Baby Wearing October 1, 2009

Baby wearing is something that I had wanted to do with my little one even before we got pregnant. I just love the idea of having my baby close to me just like she used to be in my belly. However, there are so many choices out there that I have no idea which is best for me and my baby.

At our shower, we received a Baby Bjorn Air carrier which Andy really look forward to using. He knew that Baby Bjorn is what is wanted from the moment I explained what baby wearing is about and the what choices are. Me on the other hand, is still confused with 8 weeks left in this pregnancy.

A long time ago, I remember seeing a ring sling called the Maya Wrap. I love the idea of the ring, which makes it easily adjustable, and the fabric patterns are vibrant and attractive. The excess fabric can be used as nursing cover as well. Because it is adjustable, I should be able to use this wrap until our baby is a toddler. My only concern is that since I will be wearing the wrap over one shoulder, this means that I will be prone to shoulder pain.

Early in the pregnancy, I found Hot Slings and Peanut Shell. These are used to carry the baby on one hip as well, but is non adjustable. Because they are a fixed size, I was told not to buy it until the baby is born so that I get a sling that works with me and my baby. I would like to wear my baby ASAP after she is born, but I will not be able to make it to the store until 30 days after delivery since that is when I will be observing a confinement period, which is a Chinese tradition. I am not allowed to leave the house until the confinement is over. I could send Andy out and get me one in every size, but I’d rather be there to make the choice myself.

A little later, I read about the Moby Wrap. According to BabyinASling, this is the best baby wearing choice out there, but the instructions are uber-complicated for the various options of using the wrap. This is an 18-foot long piece of fabric that you would fold, wrap and tuck to form the appropriate method of wearing your baby. I am a bit intimidated by this, and reviews also mentioned that this wrap is best used when assembled in the house rather than when you are out and about. Because of this, I am still leaning towards the Maya Wrap, or Hotsling/Peanut Shell since  I can take it out at the mall when I need to nurse or when our little one wants to sleep on my chest instead of the stroller.

Mei Tai’s or Asian Baby Carriers (ABC) are also one of the choices out there. This is a modern version of what my grandmother and great grandmother used. I have not researched too much into this but it looks like it has comfortable padding for the baby and the wearer.

What are your thoughts? Are you an avid babywearer and if so, what did you choose and why?