« Babywearing - a caregivers point of view »
Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 4:59PM I walk to work in the morning, with my chosen carrier in my bag, with my lunch and crafts of choice (for nap time, you know). I choose the carrier based on our activity for the day, and for how I'm feeling. Like choosing a sweater I guess. It's a normal part of my day to hum and haw for a few moments in the morning about which way I'd like to carry the kiddo.
I've only been minding this gal for about a month, and prior to me she mostly rode in the stroller. Each carrier I've pulled out, she's taken to. Not one has she shown any resistance or fear. (Although today she was a bit put off by me carrying her on my back, she wasn't expecting it I don't think, and feeling a bit poorly, and wanted to cuddle in).
Can you babywear with an older child who has limited or no babywearing experience? YES! At first I put her in, and she didn't know what to do with her legs, she was trying to hold them for me I think, not knowing she could relax and I'd take her weight (She's 14 months & roughly 20lbs+). After a quick bounce, some leg massaging and letting her know she was safe, she relaxed into. If baby is new at babywearing, just get moving.
When I take out my carrier for the day and put it on, she often scoots over and puts her arms up, or smiles, or similar to tell me she is excited to go out together.
So, why do I babywear my nanny charges?
First of all, I want the children I mind to feel securely attached to me. Going from having your parents around (and in her case older siblings too) to being left with a new person can be a very scary experience for them, no matter how kind the caregiver is. I want her to feel safe, I want her to trust me. Would she trust me in the stroller? I'm sure she would also, but I'm happy I don't have to find out.
Secondly, I've yet to carry a crying baby. Any child that is upset, when put in the carrier seems to calm down nearly instantly. It makes my role easier. I can meet her needs. We can share bread together in the morning, and sing a song.
Interacting with her in the carrier is fun. I like to point out things, and talk to her. Tell her silly stories and make goofy faces. She is close enough to me that we keep each other company, and on cold days, we stay warm together.
I can feel when she is getting sleepy, or wants to stretch and walk. I can tell if she's gassy or needs to tune out outside stimulation. I can tell if she is cold, or too warm. I haven't been around her first 14 months, and thus need to play catch up in learning her cues. Babywearing helps me to that.
Practically speaking, babywearing is so easy. Just put her on and go. I don't have to worry about stairs, or navigating doorways and doors, being denied access to playgroups because there are already the limit of strollers (here it seems the normal is 3). If it rains, an umbrella covers us both. I have two free hands for tickles or a cup of tea.
I'm not sure why I wouldn't babywear. We both are finding it an enjoyable experience, and I think her parents enjoy knowing that she is well cared for. I often worry caregivers might ignore children somewhere in front of them in a stroller, for me that is impossible, she is right there. I also find that because she is close enough to hear/feel/sense her cues, I'm able to catch whats he needs quickly and meet them, leading to zero crying. Today she choked on a piece of bread, very quietly. I was right there able to assist.
Her father asked me if I am anti-stroller, which made me laugh. No, I'm not anti-stroller, I'm pro-happy babies and happy caregivers. Babywearing makes us both happy, so worn she will be!
And just because she isn't mine, doesn't mean I don't love to kiss her baby head. Irresistible those baby heads.
Why do you like babywearing? How does it make your life easier?
Babywearing, Thoughts 
Reader Comments (6)
Until very recently wearing my son on my back was the most sure-fire way to get him to sleep. At 2 years old, though, he seems to have outgrown it. And I honestly find it difficult to wear him for long stretches - just as I would find it difficult to carry 27 extra lbs difficult in any fashion.
Although, my daughter drifted away from babywearing and came back a few times, so maybe he will, too. I hope so.
That is funny, front-wearing puts her right to sleep, but back-wearing usually keeps her a bit more alter. They go through phases for sure, I hope he comes back to wanting to be worn. :)
I hope you don't mind, I changed your name in the comment field to Amber Strocel, as to not confuse people too much.
I much prefer wearing babies for many of those reasons...especially the head-kisses and how much closer and in tune you feel to babe. The worst thing about looking after twins was not being able to wear both of them! Did you purchase your own carriers for the babies you look after?
@Katie, Yes, the carriers are mine. I did get some discounts on some of the carriers for my babywearing classes.
We are so terribly alike.
We are freakishly alike, actually.
I love wearing the kids I nanny for! I have my own 12 month old son, and watch 20 month old twins, so life is never dull on the days I'm over there! For the longest time, I only brought one carrier with me, and that ended up leading to fighting as everyone wanted a turn. Last week, I brought a Mei Tai and a Soft Structured Carrier, and had the rare success of all 3 napping at once! I nursed my little one to sleep in a carrier, then laid him down; strapped on the little boy I watch, and got him to sleep on my back, then tied on the little girl to my front. Tandem babywearing is exhausting, but the end result was well worth the effort! Both twins were asleep in 10 minutes, and I was able to lay them both down, and have a solid hour of peace. There is no possible way I could carry more than one of them at a time without a carrier, I am all of 5'2" and 110 lbs, and the "little" ones are roughly 26 lbs (my chunky monkey), 23 lbs, and 22 lbs. Any 2 of them are almost half my body weight, yet I was reasonably comfortable tandem wearing. Looking forward to more of the same precious snuggles and naps next week!