International Babywearing Week

I was pleased to see on the web that this week is International Babywearing Week. It also happens to be Attachment Parenting Month, so this post fits into two notches, I guess. We have definitely leaned toward the Attachment Parenting methods in our house and babywearing has been a wonderful part of the experience. The philosophy behind babywearing is that you are close to the child, they are at rest and peace by being near you and you continue to build a bond. This is not to say that we don’t use a stroller or that she doesn’t run around the house all day. But, we have enjoyed wearing Tomato as an infant around the home and on walks, and I continue to wear her while running errands. I do have a cart cover for stores where I can use a cart, but I prefer to use my Ergo carrier. Is there anything better than being able to cuddle with your little one? Wearing her for the hour or so that we are out and about keeps me calmer too and I love being able to lean down and kiss her head and talk to her while we shop.

We have two different carriers, the Ergo and the Baby Bjorn. When we were first doing a baby registry, I asked around to see which one everyone liked best and the results were split. We registered for the Ergo, but also bought the Bjorn after we delivered Tomato since we discovered that she was a kid who liked to face out and be part of the action during the witching hour before dinner and bed. Both are easy on my back and I am happy that we have the option for her to face out with the Bjorn. I have really only carried her in the front with the Ergo, but the videos below, from the Ergo website, are a great resource for figuring out how to wear your child on the side and on your back.

One of the reasons that I like using the Ergo the most is that it folds up easily to toss in the car. It’s very lightweight and the model that we have is made of a breathable, organic cotton.

Ergo Organic Cotton Carrier

Organic Newborn Insert

Also, it has a newborn insert to help support little necks, which is great when you want to do somethings around the house and still have your little one nap with you. Finally, it’s just plain comfy. I’ve worn Tomato for three hours at a time and seen friends nurse their babies in them while on an art museum tour for new moms.

Overall, we like the Ergo best out of the two. We were first introduced to the Ergo by a couple of friends who used it with their child. The joy that we saw on the K’s face as she carried E was touching and sweet. It made me immediately want to do the same with the Tomato when she arrived. Sadly, we lost K this past spring to cancer, but I think of her each time that I wear Tomato and miss her spirit and smile very much.