Baby Carriers

Daddy and Eve

We've started wearing Eve in a Baby Bjorn carrier this week. It's been such horrible weather previously that we didn't want to take her out in it until now. I know that it wasn't, but yesterday really felt like the first day of spring, it was so sunny and calm. 

I've also been wearing Eve in the carrier as I do chores around the flat which is quite fun. She seems to really enjoy it. We've only worn her facing inwards so far, but will change her to look outwards once we get to about the 4 month mark when she can hold her head up by herself. She's doing pretty good on those stakes though and holds her head up well already.

Eve was weighed yesterday and is now 9lb 11oz which was great news. As it's been good weather this week I've started back swimming at the Lido. A sauna and a swim is such a treat, I was feeling like a real couch potato for a while there. I'm managing to swim each day whilst Sam is home on half term and is able to look after her, what a luxury!

Baby carriers and slings are quite expensive, however we were really lucky to borrow the Baby Bjorn one from Sam's sister.

A friend of mine has the Caboo organic baby carrier (see picture), she said it is really good to use and easy to breastfeed with the baby inside it too.

Mother and Baby 2014 Shortlist for best baby carrier can be viewed here:

http://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/2014/02/mother-baby-awards-2014-shortlist-best-baby-carrier-sling-or-back-carrier

UPDATE
Since posting this I have had good feedback from friends. One who lives in America says that her favourite carrier is the Ergo. I have read good things about this before and their website is also very helpful.

The Ergobaby Carrier cradles your baby just the way you do with baby in a natural sitting position, aligning with the recommended carry position from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.  

Babies can be carried from 7 - 45 lb (3.2 - 20 kg) in three positions, front, back and on the side.

http://store.ergobaby.com/

Bristol Sling Library and Sling Group

They meet in Southmead and Southville, Bristol.  You can hire slings to try them out, and get advice on baby-wearing. This is really good when your baby grows out of the smaller slings and you want to keep carrying. 

I've been told by a friend that forward facing isn't recommended, especially in Bjorn-type carriers, due to the risk of hip dysplasia and overstimulation.  Apparently the best thing is to keep them facing you, and then put them on your back when they're bigger or when you're confident in a different type of sling. Luckily we have also been given a really cool baby carrier rucksack. Sam is most excited at the prospect of wearing Eve in it to take her walking around the Cheddar Gorge where his Dad lives.

Have a look on the link below to see how to hire a sling and get advice, it's only £5 for a two week period (however you do have to leave a deposit). What a great idea!

http://bristolslinglibrary.wordpress.com/how-to-hire-a-sling/

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset