Sleep and babywearing

Although I am not a convert to the attached parenting style, there is truth to the claims they make about babywearing - at least when it comes to sleep! A friend introduced me to the crazy world of babywearing recently. Some wear their babies as a matter of principle and it is almost an anti-establishment statement of sorts. I just wear him because its practical and he seems to like it so far. It's convenient because babies like being close to you and sometimes you need to do something other than hold them. In fact, as I write this my little one is sleeping in his wrap tied up to my chest and I have both hands free to type! Almost every time I put him in the new wrap he falls asleep. So far he slept through mom making muffins (Dad put the muffins in the oven - not to worry), a few meetings, a walk around the block and me typing this. I expect he will sleep through much more (I've only had it for a week).

There are four general types of babywearing devices.

• Ring Slings - These are long pieces of cloth that can be padded or unpadded that go through a couple of rings and are adjustable. I personally am not too interested in slings although they are very popular.
• Pouches - This type of sling or pouch is fitted to its wearer and is basically a piece of cloth folded over so that the baby can sit or rest in it.
• Mei Tai - (pronounced May Tie) This is a rectangular piece of cloth with four straps coming out of each of the corners. The bottom straps are tied around the waist, the baby sits and is supported by the rectangular piece of cloth and then the top straps are tied in a variety of ways around your body to keep the baby safe and secure.
• Wrap - This is a long piece of cloth (5 to 6 yards) either stretchy or woven that can be tied in a variety of ways to hold the baby. This is the type that I have and am loving it!

Almost all of these can be used in a front, side or back position. You need to be practical about what you can do while wearing your baby - but it does make it easier to read, type or eat. All of these can be purchased in a variety of fabrics and colors. You can also make them yourself if you have a bit of Martha in you. I don't expect to be "wearing" my child until he is three or four (like some people do). Nor do I think the stroller is of the devil. These soft carriers are different from "structured carriers" because they allow the baby to sit more in the carrier instead of dangling which is supposed to be better for their spine. It makes sense to me - plus they are more versatile.

So far I know that being a wrap comforts my little one and helps him to sleep - so I intend to use it as long as he enjoys it. If you are interested in learning more you should check out www.thebabywearer.com - they have tons of information about this topic.