We have been sent a lovely story about the experiences of one babywearer, who has used both a mei tai and a didymos wrap, which I am pleased to share with you. Thanks to Stephanie for taking the time to email us.
I first became aware of baby wearing after the birth of my first daughter, Amy although I didn’t buy my first sling until I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter Phoebe. Once I started wearing Amy, I wished I had started when she was much younger.
So, anyway, I am going to tell you about my experience with Phoebe as I started baby wearing her from newborn. My first sling that I used with Phoebe was a Mei Tei. I used to pop her in, froggy style. She was quite a sicky baby, which was later identified as reflux and being upright suited her much better. In the evenings, reflux would have her screaming in pain, so I would pop her in the Mei Tei and she would calm down. She would rest her head on me and go soundly off to sleep.
Sometimes during the day, I would pop her in the Mei Tei so I could get on with things. Amy, 22 months older, was a normal toddler and very interested in her baby sister. Therefore I felt it wise not to leave them alone, especially at first, so I would pop Phoebe in the Mei Tei whilst I hung the washing out or did the hoovering.
As Phoebe got older, she thoroughly enjoyed the view she had from the sling and would smile at everyone. On the occasions that we put her in the pram she was never as happy; especially if she was tired. I would find I would get her out of the pram to put her in the sling to go to sleep.
Phoebe was 7lbs2 born but grew very fast, to being a very chubby baby. People would often ask me if she hurt my back, carrying her the way I did. But the truth was, the sling completely took the weight and I really felt the difference if I forgot my sling and had to carry her without it.
Phoebe was about 5 months when I purchased my second sling, a Didymos. This was very different to the Mei Tei. A Didymos is a wrap sling and on first glance the swathes of material were a bit scary. Phoebe, being used to slinging by now, was very tolerant and allowed me to practise the different ties with her. I absolutely love the flexibility of the Didy. There are so many different carries that I can do, and I also managed to breastfeed her very discreetly in it.
Now Phoebe is 18 months and I am still babywearing her. She now goes on my back and still enjoys the view. She still spends her time smiling at everyone. People still ask if she hurts my back, but again she is so supported by the sling that I don’t get back ache at all. I recently helped out at a Charity sale and I helped to man the tea and cakes…Phoebe spent a long time on my back. It was very useful for me to know where she was and it was great for her to be able to see everything and smile at everyone.
All I have ever had is compliments on my slings and how calm and content a baby Phoebe is. I would definitely say that babywearing contributed to my baby being a happy, secure and content baby. Now all I need is a newborn to try out some of the other carries………..
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