Page 7 - Babywearing
"Why is my baby so fussy?" is a question I get asked by many moms and dads as I speak to new parents in my role as a postpartum doula and Int'l Board Certified Lactation Consultant. There is no easy answer to this question. However, if parents understood the physiological makeup of their baby, and respond to it the way nature designed them, then the question would be less of an issue.
I often hear new parents talk about all of the things they “can’t do” now that they have a child(ren). One thing that seems to make that list time and time again is hiking. Every time I hear this I just want to scream I mean honestly what better way to bond with your child than getting out and experience the great outdoors together with a nice hike. So maybe you can’t do those 10-15 mile hikes that you once did and overnight backpacking trips will have to be put on hold until your little one can carrier their own pack but besides those few little things hiking is most definitely something you can do with your child at most any age.
My husband Neil fell in love with hiking a few years ago and I have slowly become fond of hiking myself and have even gone on a few 10-15 mile hikes and an overnight trip with him. When our daughter arrived last summer we unfortunately didn’t make it out for any of the hiking season due to my slow postpartum recovery and just the busy-ness that comes
My husband and I enjoy hiking and were determined to keep hiking a part of our life even after we had children. We therefore found ways to make hiking both possible AND fun with an infant or young toddler. So in the spirit of fun times ahead, here are a few tips for hiking with your baby.
1. Only hike in good weather
This may go without saying, but many adults have no problem hiking in the rain or the cold. Babies, on the other hand, are not as able to regulate their body temperature like adults can and since they are not generating heat through activity, they can lose body heat quickly through their hands and feet. What’s more, babies and young children do not follow instructions even when it’s to their benefit to do so! No matter what you do, sometimes your child will insist on hanging a foot, hand, or even head outside of the rain cover or poncho to get cold and wet. The end result? Unhappy baby, unhappy parents. Always check the weather forecast before leaving
- Ergobaby Carrier: Navigating busy streets, public transportation, and small cafes is no place for a stroller. Keeping baby close, safe, and out of trouble while still looking great is possible with a great carrier
- Large Bag: I like something I can sling over my shoulder that will fit diaper changing supplies, a few snacks, a water bottle and my wallet.
- Sunglasses: To keep the glare away and complete the look.
- Teething Necklace:
It seems that in many Western societies, one of the first things people do when they find out they’re expecting is to look at strollers, baby carriers, bassinets, anything that will hold your child for you. Yet, most people don’t realize that there is another way to keep your little ones with you, a way that is far superior in many regards and will also be much cheaper: babywearing. Historically, and in many other cultures today, strollers and other baby carrying gadgets are simply not used. Babies are wrapped and strapped to their caregiver to get around when their own two legs can’t take them. Though some might argue that there’s no difference, or that our modern inventions are more convenient, I would like to argue that there are actually good reasons to wear your baby. So here I present what I believe to be are five of the best reasons to wear your baby…
Reason #1: Babywearing allows for lots of touch
Sadly, infants and children are not receiving the amount of touch they
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Get styling with our newly launched Ergobaby Zebra Carrier. In honor of Kate Middleton's 31st Birthday yesterday, we put together this fun collection! Lets celebrate her from across the Atlantic in true British Fashion in style!Have you ever noticed that it’s rare to find picture books with images of babies at the breast or cradled in a carrier? Stop by any bookstore and you’re bound to notice the omission. Though there certainly isn’t anything wrong with cribs and bottles, I’d also love to see more imagery of babywearing, cosleeping, and breastfeeding in children’s books…to help normalize these wonderful practices for little ones.
Illustrator Marla Frazee has done a particularly outstanding job in this category. Take, for example, “Everywhere Babies” – a book that features all of the amazing things that babies do – including being carried by their parents all around town. Written by Susan Meyers, the rhyming text is sure to immediately captivate young ones (and parents too).
Another splendid story is “The Seven Silly Eaters” by Mary Ann Hoberman. Parents will sympathize with Mrs. Peters desperate plight to please her very picky eaters and kids will roar with laughter at the sheer absurdity When we found out that my cousin would be getting married in Seattle in May 2012, we decided to take a few extra days off and make it into a fun family vacation. High in priority on our packing list for any trip is our Ergobaby Carrier. Back when we had a two year old and a new baby, we bought a second Ergo. Now that our children are older (5 ½ years, 3 ½ years, and 5 months old), we are only using the Ergo with our newest baby. Don’t get me wrong, having two Ergobaby Carriers still comes in quite handy! We are able to keep one in the car and one in the house at all times. But, traveling is an exception! There are too many variables when traveling with young children. You never know what will happen, so always take both of the Ergobaby Carriers!
As has been our experience, the Ergobaby Carrier made traveling by plane much simpler. No surprise there! Once we arrived in Seattle, we decided to buy a City Pass in order to see all of the best attractions at