Postpartum Doula  NJ
  • Home
  • First Baby
  • Growing Families
  • Who I am
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Services & Packages
  • What My Clients Say
  • New Page

Babywearing for Beginners

3/2/2014

2 Comments

 
NJ Babywearing, Postpartum Help
How'd you like two free hands and a calmer, quieter baby?  Wearing your baby in a sling or carrier makes life simpler.  Here are the 3 most basic types of carriers and a few things to keep in mind:

*It takes practice to get the hang of it.

*You'll probably want to try more than 1 type of carrier.

*If possible, learn in-person.  If you don't have any friends who wear their babies, try a moms' or breastfeeding group.  If not, youTube will suffice.

1: Sling.  This is the simplest design & easiest to put on.  Literally, put the sling over one shoulder and put the baby in it.  Great for babies 1-12 months & 6-12 pounds.  (Intuitive/Right-brained types find this easier.)

2: K'Tan.  This is a hybrid between a sling and a wrap.  It does require a few more steps to put on, but it offers more even weight distribution, better support for preemies, and you can wear twins.  (up to 10 lbs. each)  Great for preemies through 18 months.  

3: Structured Carrier.  I love Boba & Ergo.  Both allow you to wear your baby on the front, back, or hip and breastfeed.  It takes about as many steps as a K'Tan, but some prefer the clips to all fabric....And honestly, for babies upwards of 15 pounds, it's much more comfortable.  Ideal age 2 months (for Boba) through 3 years! (or 35 pounds.)  (Linear/Left-brained types tend to prefer this style.)

There are so many babywearing options available.  I reserve wraps for special requests--I love them for twins or heavy young babies that you'll wear for close to an a hour.

Jersey Shore Dar a Luz has all of these options available to try out at monthly meetings (for free).  Members can borrow carriers for 2 months to really try it out and get a feel before buying.  

**UPDATE** I went to a Shore Babywearers meeting, and this is simply the bests resource on the subject.  Here's a link to their FB group: 
Shore Babywearers  These mamas could not be kinder or more helpful!  They have a larger and more current library of carriers to borrow, too!

Have questions or a comment?  Please leave it below or email me directly.  Love to hear from you. 

(Disclaimer: The contents of this blogpost are based on my experience of 12+ years wearing babies.  I do not represent or sell any baby carriers--just advocate for making life with baby easier!)

2 Comments

Soothing a Fussy Baby

2/18/2014

0 Comments

 
If your baby is fussing, here are my go-to calming strategies.

1) Motion.  Hold your baby (most prefer upright, against your shoulder with their tummy on your upper chest) and walk around.  If this doesn't cut it, pat their back gently, too.

2) Sound.  White noise can help a baby settle.  There are apps, but most also love a good stove exhaust fan.  Music is another alternative.

3) Water.  Depending on your baby's age and level of upset, try standing in front of  a running faucet/shower, or put their feet in warm water.  Most newborns enjoy having running water on their scalp, too.  (added bonus: doesn't require full outfit change--just wrap a towel around their body and tilt the back of their head under warm running water.)  For bouts of gas, serious need to reset, a bath may be in order.

4) Wear your baby.  If your baby is 0-3 months old, try a sling.  (i.e. Maya sling, Over-the-Shoulder Baby Holder)  If your baby is bigger or 3 months old or older, the Boba Baby or Ergo  carrier is simple to use and very comfortable for mom or dad.  (There are countless instructional youtube videos or you can go to a Moms' group for hands-on instruction.)    

5) A change in scenery.  Sometimes simply going outside is enough to distract your baby from whatever is causing distress.  Often stepping out onto the porch for a few minutes is enough.

If your baby is fussing frequently and not easily soothed, consider food sensitivities.  
For a more complete listing of "Colic Causing Foods in Breastfeeding" please visit Dr. Sears' website:
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/breastfeeding/common-problems/colic-causing-foods-breastfeeding  
0 Comments

    Author

    Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Counselor, Mother of Three.

    Archives

    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    September 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012

    Categories

    All
    Baby Baths
    Baby Care
    Baby Carriers
    Baby Gifts
    Baby's FIrst Smile
    Babywearing
    Best Birth Resources
    Birthing Crash Course
    Blessing Way
    Bottle Feeding
    Breastfeeding
    Breast Milk Stash
    Cesarean Recovery
    Circumcision
    Colic
    Diaper Bag
    Essentials Before You Give Birth
    First Time Dad
    First Time Mom
    First-time Mom
    Fussy Baby
    How To Pack A Diaper Bag
    Labor Doula
    Motherhood
    Natural Baby Skin Care
    Newborn
    Newborn Sleep
    Newborn Smile
    New Dad
    Not A Baby Shower
    Postpartum
    Postpartum Doula
    Sleep
    Soothing Strategies
    Thank You Notes
    Thawed Breast Milk
    What To Put In Your Diaper Bag

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos from Daddy-David, hugabub.com, RTD Photography, peasap
  • Home
  • First Baby
  • Growing Families
  • Who I am
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Services & Packages
  • What My Clients Say
  • New Page