Babywearing

I'm not sure how mothers of babies get anything done without a carrier. I've worn each one of my babies and Roger has also worn each of them.

Playing Soccer with Lauren in the Ergo 2/11

When we only had Ian, we mainly used a borrowed Evenflo Snugli carrier. Occasionally we used a Playtex Hip Hammock. After I was pregnant with Aaron, but still wanting to wear Ian, a friend of mine recommended the Ergo Carrier. I'm so glad she did! It is, to date, the best carrier I've ever used.

Lauren in the Moby 09/10

The same friend (along with a couple of other girlfriends) gifted me a Moby Wrap after Aaron was born. It took a bit of practice and watching YouTube videos to learn how to use it correctly, but I grew to love the Moby for my infant(s). If it weren't for the slushy-slop & coat-wearing during a Pennsylvania winter, I'd use the Moby a lot more. It is just too complicated to tie during the winter here. It is a great carrier for newborns & infants. I've never had my back hurt while using it.

Aaron in the Moby at age 12 months 10/09

This past fall, I ran into another problem: I had a 3 1/2 year old, a 2 year old, and an infant. I needed something that was quick to accommodate a lot of in-and-out type errands. I snagged a Maya Ring Sling from Craig's List & it was great until Miss Lauren decided she needed to see things and so the Ergo came back into the picture.

Aaron in the backpack 05/10

I would call my babywearing with my third child extensive. I wear her every single day...even when we don't leave the house. On my back or on my front, it doesn't really matter. She's most content when she's snuggled up to me in the Ergo. I can wear her for long periods on outings to the zoo or museum, I can wear her for a short hop through the pharmacy. I wear her to paint, to cook, to clean, to play with Ian & Aaron.

Lauren in the Maya Ring Sling 08/10

Roger wearing Ian on a hike 05/09

I've become so dependent on the carrier now (two free hands, one for each preschooler to hold) that I'm not sure I could do an outing without wearing Lauren... unless, of course, Roger or my sister wants to wear her! And they do. Auntie Emily takes every opportunity to wear Lauren (And Aaron, and Ian) that she gets. Likewise, I've also worn both of her boys too. No bonding with an Aunt quite like being worn in a Moby or Ring Sling. It's a great way to live & love!

Aaron in the Moby facing out while hiking 07/09

I'm not sure how I arrived at such a babywearing way of life, but I'm glad I did.

Ian in the Snugli at the pumpkin patch 10/07

If you're interested in my recommendations for a baby carrier, here's my two cents:

For infants anywhere/anytime: Moby Wrap.
For infants in the winter in the North: Ring sling or Ergo. (Although Ergo isn't technically for infants unless you have the insert.)
If you want to breastfeed while wearing a baby: Maya Ring Sling
For older infants/heavier infants/toddlers: Ergo carrier
For backpaking: Kelty Kids
For gifting: Action Baby Carrier (based on reviews. I can't wait to try one! We gave one to friends recently & I hope they let me try it sometime!)

I do not recommend:
Playtex Hip Hammock (really hard on your neck.)
Baby Bjorn (for the money, there are much higher rated options.)

What I'd love to try:
Mei Tai (based on friends' opinions)
Beco Carrier (based on friends' opinions)

Click on the babywearing label on the right to see other posts I've written on the subject!