Can I continue to wear my toddler while pregnant?
When is pregnant wrapping a good idea? Wise women know that pregnancy is not a time to add new, strenuous, physical activities to your life. However, if you are accustomed to carrying or wearing your child, a wrap will make it easier. Your hard-working pregnant self deserves that.
So YES, do yourself a favor and wrap your baby – just be sure to listen to your body’s cues!
**Use my photos and tutorials with woven wraps like the ones you see in my store. Woven wraps offer comfortable support for toddlers and are safe in back carries as well as front carries. These are different from stretchy wraps commonly found in baby stores in the US.
How can Pregnant Babywearing make my life easier?
No one wants to increase the burden on pregnant mamas. This isn’t a way to make you work harder. It is a way to give your pregnant body a break by letting the wrap do the work. Pregnant wrapping serves you because it is far more comfortable than holding your baby in your arms. This is especially true as your belly grows.
Pregnant wrapping will make your life easier if you use it when you would otherwise be holding your child:
- You will gain the freedom to prepare the meals that you are eating to grow your baby.
- You’ll have a chance to do the nesting you want to do.
- You’ll have an easier time getting your older child to and from school or childcare.
- And you will LOVE not having to lug a heavy stroller or carseat around!
I hope that wrapping will help you get to some wonderful relaxing places and will contribute to an enjoyable pregnancy!
Getting wrapped up on mommy can also help to reassure your old baby that your love is as strong as ever. That security and comfort goes a long way towards paving a gentle introduction to older siblinghood.
How do I use a Woven Wrap while pregnant?
I made this video when I was 37 weeks pregnant, and my toddler was 15 months old. First I demonstrate a Rucksack Carry (nice for when your toddler wants up and down frequently). Then I show Double Hammock Carry (comfortable for wearing your kiddo for a nap or long period of time). And I show a few different ways to tie each one off so that you can find the one that works best for you:
More ideas for pregnant wrap carries:
Back carries: Most pregnant mamas prefer back carries. You can get away with wearing your child high on your front for a while, but eventually there won’t be room for the two of them. You might as well start learning back carries now!
A back carry is most comfortable. As an added bonus it helps a pregnant mama to feel evened out, so you’re not front-heavy.
Getting child on back: You can lift your child onto your back. But if your child is old enough you can also squat down and let him or her climb up piggyback-style. Similarly, a child who is steady on his or her feet can be slid down your back to the ground when you are done wrapping. You can also use a chair or couch for your toddler to climb on and off your back. This is a nice hack for pregnant wrapping, in particular, when you’re not feeling particularly flexible yourself!
Tying around your belly: When wrapping your child, make sure you don’t tie the wrap uncomfortably across your growing bump. Some moms find it most comfortable to tie above the bump. Some find it comfortable to tie below the bump. If you are eager to “show” you will be delighted to find that either of these arrangements can accentuate your bump.
To completely avoid tying around your waist, try a carry that ties at the shoulder. Double Hammock Carry TAS (tied at shoulder) or Semi Double Hammock Carry are both supportive carries that tie at your shoulder and have nothing tied around your waist. Or try a Rucksack Carry tied Tibetan.
Wrap Club is a great place to find the tutorials you need and get community help and encouragement. This FB group is free so there’s no reason not to come over and join the fun 😄
Pregnant Wrapping Hacks for Comfort
Pregnancy is often a time of random and unpredictable discomforts. Accordingly, utilize the famous versatility of your wrap to solve any less-than-perfect sensations.
If rucksack straps pinch, try the same carry crossed in the front. Or try tying Tibetan to pull the straps inward. You can also experiment with a totally different carry.
If the cross over your breasts is uncomfortable, try rucksack straps, or make a twist in between your breasts. Or maybe a Double Hammock Carry with the broad band spread across your torso will be most comfortable.
Besides being uncomfortable, pinching could lead to plugged milk ducts, so find a way to adjust the wrap comfortably.
When is pregnant wrapping a good idea?
Pay attention to your body and follow its cues. If you are getting winded, dizzy, or tired, it’s time for a stay-at-home day. Make cuddling on the couch a priority. It is more important to find the best way to take care of everyone than it is to live up to some preconceived notion about what you ought to be able to do.
What you “ought to be able to do” is follow your body’s cues and your child’s cues. Nothing more and nothing less. Brainstorm the best way to fill everybody’s needs.
You will best help your child adjust by staying flexible and staying sane and loving.
That could mean giving up on the plan to move him to his own bed before baby is born. It could mean increasing toddler-wearing time. It could also mean introducing him to the concept of doing his own walking when you are out.
How can I use my wrap as a pregnancy and birth tool?
Your wrap can serve not only to carry your toddler, and your new baby, but many other uses as well:
- Use a woven wrap to increase your comfort during pregnancy
- to help turn a breech baby
- to help a baby become ideally positioned for the easiest birth
- to ease the pain of contractions or back labor
- to support you in the ideal squatting birth position
- to give you leverage for pushing
- as a post partum belly band to assist in recovery
I explain many ways moms use woven wraps as pregnancy and birth aids in this blog post about using wraps and rebozos in pregnancy and childbirth.
NOTE: All of the woven wraps in my store are appropriate for newborn or toddlerwearing, and for pregnant wrapping.
