Babywearing

[VTnurse]

Hi ladies. I want to start babywearing with my 2 1/2 month old son, but I don't even know where to start! I am overwhelmed by the choices. Are there any stores in the MD area or any seminars that could help me? Is there anyone on this board who could offer me advice. I bought a Peanut Shell and my little guy hates it. I want something that is easy and that I can get things done around the house. Any suggestions on where to start??

Thanks in advance!

[hananana]

Looks like there's going to be a Babywearing Workshop at Bediboo in Lauraville on Sept 20th.


I found the most helpful information when I was getting started at www.WearYourBaby.org.

Is there still a NINO chapter in MD? I thought I remembered hearing something about that a few years ago.

[mojumi]

Originally Posted by VTnurse

Any suggestions on where to start??

Oh, so many choices!

It is not a babywearing organization, but plenty of mothers in LLL use slings, if you attend a meeting and ask about babywearing you will likely be overwhelmed with offers of assistance, displays of slings, ways to put them on, stories about how wonderful babywearing is, etc etc.
To find a group near you: http://www.lllofmd-de-dc.org

I know there are some tribal MDC mommas who have businesses selling slings -- don't know advert policies, can they post?

Plenty of places online to look. When I was getting started I liked:
http://www.peppermint.com/baby-weari...tructions.html
http://www.kangarookorner.com/wearing.aspx
http://kozycarrier.homestead.com/instructions.html (so many photos, really helped me figure out my mei tei)

The MDC forum on babywearing also might help -- http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ysprune=&f=245

I don't know what happened to our local NINO either -- NINO went away, but did it become something else?

Monique

[triple07]

I used a pouch sling when DS was born up until about 6 months. I just started using a mei tai now that he is older. I have heard wonderful things about wraps for younger babies though!

[Isaac'sMa]

I love my Moby and loved it especially when Caleb was smaller (almost ten months now) There's a bit of a learning curve at first, but it's easy after wearing it only a handful of times. It's also $30 and you can find them for less used - like $15-$20 (try eBay or theBabyWearer.com or diaperswappers.com) It is super comfy and the baby is really close to you and snug so you can get stuff done around the house and not have to worry about the extra movement you get when the baby is in a ring sling, FE.

I think that's a good, cheap place to start off until you can go to a meeting to see other carriers... There are a lot of great carriers out there but many of them are $$$. The Moby is great and not too much $.

Good luck and have fun baby wearing!

http://www.mobywrap.com/

[ewp11100]

VTnurse do you mind saying where you are? Think if you could find someone who knows about babywearng in your area who could show you it would help tons. I second the LLL meeting.

[xixstar]

I agree that knowing where you are would help. lots of local play groups will occasionally host a baby wearing (or cloth diapering) play dates so that interested moms can come check out actual carriers and get advice from other moms. Seeing stuff in person, especially trying it on, is a great way to figure out what might work for you.

We're at 1 month now and love the Moby (when it's not too hot) and the ring sling is convenient for quick trips -- I don't find it comfy for more than 30 minutes. I heard that wearing your baby often in the beginning also helps them get used to it (for those reluctant babies) so maybe just try wearing your little one for 5 or 10 minutes at a go and working up to longer. My dd did fuss a bit when first put in her Moby (mostly cause it took me a bit to get her adjusted well) but would settle down after a few moments once I started walking (sitting or standing with it on usually isn't allowed if she's awake).

[beachbaby]

Here's the link for the Balto/DC/NoVa area babywearing group (Formerly NINO):

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Babywearing_in_DC-MD-VA/



It's a huge group, so there should be lots of mamas able to help. They have monthly meetings throughout the area.

[charmcitymama]

Originally Posted by hananana

Is there still a NINO chapter in MD? I thought I remembered hearing something about that a few years ago.

There is a Baltimore chapter starting. There are informal meetings for now and they are usually announced on baltap and TBW.

[apelilae]

there is a babywearing meeting this Friday at the Frederick Library in Frederick, MD. PM me for details

[ThatLinGirl]

Originally Posted by beachbaby

Here's the link for the Balto/DC/NoVa area babywearing group (Formerly NINO):

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Babywearing_in_DC-MD-VA/



It's a huge group, so there should be lots of mamas able to help. They have monthly meetings throughout the area.

Yup, this. There are numerous meetings every month. Fantastic group.

[homewithtwinsmama]

Takoma Park Attachment Parenting group has a sling library.

[wombat]

I liked a pouch for under 6 months, side carriers (like Hip Hammock) for 6-12 months. And I LOVED my Ergo for back carry. You can do front and side carry on the Ergo also. Best thing I ever did was persevere on learning how to get him on my back.

[Mom to E and A]

Knowing where you are would help tons!
There is a "meeting" this Sunday (Sept 7) at Patterson Park at 2 pm. We meet by the big playground near the corner of Eastern Ave and Patterson park Ave. I am in Harford County, but there will be mamas for the MD-DC_VA baywearers there, all areas, but mostly the city, obviously!
Anyone feel free to PM me for more info!

[Starfish11]

Originally Posted by Mom to E and A

Knowing where you are would help tons!
There is a "meeting" this Sunday (Sept 7) at Patterson Park at 2 pm. We meet by the big playground near the corner of Eastern Ave and Patterson park Ave. I am in Harford County, but there will be mamas for the MD-DC_VA baywearers there, all areas, but mostly the city, obviously!
Anyone feel free to PM me for more info!

Oh, wow, I didn't know babywearing groups meet at Patterson Park That's super. I used to live a block from the park and I miss it so much; it's still one of my favorites of all time.

Is their a group list to get attached to so I can be on the invite list? We have plans tomorrow, but would love to join in the fun sometime.

[Mom to E and A]

Originally Posted by Starfish11

Oh, wow, I didn't know babywearing groups meet at Patterson Park That's super. I used to live a block from the park and I miss it so much; it's still one of my favorites of all time.

Is their a group list to get attached to so I can be on the invite list? We have plans tomorrow, but would love to join in the fun sometime.

This one is only yearly...usually in July. I host it, but live in Harford County where I am going to be starting more regular meetings. I don't know how close you are to me, but you can certainly PM me your e-mail and i will put you on my list
A few posts above is some info about the Baltimore group that is getting up and running...I bet if you sign up for Bediboo's e-mail Gretchen will spread the word about ones at her place!

[gkb2215]

The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington offers a babywearing class on the 4th Friday of every month. You'd need to register ahead of time, and the class is $25. Here is a link to their class schedule: http://www.breastfeedingcenter.org/schedule.html.