This is the new Peanut Shell that I bought last week!! I love it and it makes me smile every time I see it. My other one is just a plain chocolate brown, so this bright pattern is a welcome change!

You might be wondering why someone whose youngest child is almost 16 months old would even be buying a new baby carrier, right? (And no, I am not pregnant) Kelvin has always been a super-clingy, high-maintenance baby. Even though he’s getting older, that really hasn’t changed much…so instead of fighting it, I just roll with it and he spends quite a bit of each day happily tucked in a sling, Moby Wrap or mei tai.

He’s almost 25 pounds and holding him in my arms that much makes my muscles cramp up, so I’m glad I have the option of using a baby carrier. All my carriers hold up to 35 pounds, so he’s got some time to develop a little bit of independence before he outgrows them! Fortunately for me, all my carriers are very comfortable so I don’t feel like an old person with psoriatic arthritis treatment after I get him out!

By the way, I was not paid to write about the Peanut Shell, but if you want to buy your own, I would recommend looking on ebay. I got both of mine brand new for only $15 plus shipping (which was around $7). That’s significantly cheaper than buying straight from the Peanut Shell site!

Did you like this post? Please consider subscribing in a reader or by Email! Get all the tips, ideas and stories delivered straight to you!

Did you know that this week is International Babywearing Week?  Anyone who knows me very well knows that I’m a huge believer in babywearing.  I’ve used it with both of my kids and loved every minute of it.

Now that Kelvin’s crawling and getting close to walking, I don’t wear him as much at home, but as soon as he starts getting fussy or clingy, I pop him in a carrier or wrap and he’s instantly happy.  And I always wear him when we go out, whether it’s to an event or just running errands.

I even still wear Ava on occasion!  The other day I took just her to Office Depot with me and she insisted on being worn in the Mei Tai while we were there.

What Is Babywearing?

Babywearing is the practice of holding your baby using a baby carrier.  Babies thrive from being touched and their parents love to hold them.  Babywearing makes it possible for parents to have the best of both worlds…they can hold and cuddle their babies while still accomplishing the tasks of everyday life!  It’s also a very effective way to calm a fussy baby and even get them to sleep.

Why Babywear?

Babywearing has so many benefits, both for the baby and the parent.

1. Babywearing results in a happier baby (which results in happier parents, too!).  Babies who are held or worn most of the day tend to cry and fuss far less than babies who are not held as frequently.  There is also evidence that babies who cry less have better brain development because their brains don’t have to deal with stress hormones as often.
2. Babywearing makes everyday life easier. Not only can you use both hands to get things done around the house, it makes errands and outings so much easier!  No more lugging around a carseat or trying to push a stroller through a crowd!
3. Babywearing makes babies feel secure. It also helps keep them from getting over-stimulated since they can burrow into Mom or Dad when the outside world becomes a little too much.
4. Babywearing promotes physical development. Your baby picks up on your body’s rhythms (your heartbeat, breathing and movements) which helps her regulate her own.  And for newborns whose circulation isn’t quite up to par yet, it’s a great way to keep them warm…who needs an electric blanket when they have Mom or Dad to snuggle with?
5. Babywearing is a fantastic way to bond. What better way to bond than cuddling close to each other all day?  In addition, it helps you to learn about your baby and read his cues, which will also result in less crying!  And it’s a great way for dads, grandparents and other caregivers to “catch up” on the bonding process.
6. Babywearing allows you to share your personal space with your baby, which keeps strangers and their germs at a distance.
7. Babywearing is a lot of fun. Even if babywearing didn’t have all these great benefits, I would still do it because I love it.  It’s a great way to interact with my kids and it gets them up at eye-level so they can interact easier with other adults, too.

Watch for more posts about babywearing all week long!  I’m looking forward to sharing about the carriers and wraps I use and love!

Did you like this post? Please consider subscribing in a reader or by Email! Get all the tips, ideas and stories delivered straight to you!