Allow me to introduce to you how we survive in the backcountry with our toddler.
It is called babywearing. Jentri and I are volunteer babywearing educators and host meetings monthly teaching other parents the benefits and safety of wearing their children. If you would like to read about those benefits check out my research paper here. There are many carriers out on the market today some reputable and some not so much, of which I will elaborate on further down in the post.
We own one of every style of carrier; soft-structure, mei tai, ring sling, pouch and wrap. Each style to us is used for different activities, kind of like pairs of shoes. Our most favorite and most used is our Ergo Organic. We use carriers for activities like horseback riding, 4 wheeling, hiking, cross country skiing, cooking, and whenever little Ky just wants to cuddle and we as parents need both hands to function.
The greatest benefit of babywearing is that it allows for your child to bond with you while giving you two hands to accomplish the many tasks required of being outdoors. I am allowed to unload canoes, wrangle horses, build campfires, cook dutch oven dinners, and set up a tent all while my child is getting his needs met and interacting with me. Jentri loves the aspect that when Ky was smaller he was able to nurse whilst being worn, freeing her up to move about and keep discrete. During the colder months babywearing allows the child to share body heat with the parent resulting in a warm and happy kid.
There are companies out there who also make coats designed specifically with babywearing in mind. The best coat we have come across is the Kinder Coat designed for the active outdoor enthusiast. This coat in particular allows you to do front, hip, and back carries. Once winter shows it's grimacing face once again we will dedicate a post especially for this magnificent coat.
This particular carrier is a Mei Tai made by Kozy
It is called babywearing. Jentri and I are volunteer babywearing educators and host meetings monthly teaching other parents the benefits and safety of wearing their children. If you would like to read about those benefits check out my research paper here. There are many carriers out on the market today some reputable and some not so much, of which I will elaborate on further down in the post.
We own one of every style of carrier; soft-structure, mei tai, ring sling, pouch and wrap. Each style to us is used for different activities, kind of like pairs of shoes. Our most favorite and most used is our Ergo Organic. We use carriers for activities like horseback riding, 4 wheeling, hiking, cross country skiing, cooking, and whenever little Ky just wants to cuddle and we as parents need both hands to function.
Jentri is wearing Ky and has my coat on backwards to cover him up.
The greatest benefit of babywearing is that it allows for your child to bond with you while giving you two hands to accomplish the many tasks required of being outdoors. I am allowed to unload canoes, wrangle horses, build campfires, cook dutch oven dinners, and set up a tent all while my child is getting his needs met and interacting with me. Jentri loves the aspect that when Ky was smaller he was able to nurse whilst being worn, freeing her up to move about and keep discrete. During the colder months babywearing allows the child to share body heat with the parent resulting in a warm and happy kid.
Baby Ky kicking it in the Kinder Coat in 30 degree temperatures
There are companies out there who also make coats designed specifically with babywearing in mind. The best coat we have come across is the Kinder Coat designed for the active outdoor enthusiast. This coat in particular allows you to do front, hip, and back carries. Once winter shows it's grimacing face once again we will dedicate a post especially for this magnificent coat.
This is a ringsling made by Didymos who also designs wraps
Babywearing has become such a HUGE part of our lives and we would love to share this great parenting tool with all of you out there. There are many great resources in learning how to use carriers safely and appropriately. Please take the time to educate yourself about babywearing, it will make the transition to getting outdoors with your little ones so much easier.
When ever you shop for a carrier beware of knock-offs and be cautious of purchasing used. We would advise spending full retail for a carrier from a reputable shop for quite a few reasons, mainly quality. The quality of material and craftsmanship varies greatly from homemade versions to knock-offs and on to professional. Professional, high quality carriers are considered "heirloom quality" because they are able to withstand constant use and be handed down through generations. Homemade and knock-offs, though considerably cheaper, pose the risk of falling apart while in use which could lead to detrimental consequences. I cannot understand why someone would skimp on quality for a cheaper price when their child's wellbeing is at stake, and that is my rant. I know of people who thought they were purchasing from reputable sellers, so please make sure to do your research.
If you are the do-it-yourself type and poses sewing skills and a good machine then here is a valuable resource. Jan has compiled patterns of some basic carriers and gives great step-by-step instructions on how to sew them. All she asks is that you use them for personal use only and do not sell them. Also remember that fabric choice is key!
Approved educational sites:
Reputable retailers:
1 comment:
Great post!!! Love that Kindercoat - am going to check that out! We love babywearing too (and ski/hike, etc. wearing them! Would love to have you check out our blog too: www.mountainmamatales.blogspot.com
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