Love the idea of wearing my baby but scared...

[zembaby]

I've having baby #1 in May and looking at different options. I love the idea of a baby wrap or carrier but I worry about falling down and hurting the baby. I don't lose my balance very often but I sprained my ankle a few times and it's pretty weak so I don't know if it's better to avoid carrying the baby completely.
Also, I am conviced I will be checking whether the baby is breathing every 2 seconds. Can you actually feel it through the carrier or do you need to peek inside? Which carriers are better if you want to check on the baby constantly but still want the baby to have good neck supoprt and be covered completely?

Also - do you like the moby wrap or the maya sling better for newborns?

Thanks! :)

[JacksMommy]

Well, I'm not sure it's possible to avoid carrying your baby entirely! Almost all babies want to be held a good portion of the day and some need almost constant holding. A sling or carrier might actually be better for if you fall because they provide support for the baby even if you must use your hands to block a fall.

Sometimes you can feel the baby breathing though the carrier, sometimes you need to peek inside. You migh dispel your anxiety by putting your baby upright in the carrier, against your chest. Most babies love this position and you can just bend your head down next to their little head to check for breathing.

If you are especially worried about the baby's security, you can't go wrong with a wrap (a Moby is good for newborns but not so much for toddlers since it's stretchy). The only downside to a wrap is that it takes a little longer to put on. With a stretchy wrap like the Moby, though, you can put it on just once and pop baby in and out through the day.

HTH!
Laurel
Mama to Jack 6/02 and Maddy 12/04

Babywearing education in Napa, CA

[tarynsmum]

OK, I'll admit it: I'm pretty clumsy. I am in NO WAY graceful. Seriously.

I've fallen/tripped a couple times with DD. One time was a slip down our stairs: I started to slip, and just sort of 'sat', so I ended up at the bottom of the stairs on my bum. DD was a few months old, not ina carrier, and I was *TERRIFIED*. She was *this close* to slipping out of my hands. I was seriously bawling.

The next time was a few months later, DD was maybe 5 or 6 months. I had her in a pouch, and did pretty much the same thing as last time (this is why I never wear just socks in the house anymore). First off, the fall was easier on me, because I was able to brace myself with one hand (the other hand still instinctively went around DD, even though she was VERY secure in there, and probably wouldn't have gone anywhere anyway). So it hurt MY tailbone and ankle way less, and DD was not dangling/in danger of falling herself. SO if anything, I would say I felt better with DD in a carrier than not.

As for breathing & feeling it. I know a lot of mamas say they CAN see or feel the baby breathing, maybe I'm just weird, but I couldn't sometimes (not to say she wasn't). DD is a very shallow breather, especially when she's sleeping. But I could always tell that she *was* breathing, if that makes sense. Also, for the first 5 months or so, DD always sucked on my pinkie finger (never did take a paci, darn it), and I would feel the sucking motion all the time (even when she was sleeping). So I hope that helps a little.

I have/had a maya RS, and I loved it, and continue to love it (and always will, it's my workhorse that lives in the car). That said, if/when I do it again I'll probably get a moby (or just use one of my woven wraps) for the newborn stage. It's just nice to be cuddly with a newborn. I find it a lot easier to nurse in a wrap than in a RS too, especially when they're teeny.

[zembaby]

Thank you for your comments and stories! I have decided to get a Moby wrap for my baby. People have so many good experiences with it. I also started seeing a physical therapist to work on my ankle and strengthen it.

Thanks :)

[Jennifo]

Best of luck with the Moby! I got my first one about 3 weeks ago, and I have absolutely loved it from the first moment I put it on! My DD (now 8.5 weeks) loves it too! If you wear baby upright, as I am doing right this minute, you can usually hear them breathing, or you can just sit really still and watch their little backs moving up and down. I hope you and your little one love your Moby like we do!!!

[npace19147]

I had the same breathing fears when I first started carrying DD - we started with a pouch but DD was a preemie and so tiny when she came home I was constantly scared. With the Moby in the upright position her head was right under my chin and I could feel her breathing against my chest. I really liked being able to feel her like that, and as an extra bonus it's a great snuggling position! :)