I have a new infant starting new week and the mom wants me to wear the baby for a few hours during the day. I love the idea. New to this kind of thing. Any providers do this? What products are your favorite?

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I prefer the Maya wrap. I find it to be the least difficult to wear and the easiest on my back and shoulders. It is also one of the most versatile. You can wear little ones (I have worn newborns) up to toddlers, with the same wrap. It can be a bit warm, as it wears like another shirt, but if you are cold blooded, like me, it is fine.

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I like the Boba personally. It doesn't hurt my neck or back and I feel like the baby is secure and won't fall out.

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I used a meitei (sp?)

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Sorry I have no suggestions because I don't wear daycare babies. And I recommend to parents that they don't do it either so their need for convenience doesn't result in misery and maladjustment at daycare.

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I wear my own infant (6 months now) so I'll wear other infants also. I like having the infant near me when necessary and having my arms free. I like the Moby. I recommend borrowing several types or buying and returning if you can. You should try as many as you can since everyone is different, see what is more comfy for you. Or try finding something used. My Moby is $40-$45 new and I got an almost new one for $20 on Craigslist.

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I normally don't have babies start until 10 months so I prefer a pouch sling. It can be worn back or front at that age.

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I don't wear babies here either and while I don't know a lot about it but I am pretty sure it has little, if nothing to do with simple convenience.

I believe it has more to do with forming a bond, being available to the baby and simply being close to the baby so that their needs are met and they are comfortable, secure and safe.

As I said, I don't wear babies here but I have had a couple who's mom wore them regularly when not at daycare. The babies have been pretty well adjusted at daycare.

I *think* if parents do it right, babies can transition between being worn, co-slept with and/or nursed at home but still adjust and fit into a regular routine at daycare without issue.

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I know lots of people use soft structured carriers like an ergo or boba. I prefer mei tais, which is a Chinese style carrier. Basically a big square with a strap from each corner. You tie it on like an apron at your waist, and then wrap the top straps to cross over your shoulders in back and bring them around front to tie. Thebabywearer.com has lots of great info & videos, as well as many for sale. Thre's also videos on youtube for every kind of carrier, and different holds, or carries you can do with them. Also look on fb for a local babywearing group. Yours may have a lending library, so you can try many different kinds before buying. I often see some at Once Upon A Child..Just watch out for the 'crotch-danglers'..like the baby bjorn, where the pressure is all on the baby's spine& genitals, instead of a proper carry displacing the weight through the butt & hips.

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Also, remember to check you regulations. Some areas do not allow you to wear an infant.

I know in my area (don't know about the whole state) we canNOT wear a baby unless they are fully awake.

If they fall asleep, they must be put in an approved crib immediately.

I would be cited for wearing a sleeping infant.

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Very true. And there are providers out there who are willing to wear babies, so not all babies are "maladjusted" to daycare. It just takes a good match.

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I agree with BC. The only thing I would caution the OP about is to refrain from committing to a time frame when baby will be worn. I would not promise a few hours ever day but since I am open to baby wearing, i would let parents know that it would be part of our day every day but that I would not time how long or commit to certain portions of the day. I am willing to do this with families as long as it isn't disruptive to the environment or the group. For instance, I won't baby wear while a baby naps on me during every nap time.....I feel that is setting up a dynamic that I would not be able to maintain for the long run. Baby needs to sleep on their own in a crib.

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I wouldn't wear a baby as just carrying and lifting babies/toddlers over the past 18 or so years of childcare has given me back problems. Not a severe back problem but if I don't watch it I can 'pull my back' out and be sore for up to a week before it goes back to normal.

Just mentioning this in case younger providers may not have considered that consequence of the physical aspect of our jobs over the long run.

Laurel

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Agreed. Once baby was asleep, she had to be put down. At six months we had to wean off of the carrier because she would fall asleep within minutes of being worn. It took a couple of weeks. She is nine months now. I still put her on my back once or twice a week (she doesn't fall asleep anymore) when the kids are really rallied up and/or she is having an off day. It allows me to do a few extra chores.

I have worn three kids long term (two of my own, one daycare).

Personally, I found a carrier easier on my back because the baby is closer to our body, thus creates a better center of gravity. It does depend on the length, weight of child and the type of carrier. I used my daughter who was light and long with a bjorn for two years. My son was short and fat so the maitei was perfect for putting him on my back.

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Very true... But I've never met a baby in my area who were worn, coslept etc that actually was well adjusted.

I agree, it needs to be done correctly. In my area, parents that do it present as lazy parents who do it because it's easier than because it makes for better all around adjusted babies.

Probably it's just where I live and the type of people who live in my area.

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Totally unrelated to babywearing and daycare, but to defending babywearing, and as someone who wears my almost 3 year old and thinks she's somewhat well adjusted:

Yes, I did it because I was lazy and it was sometimes the only way I got anything done around the house. I only have two hands and she refused to be put down. She still managed to do fine at daycare and for some reason is a different person there. (I still don't know what sorcery they use to get her to go to take naps because she has NEVER done it for me, but that's another story.) As she got older, I continued to babywear, again, because I'm lazy and it was just easier. Sometimes parenting is about shortcuts. Don't lie and say you don't do it. Ever use the clorox wipes instead of getting out the bleach, water, and towels? Ever use hand sanitizer instead of going to the sink and singing the birthday song twice in a row? Ever just say "because I told you so" instead of getting into a really long explanation on why you were trying to teach them a lesson for the better good and someday they would thank you and do the same for their children? Ever say "I don't know" when you did know, but didn't want to give them a 2 hour lesson on why the sky is actually blue?

Also, I hate strollers. I hate how much room they take up in my car. I hate how hard they are to collapse and unfold. I hate other people with strollers in public places and how they think just because they have one they get the right of way in aisles and on sidewalks- don't even get my started on the evil invention that is the double stroller! I don't understand why they cost upwards of $300. I hate going to the zoo and wading through the "stroller parking". Why bring the damn thing if you can't even take it into the exhibits? Of course, I guess it's better than people letting their kid run wild, but why not just strap them to your back. If you have a good one, you don't even feel them. And they're so pretty and come in so many different styles!

So that's my rant.

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I wear my baby (almost 6 months).

I love the Baby K'Tan (like a moby but not a long piece of fabric) and the Ergo. The Ergo is my favorite but the Baby K'Tan is so easy to pack and go and she prefers it.

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It would be easier for me to let my baby cry-it-out and learn to sleep on her own and not be worn. But, she's a high needs child at times and needs these things so I do it. I like space. She hates space. Same goes for BFing. I hate it. She loves it and it's best for her. Bam, there ya go.

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That looks very nice. How does it go on? Over your head?

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