Does anyone actually do full-time babywearing?

[Ceolas]

I know the Bringing up Baby programme has been done to death but I catually think they put across the continuum concept lady in a very good light.

I've been carrying DD3 (7 weeks) in a sling since birth for a few hours each day. Not from any philosophical persepctive, more convenience. As the weeks progress this time has been increasing and I've just noticed she's been in there most of today.

Just wondering if anyone does it 'full-time' as they did on the programme?

I used to because it was literally the only way I could do anything. DS had to be held 24 hours a day. I don't do it any more as at 13m he is happier pootling about by himself.

What about napping? I think it's probably too early to worry about it right now, but I don't want her to only fall asleep in the sling...

Ah now you see I find the sling a godsend in that respect because nowadays I put DS in the sling and 2 minutes later he's asleep, so I put him down in the cot for his 2hr nap. No fuss. I know that not everyone agrees with it, but it's worked very well for us.

we did till few months ago.ment i could use both hands,always new ds was safe and got to be close and cuddle lots!we stopped because hes fairly big and im fairly small

whatever works, nineunlikelytales

I can't out her down at the moment - she just wakes up!

put her down

Oh yes DS was just the same. Then all of a sudden at 5 months he was suddenly fine with being put down. I am sure it will happen more quickly for you though

Ceolas what type of sling do you use?is it one thats easy to put your dd down in or fiddly?

Mostly a pouch. It's not a big worry right now, just one of these 'rod for your back' things people never tire of giving you 'advice' about.

Am finding the pouch a bit sore on the shoulder after a few hours use though.

suggestion-are you wearing it right?what pouch is it?
ignore people.my view is if you enjoy it and your dc enjoys it-do it.your dds only 7 weeks,enjoy her.do you have just the 3 dds or more ?i bet with the older ones you did things that others said would create'rod..' but i bet theyre fine!(this is how it was with me!first 2 i listened a bit,3rd i said who cares other 2 are lovely so whatever i did 'wrong' in there eyes i did good in my eyes as my children are lovely!)

It's a Hotslings fleece pouch. I think I'm wearing it properly. Feels great for the first hour or so then I feel the strain. But after I take it off for a while I'm OK.

No I don't really care what people say. I do feel that I'll want her to sleep somewhere else occasionally when she gets heavier though.

Well she was in the pouch mostly from ten this morning until six this evening. Apart from feeding and nappy changing...

Very chilled baby tonight!

She just sleeps most of the time I'm carrying her. I wonder at what age they start to be awake in the sling?

you all need to join www.thebabywearer.com

quite a few UK mums on there who will talk happily about babywearing for naps, carriers, etc.

ceolas, if i were you, I would try out a wrap sling. you can make an imitation, or rather 2, Moby/hugabub/Kari-me with 4.6 metres of cotton jersey fabric. simply cut down it's length, 25 inches wide. no hemming needed and you can give the other as a present to someone else.

I carried DD most of the day so that I could play with DS (sand pit, football etc).

I'd add that (as a physio) babies need to spend some time on the floor (and on tummy) to practise moving freely and develop strength in muscles.

The most amazin type of slings are the ones African women wear. They are litterally just a large bath towel tied at the front. I find that sooo fascinating.
I talked to an African woman at work about it and she was going to show me how to do it, but things got a bit busy in the end and it never happened, which I really regret. She was actually surprised that we spend money on special slings or baby carriers.

I do occasionally lurk over at TBW.

Need to jump in, I suppose!

I think at 7 weeks they a)sleep more than 2/3 of the time and b)are far too young to develop any terrible rod-for-back habits... They change so much and so often that in a month's time you might be going 'my dd hates the sling' (although that's unlikely cos most of them love it but you get what I mean!!)

Does she sleep if you lie down and cuddle with her?

IME basic fabric-y slings are better for long-term wearing than the padded rigid type ones.

The best possible thing about the one I have is the back carry, absolutely brilliant. dd2 5 mo and I wear it in the evenings when she's ratty. she snoozes on and off and its wickedly cute, I get distracted by looking in the mirror and waving at her