It’s You and Me Baby

Bonding with your baby is one of life’s greatest joys.

Archive for December, 2008

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  Have you ever noticed the difference between a child being in a stroller and being worn in a baby sling?  Babies worn in fabric baby carriers or slings, like the Maya Wrap, Moby Wrap, Hotsling and other similar carriers are content.  You don’t have to worry about them staying in the stroller because when they are worn comfortably close to mom they are happier and calmer.  They can see the world from mom or dad’s point of view and are less likely to become overstimulated.

Simple Practices to be a Romantic

December 26, 2008, Author: BabyBondo
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Most women enjoy a man who can make her feel special, a man who is romantic and passionate about love and about her.  However, this doesn’t come naturally to most guys, as most men are conditioned to think of passion and romance as ‘girly’ at a young age.  It doesn’t help that once men need to be romantic, they have little to no knowledge about how to impress their lady, and often stumble through it making a bad impression.  One simple practice to advance as a romantic individual is to take care of your lady like a baby or infant; this doesn’t of course mean you should put her in a baby wrap and sling her across your chest (though some women might be turned on by that!).  However, you might consider giving her a bath, wrapping her in a towl, and cuddling up with her on the couch.  You could also wash and brush her hair, or simply fall asleep cooing to her softly. 

Throw in some candles, wine, excellent cuisine, and you have a romantic evening for two.  It’s common knowledge that many women love to take care of their babies, and this can sometimes be attributed to them wanting to be taken care of in the same manner. 

Maintaining Optimum Cuddle Factor

December 26, 2008, Author: BabyBondo

cuddle with babyWhile discovering the ideal way to cuddle with your partner can be quite a challenge, cuddling with your newborn or infant is easy as pie.  Newborns and infants love to be held, relishing human contact and the warmth and companionship of mom and dad.  It doesn’t matter so much how you hold your baby; they’re guaranteed to enjoy it, however it’s also important to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the parents.  There are a number of products that will allow you to cuddle your baby as well as tend to errands around town or chores around the house.  You might consider cotton baby carriers; the soft cotton wraps the newborn in a warm, protective layer, while the holder’s shoulders don’t become uncomfortable due to chafing.  The classic infant wrap is another option, acting much like a sheet draped over the parent that cradles their newborn or infant in front of them. 

Your choice should be functional and allow the parent to move freely while supporting the baby enough to where they could fall asleep comfortably in front of you.  Most infant slings, carriers, and wraps also function well as blankets for sitting down. 

Babywearing is instinctive.

December 26, 2008, Author: Kristen

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Babywearing is where a baby is held by a parent or caregiver in a comfortable, versatile baby sling or pouch.  In a way it is a parenting style of nurturing your child.  It’s instinctive.  Parents want to hold their children.  However, it allows parents the freedom to go about their daily routine while providing a rich, desirable environment for their child.  Parents are often led to believe that a baby who is held too much will become spoiled, clingy or demanding.  Research actually reveals the opposite.  The physical and psychological benefits of babywearing provide for a solid sense of self-esteem.  Babywearing reduces crying and fussiness by up to 51%.  It allows the parent to be acutely aware of baby’s cues and signals and heightens the parents perception of the child’s needs.  There are many benefits to babywearing.  It’s a way for parents to follow their instincts.

There’s no doubt about it children love to be held.  Whether it’s a newborn, infant, or toddler they love to be in the arms of their caregivers.  If your child won’t let you put him or her down and your arms are sore then consider wearing your child in a fabric baby carrier.  There are many baby carriers (also called slings) on the market to help you wear your child.  Some popular brands are Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouches, Hotslings, Maya Wrap, Moby Wrap, Cuddly Wrap, Mei tai-style carriers and others.  If your not sure which would be best for you see our post on How to Choose.  Wearing your baby this way is much more comfortable, ergonomic and versatile.  Plus it gives your child the advantages of being close to you–they feel the rhythm of your heart beat and breathing, are protected from overstimulation, can nurse discreetly, and can see the world from your vantage point.  It’s much more enjoyable for both of you.

Getting comfortable with your baby

December 21, 2008, Author: Kristen

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 Many retailers of baby care equipment especially large chains have all kinds of wonderful equipment for holding, cradling, and carrying your baby but they don’t have many of the best baby carrier slings.  The Baby Bjorn is very popular but children can outgrow it quickly and it is not versatile.  It only has the front carrying position.  Baby carrier slings like the Maya Wrap, Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouch (pictured above), Hotsling, Zolowear, and wrap-type carriers like the Cuddly Wrap and Moby Wrap are far more comfortable and versatile.  In addition to their comfort and versatility baby carrier slings help you keep baby close.  Baby is soothed.  He or she is in tune with the rhythm of your heart beat and breathing, protected from being overstimulated, and bonding with baby comes more easily.  Wearing your baby in a cozy baby sling takes some practice but can become second nature quickly.  It’s a beautiful way to travel through life during the early years with your child.

How to hold your baby

December 17, 2008, Author: Kristen

26_2_.jpgIt might seem strange that there is advice on how to hold your baby.  However, now with all the gadgets on the market designed to hold, cradle and console your baby some advice might not be a bad idea.  There are advantages and disadvantages to everything but as a parent and especially a new parent one might not realize the advantages to babywearing.  Babywearing is the term used to describe carrying or wearing your baby in a fabric baby carrier, baby sling, ring sling, pouch or wrap.  Some popular brands area the Maya Wrap, Kangaroo Korner Adjustable pouch, Hotsling, Moby Wrap, Cuddly Wrap and Kozy carrier.  The advantages to carrying your baby this way are numerous.  When you’re home and  carrying your baby in a sling baby is content while being held and you have the freedom of using both hands.  It’s easier on your back because baby’s weight is distributed more evenly.  It’s also easier to play with older children because you won’t have to interupt what you’re doing to tend to baby’s cries.  When you wear your baby he or she is in tune with your rhythm of breathing, the sound of your heart beat and your movement.  This is very soothing.  When you are out and wearing your baby you can move around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles like you do with a stroller.  A sling can also block out excess stimuli and keep well-meaning strangers from getting too close.  So you might want to consider investing in a baby sling and reaping the benefits.   

The best way to carry a big baby.

December 12, 2008, Author: Kristen

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Some young infants get very big very quickly especially if they are breastfed.  If it didn’t take long for your baby to get to 15 or 20 pounds then you’ll want to find a way to carry him or her that won’t break your arm or your back!  Think about wearing your baby in a fabric baby carrier or baby sling.  There are many wonderful products on the market such as the Maya Wrap, Cuddly Wrap, Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Pouch, Hotsling, and many others.  They all provide the wearer with the opportunity to take the burden off your dominant arm and distribute the weight of the child across your shoulder or shoulders and back.  They are ergonomic, comfortable and feel very natural once you’ve got the hang of them.

Providing the best for your baby

December 10, 2008, Author: Kristen

We all want our babies to be healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.  Nurturing a baby certainly is instinctual.  So go with your instincts.  Respond to baby’s cries quickly.  It will help your baby to know that he or she is safe and loved.  You can’t spoil a baby.  Do what you feel is right for you and your child.  Filter all advice from others.  People will say “you’re going to spoil that child if you’re always picking him up.”  Being held is important.  Even consider wearing your baby or toddler in a fabric baby carrier, baby sling, ring sling, pouch or wrap.  There are many wonderful products on the market to facilitate keeping your baby close.  If you look up babywearing on-line you will see many resources.  Speaking from personal experience babywearing brings you really close to your children both in the short run and the long run.

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Young babies want to be held a lot and soothed.  Swaddling is a technique of wrapping a baby tightly in a blanket to calm and soothe him or her.  There are even blankets on the market designed specifically for swaddling.  It’s been theorized that babies love to be swaddled because it recreates the feeling of being held tightly like in the womb.  Well, babywearing is a way to hold your baby and create a swaddle-like experience for him or her at the same time.  Babywearing, like shown in the picture above, is the term used to describe carrying your baby in a fabric baby sling, ring sling or pouch.  The one pictured here is the adjustable Kangaroo Korner pouch.  There are many excellent baby carriers like this one on the market.  They are loved by babies and parents.