which in turn promotes well-adjusted adults and world peace. I really believe that babies are meant to be held as much as they want all the time. I have even read that constantly holding a baby for first nine months outside the womb stimulates optimal brain development.
[Imagine photo here – I’m laughing, Bella’s asleep in the purple paisley sling with her head lolling back, and her arms stretched out in front of her.]
This is the first picture I have ever scanned to post. For all the months Bella lived in her sling, I sure don’t have many pictures to prove it. She was so darn cute as a baby, I may have to go on a scanning rampage.
Never mind, the scanning project was complete failure.
But here is a pic of Krista and the new baby Lily. Cute! I can feel my pupils dilating.
and six months later Lily is STILL LOVING THE SLING!! 
[If you live in the hi-desert and would like to purchase a sling like the one pictured, call Soara (760) 228-3062.]
November 16, 2006 at 9:52 am
Amen, Sister!
November 16, 2006 at 12:46 pm
This sounds like a lovely idea. I fear I couldn’t do it, though, because of my (editing-related) chronic shoulder problems. Any recommendations for a possible-mother-to-be who wouldn’t be able to handle a baby sling? How would I keep the pup attached to me?
I guess this is the reason one shouldn’t wait until age thirty-seven to have children.
December 8, 2006 at 2:43 am
Hmmm. The sling is pretty easy on the shoulders; I would try it before giving up on the idea.
There are also Baby Bjorns which distribute weight more equally and ergonomically – the downside is that there many more straps to deal with.
Also, in Asia and many other places women literally tie their children on their backs with big swaths of fabric. Do you know anybody who could show you this? Sue knows a midwife in The Gambia. I bet Adama would know.
December 8, 2006 at 9:30 am
HI there – I’m on baby #2 and have 2 regular slings, an old Baby Bjorn and this Cuddlewrap. I have found the Cuddlewrap the most comfortable carrier of them all. It completely distributes the weight across your back, not on your shoulders like regular slings and Bjorns. You can see a picture of it at: http://www.pinkyblue.ca/carriers.html
The website of the Canadian company that makes these is currently not working for some reason, but when it’s back up and running you can get step-by-step instructions on how to wrap yourself and your baby up in this carrier. It does take a bit of learning! And don’t freak at the high price, I made one by purchasing 5 metres (about 7 yards) of t-shirt material. This actually made two wraps. I (and a friend) cut it in two horizontally. I also trimmed my ends like you’ve seen ribbon trimmed, on an angle, to make the tying a bit easier. While I don’t preach the attachment parenting thing at all, wearing your baby is just common sense, you have two hands free! And you can go up stairs easily, no stroller to drag around.
Cuddlywrap
http://www.peapodcreations.ca/
Ergonomic for Baby: The CuddlyWrapT positions the
baby so that their hips and legs are supported – not
just hanging down. This prevents stress on the baby’s
developing hips and spine. Ergonomic for Adult: The
design of the CuddlyWrapT ensures that the weight
of the baby is evenly distributed. There are no stress
points to cause strain on the neck, shoulders or back
allowing you to carry your baby in comfort.
Enables you to ‘Wear your Baby’: The CuddlyWrapT
enables you to experience the many benefits of
wearing your baby in total comfort
$59.99
April 5, 2007 at 1:50 am
Jeannie,
I have to say, I have LOVED the baby sling you gave to me! I use it a lot now that she is older too, putting her on the hip is wonderful. You should post the pic I sent of her on my hip so people can see that too. Also, let me know who you bought it from because I have a lot of mommies asking about it because it is so well made. Thanks again!