Contest

I heard about this contest through another really great blog I read.

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

Gypsy Mama wraps are made right here in Maine by a great mama in Sanford. I love promoting Maine products so check it out!

Here are the top 10 reasons to wear your baby: (borrowed from The Natural Child Project http://www.naturalchild.org/

1. Wearing a baby is convenient
You can cook dinner, negotiate steps, ramps, etc., clean, and assist an older child among the many things you can do while wearing a baby. I find wearing Rex especially useful when he is teething and doesn't want to be put down. I can give nurturing 1:1 attention to him while the rest of the day continues because my BabyHawk is like a third arm.

2. Wearing a Baby Promotes Physical Development
Baby builds his vestibular system (balance) by learning early and experiencing the movement of daily life. They feel secure next to their mother (or other person earing them) and provides comfort.

3. Babies Worn in Slings are Happier
My mom and grandmother calls this "spoiling" because when they were raising their kids they believed that holding babies too much made them fussier. Research shows that children who are held and touched cry less often. It is important to remember though, that if you chose to hold and comfort your baby, you make a comittment to them unlike any other!

4. Baby-wearing is Healthy for You
Forget the gym with a new baby in the house. By wearing your baby you are walking with and lifting a growing weight! Let nature takes its course and build your strentgh and stamina as your baby grows. It is important to remember though that if you choose to take a walk for exercise with a baby in a carrier, a front or back carrier is never a good idea for very small babies (under 1 year). The increased impact is too strenuous on their developing neck muscles. Use a sling, it provides much more support for baby.

5. Toddlers Appreciate the Security of the Sling
I can't speak to this. Cece is way to independent. She came out crying because she wanted to be 16 from day 1!. That being said, I did not wear Cece when she was young very often. I don't come from a family of baby-wearers so I have to learn these benefits on my own. I think had she been more used to the carrier she would have been more receptive much later into life.

6. Baby Wearing Helps You and your Child Communicate
You learn a lot about each other when you are close. Each time a baby can communicate its needs without crying their trust and confidence builds.

7. Carriers are a Great Bonding Tool for Bad's Too!
Dad's who wear their babies gain all of the same bonding opportunities and other benefits listed here. Baby-wearing is not just for moms! Chris is always happy to carry Rex in his carrier. I think he likes the calm and somewhat predictable state it puts Rex in. I also think that Papa likes the feeling of holding his son close to his heart, nother way to build a great relationship.

8. Carriers are a Safe Place for a Child to be
Your child is connected to you, as they are when they are growing inside you. DO you have an other child? Having baby in a carrier allows for you to have two hands to help keep your other kids in tow safe. Also, you can't "turn for just a second" and leave your baby unattended inviting a tragety to occur in your "absence". Your baby is always with you and safe.

9. Carriers are GREEN
Many wonderful carriers are available to purchase (or make your own) that do not include plastic or other manufactured materials that deplete our natural resources. Fabric, thread and batting are all you need for some of the most economic carriers around. We use a BabyHawk Mei Tei which is all cloth. No buckles to rings. Just soft, sturdy cloth.

10. Baby Wearing is Fun!
You get to snuggle your baby!! Once baby is looking around you can show her the world from a great perspective and you can tell her all about it as it is happening in front of her eyes. What a great way to present and teach them about the world.