There is also a lot of burden in holding your babies. Your back and arms ache. You must learn how to do lots of things one-handed. You sometimes can't move around a lot because you might rouse her awake.
The perfect solution? Wear your baby.
At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the whole thing. I have a bad back as well as bad shoulders, so I never thought I would really be able to wear the girls for long periods of time. Tim and I both received Baby Bjorns, but I figured those would be mostly for trips to football games or the zoo. I thought about getting a wrap carrier for home use, but decided against it when I thought there was no way a piece of cloth could really keep my girls secure.
Well, I was wrong. After a few weeks of aching arms and a hunched back, as well as maneuvering with one arm as I desperately clutched a baby in the other, I thought it was time to try one of these wrap things. I've fallen completely in love with my Sleepy Wrap. It's comfortable, soft, and the girls are probably more secure in it than they are when I just carry them in my arms. I can eat, wash dishes, prepare bottles and read with both hands!
It took some getting used to. I mean, it's a 10 foot long piece of fabric you have to wrap around yourself. But after getting the hang of it, I love it. The only downside is that you have to take the time to wrap it, and if you wait until your baby is crying, it will get frustrating. My suggestion? If you know you're going to be busy all day, go ahead and put it on. When you're ready for the baby, it's already wrapped and ready to go.
There are many moms who are afraid of having their little bundles of joy all wrapped up in a bundle. The baby won't stretch out enough. She'll get too hot in there. There's lot of worry. But think about this--for nine months or so, your child was inside your body curled up with far less space than you'll have in that piece of cloth you're wearing. These same children can tuck themselves into little balls while they're sleeping. They like being snug as a bug. And when they need to stretch, believe me, they will. Both Lillie and Dani have given me good punches to the chin when they're ready to give those arms some breathing room.
Both of the girls sleep better in the wrap. I feel better because at least one of them is close by. I have yet to try putting them both in the wrap, even though the site says it's possible. I just don't think I could really carry around 20 lbs comfortably, so for now, just one at a time. Maybe when they're older I can wrap one and hold the other. Don't worry, I'll take a picture if that happens!
If you don't think the Sleepy Wrap is your cup of tea, head on over to The Baby Wearer and check out their articles on wraps, carriers, and slings. I'm sure there's one for you because no matter how much you love holding your babies, your arms will start to protest!
