babywearing in the office

[Watershippy]

Hi, I'm a newbie to babywearing (or at least I will be when this baby gets born!) and I have a question. Some background: I'm going to be able to bring my baby to work with me for at least the first six months. I'm a church administrator. Sometimes one of the priests uses the spare desk in my office, and occasionally there is an event during the day with lots of people, but for the most part it is just me alone at my computer or on the phone all day.

Should I plan to wear the baby the whole time? Sure, the baby will have the benefit of being held, but it isn't exactly going to be stimulating for the baby's mind if I'm just sitting in front of a screen all day. My mom wants to get me a pack-n-play to keep at work, because she thinks the baby will want to squirm around rather than sit with me at the desk. Should I let her go ahead or redirect her to a gift that would be more useful? Maybe a sheepskin for the baby to have some tummy time on? Forgive me if my cluelessness is showing-- I don't have any baby-wearing friends to advise me.

[Shelsi]

I know my kids did NOT like to be worn if I was just sitting in one place unless they were already asleep when I sat down. I nursed A LOT at the computer and the boppy or my brest friend pillow is great for that IMO.

Both my kids really liked those play mats starting around 2-2.5 months old. The ones with the dangling toys and such. The bouncy seat was also a big hit and my dd took all her naps in hers for the first 4 months or so.

I don't think a pack n play is really all that necessary for a non-mobile baby. I mean laying in a PNP is even less stimulating than sitting in your arms while you're on the computer, kwim?

[Watershippy]

Thanks for the info-- I just looked up a couple of play mats and they look pretty nifty. I added one to my wish list

[hibana]

My dd wanted to be held or in the sling almost all the time when she was small. I could put her down in her swing for short periods of time, but a playpen or other plat surface was out of the question. All babies are different, so ymmv.

[chase_mommy]

For me when DD was really small up to a 2 months she loved to be close to me no matter what I was doing. I totally would count on wearing baby as much as s/he will let you. You could also get a few phone calls taken care of during a nursing session if your hands were completely free. I also think that the sheep skin is an excellent idea. My DD still loves hers at almost 16 months. I agree with PP, those bouncy seats can be really useful in the early months. I have a pack and play. I have it leftover from DS and I never used with either child. I took it outside at the beginning of spring to contain DD while gardening. That did NOT go over well at all, I'm getting rid of that thing. For me, its useless. As far as the little playmates go both of my children did not like them. However, most babies I know do love them.

[fruitfulmomma]

My youngest is almost 7mo and she is just now in the last few weeks wanting to get down and play instead me holding her all of the time. I think you'll be fine and you can always change your mind later.

[Quirky]

We had a pack and play with our first, and our baby never liked to be in it! I agree, a bouncy seat and/or sheepskin is a much better option for a good place to put baby down.

I also recommend that you get a two-shouldered carrier -- wrap, mei tai, or Pikkolo or Connecta buckle carrier -- as it's much easier to do office work with a two-shouldered carrier than a one-shouldered carrier. I also think a balance ball chair or a big balance ball to sit on is a great investment, as a) baby fits better on front sitting down when your knees are lower than your hips, and b) the bouncing motion is very soothing and calms fussy babies.

In fact, I recommend you get the balance ball chair or balance ball NOW and use it as your office chair to promote optimal fetal positioning for an easier birth:

www.spinningbabies.com