Join Beth Rosa, Master Babywearing Educator, for a Q&A all about babywearing. Beth is here to answer questions about everything from slings and wraps for newborns to back carriers for toddlers.
I love my moby but its too hot. Is there a cooler alternative?
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Beth R.
The Moby Bamboo should be a bit cooler, but stretchy wraps do all tend to be a bit warm - knit fabric doesn't allow for much airflow. If you like wrapping, moving to a woven wrap will be somewhat cooler, although that can vary widely depending on the weight and blend of the fabric. A gauze wrap like a Wrapsody Breeze or a Calin Bleu Gauze will allow the most airflow. If you want to move away from wraps, a linen ring sling is one of my favorite options for smaller babies. Back carries will also be quite a bit cooler than front carries, but note that requires a different carrier - Moby wraps are not approved for back carries. |
Welcome, Beth! Beth is a mom and Master Babywearing Educator for Babywearing International of Greater Boston. She is joining us today to answer all of your questions about baby carriers, wraps and more.
What's the best carrier (most comfortable) for a toddler. My daughter is 2.5, 37 inches, and 31 pounds. Her legs don't seem comfortable in the original Ergo.
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Beth R.
Comfort in a buckle carrier will vary from wearer to wearer. There's a great deal of variation in shapes of carrier, much like our bodies vary. So, te best way to find your perfect fit would be to visit your local Babywearing International chapter meeting (or unaffiliated group if you don't have a local BWI chapter) and try them on. If that's not feasible, I would suggest trying some Toddler sized carriers. There are several brands with Toddler carriers available. |
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Beth R.
To find your local BWI chapter, please see the list here: https://babywearinginternational.org/chapters/ |
Hi,
I have a woven wrap, the BB-Slen by Babylonia. It came with a nice illustrated booklet, but I think I'd do better with a video. Are there tutorials online you'd recommend?
I tried it out at the store and it seemed easy, but I usually go with the Ergo over the wrap. I hate that it's sitting there.
Thanks!
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Beth R.
There are lots of great videos out there! Here are three of my favorite video makers: |
Can you give us the definition of baby wearing, for people who don't know what it is?
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Beth R.
Absolutely! Babywearing is the practice of using a carrier to hold a baby, toddler or big kiddo close to the wearer's body. Carriers range from simple pieces of cloth in a variety of shapes and sizes to more specifically shaped carriers with panels and straps, all the way to buckle carriers with backpack-style straps, padded waists, and more. |
Most dads that I have talked to have been apprehensive to babywearing, what piece of advice would you give to moms struggling to get their husband to wear? What about dads that get discouraged about wearing?
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Beth R.
Babywearing groups and social events are often mostly attended by women, although all of the groups I know of are open to and supportive of men as wearers. However, the act of babywearing is really great for all genders. It's an excellent way for non-birth parents to bond with baby, and to give their partner a break for a shower, a haircut, or any sort of self-care. Worn babies cry less, which is a bonus for everyone, but knowing that they'll need to do less active soothing than if they hold baby in arms may help put many male potential wearers firmly in the babywearing camp. The ability to be hands-free and accomplish other things while still caring for the baby is another great selling point. |
Hi,
I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I have been wearing them both individually, but I am finding circumstances these days where it would be nice to be wearing both of them at the same time. I have experimented with a moby and a Beco Toddler, but do you have any suggestions on the best carriers for tandem wearing?
Thank you.
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Beth R.
If both children may want to be up and down, then selecting carriers that can allow for that independently is the biggest piece of the tandem puzzle. I like a stretchy wrap for small babies, but by 1-year-old, it may not be giving you enough support with a wiggly toddler to be comfortable for long. A woven wrap in Front Cross Carry will let you pop your toddler in and out on your front, regardless of whether your 3-year-old is up or down. A Ring Sling is another quick and easy poppable option. |
Hello I was wondering how do I make my 15 month old toddler stop nursing for comfort during the day?
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Beth R.
That's a tricky one! Is that a general breastfeeding question, or specific to breastfeeding while babywearing? |
I have a baby ktan which my 3mo old used to love, but now fusses--I think bc in the "newborn kangaroo" position his feet are too squished. Can I switch to the next older baby position (loops cross bt legs) as long as I use one arm to support his neck? It's officially a 5mo position but he wants to be carried so much right now, even one free arm would be great! I also have an ergo but haven't used it much yet (haven't practiced putting it on solo).
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Beth R.
If your baby has good head control, that's probably fine, but I wouldn't plan to support his head full time with your arm - you're losing a major benefit: being hands-free! I'd suggest the 'Hug' position instead. You can adjust the 'cumberbund'/sash to give neck support as necessary and tuck baby's head into the loop if he falls asleep. https://www.babyktan.com/hug |
Hello Beth,
I've been looking for a good carrier for Florida weather and that will be good for my lower back. I'm down to the Boba air and Tula. Am I missing any other good carriers. What are the best infant carrier for hot & humid climate that my baby can grow with?
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Beth R.
Hi Monique, |
Thank you, Beth! Check out Babywearing International for more information about babywearing and to find a chapter near you: https://babywearinginternational.org/
Hi Beth, I have a 16 month old who weighs about 20lbs and I have a bad back. She mostly likes being worn facing out, which doesn't help matters. What type of baby carrier would you recommend?
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Maria Addendum: It also needs to be easy enough for me to put her in myself. Those back carries seem so complicated! |
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Beth R.
Is your back pain high, mid or low back, or caused by a specific medical condition? I may be able to give you more specific suggestions. |
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Beth R.
Back carries really can seem intimidating at first, but with just a bit of practice, it gets much, much easier. There are several different techniques for getting her on your back - my recommendation will depend a bit on what type of carrier you're using and the nature of your back pain/injury. I have long arms with good flexibility, and I find Superman Toss to be the easiest way for me, regardless of carrier type. Hip scoot is also a good option for those with less flexibility. If you're using a Meh Dai or a buckle carrier, you can also put it on in a front carry position, remove your arms from the straps, and then rotate the carrier + baby as a unit to your back and put your arms back in the straps. |
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Maria Thanks for your reply. What on earth is a Superman toss? Lol. I have had some mild form of chronic back pain/shoulder pain for years now. It's mostly upper back, but with my Beco after wearing her I have noticed lower back pain as well, which is why I stopped. I got a Lillebaby recently with the ergonomic support and I am hoping that will be better. I agree, I really do need to make it to a meeting. Back carrying is super intimidating. I have watched many videos, but when it comes to actually doing it with my daughter I get nervous and chicken out :( |
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Beth R.
In a Superman Toss, you lift the child at her torso, just under her arms, and twist her up and onto your back - her legs sort of float out the way Superman's cape would if you were to pick it up in front of you and spin it out and around to put it on. Most toddlers absolutely love it. It can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it quickly becomes second nature, and an easy way to get baby up high. We'd love to see you at a meeting - we've got great weighted dolls you can practice with before picking up your daughter, and lots of good spotters. You can also try practicing with a large doll or teddy bear at home. |
Hi! I was wondering what is the best way to carry my 4 month old (17 lbs) in the moby wrap? Also, how long can I use this method to carry him?
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Beth R.
You can use the Moby Wrap safely for children up to 35 pounds. However, you're in the window now where some wearers start to find stretchy wraps get less comfortable. At this age, babies get more active and will start to wiggle and bounce, which will often result in the wrap starting to sag while you're wearing it. If that happens, you can untie, re-tighten, and re-tie. If that happens regularly, you might want to consider other carrier types. |
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Angelica Thank you! |
Hi I have a 24lb 16 month old, and 30lb 3.5yo, nd I am looking into getting a woven wrap. I've used a Moby (when my two were younger), a sling, and a bunch of structured carriers. I want something relatively cheap because I'm getting to it late in my baby wearing career. Any brand you recommend? Length?
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Beth R.
There are lots of great brands! It very often comes down to aesthetics and price. Length also really depends on what kinds of carries you want to do. Most of the beginner carries use a "base" size wrap; if you're a Small/Medium T-shirt size, a size 6 wrap is a good base. Large/XL generally works well with a size 7, and larger sizes may want to consider looking for a size 8 or 9. Not all brands stock those sizes, but Bijou Wear usually does, Babylonia USA carries size 8, and Risaroo stocks some wraps in those sizes, I believe. You can also use shorter wraps, but it will change what carries you can do. I usually recommend starting with a longer wrap and either graduating to a shorter one, if that becomes your preference or learning techniques to manage leftover length if you prefer one of the carries that doesn't require quite as much wrap. |
Hi,
I have had the Ergo baby since before my 5 1/2 month old was born. I just never got the hang of it. Could I start now that he is 5 1/2 months. And any tips on how I could find information on how to actually use it! :) Thanks!
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Beth R.
Absolutely; you can start babywearing at any time! Attending a local babywearing group meeting is a great way to get some hands-on help, but there are also great resources online. |
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Mishell Thank you so much! I had no idea they offer babywearing group meetings! |
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Beth R.
We definitely do! In the Boston area we have 5 per month. http://www.bwiboston.com/when-are-meetings.html |
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Mishell Thanks! |
I was wondering if you could recommend a carrier that will support a tall toddler (30lbs) but can be easily packed away in a purse or travel bag? We have the boba air but she seems uncomfortable in it lately.
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Beth R.
There aren't any super slim buckle carriers designed for toddlers right now, that I'm aware of. BityBean may be a bit more comfortable than the Boba Air, but it's not significantly different in size. |
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Paula Thanks Beth! I'll check those out. |
It was great chatting with everyone today! If you have more questions, feel free to message me here on Tinyhood or for those local to Boston/New England, join the BWI of Greater Boston Social Group on Facebook. If you're located elsewhere, you can find your local BWI chapter here: https://babywearinginternational.org/chapters/