Baby Carriers

I didn't follow the baby wearing method (having the baby in a carrier all day long) for two reasons. I read Babywise and liked their philosophy better and I just wasn't strong enough to carry a growing baby on me...it was hard enough carrying him IN me. :) I wore a carrier during travel (when they're little, it's easier than using a stroller) and to the grocery store until the got old enough to sit in the child seat.

The wrap (see below) worked great for when our son was younger. Now I use a Mei Tei. (There are links online for how to make or buy them. I made the Baby Hawk and really liked it.) I also used the Baby Bjorn while we traveled, and that worked really well because I could take off the whole front and keep the harness on under my jacket.

I've also had friends who bought the Belle Baby when their child got older - they say it was more comfortable. I still use the Mei Tei on grocery store trips (especially during cold season). Otherwise I set our son in the cart after I wipe it down really well. Or if we're out...I just use a stroller.

I also have a baby sling, but I've only used it once...it really hurts your neck since the majority of the weight is on one shoulder. I wouldn't buy one unless you try one first and like it.

Here's how to tie the Mei Tei. The first set of directions (back carry) crosses the ties across the front (looks a little awkward on a woman, I think), but I just put it on like a backpack.

http://www.babyhawk.com/Instructions/

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Below is an e-mail I received from someone we met in Brazil. She was (stylishly) carrying her baby in an open street market and after staring at her and trying to figure out how she wrapped her baby in this long piece of cloth, we finally went up to her and asked her. :) She is from France, (I should have known) but lives in Brazil with her husband. I gave her my e-mail address, and below was her very gracious
response.

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Here is the link where you can buy "The baby wraps"
http://www.attachedtobaby.com/Baby-Wraps-C3.aspx

Do not confuse with another method such as sling´s etc... because there are much less versatile. The wraps method is suitable for baby from infant to 3 years old depending of course of the positions you choose to use.

You can also make it yourself if you know someone who as a machine it far cheaper!
I did the wrap myself because I personally couldn't find them in Brazil so I bought a very resistant tissue (I think she means fabric) 100% made of cotton 4.20m x75 cm.
And as shown below, it is better to cut the Wrap as a parallelogram form,to make it easier to make the "tightening" (and here she means knot) (-> i´m not sure if we say so in english...). Well, I hope you´ll see what I mean but if not, don't hesitate to contact me it will be a pleasure to help you! This carrying method is really great!

The position I was using today was this one: ( It´s my favorite because I can take my son out of it without taking the Baby wrap away!
http://www.bebe-portage.com/Le-simple-croise
(see also Enclosed a position for breast feeding with ich exactly the same position. The baby lies down in the cross instead of sitting in it!!! Suitable for new born babies as well.

Here are some other links who show various positions:

http://66.163.168.225/babelfish/translate_url_content?.intl=fr&lp=fr_en&trurl=http
%3a%2f%2fwww.escale-echarpes.com%2fpositions.htm

http://www.bebe-portage.com/Le-double-croise

http://www.bebe-portage.com/Le-kangourou-sur-le-ventre

http://www.bebe-portage.com/Le-kangouron-sur-le-dos-sac-a-dos

And it is very important when installing the baby, that is knees are positioned higher than his bum (frog Position) so that he sits on his bum and not on his genital parts...

You can also practice with a teddy bear or even a Doll. Here is the best knot to use:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef_knot