We can not use a stroller in this household. River believes they are only for pushing...by himself. If I so much as lay a hand upon the stroller while he is pushing it (into traffic or over people's feet) he throws a tantrum of mass proportions. Even if I wrestle his screaming, writhing body into a stroller he will demand to "Get Down!" or "Baby Walk!". There is nothing more annoying than chasing a toddler while shoving about an empty stroller.
We're a big fan of babywearing. Since River was a newborn I've relied mostly on baby carriers when getting around with him. When he was young the popular Baby Bjorn worked well for us. As he got bigger we used a moby wrap, a hip sling, and a couple used back carriers. Nothing was comfortable or convenient until my mother gifted us with an ERGO.
I was recently gifted a toddler-sized BabyHawk. It's similar to an ERGO except it has long ties that must be knotted by hand as opposed to adjustable strap with buckles. This means there is a lot more fabric. Putting this carrier on in public is very awkward. The straps drag all over the ground. Taking River in and out is also more of a hassle nor can I wear this empty babycarrier around my waist. There is just too much fabric.
As a mother who babywears, I find that as soon as River is on my back he becomes very calm. He leans on me and cuddles. When he is sick, I have walked around with him strapped to me. He's fallen asleep there with his fevered cheek against my chest.
If you are thinking of investing in a baby carrier or gifting a soon-to-be-mother one, I'd encourage you to invest more money into a carrier that will be comfortable and useful. Cheap carriers do not comfortable baby wearing make.
We're a big fan of babywearing. Since River was a newborn I've relied mostly on baby carriers when getting around with him. When he was young the popular Baby Bjorn worked well for us. As he got bigger we used a moby wrap, a hip sling, and a couple used back carriers. Nothing was comfortable or convenient until my mother gifted us with an ERGO.
Hiking with River in the ERGO
The ERGO is easy to use and very versatile. I can put River on my back, front or hip. If he falls asleep in the carrier, there is a flap that goes over his head and keeps it in place. During the winter, when we took public transportation to and from town--the ERGO was great for keeping River warm against my body when we walked outside. Now that he is older and often wants to get down, The ERGO is great for that too. I can easily unsnap it to let him out and snap it back up.
wearing the ERGO around my waist because someone wanted to get down
The only problem I've ever had is that the body is so short. So as River gets taller he has less back support and starts to lean back. This puts more of a pull on my shoulders.
I was recently gifted a toddler-sized BabyHawk. It's similar to an ERGO except it has long ties that must be knotted by hand as opposed to adjustable strap with buckles. This means there is a lot more fabric. Putting this carrier on in public is very awkward. The straps drag all over the ground. Taking River in and out is also more of a hassle nor can I wear this empty babycarrier around my waist. There is just too much fabric.
BabyHawk
I've taken to keeping the ERGO in the car for when I am out and about. The BabyHawk I keep at home. This way I can put it on in the house and take it off in the house before and after walks. The BabyHawk is a lot more comfortable because of the toddler length. River is firmly held against me and can't lean back.
BabyHawk
As a mother who babywears, I find that as soon as River is on my back he becomes very calm. He leans on me and cuddles. When he is sick, I have walked around with him strapped to me. He's fallen asleep there with his fevered cheek against my chest.
If you are thinking of investing in a baby carrier or gifting a soon-to-be-mother one, I'd encourage you to invest more money into a carrier that will be comfortable and useful. Cheap carriers do not comfortable baby wearing make.
Leave a comment