It’s You and Me Baby

Most parents have more than one child.  In steps the guilt.  You can’t give the first child the exclusive attention you once did and you’ll never be able to treat number 2 (or 3 or 4 for that matter) the way you did the first.  Well, birth order is a pretty interesting phenomenon itself.  There are plenty of books written about it and every position in birth order has its advantages and disadvantages.  As the first children in the family get older they become more independent and probably more accustomed to sharing their parents.  When they are young its a little harder.  They still want alot of mommy’s and daddy’s attention.  One way to help with the challenge is to wear your infant in a baby carrying sling.  Just like the picture above shows.  It helps you free up your hands to get involved with your older child or children while still  meeting those basic needs of your young infant.  It helps you stay connected with your older children and build the bond with your new infant.

We all know how much babies want to be held especially young babies.  Even though most toddlers want their independence they still enjoy being close to mom and dad by being held.  If you used a baby carrying sling for your infant and put it away then consider using it for your toddler.  Many slings, especially ring slings and stretchy wraps, are adjustable and can be used with children weighing up to 35 pounds.  If you are going to be out and about put your toddler on your back or hip with your baby carrying sling.  He or she will be easier to manage and will get the advantage of seeing the world from your point of view.

Wanting to hold your baby especially when he or she cries is natural.  Some people are afraid that young babies who are held alot or responded to quickly won’t be able to self-sooth as older infants or become independent as toddlers and beyond.  Well, that’s just not true.  In fact, infants that are held frequently and responded to quickly feel safer and more secure because their needs are being met.  Every child’s temperment and personality is different but in general children who are nurtured more feel safe when they are eventually given the opportunity to explore in new situations and environments.  There’s a whole movement in childrearing called attachment parenting that has embraced this philosophy.  One of the ways to hold your baby frequently and easily has been called babywearing.  You use a baby sling or other fabric baby carrier (there are many wonderful ones on the market) to hold your baby to your body, like pictured here.  Some popular brands are Maya Wrap (which is actually a ring sling), Hotsling, CuddlyWrap, KangarooKorner (an adjustable pouch), and the Moby Wrap.  There are even websites on babywearing that help you learn how to make your own.  Holding your baby or wearing your baby does make a difference because he enjoys the security of his caregiver responding to his needs.  It helps build the bond between parent and child.  It is practical, convenient and fun.  Join the fun.

The baby shower is an opportunity to find that perfect gift for a new mother or baby (and sometimes the father can use the gift).  When looking for gifts, you will first want to consider how much you want to spend.  Items like cribs, strollers, or car seats are much more expensive than other baby items, but are also essential for newborns.  Smaller gifts can include things like formula bottles, blankets, bibs, stuffed toys, and baby wraps. 

Smaller items tend to be better suited for most friends and family; typically someone like a grandmother or grandfather will purchase the larger items.

There are several options for carrying your new infant with you while you’re shopping, walking, or visiting friends and family.  The stroller tends to be the traditional method for transporting your baby, and is a great option for a new infant who doesn’t like to be held and jostled around.  The baby carrier is another option for older infants, and most fit snugly around a mother or father’s body and allow for freedom of movement.  Another option that has gained popularity recently is the baby sling. 

The baby sling is a fabric cloth which is wrapped around the mother’s neck and shoulder and used to cradle the infant against her chest.  While lacking the support of a baby carrier, the baby sling tends to feel the most natural to the mother and the infant.

Baby sling carriers are the best way to carry your baby.  There are many advantages to their use.  One advantage is that the sling can be used for different carrying positions.  It adapts to baby’s development.  For example, with a newborn or very young baby who doesn’t have good head control the baby sling carrier can be used as a pouch.  Baby is supported all around–including his or her head, neck, and body.  An older infant can be worn in a baby sling with his head out but supported from the shoulders down.  And a toddler or an older infant nearing toddlerhood can be worn on the hip with his or her arms out.  Slings give parents multiple ways to carry children and give children the security and safety of being held.  It’s a great fit.

Unfortunately the popular series of books, “For Dummies,” has not come out with a practical guide for Babywearing.  Babywearing is the term that has been coined for wearing your baby in an infant sling or fabric baby carrier.  Fortunately though there are several books out there that cover the topic and give you practical instructions and advice on how to wear your baby.  There are so many great reasons to wear your baby.  For example, 1) Wearing your baby promotes learning, 2) wearing your baby promotes bonding, 3) baby slings are a safe place for your child, 4) babies worn in slings are happier and cry less, 5) babies and toddlers appreciate the security of the baby sling carrier 6) Babywearing is fun!  So actually wearing your baby in an infant sling, baby carrier, or wrap is smart.  You don’t really need a book.  Just join in by getting a baby sling.  They come with instruction manuals or DVDs.  Put it on and just practice.

Babies need and love to be held.  It calms them and soothes.  This promotes health, development and bonding.  There is a better way of carrying your baby than using a conventional baby carrier–it’s often referred to as babywearing.  The CuddlyWrap is a baby carrier by Peapod Creations that provides a hands-free way to hug, hold, and wear your baby so he or she feels safe and secure.  The benefits of a baby sling or wrap like the popular CuddlyWrap are many.  The CuddlyWrap positions baby so his or her hips and legs are properly supported.  This prevents stress on the baby’s developing hips and spine.  In addition,  the design of the CuddlyWrap ensures that the weight of the baby is evenly distributed.  There are no stress points to cause strain on the adult’s neck, shoulders or back thus allowing one to carry a baby in comfort.

Fathers are increasingly becoming involved in the care of their children.  But they don’t need to wait until a child can catch a football to be involved.  If a mom is breastfeeding and/or is able to be home with baby while dad works then she has many, many opportunities to bond with her baby.  Fathers can help care for a baby by changing him or her, feeding a bottle, or bathing.  It’s great to do those things and give mom a needed break but there are other wonderful ways to bond with your young son or daughter.  For example,  holding and carrying your child in a baby sling or baby carrier (otherwise known as babywearing) is something dads can do to feel close to their young infants.  Many moms have discovered babywearing and dads should be encouraged to join in.  With a little practice babywearing becomes second nature.  A dad may not be able to breastfeed or give birth but he can learn to wear his baby and it’s a wonderful way to bond.

If someone told you they knew a great way to help your baby cry less, sleep more, plus build a beautiful bond with you and enhance baby’s learning then wouldn’t you be interested?  Well, many mothers and fathers have discovered that babywearing has given them and their baby all of this.  Babywearing is the practice of wearing or carrying your baby in a comfortable infant carrier or baby sling.  Baby is held close to your chest or back depending on how you are wearing him.  And for older infants or toddlers you can wear them on your hip and have your hands free.  It’s great for when a baby is teething or sick and he or she just wants to be held and comforted. Find a good sling, have a little practice with it and get used to it.  Once you’ve discovered babywearing you’ll regret you didn’t do it sooner!