Thread: FAQ's *Please read before posting*

Table of Contents:

Benefits of Babywearing
Make Your Own
Where To Buy
Instructions
Choosing a Carrier
Wearing Multiples

Benefits of Babywearing:
1-Return to the Womb
“9 months in, 9 months (or more) out”
rhythmic, warm, close, heartbeat

2-Calmer
cry less
carrying babies in a sling reduces crying and fussing 43% during the
day and 51% at night
more welcome in public
more secure: security = confidence = independence

3-Encourages Close Bond
as opposed to gadgets designed to allow you to be hands free, but
separate from your baby (stroller, activity center, bouncy seat, walker,
swing)
baby responds to your warmth, smell, rhythms, sounds
baby feels safe, because you are relaxed

4-Exposure to Stimuli
center of activity versus center of attention
more involved in conversations (eye contact, listening, verbalization,
facial expressions)
eye level with signs, pictures, people
protection from over stimulation

5-Safety
from letting go of hand (toddler)
from a run-away stroller
from other people (people are less likely to touch your baby if your
baby is within your personal space)

6-Convenient and Economical
less bulky than strollers
usually less money than strollers and other baby holding gadgets

7-Physically Advantageous for Baby
baby learns balance from wearer (vestibular system stimulation)
better for back (less spinal stress stemming from tailbone position ie:
snuglie, bjorn)
better for hips and formation of socket
reduces apnea as baby is in tune to wearer’s breathing
reduces stress for baby
allows easy access for breastfeeding and thus, better weight gain
aids in digestion
elimination of leg-openings improves baby's leg circulation and will not
promote bowleggedness
prevents Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)

8-Physically Advantageous for Wearer
distributes baby’s weight evenly
easier than carrying baby in arms
allows carrying baby longer so muscles grow along with baby
allows discrete breastfeeding which helps mother to relax and letdown
creates a sense of positive well-being and security
allows for hands free activities
allows wearer to give hands free attention to other siblings

9-Other Caregivers
eases parent/caregiver transition
allows caregiver to be in tune with baby, while still having hands free
to give attention to other children
shelters baby from other children when needed
aids in “wearing down” so baby can get adequate sleep

10-Other Uses
pillow
blanket
changing pad
breastfeeding cover
purse
fashion accessory
can use a ring sling, as a "leash" around a child that is just
starting to walk and wants to walk by themselves.

DIY wrap I don't recommend cutting it in thirds, but only in half.
Jan Andrea - slings, pouches, etc.
Buy SlingRings

Examples of cheap wraps

Pouches:

www.hotslings.com
www.goo-ga.com
www.lanepieslings.com
www.theslingset.com
http://www.kangarookorner.com/ -adjustable pouch
http://www.newnativebaby.com/
http://www.peapodcreations.ca/

Ring Slings:
www.zolowear.com – has great info on how to wear your sling and what you could be doing wrong.
www.chickenscratchslings.com
www.sleepingbaby.net
www.mayawrap.com
http://www.sakurabloom.com/
http://www.kaleababy.com/index.php


Mei Tai: (pronounced May Tie)
www.kozycarrier.homestead.com – has great pics on how to wear the MT
www.babyhawk.com
http://www.haveaballbaby.com/meitais.html


Soft Structured Carriers: (SSC)
http://preggyandbaby.com/catalog.php?category=1
http://www.ecobabies.com/
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
adjustable feature so little guys can ride with feet out: http://www.meitaibaby.com/shopcarriers.html
adjustable http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5094946
https://www.bebekisses.com/[/QUOTE]

Wraps:

http://www.didymos.de/english/index_e.htm
http://www.storchenwiege.com/
http://www.gypsymama.com/ - lightweight summer wraps and water wraps
http://www.mamatoto.org/default.aspx?tabid=121 – wrapping instructions
http://www.peppermint.com/girasolcarry.htm -more instructions
http://www.mobywrap.com/


Here are some great sites that sell all kinds of carriers:

www.attachedtobaby.com
http://store.peppermint.com/index.html
http://store.theslingstation.com/

Used Carriers http://www.lemonbalmessentials.com/index.html & www.attachedtobaby.com


Here are some wonderful sites that tell all about baby carriers, different types of carriers, reviews and much, much more:
www.thebabywearer.com
http://www.mammasmilk.com/slings/
http://www.naturalfamilyboutique.com/

www.mom4life.com
has slings and donates part of profits
They also have TONS of other wonderful products for mommies

Using a carrier with a disability/special needs/chronic illness

Wrapping links
www.mobywrap.com - tying stretchy wraps, however I don't recommend facing the baby out
Great DVD on how to wear all the types of baby carriers listed above:
www.tummy2tummy.com

[QUOTE=lbff;354522]Site that has a lot of pictures and step by step instructions for different carries: http://www.mamatoto.org/Default.aspx?tabid=36

This thread on TBW has a lot of (adorable) pictures of wraps, pouches, slings and MTs with a newborn: http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=70849

Here is a great video on how to nurse in a wrap:
http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t=P5200237.flv

For anyone interested, there was a big feature on babywearing recently in this magazine. There are a lot of instructions, recommendations for different resources, types of wraps, pouches, Mei Tais and ring slings, etc.

Babywearing section starts on p. 44. http://www.mothering-digital.com/mothering/sample/

http://www.babywearinginternational.org

A website with a wealth of babywearing info as well as a For Sale Or Trade Forum is www.thebabywearer.com

Choosing and Comparing Carriers

Best carrier for a newborn?
I prefer a stretchy Moby type wrap. Very cozy and supportive, two shouldered carry, you can nurse in (most people)


Wrapping Instructions

Pros & Cons of diff carriers

Ring Sling/Pouches Links

Mei Tai's/Asian body Carriers

General Resources:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowToO/Twins.htm
http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowToO/Twins2.htm
http://www.mamatoto.org/Default.aspx?tabid=77
http://www.wearsthebaby.com/askbabyw...swertwins.html

Pouches and Ring slings:
http://www.babysling.com/faq.shtm#twins
http://www.betterbabysling.co.uk/slcarry5.html

Moby wrap for newborns:
http://www.mobywrap.com/instructions.php?link=10

Kangaroo Korner slings and pouches:
http://www.kangarookorner.com/wearing.aspx?t=twinsWear
http://www.kangarookorner.com/choose.aspx?t=chooseTwins

New Native Pouch:
http://www.newnativeinc.com/babywearingtwinscarry.asp