baby carriers

Several months ago, I was sent a sample Moby Wrap. I was absolutely delighted to receive the Moby, because amongst my friends and LLL Group members, a Moby Wrap is hands-down the number one pick for babywearing with an infant. I have a variety of slings and other baby carriers available in my demonstration bag to show parents during the final week of classes, but I did not have a wrap-style carrier (though I was always sure to mention that parents rave about wrap carriers!). I’m so pleased to actually have one available for parents to practice with.

The Moby Wrap is very versatile and can be used in a variety of positions from birth until over two years old. The fabric is soft and nice and hugs the baby closely and securely into your body. The knit of the fabric is also lightweight enough that you do not get roasting hot while wearing the carrier. A Moby Wrap is a long piece of breathable cotton fabric that is “wrapped around the wearer to create a safe, custom-fitted and versatile baby carrier.” Another benefit is that it can be used for “kangaroo care” with premature babies or any baby needing special care.

Babies that are “worn” cry much less frequently and parents can be hands-free to go about daily tasks while still being in close contact with their babies. When my first son was a baby, I was only half-joking when I would say that I would not be able to live without my baby carrier. With my second baby, I greatly appreciated being able to grocery shop while comfortably nursing him and still having both hands available to push the cart!

Recent negative press about slings has made me all the more determined to share the benefits and joys of babywearing with parents in my birth classes. (Reports about sling dangers are referring to a specific type of “bag” type sling [see more here], not to carriers like the Moby Wrap.) I am currently working with very young parents for a series of prenatal classes and I am eager to introduce them to babywearing and to show them how a Moby Wrap can help them bond with their baby!

During the last week of my classes, I usually talk briefly about different types of baby carriers. I bring along a pouch (New Native), an adjustable pouch (Mamma’s Milk), a sling (Maya Wrap), a mei tai (I made), and my Ergo (structured soft pack). I enjoy each of these carriers for different reasons, but if I had to pick one for a favorite, it would have to be my Ergo. I love that thing (still use it occasionally with my 2.5 year old). We wore it hard and often and it is a little worse for wear now. I’m a huge fan.

I just saw a contest to win an Ergo on the Northwest Mom Finds blog. Check it out here.

There is another contest here at the babywearing blog Along for the Ride.

And, there is a contest to win a Second Womb ring sling on this blog (which is where I learned of the two contests above). My first baby LIVED in a ring sling. I used to think I would actually die without it. I know that sounds extreme, but I would carry him in it almost all day and as I did so, I would occasionally think to myself, “what if I didn’t have this sling?” My answer: “I might die.” (I may have been dealing with a little PPD, in hindsight!)

Speaking of baby carriers, we are lucky enough to have a newly opened local store in the Rolla/St. James area that sells various baby carriers.