Five Simple Steps to Get Started Babywearing

Everyone I know is either pregnant or just had a baby. Well, not everyone of course, but it seems that way. I even know two gals (one's my sister!) that are expecting twins! How exciting! I hope to be joining the ranks soon, but no news yet. You'll be the first to know when it happens.

So, I've been thinking about when I first had my daughter and was struggling to find the right sling for us. I was overwhelmed with all the choices. Should I get a ring sling or a wrap? A pouch or a mei tai? I started out with a pouch that was way too big and then a ring sling that was all wrong. I gave up for months after that until I tried a mei tai that I was able to use a few times, but not at all what I would call worth the money. Even the littlest thing like the color of the ring sling was keeping me from using it more often. Trying to be "safe," I chose a black cotton sling and in the Texas summer heat, it was the last thing I wanted to wear. Same with the mei tai. I chose a beautiful silk embroidered panel with black straps which turned out to be completely impractical for my unmanicured fingernails (snag city) and the heat. But when you know better, you can choose better. Here is the benefit of my trials and errors for all you babywearing newbies out there!

Here are 5 simple steps to get you slinging:

1. Figure out what colors you love to wear and that make you feel special.
2. Decide if you want a sling just for you or to share with your spouse or other caregivers.
3. Think about what kind of fabrics you like (light vs heavy, silk vs cotton).
4. Go shopping!
   
5. Hook up with local babywearers.

There are literally hundreds of online retailers and many local ones that will be happy to help you with your purchase. The colors and styles available are endless, but don't let that scare you. Choosing a color that makes your heart leap and that you wear frequently is your best bet. But the most important part of successful babywearing is connecting with other babywearers. That's why I founded Houston Baby Wearers, to provide the kind of hands-on support I didn't have when I started slinging. Our monthly meetings are a fun way to borrow slings before buying them and to get the kind of tips and tricks you can only learn from experienced slingers.

Chances are the first sling you buy won't be the last, or the favored one for all time. Your needs will change over the years. The slings I use the most now are very different from the ones I started with, but they've all served their purpose very well. Just get started and then get connected and you can't go wrong.

For more babywearing help or to find a local group of babywearers, visit Babywearing International and The Babywearer.

photo courtesy of Mariola