Don't wear yourself out...just wear your baby!

"Baby-wearing" is an essential parenting skill. There are many well documented benefits of wearing your baby.  You are probably thinking, "what do you mean, 'wear my baby'?" Baby wearing meaning carrying your child in a sling, holder, or long piece of cloth that attaches directly to you. In other cultures, baby wearing is a way of life. There aren't fancy strollers or infant car seats. Mom (or dad) wears baby wherever she goes.

Besides the fact that babies who are worn in carriers cry less, are socialized earlier, and learning language and social cues earlier, there are practical reason that help parents out too. Babies are more portable. Happy baby=happy parents. Wearing your baby means that you can meet your own needs, like eating, shopping, cleaning, or walking the dog for example. It also eases the transition for older siblings, because baby isn't always occupying mom or dad's attention. Baby becomes an extension of the parent.

There are many types of baby carriers and there is a lot to consider when purchasing one. Here are some things to think about:

• What is the main purpose? Short-term carriers or the long haul?
• Comfort
• Style
• Who will be using the carrier mainly?
• Hands-free
• Washability
• Do you have multiples?

Ten Reasons to Wear Your Baby: http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/laura_simeon.html

Happy Baby Wearing and Happy 4th of July!