My sister carrying my niece, Ava, in a ring sling while touring the fabric district in L.A.I knew when I had my second child that I wanted a way to keep baby attached to me during the day, so that I was able to have my hands free to care for my older son. I had used a Baby Bjorn when my first was small, but that caused my back to ache and I don't think it was very comfortable for baby. So I did a lot of research and eventually had a ring sling made for me, and then went on to make my own pouch and then a mei tai. I was bitten by the baby wearing bug.
Charlie loved the pouch!There are so many carrier options, that with a little bit of research parents can find the perfect carrier (or carriers) to suit their lifestyle. A good place to start is The Babywearer website. There you will find descriptions of different carriers, reviews of particular products and the vendors that sell them. Locally, there is a babywearing group that gathers regularly to troubleshoot issues, try on different carriers and promote the idea of babywearing.
Charlie, as a newborn, cuddled in my ring sling.
I wish I had pictures of me wearing my children as they have gotten older, but with the right carrier it is possible to carry your child until they are over 30 pounds with no discomfort. It makes having a stroller pretty obsolete. And making dinner with a fussy baby who wants to be held a piece of cake.
