I'd like to talk a little about wearing your baby. I say a little, because there is so much to it, but that's for another post :D
When I had my son my aunt sent me a ring sling. I was confused by it and had NO idea how to use it. I tried a few times but never could figure it out.
A few years later I found myself in a hospital room with our next child, a daughter born at just 33 weeks and 3 days. I was scared and she was so tiny. My nurse gave me a
book about Kangaroo Care. I sat up reading this book cover to cover. I was drawn in by the stories and the amazing bodily connection that we have with our children even after birth. Even now, thinking back about those emotions brings tears to my eyes. It's an amazing book and I suggest reading it, even if you aren't a parent. (I'll talk more about this in another post as well!)
After reading this book, I was so determined to have my daughter on me as much as humanly possible. I borrowed my mother-in-law's laptop while I was in the hospital and did some research. I read about the
Moby Wrap. I had to have one. I spent what seemed like an arm and a leg on the product and priority shipping, lol. It was the best purchase I made for our baby girl.
I can't begin to tell you what I feel that this did for our daughter. The way she thrived and how peaceful she is. She is the most amazing child. She is gentle and loving and secure. I love the way that she is with her brother. So loving, always sharing. She can be nuts too, don't get me wrong, but there is something more there, and I am confident that wearing her played a roll in that.
When I would wear her in the stores or just out and about, she would sleep. So peaceful. When she wasn't sleeping she loved to suck on the Moby, lol. I almost forgot about that! I remember thinking (every time I wore her), I wish I had known about this with our son.
I remember him in his carrier crying in stores, me trying to calm him. I remember picking him up and trying to hold him and push my cart while trying to get some food in our house. I wish I had known! Not only would it have made things easier for me, my little boy could have been so much more secure back then. He's an amazing child, so smart and so generous. I just wish I could have given him that nurturing - that gift.
Here I am wearing our older daughter :) She's about 7 months old in this photo. We went on a train ride that day. It was my birthday.
I also want to mention that even though my daughter was premature, I truly believe that everyone should wear their child if it's possible. There is a bond there that is just amazing and I think every parent should be able to experience that and every child should have the benefit of that connection as well. It's amazing.
Can you tell this is something I really believe in? :D
Let me share a story from another woman :) This is from Nicole at
Bebeology. She is amazing btw. I have mentioned both her and her store on this blog before. I just adore her and think that she is such a sweet soul. Anyhow :) Here is her testimony to the Moby :)
"I love the Moby Wrap and it is definitely one of the few items that I cannot live without. My son was born 4 weeks early and we started using the Moby Wrap at the hospital. Since he was pre-term, it was highly recommend that we practice a lot of skin-to-skin contact immediately following his birth. I was very surprised how many of the nurses were not familiar with baby-wearing and I was extremely happy that I had taken the time to learn the basic wrap a few days before our son arrived. I believe my son enjoyed being “hugged” close to me in the fabric, and I know that I enjoyed the closeness of wearing my baby. Since his birth, the Moby Wrap is the only way that I can get anything done at home. He feels very secure and I am hands-free most of my day. I run a small home-based business and incorporating play, security, and attachment into my daily work tasks is essential! Most days the only way I get him to nap is when he is wrapped and worn. He also gets swaddled in the same fabric with a Moby Swaddle blanket every night. I believe the familiar comfort of the fabric adds extra comfort to our nighttime routine."
Because baby wearing is something near and dear to the both of us, Nicole of
Bebeology has generously donated a Chocolate Moby Wrap to be
given away to one very lucky reader :) You'll have a chance to enter here shortly :)
Let me tell you a little more about the Moby Wrap.
To start, here is a great video from Moby showing how easy it is to use :) I wish I knew how to put this in the post, but I don't, so here's a link :)
The Moby is for babies preemie up to 35 lbs.
There are so many ways to wear your baby with a Moby. Front, back, hip and several variations of each. Here are just a few :) Notice how these babies look comfortable and secure. You don't get that with all carriers! (Speaking of carriers, I can't wait to show off some other styles!)
The Moby is made out of 100% cotton. It's light, breathable and comfortable even in hot weather.
It's incredibly easy to care for. I just toss mine in the wash with my regular laundry.
Do you want one of these yet? I sure hope so! Here's your chance to win one :) If you don't win, I truly hope that you consider buying one. I don't get anything if you do, except for the hope that you'll you experience the joy of wearing your baby :)
While this is open to everyone, I do hope that someone who hasn't had a chance to wear their baby gets the opportunity to because of this. It is an incredible gift for your child and it helps create an amazing bond.----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!
Congratulations to
Beth for blogging about this giveway! Enjoy wearing your baby!
Here's how to enter :)
Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.
This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!Please post here and tell me your favorite activity with your baby. If you don't have a baby yet, please tell me what you look forward to most with your future children. Include your email address and the words "
Live Green" somewhere in your comment.
Want more entries?*
Follow us and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Wear your baby! Win a Moby from @Bebeology and @EFFblog
http://bit.ly/1jtGb1" Leave a comment with a link to your status.
*Follow our blog and post letting me know that you are :)
*
Become a fan of the EFF blog on facebook, leave a comment.
*
Become a fan of the Bebeology on facebook, leave a comment.
*Post this giveaway to your Facebook and leave a comment.
*Post about this giveaway on your blog. Leave a comment with a link.
***This is not for an entry, but is appreciated.***As I mentioned before, I just adore Nicole. She is listed now on diaperpin.com If you have shopped with her please
take a moment to let others know what you thought of her service and store.
Thank you and Good Luck!
Giveaway ends November 22nd. If I do not hear back from the winner within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.
Can you believe that it started out as this!
I don't know about most kids, but I know that mine *love* imagination play and especially anything relate to real life (cooking, dishes, vacuuming, etc.)
Can you believe that it started out as this!
