“Is she asleep?” I ask my husband, pivoting my body slightly so that he can see our month old daughter’s eyes.
“Her eyes are 75% shot…okay, they’re shut,” he says.
“I’m going to *try* to set her down in the bassinet so that I can go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, put away a little laundry, and get something to eat…I’m starving,” I say.
I try to place her down gently. She squirms a little; then her body relaxes. I sigh with relief and book it to the bathroom. Then, I brush my teeth and fold laundry and check my e-mail – all at the same time! With two hands free, I can change the world! Or at least get a few things checked off my to-do list…
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There’s nothin’ like having your hands-free when you’re a mama.
But babies don’t always like to sit in bouncy seats, cribs, and bassinets…and who can blame them when the alternative is to be snuggled up in mama’s arms? My 1-month-old will sometimes sleep or sit in “something,” but usually she’ll sleep longer and/or be more content when she is awake if I’m carrying her – which is why I consider a baby carrier a newborn necessity. Baby carriers allow me to carry her AND have my hands-free – imagine that!
There are a lot of different styles of baby carriers – wraps, pouches, slings, mei tais, front carriers, back carriers, hip carriers, etc. I have a pretty extensive carrier collection (including several homemade slings, the Maya Wrap, the Scootababy, the Munchkin Jelly Bean Reversible Sling, the PortaMEe, etc.), but I recently had an opportunity to try three new ones so I thought I’d share my reviews with you in case you’re in the market for one.
Sleepy Wrap – I understand why this carrier is called Sleepy Wrap. The material is so wonderfully soft and perfectly stretchy that I don’t blame babies for wanting to snuggle right up and close their eyes. And the baby isn’t the only one who will be comfortable in this wrap! Mamas will appreciate that the baby’s weight is evenly distributed across both shoulders and the whole back. Available in 14 different vibrant colors, the carrier is reasonably priced at $38.95 and is easily machine-washable.
Wraps can be a little intimidating at first because of all of the “wrapping” they involve, but – once you get the hang of it – you’ll likely love it. The Sleepy Wrap is an ideal carrier for newborns because it keeps them cuddled up close and they won’t be “jostled” around as you move about…perfect if you have older children to keep up with throughout the day!
BabyHawk Mei Tai – BabyHawk Mei Tais are oh-so-stylish. The designs are plentiful and unique and absolutely gorgeous. They are also exceptionally easy to put on and comfortable too! The BabyHawk is suitable for newborns up to babies who weigh under 35 pounds. The baby can be worn on the front, hip, or back so it is truly versatile. I have the Tweet design and it makes me want to chirp with delight. I always get compliments on the peaceful color scheme and modern illustrations. Retailing between $80-95, BabyHawks are on the pricey side, but they also “last” for a long time.
if you decide to purchase a BabyHawk, consider buying through Parenting By Nature, a family-owned Canadian company that seeks to help parents “experience the joys of babywearing, cloth diapering, and breastfeeding.” You’ll appreciate fine customer service, free shipping, and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping a mom be able to stay at home with her two little girls.
BabyBjorn Spirit – Just in time for spring and summer, BabyBjorn has debuted a new line of their Original carrier in 8 bright, vivacious colors. This front carrier is machine-washable and can be used for 8-25 pound babies. BabyBjorn is a trusted brand for baby gear (have you tried their potty chairs?) and they know what their doing. The Spirit carriers typically retail for approximately $79.99 and can be found at almost every baby specialty store, plus at Target and on Amazon.com.
For a more extensive “comparison” of the various forms of carriers (including the pros and cons of each),check out How to Choose a Baby Carrier {via Parenting By Nature}.
YOUR TURN: What carrier(s) have you tried? Which “style” is your favorite?
WIN IT! There will be two winners. One winner will receive a Sleepy Wrap {in the color of his/her choice}. A second winner will receive a BabyHawk Mei Tai {in the design of his/her choice…from available options at Parenting By Nature}. To enter, leave any topic-related comment (and also indicate which carrier you would prefer) prior to Thursday, April 30 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
NOTE: The Sleepy Wrap contest is open to U.S. residents only. The BabyHawk Mei Tai contest is open to both U.S. AND Canadian readers.
*UPDATE* The winners are #35 SHEVAUN (Sleepy Wrap) and #12 Jenny N. (BabyHawk Mei Tai). Congratulations!
I sleep so much better with my baby by my side, feeling the gentle up-and-down rhythm of her breaths, knowing that I can protect her from anything and everything. I love looking at her in the dim lighting, watching her sleepy smiles and expressions as she dreams about something that is apparently rather wonderfully funny. I like to watch her little eyebrows dance up and down, to notice when she starts rooting – before she cries. In blissful slumber, I pull her to my breast and we both settle into sleep. It seems so natural, so gentle, so perfectly right.
WIN IT! One winner will receive a 
That sounds like a news headline, doesn’t it?
For starters, you may want to read the research and work of 
And he notes that UNICF, the World Health Organization, the USA Breastfeeding Committee, and La Leche League International all support bedsharing.
Sometimes a mama’s gotta stand up and fight.
The products are disposable and biodegradable (“breaks down in months, not decades“), thus making them “Earth Friendlier.”
That said, if you are going to buy one anyway, then I feel it is my duty to tell you NOT to buy a Diaper Genie. 
The Graco Touch Free Diaper Pail retails for between $50-$75 (depending on where you buy it) and requires four DD batteries (batteries not included). The pail does come with one charcoal filter, however, that needs to be replaced every 30 days or so.
Our favorite brand of disposable diapers is Pampers (especially the Swaddlers – pictured right).
WHAT IT IS:
BE A PART OF IT:
2. Wipes – Wipes are important for diaper changes, but they also have a multitude of other uses. The 
3. Car Seat – This item is non-negotiable…unless you want to negotiate with the police, that is. I recommend a “convertible” car seat so that you baby can stay in the same seat from newborn all the way through to pre-K.
4. Onesies or Footsies, depending on the season – If it’s hot, stock up on about 6 onesies per size. If it’s cold, go with footsies. Opt for simple pieces in soft materials. Steer clear of lace, decorative buttons, fancy collars, and other frou-frou details that make the garments difficult to take on and off.
5. Receiving Blankets - I suppose any brand will do, but we’ve found that 
6. Washcloths – You’ll use these for bath time…and for massaging out plugged tear ducts…and for wiping boogers on that you suck out with the nasal aspirator. Ah, the many magnificent tasks of parenthood. 
7. Mattress Protector – If co-sleeping has crossed your mind, you won’t want to go without a mattress protector. You wouldn’t want to ruin your fancy mattress with throw-up, breast milk, blow-outs, and other liquids commonly associated with having babies. Neither would I…which is why we have 
9. Somewhere to set the baby down – I know you won’t want to ever put that baby down (and you don’t have to…don’t listen to those people that say you’ll spoil the baby!), but having at least one place to set your baby down is a good idea for when you have to go to the bathroom or take a shower. Think: crib, bassinet, swing, 
10. Baby Fingernail Clippers – Newborn nails are razor-sharp, super thin, and hard to cut. Make it easier on yourself by investing in a pair of clippers that are specially designed for the tiniest of fingers.
12. Baby Soap – There are all kinds of baby washes and soaps out on the market – scented, unscented, organic, natural, chemical-free, creamy, gel-y, bubbly, etc. We prefer soaps that are as free of extra chemicals as possible, but I’m not brand loyal yet. (Are you?).
13. Baby Carrier – You never realize how nice it is to be able to use both of your hands until you’re a new mom. Carriers make that possible. You can choose between slings, mei tais, pouches, wraps, and more. Lately, I’ve been wearing the 
14. Jogging Stroller – For me, this was/is a necessity because running is how I stay in shape and retain my sanity. It’s so nice to just be able to lace up my tennies and head for the pavement…no gym fees, babysitters, or driving time required!
15. Baby Monitor – It’s nice to be able to “check in” on your baby from another room. Audio monitors are okay. Video monitors are even better.
