How a Moby Wrap Turned Me into a Baby-Wearing Mom

When I was pregnant with my first child, I researched all sorts of parenting methods and philosophies, determined to get it right. I looked for advice everywhere in the quest to become the best mom I could. Through my search, I came across one school of thought called "Attachment Parenting," and one of its tenets, "baby-wearing." The whole idea didn't appeal to me; I was much more drawn to the philosophy of a routine. But I received both a front carrier and a sling as gifts, so I decided to try them out. The front carrier was something my son barely tolerated; he had to conform to one set position, and since he liked to look around and spread out, he wasn't happy at all. The sling was even worse. The model I had has since been recalled, but it consisted of me carrying my baby in a cradle-like position with one strap slung across my back and shoulder. My son and I were both uncomfortable, and after a few unsuccessful attempts, I returned it to the store.

While my attempts at baby-wearing were unsuccessful, over the years I enjoyed closeness with my three sons by carrying them in my arms and snuggling with them and rocking them. I never felt deprived or not bonded, and since all of my little guys were active and wiggly, this was the best choice for them and for me. They hated being constricted, so I never forced the issue, finding other ways to be close.

Getting ready to have a fourth baby made me think about the practicality of having something that would help me be close with the baby while being able to care for my other three kids. My life looked a lot different now than with my first; I now had more cleaning and cooking to do, homework to help with, kids to play with and help, and I was wondering how I would continue these relationships with my sons while caring for a baby, particularly a newborn. So when I witnessed a few moms with a Moby Wrap, my interest was peaked.

The Moby Wrap looked different; instead of one set position, the baby looked content being swaddled in fabric that conformed to her body. It looked comfortable, and both mom and baby seemed content and secure. So, I went to the store, armed with a coupon, and decided to purchase one of my own, just a week before my baby was due to arrive. I figured that it couldn't hurt, and if I hated it, I would just take it back.

When I unwrapped my Moby, I discovered that it was just one long piece of fabric, able to be contorted into many different configurations. I practiced a few holds with a stuffed animal in front of a mirror, and was excited to use it for real. When our daughter was born, I began using it in the first week. With my husband's help, I started with the kangaroo hold for newborns, and instantly I was enjoying myself. Instead of my daughter having to conform to a carrier, the Moby Wrap conformed to her. I was able to wrap her according to her favorite position, and she was very content. I was also comfortable. Instead of her hanging off of me, she was centered up towards my chest, and the criss-cross design across my back centered her weight.

In her first two weeks of life, I was reaping the benefits of my Moby Wrap again and again. I was able to sit at the computer and write, sit with my boys and read or help them with homework, cook and bake, and even do dishes. I wore her while overseeing all three of my boys get haircuts at the same time and also while shopping. Because she was against my chest, well-meaning onlookers never got too close, alleviating the risk of a lot of germs, which I loved.

But the biggest benefit of the Moby Wrap is that I can bond with my baby while we're both comfortable, and I don't have to put my entire life on hold to do so. I'm able to still be with my other children while my baby sleeps contentedly against me, something that's precious. I love how the Moby offers many positions to both accommodate my baby's moods, as well as her positions as she grows. It's the first carrier that I've felt comfortable with and that I've felt my baby is comfortable with too. And for the first time in my life, I have made baby-wearing a part of my routine.

I still use a stroller, believe in schedule and routine, and use other baby gadgets like a swing, but now carrying my baby is in the mix too. I enjoy the closeness and the fact that my baby's content and secure. With four kids, the Moby Wrap has helped me be with all of them at the same time and continue our routine as much as we can. For those looking for a baby carrier or those who have been skeptical of baby carriers in the past, I highly recommend the Moby Wrap. It's superior to other carriers out there, and both you and baby will enjoy it and use it often.