I love keeping my son close to me. From the moment the nurse placed him in my arms that summer night, I didn’t want to let him go. One year and twelve pounds later we’re still “wearing” my son! I first took up babywearing when my husband began to complain comment about the dishes that were stacked as high as my son’s building blocks and the laundry that was ready to walk out the door on it’s own. My need to “sleep when the baby sleeps” began to lose it’s validity as an excuse to get absolutely nothing done around the house right around four months postpartum. No longer could I spend all day lounging around the house bonding with my son until my husband came home from work to a messy house and an empty table.
My one year old baby boy still loves and needs to be carried and the use of a carrier allows me to get things done while keeping him happy. There are two things I look for in a baby carrier: safety and comfort. Everything else is frosting! I’ve tried soft front carriers, a sling, and a couple of wraps and I have found that wraps offer much in the way of versatility.
We recently tried The Sleepy Wrap and I have to say that I wish I had this when my son was a baby. The Sleepy Wrap is made from a cotton knit called French Terry which is 95% cotton and 5% spandex making it super soft and comfy for both moms and babes. More importantly, the material is durable and I never feel like my son is going to wiggle out. Over the years, my work as a nurse has subjected me to minor back strains and I have to be particularly careful to use the proper body mechanics and carrier when wearing my son. My son weighs approximately twenty pounds and I have not experienced back, neck, or shoulder pain while using this wrap. Unlike most carriers, wraps tend to conform to both the mom’s shape and the baby’s body for a secure and comfy fit. If you’ve tried the other popular wrap on the market you may have noticed some striking similarities. Having tried both wraps, I have to say I prefer The Sleepy Wrap for the following reasons:
I don’t have to guess how much room I’m going to need for my son (with the inevitable tying and retying that goes along with that)
I don’t have to worry about the wrap getting loose
I don’t have to retie the wrap to take him in and out
Both my husband and I can use the wrap without having to adjust it
It will accommodate my tot until he asserts his independence and no longer wants to be held
According to the manufacturer, The Sleepy Wrap provides adequate support for infants head, neck, hips, and legs. As a NICU nurse, I appreciate the fact that this wrap is suitable for premature babies and promotes kangaroo care. The Sleepy Wrap is a comfortable, secure, affordable way to wear your baby. I’ve compiled a short list of some of the things I’ve been able to accomplish while “wearing” my son.
Traveling – While I did not have the wrap when we took our trip to Nashville this past spring, traveling hands-free minus a stroller already makes the trip that much easier.
Nursing – Hands-free, discrete nursing? If I had only known how easy it could be. Check out the manufacturer’s tips here.
Light Housework – When my son wants to be held and I need to get something done, in the wrap he goes. When he was younger he used to fall asleep with my movement which was delightful.
Leisure and Errands – I keep my wrap with me wherever I go. It is so much more convenient than lugging a bulky stroller in and out of the trunk. I keep it tied around me and pop my son in and out of it as I do errands or stroll the mall.
Mastering the wrapping technique comes quickly once you’ve done it a few times. If you’ve never used a wrap or are a little nervous, I suggest practicing with a doll until you’re comfortable with the technique of placing the baby in the wrap. One suggestion I would make is to tie it snugly. This will ensure that your baby is close and secure and allows for the natural “give” inherent in the fabric.
The Sleepy Wrap is available in 12 different colors and retails for $33.95. Be sure to check out their articles on babywearing, attachment parenting, and breastfeeding.
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