying one unless I,  a. win the lottery or b. find a great deal on a used forum.

Footed Onepiece in Chocolate by Baby Soy

My son lived in one piece sleepers and I assume the next baby will as well.  I love Baby Soy.  I get tired of some of the baby boy clothes out there, and finding “plain” clothes is hard.  I especially love the kimono style tops they make.  I want to add some of their pieces in Newborn and 3-6 months to my shopping list.

Hot Mama Gown

After delivering my first son in a *gasp* ordinary hospital gown, I wish I would have known about these sooner.  I remember vividly how pilly the material was.  I hated it so much I dunked part of it in my own pee.  Well, subconsciously that was why.  Really, I was hooked up to so much crap I had a hard time peeing and holding my gown.  The mama behind these gowns is one of the nicest women on Twitter (you should follow her @hotmamagowns) and she is an awesome advocate for breastfeeding!  The gown is hospital friendly and designed for easy nursing.  I want to look and feel special on delivery day so this is on my wish list for sure!

Also on my list are a few necessities.  I need a large dresser/ changing table combo that is long (not tall) with no hutch.  It needs 6-8 drawers.  I am having a hard time finding something with enough space.

I also need a double stroller.  I am going to be honest and say I will probably never find exactly what I want.  I don’t want a side by side.  I want a stroller with rubber wheels, that glides well, and that folds easily.  I am currently looking at the UppaBaby with the Rumble Seat and the City Mini with the Jump Seat and adapter.  I have high hopes for the new Mutsy Double but it hasn’t hit the market yet!

If anyone has ANY suggestions on what else I should be considering for the next little guy please (or the rest of the pregnancy) tell me!

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.

This post is part of “All About Babywearing on Dirty Diaper Laundry and Mama Needs This.

It took a long time for me to get the ring sling love.  Much if it stemmed from human error, when I improperly threaded my sling causing adjustments to be a pain.  Even today I have a hard time threading and have to watch a video to do it.

I bought my Rockin’ Baby Ring Sling when I was pregnant.  I searched around for a while trying to decide which carrier to purchase.  After I decided a ring sling was the way to go, I then had to choose a brand.  I decided on Rockin’ Baby because I was in love with their patterns.  I like to think of myself as fairly “hip” and wanted something really fun and funky.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but by buying from Rockin’ Baby I was supporting a great company.  They make all of their slings in the US,right in the LA area.  And employ moms and dads.  They also pay a fair wage.

About Rockin’ Baby:

As Rockin’ Baby has grown over the years we have found that the most important aspect of making slings and pouches is quality. For that reason we do everything here in Los Angeles where we can be sure of quality control. We make sure that all of our fabrics are made of natural fibers, breathable and of high-quality. They are all pre-washed in natural salt water to set the colors, prevent shrinkage, and soften the fabric. All edges on our slings and pouches are overlocked then seamed twice to ensure no tearing or fraying at the edges. We also use 40 lb weight thread as it increases the strength of the Rockin’ Baby Sling and Pouch. Our reversible slings are made with 5 yards of fabric. Our pouches are fully adjustable and reversible with zippers, and are made with 3 yards of fabric. We have also started making slings and pouches out of 100% organic cotton sateen and poplin, using low impact dyes, in our own exclusive Rockin’ Baby prints.

The sling itselt is comfortable to wear.  You have to realize that you are using one shoulder.  It is comfortable but like everything, im moderation.  I would not wear a heavier child in the sling for hours at a time.  I use this sling for quick shopping trips when my baby may not want to stay in the cart or stroller.  I can throw him in quickly and pull him out once he is ready.  When your baby is younger and only weighs 10 pounds or so, wearing them in a ring or pouch sling won’t be as big of an issue.  Twenty pounds on one shoulder, no matter how well designed, is going to start to smart after a few hours.

One of my favorite features of the sling is the pocket on each side of the tail.  If you are just popping your baby in and running inside of the post office or store, you can fit keys, wallet, and a cell phone inside.  This will further free your hands and back from carrying a purse or diaper bag for a super quick trip.

The reason I purchased my sling from Rockin’ Baby was due to the high quality that I read about. The fabric is strong and the sewing is top notch. The only negative about my sling has been the thickness of the fabric. Because it is so thick I have had a hard time pulling it through the rails. It really has to be threaded perfectly and spread out a lot to glide through. That takes practice, so there is a definite learning curve to this ring sling versus some of the others made from thinner fabric.  If you had a pouch sling from Rockin’ Baby than you wouldn’t need to worry with that part. The good news is that Rockin’ Baby has taken the guess work out of using your sling or pouch.  They have a GREAT tutorial on their website.  I used that to help me learn my sling.

This post is part of “All About Babywearing” Month on Dirty Diaper Laundry.

While I was pregnant I researched the crap out of cloth diapers.  Before my baby was born I knew all of the acronyms, how to wash, how to prep, all of the major brands and some of the not so major, the places to find info, etc.

While on that journey I noticed that most of the moms who cloth diapered also wore their babies in different carriers.  Many of whom referred to themselves as “babywearers.”  I wasn’t hip to that lingo, and so I started off researching babywearing as I did cloth diapering.  What I found was a world full of strange terms like “didy” and 5.2 meters (hello, lets not confuse the Americans with the metric system, please), and ring sling, and mei tei, and more that I don’t even want to get into because I still don’t understand.

I never intended on becoming one of those mothers.  One of those who wore their baby in a sling or wrap all of the time.  In truth, I thought it was kind of silly.  I also assumed it would get pretty hot being wrapped in yards of fabric and having a human heater attached to your chest.  That statement does still have some truth to it!  I had also never really seen anyone wear their baby, except in a Baby Bjorn or a Kelty like backpack carrier.  I never saw a mom sporting a beautiful woven wrap with a baby snuggled inside, or a child cradled in a sling.  I was clueless.

A part of me wanted to wear my baby because it was the culture I was getting into, but I honestly didn’t think it was for me.  I decided that I would buy a ring sling for the newborn stage.  I had read that using a ring sling and the cradle position (where the baby is basically cradled in the sling like you would hold him in your arms) was a nice way to transition them from the womb.  Plus, it was possible to breastfeed while wearing them this way.  Win.

Unfortunately, my idea kinda bombed.  Even after watching a trillion You Tube videos on how to use the cradle position, how to adjust your ring sling, how to thread your ring sling, it wasn’t working.  It was never tight enough, baby was always crying, he either sensed my discomfort because I was nervous about putting him in, or he genuinely did not enjoy that position.

I now know many mistakes that I made in those first few weeks.  I had the ring sling threaded improperly, making adjustments nearly impossible.  The fabric would bunch together and it didn’t slide through.  It took my husband to pull it through to tighten it, which should have been an obvious sign that something was amiss.  I was also terrified of harming my fragile newborn baby.  I lowered him inside of the sling oh so gently, but never the right way.  All of it was wrong.  How I wish that I had tried a stretchy wrap back then.  I know for my next baby we will be wrapping from day one.

I left my ring sling to collect dust for a couple of months.  It was winter and we transported the baby to and from the car inside of the infant car seat.  In stores he stayed in the car seat.  At home I had to hold him constantly.  Why wasn’t I wearing him?  Because I assumed wearing babies was for running errands and shopping, not for around the house when you could just hold them.  Again, I wish I could have told myself how stupid that was.  I tried the ring sling ever so often but it failed.

Eventually I picked it up again and tried the tummy to tummy hold with his legs tucked in.  This was successful, and I started wearing him around while we shopped and occasionally around the house when I needed to go downstairs to wash diapers.

Ring Sling and Kangaroo Hold

Next hold we tried was the kangaroo hold.  This was where he sat cross legged inside the pouch, facing outward.  He enjoyed this one the most, and he looked so adorable too!

Soon after I purchased my Ergo.  This was when I finally “got” babywearing.  The Ergo was so easy to use because of the buckles.  I put it on without ever reading instructions, and got it right.  Fletcher fit in so comfortably, and I wanted to wear him everywhere I went.   This really saved my life.  He was not happy riding in the stroller, and so I had not gone out much.  He would cry the entire time and I ended up holding him.  Now, the weather was warming up and I was more comfortable wearing him, it became an everyday thing.  I started wearing him while I shopped, while I went for walks, in the home, out to dinner, and everywhere.

Then, I wanted more.  I wanted to try a wrap, so I did.  I wanted to try a mei tei, and did.  I even dusted off the ring sling and started using the hip carry as my son got older.  I finally learned how to nurse in my Ergo, and that was also a revelation.  You haven’t lived until you’ve walk around the State Fair with a baby hooked onto your breast amidst thousands of unknowing passersby.

I started wearing my baby for practical reasons.  He cried, I wore him to free my hands and cease the crying.  I wore him to prevent taking a stroller in the store or to the amusement park.  But, I also enjoyed the closeness.  I could kiss the top of his head, pat his butt (which I do way too much when I wear him, it is like an addiction), bounce him to sleep, and feel his hot little breath on my chest.  I could wrap my arms around him for a hug and not have to physically support him.  He was, and still is, completely safe in my arms.

I only wish I knew then what I know now.  I would have been able to make myself lunch while wearing my baby instead of being stuck on the couch holding him.  Next time I am going to have an arsenal of carriers for my every whim.  My baby will be worn from day one, and I won’t have to call my husband to come home and make me a sandwich!

I asked some of my twitter friends how they got into #babywearing.  Here are some responses:

@carareed said: colicky babe, 2 kids close together, babe who needed/wanted to be held constantly

@thegreenpair said: Seen some of the moms in my AP group #babywearing and checked into it. Saved my life-only way she wouldn’t cry/I get stuff done!

@nicolemarr (who designed my lovely button!) said: the desire to hold my little girl and never let her go made me buy a hotsling. Never did figure it out tho. Have a mei tai now

@rbrinner said: couldn’t bear to put my baby down. wanted to hold her too much, but still had to do things like, you know, eat. oh, and pee.

@marybethrabon said: I saw other moms #babywearing long before I got preggo, knew I wanted that. Then, DD required being held for 3 weeks.

@Upstatemomof3 from Our Life Upstate said: my baby needed and wanted to be held all the time and that started me on #babywearing

How in the world did people ever live without baby carriers?  I know what you are thinking, baby carriers have been around almost as long as people have.  You are right.  But somewhere along the way the tradition of holding your baby close and wrapping them tight so that you could continue living life while taking care of your home and your family got lost.  And can I just preach about how amazingly convenient nursing in a carrier is?  This is a relatively new development for me, but I have taken full advantage of it.  I recently walked through a crowded building at the State Fair like a salmon upstream.  Apparently, we didn’t get the memo that the crowd was going somewhere else. Well, while fighting the crowd I had a very content little boy suckling away in my Ergo.  If only the hundreds of people around me knew what we were doing!
I wish I had known about babywearing when my son was first born the way I do now.  I actually had a ring sling, but my son hated being cradled.  I didn’t have a wrap, and he was too small for the other holds at that point.  I didn’t wear him the way I wanted to until I purchased my Ergo.  Now I have a wrap, a ring sling, and an Ergo. The reason I am posting this is because I watched the newest episode of 18 Kids and Counting.  Michelle, the mom of 18 kids (who just announced she is pregnant with number 19) was carrying her baby around D.C.  Just carrying.  I know for a fact that they own an Ergo also.  Why in the heck weren’t they using it?  I hardly ever just carry my son.  If I know he won’t be happy in the cart or stroller I wear him.  Or, I let him start out in those but bring a carrier for back up.  I can’t stand having to tote him around like that.
I’m very glad that babywearing is making a huge comeback.  I’m sure part of this has to do with the easy new carriers and how fashionable they are now.  I can’t pinpoint where society gave up on babywearing and when it came back. Maybe I am imagining things and it has always been around.  I just know that moms in other parts of the world wear their babies around for an extended period of time.  A friend sent this article around that says crawling is a relatively new development for babies.  Most babies didn’t crawl since their parents wore them all of the time.

How did you ever live without your carrier?