Babywearing

Besides cloth diapering, my favorite baby-thing I've learned about is babywearing.

When you babywear, you use some sort of carrier/pouch/sling/wrap and put the baby on your front, back, or hip depending on the type of device, age of baby, and your/their preferences. There are TONS of different types available, but so far I'm most interested in pouches, slings, and wraps. The moby wrap in particular looks versatile and easy to use - and you can make one yourself REALLY easily!

Besides being cute and snuggly, there are lots of advantages to babywearing:

1. Babywearing is convenient - It keeps you "hands free" so you can get stuff done while meeting your baby's need to be held.

2. It makes for happier babies - Studies have shown that babies who are worn cry much less than other babies. I think that's enough right there to immediately sling your baby.

3. Wearing a baby promotes physical development - Babies are in tune with your heartbeat, breathing, and moving around. It helps develop their ability to control their own bodies!

4. Babywearing is good for adults - As baby gets bigger, you get stronger! It's much better exercise than pushing a stroller.

5. Babywearing is safe - it keeps your baby out of the hands of strangers, and decreases the likelyhood that a stranger will invade your baby's "Personal Space".