Babywearing with a Sleepy Wrap

How many of you moms are baby wearing moms?

I always thought I would be a attachment parenting, co-sleeping, baby wearing mom. The thought of being able to keep my baby so close and secure with me was always so exciting! I couldn’t wait to be able to keep Elijah right up against me and still get my housework, shopping, and even blogging done, knowing my little guy was snuggled up against me. I thought it would be great to sleep at night knowing he was right next to me for his night feedings and for when he needed me. Well apparently Elijah had other plans.

I was not able to breast feed. Which I think made Elijah more independent to begin with. He wasn’t so dependent on just me since Dave and I both fed him his bottles. After the first week Elijah started to get fussy at naps and bedtime. So we put him in his crib one night. Next thing we knew he was fast asleep. Now that was hard on me. (I must have jumped up and checked on him a million times the first 2 weeks) but from then on he will only sleep in his crib. Now at almost 4 months he sleeps through the night waking up for only one feeding. So I guess that’s a blessing, but a big part of me really liked snuggling my little man all night. He’s such a good baby though, he loves to snuggle in the big bed with Mommy for nap time!

Since Elijah didn’t want to be held 24/7 baby wearing was going to be a interesting venture. At first my every attempt ended in screams. We tried carriers, slings, everything I could think of. But Elijah just did not like being held that much. He would be okay for a bit, but after a short time he would get bored and just wanted to be put down and relax in peace and quiet, stretched out. I guess I don’t blame him after nine months of being balled up, but it kind of hurt my feelings my little man didn’t want to be in my arms, every second of every day.

I gave up on the idea for a little while until one day a few weeks back I was given the opportunity to try the Sleepy Wrap. It took me a few times to get it wrapped right. Then a few more so that Elijah and I were both the most comfortable, but I got it and put him in, and walked around the house. It went sort of like this: He’s in… He’s crying… We are walking around… He’s getting quieter… He’s looking around… He stopped crying… We’re walking around… stop at the mirror in the hall… HE’S SMILING! Okay, so maybe it wasn’t that he didn’t want to be carried around, it was HOW he was carried around!!!

If he is up, supported and can look around, he’s awesome. And this revelation is all thanks to Sleepy Wrap!

There are SO many benefits to baby wearing! You can be hands free while giving your baby a safe, warm, loving place to lay! They are proven to cry less, be healthier, sleep better, and become more independent. When we are consistently meeting our babies needs they are more apt to know we are still there for them even after we put them down, instead of crying for attention. Overall it means a happier baby! Now I know some of you don’t believe in baby wearing, and that’s fine too. I’m not the type to push my beliefs on to other people, but I am sure there are still times you like to carry your baby around. Like shopping or taking walks. Since Elijah doesn’t like to be carried all the time these are the times I look forward to, and the times I get to use my Sleepy Wrap. And now that I have done it a few times I can wrap it and have him in it comfortably in minutes!

Sleepy Wrap is made of heavier cotton knit with a touch of spandex which makes it perfect to support your little one just perfectly. I love that Elijah’s hips and legs are supported too! No pressure on his spine and hips like in the hard carriers where their legs hang down. No matter which way I wrap it, Elijah fits perfectly every time! It doesn’t matter how big or small your baby is or you are for that matter! It fits to you both! It would be awesome too if you nurse. It’s a nursing cover in itself. No extra attachment necessary. It’s so soft and stretchy, even after washing. I love that I don’t feel lopsided like I did when I tried the sling and I don’t feel like Elijah is being squished, even though he’s so secure in there! And the best part is that I don’t even feel like I am wearing him. It evenly distributes his weight, has the wide straps over both shoulders, and is just plain comfortable. They even have three different ways to carry your baby so you can figure out what works best for you. Elijah’s favorite is the Classic Love Your Baby Style. He likes to keep his feet out and moveable, so it works great! Plus he can see, and that’s his top priority! He’s got to be able to look around while we’re moving about.

The story behind Sleepy Wrap is a wonderful invention for their own children became the talk of the town, and there a business was born. I love products created by parents! But what really drew me to try Sleepy Wrap was their Mission Statement:

Sleepy Wrap Inc's mission is to provide comfortable and durable baby carriers to parents throughout the world and give them a helping hand in raising confident, joyful and compassionate children. We hope to enhance the bond between mother and child by enabling both to be close and connected to each other in a practical yet magical sort of way. It is so easy to place "things" between mother and baby, especially in today's society. A great majority of the baby gear out there although intended to help a mother out actually ends up hindering her by further separating her both physically and emotionally from her child. Often times, rubber, plastic and fuzzy blankets end up substituting and even end up replacing Mother. This is not to say that life shouldn't be made easier for mom. A mom who carries her baby or wears her baby can show her affection without effort. She can respond to her baby's cues because she is right there. Communication happens easier because she is right there. Baby is content because all his needs are being met and he trusts that they will continue to be met. When a baby knows that his attentive mom is present and can hear her heartbeat and her familiar voice he is a calm and happy baby. A mother who holds and carries baby is constantly given the reaffirmation that all that her baby really needs- is her! When a mother shares her life and space and moves with her baby through her day she will fall in love with her child. She will naturally treat her baby with understanding, compassion and respect from which will blossom a loving relationship based on trust. This "trust" is critical as it is the basis not only for a child's healthy neurological, behavioral, and social development, but sets the stage for which that child will build and form all of his subsequent relationships throughout his life. Babies who have their early needs met by loving parents will know how to create enduring relationships. Having been treated with love and respect, they will grow up to have the freedom to use their time in creative and meaningful ways and continue to transform into their greatest potential. The warmth and empathy that comes when we as mothers carry our own is truly profound and cannot be underestimated. Children are the pedestal on which the future of our world rests- investing in their well-being is well worth it!

Even if you are not a baby wearing, attachment parenting Momma, it’s still so nice to have your little one snuggled up against you. Dave didn’t even mind using it and said it was comfortable on him as well! That’s got to be a good sign when the Daddy likes it!

I would recommend Sleepy Wrap to any parent with a baby that still wants to be carried and that is light enough to be carried! They even have a picture of a mom carrying a five year old in a Sleepy Wrap on their site. If that doesn’t prove how strong this thing is, then I don’t know what will. Even though I am not sure I want to be carrying Elijah when he’s five, it’s nice to know this Sleepy Wrap will grow with him!