Maybe you already know about this, but for some reason I didn't. The first time I was introduced to this concept, was when I was in NY with some friends. We were living in NJ and had taken the train up to the city for some shopping. I was with two girl friends and Dana. I brought our nice Phil & Teds stroller, and Jessica and Courtney helped me lift it onto the train, up the stairs, etc. So no big deal, right, when there's 3 women and 1 baby! Dana was 4 months old at the time, and I slipped inside a little fabric shop to nurse her. A woman came in carrying her sleeping 2 1/2 year old son on her back. I suppose she thought babywearing would be right up my ally, since there I was breastfeeding in (sort of) public. She said to me, "You know, if you get a carrier, you don't need to lug a big stroller around with you everywhere you go." I thought that was cool, she was running her errands around New York City, and her son was sleeping away. So I asked about her carrier, she said the name and I asked again, because it was unfamiliar to me. She said, "It really doesn't matter what kind of carrier, there are lots of different kinds." That was our conversation. She never said the term "babywearing" and I didn't really find out exactly what it was until a few months later.
I had a Baby Bjorn when Levi was a baby. I hardly ever used it. It was very uncomfortable. I suppose it would be considered babywearing to use one of those, but they are so uncomfortable, I don't know if anyone uses them enough to be called that :) I found this website that gives more information than you will ever want to know, but is so very helpful. When Dana was 8 mo old I was considering doing babywearing (it's much easier to start with a newborn, though) but was so overwhelmed with the information on this site, I gave it up. Who has hours to spend researching which type of carrier to use? There are SOOOOO many (and why everyone only has a bjorn, is beyond me :). But the idea is there is no one right carrier. It really depends on what your needs are. I chose a stretchy wrap for a few reasons: reflux baby, back problems/comfort, and cost effectiveness. But even within stretchy wraps, there are so many options. I went with the standard Moby Wrap, which is even for sale at Target, so definitely getting popular. I probably would have gone with the Sleepy Wrap, which is the same cheap price, but I found the Moby at the consignment shop. In a few months I'll probably get a woven wrap. It all depends on your needs.
Anyway, I am so so glad I put in a few hours to find a carrier that is right for me, and to actually go through with babywearing. I think I tell Jason every night how much I love it. I get stuff done (and get to snuggle with her at the same time, and kiss the top of her little head), Camille's reflux is soothed (YES, she does have reflux, and I WILL do a post about our experience later), my back doesn't hurt, even after wearing her for hours, and guess what? We still have only 1 car, our little economy car, and all 3 5 pt harnesses fit in the back seat. But we can't get the infant carrier out, it's so squished. But who cares! I take her out of it and put her in the wrap anyway. And when we go to the store, I don't have to take up a huge portion of the cart to put in a car seat. Speaking of shopping, the only time I ever wished I formula fed in the past was when I was walking around the grocery store and the baby was crying, and I had to check out prematurely so I could get to the car and have a place to sit and nurse. Well, when I went into Walmart a couple weeks ago, Camille woke up hungry just on our way into the store. I just pulled up my shirt, and nursed her while I walked around the store, and I promise no one could even tell. How awesome.
The only draw back I have come across so far is she wakes up a little when I get her in and out of the car seat. But she'll get used to it, and she always goes right back to sleep. Also, if clothes shopping, I suppose I will have to find a place to lay her down to try on the clothes. Maybe I'll bring a bouncer? Just thought I'd pass along the good news.
