I love the idea of a tandem costume.  You know, you and your wrapped up baby (or toddler) are something together.  A Kangaroo and a joey (as sported by Alyson Hannigan in the above photo).  An owl in a tree.  A two-headed monster.

Whether you’ve got older kids to take trick-or-treating, or you’re dressing up for a party, I want to see those tandem costumes!  Post your photo on the Wrap Your Baby Facebook page next week to join in.  We’ll count up which photo gets the most “likes” and I’ll send a warm fleece babywearing cover* to the lucky tandem pair!

But just for participating, winner or not, you will get 10% off a purchase from my store!  Just send me an email with a link to your photo on Facebook, and I’ll send you the coupon code!

So, everyone who posts a picture gets 10% off, and one winning photo will get a free babywearing cover for winter!  It’s a win-win-win situation!  I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

*if the winner is outside the US, I will have to ask you to pay shipping–sorry!

Some costume brainstorming ideas from the community at large:

• http://www.facebook.com/wrapyourbaby/posts/286180864730329
• http://www.facebook.com/wrapyourbaby/posts/308714449143637

And isn’t it remarkable, the number of things you can accomplish with a wrapped up baby.  Like feeding your older kids, or vacuuming. Even using the computer.

Wrapping makes life easier, and I want every new parent to know it.  So I’ve decided to make a slideshow of photographs that demonstrate this.  I need YOU to send me your pictures. Where have you been, and what have you done?

From all the submissions I receive, I’ll choose not one, but THREE people to receive a really gorgeous glass mother pendant like this one (or another from my store):

Send your photos to me at diana@wrapyourbaby.com

Send as many as you like, but they should show a baby/child being worn in a wrap (not other carriers):

• in an interesting or difficult to access location
• at an interesting/unique event
• or while accomplishing a task/multitasking.

I won’t use every picture, but please include this line in your email: I give you permission to use this picture (or these pictures) in promotional material.

We’re crossing state borders regularly now, and so far we haven’t escaped Summer.  Most of the country is HOT right now! Mothers of babies are, perhaps, destined to be a little warmer than the rest of the population.  Like pregnant women, it is part of the package: we trade uninterrupted sleep and bodily autonomy for the joys of motherhood.

Well, growing a baby in your womb is hot work, and producing milk on demand is hot work, and holding a hot little bundle of joy is hot work.  The last thing you want is to wrap all that warmth up in a thick piece of fabric!

What to do?

My suggestions: thinner fabric, and cooler carries (less layers).  And when all else fails, how about taking your babywearing into the water?

Keep your baby’s comfort in mind, too.  Make sure neither of you are getting overheated.  If you need to, find an indoor playplace to replace outdoor playground outings.  Stay hydrated.  Use a hand held fan.  There are lots of options, and here are a few more ideas for staying safe and comfy in warm weather.

What tricks do you experienced babywearers have for staying cool while staying close?

I hope every babywearer knows that she is not only taking the best care of her own babies, but changing the world when people see you keeping your baby close to your heart.  Wear your baby with pride and know that you deserve many thanks that you might not always hear.  Several moms I’ve heard from have cited an unknown babywearing stranger as the influence that piqued their interest in babywearing–that may have been you!

Here are just a few of the letters I’ve received from strangers that have turned me teary and made this business so worth my time:

“I just wanted to say thank you! I learned how to carry my baby through your videos and it has changed my life. Not only is my baby happier in the day and sleeping better at night, it saved me from my postpartum depression. I got my life back – and even better! Words can not express…”

–Sophia, carrying a two year old and four month old in San Diego

“Thank you for all the instruction how how to carry a baby in a wrap! I have used a Ergo carrier, a Snugli, slings, and a Maya wrap, but when it came to using a wrap, I was clueless. The pictures and videos on your site have been priceless to me. Now, I’ve shared your site with all my facebook friends! Thank you so much!!!”

–Valerie

“I just want to take a minute to thank you for your wonderful wrapping videos and instructions. I’m not so new to baby wearing but I am pretty new to wrapping and your site has been SO helpful to me. Thank you so much!!!!! ”

“I met you four years ago at a hotel in Clearwater where you sold me a Moby and an Ellaroo.  I think of you often, and wanted to thank you for the most recent email about the birth of your beautiful third daughter!  Congratulations on the VBAC.  (I have also had one of those J).  When I met you I believe I was buying a wrap for my sister, who was expecting her first child and also one for myself…for my third son.  We now have four sons and our youngest brings me the Ellaroo all the time and asks to be put into it.  I cannot thank you enough for sharing your passion the way that you do.”

“I just wanted to tell you how wonderful your site is and how thankful I am for it.  I am wearing my third baby as I write this.  He is so happy on my back (in a Didymos Indio rubinrot).  I’ve been using your site for a couple years now and have learned so much.  God bless you!”

“I have to tell you that I am so thankfull that I found your website! If you don’t mind, I would like to tell you my story. About a week ago, I was walking around a local farmers market with my 2 year old daughter in a stroller and my 7 month old son in a baby bjorn carrier. I saw this mom with her daughter (about the age of my son) in the most comfortable carrier I had ever seen! I couldn’t help but ask her where she got it. That is when I was introduced to the world of wraps and what I would call “true” babywearing.  So, After our encounter, I couldn’t wait to get one of my own. Money is tight because I am a stay at home mom, so I just went to the fabric store for mine, as did the woman at the market.

“Ever since the day I brought it home, I have been wearing him with the one wrap that she showed me, but once I found your website this morning it was like a light went off. My son, Xander is going through some serious separation anxiety and everyones advice to me is to not carry him and let him learn to be independent. Well, I have tried, but I can just feel that it is not what either of us needs. You website has helped me give Xander what he needs, while still allowing me to get everything done I need to do in a day. He even nursed today for the first time while in the wrap! I just feel such a sense of contentment now with our situation. In just this short time, I feel much more connected to him.

“To make the story even better, when he went down for a nap, I asked my two year old if she wanted to “ride” she of course obliged and loved being so close to mom! She snuggled right in there and I could just see her eyes light up. (forgive me, I am getting very teary eyed right now) I just know that she has had such a hard time adjusting to her new baby brother and sharing the attention. Everyone pushes me to make her grow up faster and get over it, but after seeing her face today, I couldn’t disagree more. I know my family is going to tell me how awful it is that I carry my kids around all day, but I now have the confidence to do what I believe my children need. I am so greatful that there are people like you and the woman I met at the farmers market to help moms who don’t feel natural with some of the more modern parenting techniques.

“I am STILL SO GREATFUL for all of the amazing information you have provided.  Thank you again for everything!!”

–Ginger

“Because wearing my baby makes her more eye-level, I feel that others interact with her more as a person versus an objectified infant. I sat my baby on the couch yesterday and reached for my wrap.  She squealed with delight and clapped her hands together!  That’s a satisfied customer ”

Darla and baby in their new Ulli Storchenwiege

It’s about the nine months I carried you in my womb; the hopes, dreams, and smiles with which I anticipated your earthly arrival; the sight and smell and knowledge of you that keeps my heart doing flip flops; and the fact that neither one of us wants to be separated.

1 week before birth

1 week after birth

Because there is no place you would rather be, and it’s the most and the least I can do for you.  Because the world is new and wide, and my presence is the perfect reassurance and introduction.  Because you have entered into a safe and loving world, and you are close to those who love you.

nursing

You have time enough to stand, and walk, and run, and I look forward to chasing you . . . but not yet.

nursing again

Because sleeping peacefully in your cradle is not as nice, as safe, or as happy as sleeping on my chest.  Because here I can see your face, lips, and breath, your fluttering lids and lashes, and every momentary smile or wince as you dream.

at the park

For almost a year my body has kept you safe and focused, reminding you to breath, keeping you connected to humanity, and earth, and life, as no molded plastic seat can.

3 weeks old

The coziness, comfort, safety, and closeness is familiar, as are our heartbeats, and the rhythms and smells of our bodies.

with daddy

with grammy

sweet sister with doll

This is good and right, and no one should be able to threaten it.  If you have a babywearing love story, share it here http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2010/10/babywearing-and-call-to-action.html and know that someone will read it who needs it.  Learn more about protecting babywearing on the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance Facebook page.

Well, I tried some rebozo front carries with Annabelle when she was littler, and it was never as easy, adjustable, or intuitive (for me) as a longer wrap so I pretty much stuck with longer wraps.

Because I love playing with wraps and trying new things, I tried a rebozo back carry a few weeks ago and it was REALLY GOOD!  As someone who is familiar with wrap back carries, I found the rebozo carry very similar and easy to manage.  The diagonal length of fabric across my back, tied in front, is just like many a back carry with a longer wrap.

I think my hang-up with the front carry is that I have to A) reach around my big ole baby to tie it, and B) I don’t have two wrap ends to pull on for tightening or adjustment.  Both of those problems are non-existent with the back carry.  As a dedicated wrapper living in hot, humid, Florida, I should really work on those rebozo chops.  For now, I’m pretty stoked about the back carry, though!

I did:

• spend the Solstice with my daughters and some friends (aged 5 and 2).  We made suns out of clay and out of tissue paper, and blew big, rainbow bubble spheres to dance around with.
• clean my house and hide gifts for a daddy scavenger hunt.
• have family over for a Father’s Day Party.
• paint bookshelves, and color code our books.
• rearrange the dining room for more crawling space.

I had a lovely, slow, non-technological kind of week.  But I missed blogging about our last mom’s meeting, and I had a lot of messages to catch up on.  The fact is that I love writing, love staying touch, and have an internet business to keep up with.  I love technology too.  The fact is, there just aren’t enough hours, so we juggle as best we can!

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-19-car-seats_N.htm

This article cites these reasons why car seats are not safe:

• babies have been injured when car seats fell off of high surfaces
• babies have been injured when carseats turned over on soft surfaces (like a bed)
• babies have been injured falling out of car seats when not properly buckled
• more babies have “container syndrome” or weak muscles and flat heads due to being carried in a car seat
• it can be difficult for babies to get enough oxygen in a car seat, according to some studies

And here are some reasons why a baby carrier is superior:

• babies cannot be worn without being supervised so they can’t fall out when you leave the room
• the babywearer has hands free to catch self in case of a fall, so that baby is not dropped
• a worn baby is getting the perfect physiological workout just by being held against you
• worn properly, a baby’s face will be clear of the baby carrier, with head supported to ensure easy breathing

The fact is, babies are designed to be held, and study after study has shown that the more they are held, the more they thrive.  Whereas studies are also finding that babies in containers are subject to the above disadvantages.

I have realized that my parenting choices all work really well together.  Some of them would be very difficult without the others.  The choices I’m talking about, some of the things which are really important to me, are these:

1. Unmedicated birth, especially homebirth
2. Nursing (for more than a year)
3. Babywearing (bet you saw that one coming)
4. Meeting baby’s needs (not letting them “cry it out”)
5. Taking care of my babies and children myself every day (stay-at-home-momming)
6. Homeschooling (child-led, not curiculum-led)
7. Not vaccinating
8. Cloth Diapering

As mothers, we all want the best for our babies AND our families.  We can’t have happy babies without happy mommies, so it’s important that we not martyr ourselves for our children.  So there is no place to judge.

Homebirth is so much easier than hospital birth because the pregnant woman is in a comfortable place, and if she is alone or with supportive people, birth is not interfered with.  Mandated positions, food/drink prohibitions, monitoring, time-limits, and examinations can all lead to disaster–and those are just a very few of the most mild interventions that have become routine.

Nursing has never been hard for me.  One reason is that my daughters were born at home and no one interfered with our nursing.  Babies born in hospitals may be sabotaged from developing their natural nursing relationship by these means, among others: medicated birth, separation from mother (brief or long), being bathed, being swaddled, being offered bottles, and being subjected to a schedule.  Therefore homebirth made nursing easy.  The fact that the people I surround myself with are loving supporters of breastfeeding is also a huge factor.

Extended nursing–nursing until my babies are done–has been facilitated by my stay-at-home position, my group of nursing-supporting friends and family, and my babywearing, which allows me to nurse while doing other things.

Babywearing works because it is such a huge boon to my mothering that it would have been silly not to find a way to babywear.  As a stay-at-home mom I am with my baby every day, all day.  I know that holding her is best for her and she knows that she doesn’t like being put down.  Babywearing makes it all go smoothly, and allows us to nurse easily anywhere too!

I feel strongly that babies, in all their dependence, are supposed to be cared for constantly.  They are not supposed to be left alone until they can manage themselves.  They cry when their needs have not been met.  Sometimes it is impossible to meet their needs, and then we can hold them and let them know they are not alone while they are unhappy.  Constant care is not so intimidating when you realize that babies don’t need much.  Human contact and company, mother’s milk, someone to take care of their elimination and otherwise keep them comfortable, sleep.  Babywearing allows me to give my baby those things easily.  Staying home with my kids means I’m the one caring for them and I know that they get what they need.

I don’t like to say that I am lucky to be a stay-at-home mom because it’s so much more than luck.  Yes, my husband can support us with his income.  But we also live within our one-income means.  Some husbands make more money and their families cannot afford to give up the mom’s income.  Some husbands make less, and the family makes do with less.  Some people have kids and no husbands to support them.  We’ve built what we have in life, and we shape our lives around it to best fit our priorities.   One thing that makes it possible for me to take care of our kids is that we don’t pay for daycare or school.  Seems obvious, but it means that our children, so far, do not cost us much money at all.  Being a stay at home mom allows me to nurse my children as much and as long as we want.  It also allows me to hold my babies as much as possible.

Homeschool is very important to me for more reasons than I can reasonably list here.  Some biggies are that I think my children can learn more if they aren’t kept in a school all day; I don’t want to miss being with them every day; I don’t want them socialized by schoolkids; I don’t want strangers or the government choosing what to teach them.  My five year old loves learning, and so do I.  We learn all the time, and we don’t use a list to do it.  We learn out of order, anything we like, anytime we like.   We can do this because I am a stay at home mom.  This also means that we don’t have to follow a certain schedule, which means we don’t have to train our babies and children to schedules.  Instead we can see to their needs as they come up.

We don’t vaccinate because we trust and support our immune systems and we know there are many dangers in vaccines.  We try to eat well and take care of ourselves.  We do not put chemicals or medicines in our bodies if we can help it.  We are aware of and in control of these things much more because our kids are home with us.  Our children also start out with all the right immunological protection from nursing, and extended nursing means they continue to reap the benefits.

And finally cloth diapering is so much healthier for our babies, without even bringing our checkbooks (remember we’re on one income) and the planet into it.  Just as we don’t put chemicals into our bodies, we don’t store chemicals beside our babies’ genitals.  We stick to 100% cotton–natural and breathable.  And we take our babies to pee and poop in appropriate places (toilet, potty, bush) when we are in good enough communication to know that they need to go.  Because healthiest of all is not having your urine and feces on your skin at all.  Also cheaper, and easier (imagine not having to change diapers).  As a stay at home mom I am our children’s primary caregiver, and I get to choose what to put them in, and I choose NO DISPOSABLES!  Because I babywear and am usually with my baby, I am able to facilitate her elimination needs with elimination communication.

Because we spend our days together, and because we do not have an academic schedule, we are able to cloth diaper, nurse, and learn all the time, and everywhere we go, and I know that my baby or child is not left with unfulfilled needs.  At the same time, my needs can be met because we are that flexible with schedules and plans.

It works so well.  I wouldn’t change a thing!