Wear Your Baby

I wonder how long this sewing bug is going to last. It's pretty extreme when combined with the self-sufficiency my mother taught me. Now I must hand-make everything. It is useful for baby gifts, though.

For a while I've been trying to figure out which baby carrier is best(bjorn, sling, wrap) , and I've decided that I'd rather have one of each, especially now that I can make them. They are especially helpful for baby #2+ when you have a toddler to chase and chores to get done. Here are my opinions about each.

Sling. My dear sister lent me her New Native sling when Eli came. I loved how simple it was and how small it folded to keep in my bag. It's perfect for tiny babies, especially if you want to bring them out in public. Babies are tucked away from strangers' grimy fingers. (Can you tell, week old Eli's in this picture) Your hands are totally free and it's easier to get around without bulky car seats or strollers. It was also handy when I wanted to trade sleeping Eli off to Brian, he just stayed asleep in the pouch as we pulled it over my head and onto Brian. For being so great, the sling does have a couple of cons. First, your shoulder will hurt if you wear it for a long time and when the baby gets bigger. And they are sold by size, so not adjustable. I still want one for the first few months and wearyourbaby.com even has easy plans to make one from a snug-fitting t-shirt. Here's a free pattern and instructions to make one from the fabric of your choice.

Bjorn- These adjustable, daddy-friendly carriers are comfortable at any stage, I sometimes stick Eli in his still. It is a more bulky in your bag, but lets your baby look in or out. Similar in style, without the patented buckles and such, is the Mei Tai. It is more versatile and comfortable in that you can also carry your baby on your back. Here are some simple and here are some detailed plans to make one yourself.

Wrap- My new must have. I'll admit I was scared when my sister offered me hers and never took it. It's just 5 yards of fabric 20+ inches wide that you wrap in different ways to make a carrier. I knew the sling was a new idea for Utahns when a girl at church said I should carry a jug of water on my head too. I wonder what she would have said about the wrap. The Moby Wrap has to be the most versatile, comfortable baby carrier out there. There are at least 11 different holds, including hip and even twins (instructions for which are on their site). You can buy one for $40 or make your own. I was super excited to go to Joann's today to get 5 yards of cotton knit (jersey, like stretchy T-shirts are made from) to make one myself. My sister is always years ahead of me.

Now comes my main reason for this post. I know some people having babies and would like to know who would like a wrap (since they are kind of a statement). Don't be shy, anyone with a baby sometime in their future (Ashley, Anna, Sarah, Leilani, Shannon, Annette, Esther, Kim) make a comment (sling or wrap) and I'll keep it in mind. I'm too practical and have to give gifts that people love and use daily, so no pressure if there's no interest. I'm also dreaming up things to applique on to mark the center, like a leaf, cute animal or something. Plus I'd better learn to wrap them before giving them away.