On the Ergo (Product Review)

On an almost daily basis, I'm telling people that I don't know how I would survive without my Ergo. And it's true. But I think it's primarily related to baby-wearing in general. My Ergo just makes it easier.

With two young children, baby-wearing is almost a must. The Ergo is a soft structured carrier (SSC) that allows for relatively quickly attaching the baby and getting on  your way. While not as quick of an in-and-out as a sling, it's speedy enough not to be cumbersome. The Ergo attaches around the waist with a heavy duty buckle and has an adjustable strap (an optional extender is available for those who need a longer strap). The main piece of the carrier covers the rump and back of the baby and shoulder straps attached to the top and side make the pack go on as though you were wearing a back pack. Babies can be worn in front, on the side, or on your back (although, I believe that very small infants with the insert should go on the front only). The shoulder straps are also adjustable for comfort and have an additional buckle that is secured at the chest or between the shoulder-blades depending on how the carrier is positioned.

I selected the Ergo Sport. This particular model has a slightly taller body thanks to the additional pocket where the hood is stored. As a result, it fits my large toddler a little bit better. Another benefit of the Ergo Sport is that it fits a wider range of adults that can carry a child. My husband at 6'3" who is built like a linebacker can wear it just as easily as I can at 5'5" and medium/small build.

My Ergo gets used just about anywhere. Because I also have a toddler, it's often easier to strap the baby to me in a carrier so I can keep up with the older child. Going to the store, I wear the baby in the Ergo and place the toddler in the shopping cart. At the mall, the toddler is in a stroller and the baby is in the Ergo. At the park, the baby is carried in the Ergo while the toddler runs around and plays. I take the carrier with me pretty much anywhere we go. At social gatherings, it is nice to have if the baby gets overwhelmed by all the activity, I can place him in the carrier and he can settle, shut down, nurse, and/or have a nap. Did I say nurse? Yep, that's right. I nurse in the Ergo too. Hands-free. And because of the structure, it's discreet too.

With the weight range up to 45 lbs., the Ergo may be the only carrier an individual needs. For very small babies the infant insert is necessary. Additional attachments/accessories include teething pads for the shoulder straps (which in my opinion are a necessity) and a storage pouch to carry small necessities like keys and a phone. As I mentioned earlier, a belt extender is also available.

I just about can't go anywhere without someone asking me about my Ergo. I commonly get questions about how comfortable it is, to which I always tell people it is very comfortable. I also get asked if the baby can face outward in it since the most widely recognized carriers allow for this. The Ergo does not, but that's ok and actually preferred. An outward facing baby cannot turn off stimulation if they get overwhelmed by everything going on. When facing their parent or caretaker in a carrier, a baby can turn toward them and block out everything going on around them. They also can sleep when facing inward as they can rest their head which is not something easily done when facing outward, another way they can't "shut down." Another benefit I like to tell people is that the design of the Ergo allows for optimal positioning. Because a baby carried in the Ergo is in a seated position, it places their weight on their rump as one would normally sit promoting proper hip positioning and if worn frequently causes no undue stress on the hips and spine as the child develops. Most commonly  people approach me to express concern for comfort because they've heard of or experienced carriers that did not work out because they were uncomfortable or they are interested in giving one as a gift to someone they know that is expecting (or themselves). I tend to give the general guidelines of recommending a higher quality carrier than you can find in big box stores and one that supports the weight of the child on the rump. I too, had a SSC that was uncomfortable and I just about gave up on wearing that type of carrier because of it. They don't have to be uncomfortable. If they are made properly for comfort of both the carrier and the baby, they are one of the best baby items to have in your arsenal.

I love my Ergo. It is my primary carrier these days (though I still do use my Moby and sling on occasion) because it is quick and easy and maximizes comfort for several hours' use at a time.

On Juggling Two Young Kiddos

In a group forum post that I read recently, in a mom group, one mom was asking for suggestions on juggling two kids. There were several suggestions here and there but one really caught my attention. To be perfectly honest, this is the only suggestion that I actually remember. The reason this one caught my attention was because it was so blatantly against all of my mothering instincts. This is especially interesting considering that before I ever had kids I probably wouldn't have blinked twice at the suggestion.

The inquiry regarded what to do when you have a young crying infant that needs to be tended to and also a toddler that needs attention. The response that caught my attention was as follows, "Let the baby cry and tend to the toddler. The baby won't remember." Now, I may not have quoted that verbatim; however, that was essentially what this suggestion was saying. On the surface, I suppose that this seems to makes sense. There are so many different things that can go on with babies however, and there really is a better alternative.

If you've read my earlier post on Cry It Out, you may already know my position. I have read and believe that leaving a baby to cry can lead to some damage that may affect their life as they continue to grow into a child, teenager, and adult. This damage is and sort of chemical damage caused by the release of excess cortisol as the baby cries and continues to become more and more stressed. The release of cortisol is a human (and animal) stress response. Babies left to cry have been proven to mature into children and adults who do not trust others because when they were a baby they were basically left to cry and fuss and their needs were never (rarely, or only intermittently) met by their caretaker. Many people only talk about crying it out when discussing sleep training, ways to get a child to go to sleep independently. Probably less commonly discussed is the topic we're talking about now, what happens when a baby is crying and has needs but an older sibling needs attention as well in a situation completely unrelated to sleep.

The fact of the matter is, babies cry because they have a need that needs to be met. They're virtually incapable of seeking attention alone (not to be confused with the need for comfort). They merely have a need and have only one way in which to communicate with their caretaker. The biggest problem in this situation is that, contrary to popular American beliefs, babies shouldn't cry that much. Babies thrive when they're kept close to their caretaker, i.e. their mother, and their needs are met as they occur. Having a toddler around certainly does throw you for a loop as to how you're supposed to be able to readily tend to the baby's needs while still handling your toddler.

My solution? Simple. Wear your baby.

The benefits of baby-wearing are astounding. I've discussed many of them in my baby-wearing post. When you also have an older toddler, in my book, baby-wearing is essential. By simply wearing the baby he or she is kept close, and that takes care of a number of needs that the baby may have right away. You're right there in contact with the baby, and are likely to easily recognize a dirty or wet diaper. The baby is kept warm and comforted by being right next to mama. For many baby-wearers nursing can also be taken care of completely hands-free (with the exception of adjusting position). Here's the kicker, baby wearing leaves you hands free to do any number of tasks. In this situation, it allows you to tend to your toddler. There's no need to leave the baby to cry to check on your toddler. The baby is right there with you, you're hands free and can turn your attention to your older child. It's win-win. Your baby gets the close personal attention he or she needs, and your toddler has their needs addressed as well. Not to mention that by having the baby right there next to you, the frequency of having a crying, fussy baby in general is decreased.

Check out my baby-wearing post for more information on the benefits of baby-wearing as well as a description of some different carriers that are available. Happy baby-wearing!

On My Friend the Moby (A Review)

Ah, my Moby. It is truly a good friend...

Here is the story of my Moby. When my first son was about 8 months old, he was a hefty fellow. I had been using my HotSling which I loved dearly especially for quick trips in and out of the store, but because my son was so large, it really started to hurt my shoulder for extended periods of time or for longer (or even normal length) shopping trips. I wanted another baby-wearing option that would spread the weight across both of my shoulders. From the various carriers I had seen, a Moby looked like one I was really interested in. After a casual mention of it to my mother-in-law, she actually got me one. I think I had just told her I was looking at them and before I knew it, she sent one to me in the mail.

Now, the Moby does have a bit of a learning curve to it since it is a lot of fabric, but the versatility is amazing. If you are not familiar with a Moby, it is a type of baby carrier referred to as a stretchy wrap (wrap carriers can also be made of a woven fabric). It is made of about 6 yards of cotton jersey knit so it is soft and comfortable. There are no buckles or straps, nothing hard so it's all soft material against yours and your baby's body. There are several configurations for wrapping the carrier to hold your baby. The Moby comes with an instruction booklet that demonstrates several wraps, but the internet is also your friend for learning new ways to wrap and carry your baby.

Mobys are very popular for newborns, but like I said, I got mine when my oldest son was about 8 months old and I loved it. I carried him in the "hug hold" which is the traditional wrap that holds the baby against your body facing you. The baby is in a seated position with his/her legs spread in a "frog" fashion. It was wonderful. After a while though, it became a bit difficult for me to carry my little one because he wasn't so little and I'm a bit short for a larger kiddo to be carried on my front side. A friend taught me a side carry that she had created which was fantastic and held the baby on my hip similar to the sling, but the weight of the child was carried on my waist rather than my shoulder. The only drawback to this carry is that you do have to hold the baby while you wrap it but it's very comfortable, very secure, and it still lets you carry the kiddo hands free. I also discovered a carry called the "double hammock" which is a back carry for a wrap. Traditionally, it is not recommended to use a stretchy wrap for a back carry, but I found that I was able to wrap the Moby tightly enough to hold my son securely and he loved it.

Now that I have an infant, the Moby is again proving to be well worth every penny that was paid for it. I wear it almost every day. With a baby and a two year old, it's invaluable. I can wear the baby in the newborn hold (which is like the hug hold except his legs are tucked in) and he is tight and close to me leaving me hands free to chase the toddler and still feel confident that the baby is safe and secure. He loves it and sleeps well in it. The Moby allows me to go grocery shopping where I place the toddler in the shopping cart and the baby in the Moby. I also take trips to the mall with a friend of mine wearing the baby in the Moby and my toddler rides in the stroller. I frequently take my toddler on wagon rides carrying my baby in the Moby. It's no fuss and hands free. I recently even learned a nursing wrap configuration (thank you, YouTube) where I can nurse the baby completely hands-free (although, this configuration does require you to hold the baby while you wrap it).

My Moby came with wrap instructions for the newborn hold, the hug hold, the kangaroo hold, a sling style hip hold, and a nursing hold (not hands-free). From what I've seen, the sling style hip hold and nursing hold are no longer included in the instructions, which is just as well, I didn't use them anyway. Well, I did use the nursing hold a couple of times but found it undesirable because it was not hands-free.

The Moby seems intimidating, but it really is a wonderful carrier that can be used from infancy to toddler-hood once you get the various wraps down and find the ones you like. The versatility is unmatched in any other style carrier I've seen. The biggest complaints I've heard about the Moby is the sheer amount of fabric which seems like a lot but it does allow for almost everyone to be able to wear it and the heat factor during the warmer months. I still wear mine in the south Texas heat, and yes, it's hot, but I would rather wear it than have the baby in the bucket carrier part of the car seat and I try to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day. Almost every day I'm out and about wearing my baby in my Moby I get comments on it. I've had many people ask where they can get one and others comment about how clever it is that something like the Moby is available (although some people think the baby is in my shirt since it's made from the same type of material as t-shirts are and it covers the greater portion of my upper body). I, of course, rave about how wonderful it is, because I probably would be at the end of my rope without it!

On Natural Parenting (the Mainstream Way)

I was having a phone conversation with a friend of mine the other evening and I mentioned the mom group I'm in and how many of them are a bit "granola" or "crunchy" and how I fall in line with a number of the things they do. He asked if I was always like that or if I had gotten worse since he knew me in high school. Despite being a member of my high school's environmental club, I told him it may have gotten a little worse. Then I got to thinking about it as we talked a bit more. See, I'm not necessarily idealistic. So, while I may adhere to many of the "natural parenting" habits that many other "crunchy" mamas have (and you've probably seen it before if you've read previous blog posts); my personal reasons for being "crunchy" are often much more mainstream and at times, just plain selfish. Keep reading to see what I mean. Here are some examples of my "crunchy" parenting and my less than noble motives:

Breastfeeding:
This is one area where I get pretty crunchy. I'm a huge breastfeeding advocate and I do truly believe/know that it is what is best for babes. I'm even mildly anti-formula and fall in line with the recommendation that formula be the 4th option when it comes to baby feeding. I know in some cases it's necessary so I'm glad it's available; but, most moms can feed their babies by nursing and all too often they fall victim to "booby traps," have poor education or support, and/or have a lack of discipline and/or determination. As a bonus, breastfeeding is cheap, as in free, so that works out great for me too. But that's just a cherry on top.

Co-sleeping/Bed-sharing:
While some moms are fans of bed-sharing (all too often confused with co-sleeping) because it brings them closer to the baby for bonding or because of studies that have shown a decrease in SIDs, I do it because I'm just plain lazy. Yep, that's right. If the baby is right there with a boob in his face, I don't have to get up when he awakens me at night. I just plug him in and go back to sleep. I actually used to be against bed-sharing and thought that it was dangerous and it was likely that I'd smother the baby in my sleep. After falling asleep nursing from sheer exhaustion multiple times with my first, I finally gave in and let him sleep in the bed on purpose. I also did some more research and learned that many doctors actually recommend it as long as you follow certain safety measures to prevent accidental suffocation. So, after having my fears relieved a bit by my research (and discovering that I literally do not move when I sleep next to the baby), I let my laziness take over as well as my desire to get some sleep at night. With baby number two, I thought of having him co-sleep (in the room but on a separate surface) but my laziness took over and I just let him sleep in the bed.

Cloth Diapering:
Save the earth! Don't fill up the landfills with non-biodegradable petroleum based diapers! Don't put those chemicals on your sweet sensitive babies! Meh. Sorry, I can't say that any of that motivated my decision to cloth diaper. My husband actually suggested it and I agreed. Our reason? It's cheap. Yep, that's right. We looked at the bottom line. While we could probably swing paying for disposables, it would put a strain on our pocket books from time to time and prevent us from making other purchases or payments. So, while other mamas are looking out for the earth, we are looking out for our finances. It really isn't much of an inconvenience even with the extra laundry so that's a non-issue, and no, it doesn't impact our water bill either. I've heard cloth diapered babies potty train sooner, so that's cool, makes my life easier - lazy me. =)

No Baby Food:
No, I don't worry about all the preservatives in artificial foods (ok, maybe some...). Again, I'm cheap. I had intended to make my own baby food. I'm too lazy for that. Starting some at 6 mo but really picking up around 8 mo when my oldest really started showing an interest in foods, we just fed him whatever we had on our plates (we did make sure to introduce new things one at a time though). Sure, I prepared foods that were softer or easier to chew at first or overcooked the veggies to make them squishy, but puree? Nah, too much trouble. I've heard that feeding this way makes it easier to introduce regular foods with varying textures. Ok, bonus, but really, I'm just cheap and lazy.

Baby-wearing:
Research says that baby-wearing comforts babies and makes them more secure by keeping them close to mama or papa. It also says that babies that are worn, learn to be more sociable since they are carried higher up and see more faces as they are carried around in public. For me, these facts are all bonuses. I like to baby-wear because it makes my life easier. See that laziness popping up again? Here are some examples: At the grocery store, I don't have to lug around that heavy car seat carrier and I don't have to worry about leaving my kid in the cart when I reach for something on the shelf. When going to the park, for a walk, or to a craft fair or similar event, I don't have to mess with that bulky stroller. Sure the carrier and stroller have their uses, but if I can just strap the baby to me, I know they are safe and I can be hands free without excessive weight to lug around. Even better, now that I have two, my stretchy wrap is a life-saver so I can wear the infant and chase my toddler.

So, yeah, in many ways I fit in with the "crunchy" moms in my mom group. I'm glad for all the benefits my kiddos get from the choices I've made, but I'd be lying if I said those were my primary motivations for doing a bunch of these things. Let's be honest, we all want what's best for our kids, but sometimes our own motives get in the way. I lucked out in some of these ways where I can be cheap and lazy and my kiddos still get some great benefits. =)

On the Kelty FC 3.0 (Product Review)

Yesterday we received our new hiking carrier for the baby, the Kelty FC 3.0. Now, I have to say I'm a bit unaware of the differences between a lot of different packs, but there were several things that made me select this particular one.

The Kelty FC 3.0 features a 5-point harness. This is well known to be the most secure type of harness for car seats. Another wonderful feature is the rain and sun shield. This is an extra hood you place over the baby's head so that they are protected from the elements. The sides of the hood are mesh so the baby can still see out and the hood is removable for times when it is not needed. The pack features several pockets acting as a backpack as well as a carrier where the hood can be stored as well as other necessities like water bottles and sunscreen. The pack also comes with a changing pad that has pockets for diapers and wipes. Also featured on the pack are side pockets located on the padded waist strap that are convenient for a cell phones and camera. The carrier will support a baby from 16-40 lbs and those that can fully support their head. The pack will support a total weight of 50 lbs. including child and cargo.

Aside from the many features, a friend reported that the Kelty pack they had, though an early model was extremely comfortable and she had just as much each wearing it as her husband did on their trip to the Grand Canyon and many national parks in the western US. They had rented a pack for part of their trip but found it to be significantly less comfortable than the Kelty.

So, sold on the features and the reported comfort, my husband ordered the pack. We tried it out as soon as it arrived and I fell in love with it as soon as I got it on my back. The main thing that impressed me with the pack is how well it supports the baby's weight. I found that while wearing it, I barely felt the weight of the baby at all. The pack is so well structured, that worn correctly, the child is supported by the pack and not the person carrying it. Now, I still have yet to try it hiking or on longer escapades, and I will add to the review when I get the chance, but for now, I have to say I'm extremely impressed.

On the Loss of Hotslings

Recent news tells us that Hotslings will be no more. Hotslings at least in my experience were the most recognizable brand of pouch slings available for baby-wearing. The company which started in 2003, gained in popularity and was the only sling I had ever seen in mainstream stores like Target and Babies R Us - both in stores and online.

I'm not sure why exactly they are going out of business. Their website tells only that they are going out of business and all sales are final. They had even recently developed and adjustable pouch sling that could be worn by multiple people rather than their traditional slings that fit to a single individual.

The good news is that if you are looking for a pouch style slings and are unable to find Hotslings in the future, there are other brands available. Probably the next most recognizable brand is Slinglings but there are others like Peanut Shell and Sprout Pouch.

I can't vouch for any of them aside from the Hotsling since that is the one I have and use quite frequently. I have seen and handled a Slingling and it seems very similar to a Hotsling in form and function. Either way, the most important thing is to follow the instructions for use to ensure your baby is safe and secure.

On Baby-wearing (updated December 2010)

Baby-wearing can be associated with several different mothering styles. Some may consider it "crunchy" or "granola" others may associate it with attachment parenting. No matter how you look at it, I call it convenient.

If you don't know, baby-wearing is basically a way of carrying around your baby in a type of carrier, typically made of fabric, that holds the baby in a hands-free manner against your body. It's kind of the modern papoose. I'm not sure if you can call it popular, but I think that the idea is gaining popularity among modern mamas.

I have a sling that I wear my baby in. He has done great in it, but I can probably attribute that to starting him in it when he was quite young. My sling, which is a Hot Sling, a type of pouch sling, provides variety in ways a baby can be carried based on age and level of development. When my baby was young, I held him in the cradle hold, basically, he was laying down in the sling. In this position, it was actually quite convenient to nurse him in the sling allowing me to work around the house, prepare meals, or do whatever. The sling works great to hold him securely against my body, which is ideal for newborns. Now, I carry my baby in the hip position, which he's been in since he was strong enough to hold his head up well and sit supported, and it is great because it provides him the security of being next to his mama, he's contained and usually calm, and he can still look around and "interact" with people. When we are out and about, it is great because I am completely hands free so I can shop or do whatever without having to juggle holding him and doing something else.

One situation which I didn't anticipate the benefit of the sling is actually in a gathering type setting. Let's say for example, you are at a social gathering of some sort where you may or may not know the people there very well. This is likely in situations like weddings or showers. It is nice to be able to carry your baby around but your arms may get tired. The sling, or other baby-wearing carrier, comes in handy in these situations. But the best benefit in these situations is that people can see and talk to or interact with your baby, but they are less likely to try to hold them than if you were simply carrying them. This way, you can stay a little protective of your baby without feeling like you are being mean or rude to those you are interacting or conversing with. To me, it is a great advantage.

I get tons of compliments and questions about my sling. I can't think of a time I've gone to the store or craft fair or social gathering without at least one person making a comment about liking the sling or asking if the baby likes it or asking if it saves my back. It is very apparent to me that it is easy to see the benefits that slings provide.

Baby-wearing provides many benefits to mama (or papa) and the baby. First and foremost, the baby is next to his or her parent. This is where babies are meant to be. Baby-wearing allows the baby to be close but still be able to interact with or observe the world around while feeling safe and secure and protected. Baby-wearing allows for hands-free baby carrying. No more worrying about the carrier. No need to fear leaving your baby on the shopping cart to grab some veggies (which can also run the risk of the carrier sliding off or falling off of the cart if it is not secured or locked into place). A baby-wearing shopper can also opt for the hand basket if only a few small items are being purchased because his or her hands are available to hold the basket in one hand and grab items with the other. Baby-wearing allows a fussy baby to move with his or her parent while chores are completed around the house. Many mamas can nurse their baby while baby-wearing very comfortably. Baby-wearing is less bulky and lighter than carrying a baby in a traditional carrier (no more waddling or constant shifting) allowing for longer trips/walks. And again, as I've mentioned previously, baby-wearing allows strangers to say, "Hi" and interact with the baby but are less likely to ask to hold the baby keeping the parent from having to make the decision about whether or not they want to pass of their baby to someone they don't know well or risk appearing rude.

There are several styles of baby-wearing apparatuses. Here are descriptions of a few:

Slings: Slings are worn distributing the baby's weight across the body with the strap on one shoulder. Several varieties are available.

A bag sling provides some structure for a young baby but does not have the versatility that some others may have. The baby is carried in a single cradle position. Be extremely careful with this style though, some of them were part of a recent recall due to infant deaths from positional asphyxiation (suffocation). These types are not usually associated with "baby-wearing" because the baby hangs in a bag rather than being up against the body of the person carrying them and therefore, some or all of the benefits of baby-wearing may be lost.

This is a Hot Sling. This style is called a pouch sling. The sling is a continuous "loop" around the body that is sewn securely. The baby may be held in a cradle position where he is lying down and tucked completely in the sling, a front carry position where he is slightly more upright (shown far right), or a hip carry where the baby is sitting up with the legs hanging out (shown left). The pouch sling is a fixed size and is typically sized for one wearer. A baby can easily be nursed in this type of carrier when in the cradle position.

A ring sling like this one is worn very much like a pouch sling. It is secured by two large durable rings that create tension when the end of the sling is threaded through. It also allows for the variety of positions that a pouch sling has. One additional benefit of a ring sling is that it can be adjusted to change sizes for the baby and the individual using it. This comes especially in handy when dad is much taller or larger than mom. A baby can easily be nursed in this type of carrier in the cradle position.



 

Wrap Carriers: Wrap carriers have less structure than slings. They are typically made with a large long cut of durable fabric with or without  a small amount of stretch. The fabric is wrapped around the baby in a number of configurations from front carry to cradle to back carry and more. Weight distribution is more balanced in this type of carrier which is a benefit if the baby is older or particularly large. This type of carrier can be worn by multiple individuals, as it is retied each time it is worn. A baby can easily be nursed in this type of carrier. Here is a picture of one type of wrap carrier.

Soft Structure Carriers: These carriers provide some structure but they are typically made of durable fabric with or without clasps or buckles to secure them. They are typically easily folded and washed. They are worn either on the front or back of the body. A carrier of this design that ties is called a mei tai. These carriers support the baby's weight over both shoulders and typically have a waist strap and occasionally will have a chest clip to secure the shoulder straps. Some varieties of these carriers (especially those widely available at retail stores) allow the baby to face outward, but use caution with these types of carriers: studies have shown that babies spinal and hip development is better protected when their weight is supported on their rump while they are carried for extended periods of time. If you prefer this style of carrier for your baby-wearing, choose one where the baby is seated on his rump with legs spread wide and knees above the  rump rather than supported in the crotch area. More often than not, you'll find the safest and most comfortable position for your baby is when their body faces yours.


Pack Carriers: Pack carriers have more structure and can be used long term for activities such as hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities. Carriers of this design provide some protection for the baby from falls if terrain is not level, but it will not protect from everything. Babies worn in these carriers are worn primarily on the back and usually are not considered to be "worn". While these carriers do provide some of the benefits of baby-wearing, others are lost. These types of carriers typically provide very good weight distribution to make longer periods of carrying more comfortable.

I hope this enlightens and informs. Make sure to read and follow all safety instructions for proper use and follow your instincts - if the baby doesn't seem safe and secure, he probably isn't. With that in mind, I'd highly suggest baby-wearing to any parents. I enjoy it as does my little one!

Added note: All of these pictures were taken from Google image search results. No copyright infringement was intended. If these pictures are not intended for free use, please contact me and I will gladly replace them. I'd suggest in that situation that the images be better protected and not able to be saved/downloaded to personal computers.