Moms Discuss 'Baby Wearing'

“There is a popular trend now called “Baby Wearing.”  More moms are opting to “wear” their babies (in a sling or other type of wearable baby carrier) instead of using a stroller.  When you had infant(s) what was your choice and why?”

Gloria Bath, Douglasville mom to Olivia (5)

I used a BabyBjorn as soon as I was able (can fit baby, 8 lbs-25 lbs).  Olivia was a very cranky baby - she completely despised riding in her car seat and her stroller.  I would walk with her several hours everyday around Grant Park using the carrier. Olivia loved it!  I loved having her so close to my heart; I felt like I could have intimate conversations with her while walking.  I enjoyed the freedom it allowed me–from having my hands and arms free, to the ease of taking it anywhere I wanted (without the bulk)!  As Olivia got older, I simply put her on my back.  Talk about "strength training"!   My husband, David, used it as well. Using the carrier, he would take Olivia on hikes all over the city.  We both loved it and would certainly suggest using one to any new parent.

Rita Ronin, Douglasville mom to Ashton (10)

Baby wearing, slings and all that, weren’t very popular 10 years ago when I had my boy but if it was I would have probably gone that route.  It seems like a good way to provide some comfort for the child.  People are always coming up to kids in stroller and poking at them and in a sling that would probably be less likely.

Denise Lee, Douglasville mom to Carolyn (7) and Kiki (5)

I loved the idea of baby wearing but just could not get the hang of it.  I was always afraid of the baby falling out or getting squished so I didn’t do it as often as I would have liked.  It was convenient to pop the girls in a stroller so I didn’t work too hard at baby wearing.

Heather Beachy, Douglasville mom to Claire (3) and Susannah (4)

I really wanted to carry both of my girls in either a sling or wrap but just couldn't find one that a) fit my small frame and b) kept my baby happy. A wrap I received as a gift had more yardage than a sari and both of my girls hated being in a sling-style carrier. While our BabyBjorn fit my 6'4" husband perfectly, we just couldn't adjust it to be small enough for my petite frame. It was a great parenting lesson: not everything will go as well as you hoped or planned.

Minde Herbert, Douglasville mom to 5-year old twins, Sam and Jane-

Baby wearing was challenging with twins but we did it whenever we could.  We believed that this helped us bond with our babies and created a unique closeness. I used a sling and wore them one at a time, but sometimes also opted for a BabyBjorn.  When going out as a family my husband and I would each wear a baby, or sometimes friends would help out and wear one too!