~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~

PurpleButterfly · 12-26-2006, 07:55 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of babywearing!

By safely using a well-made baby carrier, you will be able to keep your baby close, content, and connected.
-Babies who are worn are less likely to develop seperation and attachment disorders.
-They cry and fuss less and become independent earlier.
-Babies worn for naps will typically sleep much longer and more contentedly.
-An exhausted baby suffering from teething, colic, etc. will often quickly
settle down and peacefully rest in a comfortable and properly positioned carrier.
-Babies are soothed by being close to, feeling and smelling their caretakers, hearing the familiar heartbeat, and enjoying gentle, normal motion that occurs as they are worn.

As if you needed even more benefits, imagine being able to comfort and soothe your baby while having your hands free to tend to siblings, make a snack, brush your teeth, fold laundry, read your Bible, etc.!

Many mamas experience with babywearing is limited to locally available, commercially produced and mass marketed "front pack" baby carriers. Babies typically face forward/looking out, which is far too stimulating for most babies, mom's shoulders, back, and neck hurt from the poor design, and babywearing is quickly (and understandably) scratched off the list of possibilities. But it doesn't have to be like this!

There is a whole world of amazing babywearing just waiting for you!

I hope to encourage you to explore fabulously comfortable, safe and beautiful carriers that will change your experience and help you prolong the babywearing relationship. Not to mention looking and feeling fabulous in a gorgeous carrier that actually reflects your personal style!

SAFETY:
Young babies can be at risk of positional asphyxia - suffocation that occurs when airflow is restricted by body positioning, generally when baby's neck is folded forward in a "chin to chest" position. This can happen anywhere baby's body may be at risk for improper positioning, including but not limited to carseats, swings, and strollers. Keep your baby safe by making sure her head is far enough back that the airflow is not restricted, listening for common signs of improper positioning, such as grunting, sighing, fast or labored breathing, and keeping her nose and mouth away from soft bedding, pillows, fabric or anything that could restrict airflow. This is especially important if your baby is sleeping. Please don't let this scare you away from babywearing - a baby sleeping slouched in a bucket car seat or stroller is actually at more risk than a baby attached right to her parent.

Babywearing Safety and Proper Positioning
Babywearing safety: Are baby slings safe?

Why front-facing structured carriers such as the Bjorn and Snuggli are not optimal for your baby:
Spinal Stress
Hip Dysplasia

CHOOSING YOUR CARRIER:
What kind of carrier should I choose?
Babywearing product reviews
Babywearing vendor reviews
Babywearing product directory
Find affordable, gently used carriers on TBW FSOT forums

MAKE YOUR OWN:
How to make your own baby carrier!
The no-sew wrap!
Sew a doll sling for little mamas and papas

USING YOUR CARRIER:
How to wear your baby: step-by-step instructions w/pictures
Awesome collection of babywearing video tutorials!
RING SLING tips & tricks
Ring slings are well-loved for their quick and easy convenience!
MEI TAI (pronounced "may tie")
Discover the simplicity and ease of the Asian-style Baby Carrier (ABC)
WRAP your baby
This link shows the front wrap cross-carry (FWCC), one of the easiest and most comfy positions. For many more wrapping positions, just click on the menu on the left side of the page.
SSC or Soft-Structured Carrier such as an ERGO, BECO, etc.
ONBU
A Japanese carrier similar to a mei tei, but using rings to thread the straps through.
PODAEGI
A strapless Asian-style Baby Carrier (ABC), very traditional. You can also find more positions here.

BABYWEARING SUPPORT:
Find a babywearing group in your area!
More info about getting local babywearing help on an International level!
Babywearing "Sling Slang" - what all the abbreviations mean
Babywearing Glossary of Terms

BABYWEARING FUN:
Doll slings for your littles to do their own babywearing!
Hathor the Cow Goddess on babywearing!
All the Baby Mamas - a fabulous remake of Beyonce's song!

Please feel free to post your favorite links, tips and tricks, too!

bostonsmama · 12-26-2006, 08:08 PM

flowermama · 06-17-2007, 11:59 PM

I'd like to add a link in this thread to Amy's helpful baby wearing pictures and instructions:
http://www.picturetrail.com/Amy_slings

Also, the http://www.tummy2tummy.com/ DVD has wonderful instructions on how to babywear. If anyone has a chance to buy it or watch it, I really recommend it.

Elleanne · 01-25-2010, 07:11 PM

Wow... there is so much information here! Thank you!

lalaithnil · 06-04-2010, 06:08 PM

This site is the reason I'm making a ring sling! Thank you!

firecarrier · 07-27-2010, 07:49 AM

Interesting Info, I briefly tried this my 2 LO and found it extremely difficult although that was with high street shop bought carriers not sure if that makes any difference

I used to use the carrier only occasionally for short trips to shops etc as alternative to the pram and it gave me terrible backache even though I'm usually fit and well, would like to try this with the next one!

lalaithnil · 07-27-2010, 09:03 AM

There's a HUGE difference, IME, between a carrier and a sling. We

our homemade ring sling.

lmd0137 · 10-17-2010, 07:55 PM

There is some great info here. It clears up a lot of the fears I had about slings and positional asphyxia.

Annainprogress · 10-22-2010, 10:16 PM

just tried to use the sling slang link & IE said link may be broken

KrissyLynn · 04-03-2011, 01:27 PM

Yeah same here, a bunch of the links are broken

BCSweetie · 05-22-2011, 06:36 AM

Wow that looks like a compilation of everything there is to know for first time Baby-wearers. Thanks!

blondie · 08-12-2011, 07:40 AM

The links in the post are all weird. Just a heads up! I clicked on a few of them - some were no longer active, and one was for an inappropriate site.

PurpleButterfly · 09-26-2011, 12:17 PM

Thank you for letting me know about the outdated links! I've updated the entire post and all links, as well as added more info.

sunflowermom · 09-21-2012, 06:48 PM

Thank you! It's so great to find such wonderful information all in the same place. I love wearing my baby in our Mei Tai wrap. It's one of his favorite places to be.

12-26-2006, 07:55 PM	#1
PurpleButterfly Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 16,925	~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ Welcome to the wonderful world of babywearing! By safely using a well-made baby carrier, you will be able to keep your baby close, content, and connected. -Babies who are worn are less likely to develop seperation and attachment disorders. -They cry and fuss less and become independent earlier. -Babies worn for naps will typically sleep much longer and more contentedly. -An exhausted baby suffering from teething, colic, etc. will often quickly settle down and peacefully rest in a comfortable and properly positioned carrier. -Babies are soothed by being close to, feeling and smelling their caretakers, hearing the familiar heartbeat, and enjoying gentle, normal motion that occurs as they are worn. As if you needed even more benefits, imagine being able to comfort and soothe your baby while having your hands free to tend to siblings, make a snack, brush your teeth, fold laundry, read your Bible, etc.! Many mamas experience with babywearing is limited to locally available, commercially produced and mass marketed "front pack" baby carriers. Babies typically face forward/looking out, which is far too stimulating for most babies, mom's shoulders, back, and neck hurt from the poor design, and babywearing is quickly (and understandably) scratched off the list of possibilities. But it doesn't have to be like this! There is a whole world of amazing babywearing just waiting for you! I hope to encourage you to explore fabulously comfortable, safe and beautiful carriers that will change your experience and help you prolong the babywearing relationship. Not to mention looking and feeling fabulous in a gorgeous carrier that actually reflects your personal style! SAFETY: Young babies can be at risk of positional asphyxia - suffocation that occurs when airflow is restricted by body positioning, generally when baby's neck is folded forward in a "chin to chest" position. This can happen anywhere baby's body may be at risk for improper positioning, including but not limited to carseats, swings, and strollers. Keep your baby safe by making sure her head is far enough back that the airflow is not restricted, listening for common signs of improper positioning, such as grunting, sighing, fast or labored breathing, and keeping her nose and mouth away from soft bedding, pillows, fabric or anything that could restrict airflow. This is especially important if your baby is sleeping. Please don't let this scare you away from babywearing - a baby sleeping slouched in a bucket car seat or stroller is actually at more risk than a baby attached right to her parent. Babywearing Safety and Proper Positioning Babywearing safety: Are baby slings safe? Why front-facing structured carriers such as the Bjorn and Snuggli are not optimal for your baby: Spinal Stress Hip Dysplasia CHOOSING YOUR CARRIER: What kind of carrier should I choose? Babywearing product reviews Babywearing vendor reviews Babywearing product directory Find affordable, gently used carriers on TBW FSOT forums MAKE YOUR OWN: How to make your own baby carrier! The no-sew wrap! Sew a doll sling for little mamas and papas USING YOUR CARRIER: How to wear your baby: step-by-step instructions w/pictures Awesome collection of babywearing video tutorials! RING SLING tips & tricks Ring slings are well-loved for their quick and easy convenience! MEI TAI (pronounced "may tie") Discover the simplicity and ease of the Asian-style Baby Carrier (ABC) WRAP your baby This link shows the front wrap cross-carry (FWCC), one of the easiest and most comfy positions. For many more wrapping positions, just click on the menu on the left side of the page. SSC or Soft-Structured Carrier such as an ERGO, BECO, etc. ONBU A Japanese carrier similar to a mei tei, but using rings to thread the straps through. PODAEGI A strapless Asian-style Baby Carrier (ABC), very traditional. You can also find more positions here. BABYWEARING SUPPORT: Find a babywearing group in your area! More info about getting local babywearing help on an International level! Babywearing "Sling Slang" - what all the abbreviations mean Babywearing Glossary of Terms BABYWEARING FUN: Doll slings for your littles to do their own babywearing! Hathor the Cow Goddess on babywearing! All the Baby Mamas - a fabulous remake of Beyonce's song! Please feel free to post your favorite links, tips and tricks, too! __________________ Fighting for my life against Carcinoid Lung Cancer Last edited by PurpleButterfly; 09-26-2011 at 04:43 PM.

12-26-2006, 08:08 PM	#2
bostonsmama Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,507	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ __________________ Elise, wife to the magnificent Evan ; Mommy to Boston (5-04), Truman (6-07), Lincoln (4-11) and sweet baby Cru (7-03)

06-17-2007, 11:59 PM	#3
flowermama Owner/Founder of GCM Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 24,857	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ I'd like to add a link in this thread to Amy's helpful baby wearing pictures and instructions: http://www.picturetrail.com/Amy_slings Also, the http://www.tummy2tummy.com/ DVD has wonderful instructions on how to babywear. If anyone has a chance to buy it or watch it, I really recommend it. __________________ ~ Jeri gentle vegan mama to my vegan kiddos. . . 17 year old DD, 14 year old DS, 12 year old DD, and 8 year old DS and wife to my gentle dh for 21 years ♥ "Many years ago I found out something about hamburgers that really grossed me out. You may not know this, so I hope I don’t make you sick, but it turns out hamburgers are actually made out of dead cows. I am not making this up. Needless to say, as soon as I discovered that, I gave up meat entirely." -- Weird Al Yankovic

01-25-2010, 07:11 PM	#4
Elleanne Seedling Rose Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NC Posts: 18	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ Wow... there is so much information here! Thank you!

06-04-2010, 06:08 PM	#5
lalaithnil Rose Trellis Better every day. . . Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Over the river and through the woods Posts: 2,471	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ This site is the reason I'm making a ring sling! Thank you! __________________ Kelly - T1/ISFP (FB-Friend me!); Wife to Niel the PyroKing, 6/14/03; Breast Feeding, Baby-Wearing, Attached Mama to Isabellamy brilliant, spirited, beautiful goofball 1/22/10; and Sophia my sweet, gorgeous, 10.5lb natural VBAC miracle 2/4/13

07-27-2010, 07:49 AM	#6
firecarrier Rosebud I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of POWER and LOVE and a SOUND MIND! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: England (the middle!) Posts: 105	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ Interesting Info, I briefly tried this my 2 LO and found it extremely difficult although that was with high street shop bought carriers not sure if that makes any difference I used to use the carrier only occasionally for short trips to shops etc as alternative to the pram and it gave me terrible backache even though I'm usually fit and well, would like to try this with the next one!

07-27-2010, 09:03 AM	#7
lalaithnil Rose Trellis Better every day. . . Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Over the river and through the woods Posts: 2,471	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ There's a HUGE difference, IME, between a carrier and a sling. We our homemade ring sling. __________________ Kelly - T1/ISFP (FB-Friend me!); Wife to Niel the PyroKing, 6/14/03; Breast Feeding, Baby-Wearing, Attached Mama to Isabellamy brilliant, spirited, beautiful goofball 1/22/10; and Sophia my sweet, gorgeous, 10.5lb natural VBAC miracle 2/4/13

10-17-2010, 07:55 PM	#8
lmd0137 Rose Blossom Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 149	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ There is some great info here. It clears up a lot of the fears I had about slings and positional asphyxia.

10-22-2010, 10:16 PM	#9
Annainprogress Rose Garden Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK Posts: 10,918	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ just tried to use the sling slang link & IE said link may be broken

04-03-2011, 01:27 PM	#10
KrissyLynn Seedling Rose Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 19	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ Yeah same here, a bunch of the links are broken

05-22-2011, 06:36 AM	#11
BCSweetie Seedling Rose Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 27	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ Wow that looks like a compilation of everything there is to know for first time Baby-wearers. Thanks!

08-12-2011, 07:40 AM	#12
blondie Rose Garden A little bit crunchy, a little bit rock n' roll! Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 8,022	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ The links in the post are all weird. Just a heads up! I clicked on a few of them - some were no longer active, and one was for an inappropriate site. __________________ kat wearer of short shorts, lover of mondays and fairy of hair wife to my best friend since october 2004 mama to two precious girls "yaya"~ may 2009 "whozits"~ february 2012

09-26-2011, 12:17 PM	#13
PurpleButterfly Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 16,925	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ Thank you for letting me know about the outdated links! I've updated the entire post and all links, as well as added more info. __________________ Fighting for my life against Carcinoid Lung Cancer

09-21-2012, 06:48 PM	#14
sunflowermom Seedling Rose Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 13	Re: ~What Every Mama Needs to Know About Babywearing~ Thank you! It's so great to find such wonderful information all in the same place. I love wearing my baby in our Mei Tai wrap. It's one of his favorite places to be.

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