Babywearing - Best for Baby, Easiest for Mommy!

Is packing your baby with you a hassle? No! Baby wearing is the most convenient thing I've ever done! I could not survive without my baby carriers. See baby in this picture? She's with me, learning from my daily activities, yet I'm able to get my work done and not have to worry about her feeling sad because I'm not paying attention to her and I don't have to pick her up and find a designated baby-safe spot every 5 seconds as I move around the house.

I like a few different carriers.

She's in the Ergo Babycarrier in that picture! Pricey, but SO worth every penny. I love that it is 100% cotton. I use this carrier 2-5 hours every single day. We use it when grocery shopping, when I'm up in the garden, when we go on walks where the stroller doesn't go well, while hiking, around the house, everywhere! I love that she's so close to me, and the weight is distributed well over my hips; she's not hanging from my shoulders like some carriers do. She is also well supported in there, which our chiropractor says is much better for her spine and overall physical development. Getting her up on my back was a little tricky, but the carrier came with a DVD that simplified the process, and now I can do it by myself no problem. I've used this since she was 3 months old, and have even used it with my 2 year old niece with no problem. Should we be expecting another little one in the near future, I will absolutely consider getting another Ergo so I can have one baby on my front and one baby on my back. This is how we get through the evening fussy hour; babies seem to *know* when mommies are trying to cook dinner, and that is when they want some extra attention. No more trying to cook dinner with a babe on my hip or a fussy baby, nope, I just pop her in the carrier around 4:50 and she stays right with me observing my every move until I pop her out when dinner is all done.

We usually use this in the grocery store, and it's hilarious to see people's reactions. I try to go to the grocery store during the day on week days so it's less crowded, and mostly the only people in there are older people. I get more comments from grandmas and grandpas about how it is so wonderful that I keep her close to me, that they can tell she likes to be with her momma, and some people just outright laugh and the little pudgy legs sticking out the bottom and the wide eyes taking everything in.

The next carrier that like is a pouch sling. I make my own, but you can get them very reasonably priced on Etsy. I like this for quick in and out errands that I'll still need two hands for. Babe pops in and out in seconds and is very secure. I used a pouch sling for her when she was a newborn also, it kept her warm and right in front where I can see her. Now that she sits up, we can do the hip carry and she can nurse hands free in there while I am able to get other things done. It's not quite as comfortable as the Ergo, but I find it both more comfortable and easier to use than regular Bjorn-like carriers.

The last baby carrier that I use is a frame backpack. Friends of ours bought it for us from Target. Not as good for their physical development, as baby isn't as supported as in the Ergo or sling, but it works well for when it's hot out and we don't want to be quite so close. I didn't start using this until she was 8 months old and could sit up well. I love the canopy that helps keep the sun out of her eyes, and that I can take it off and set her down while she's still in the carrier. Also, because she isn't as close to my body, my center of gravity is shifted more than with the Ergo and she feels heavier, but this is still convenient for some things.

Yes, we do still use our stroller. We have a 3-wheeled jogging stroller that we got second hand that is GREAT for going on long walks. But for around the house, errands, and going over very rough hilly terrain, baby carriers can't be beat!