Why do you wear your baby?

I love this question. Not because I love answering it (I seriously do) and talking nonstop about babywearing (which I will) but because the answer can be different for everyone. And I love hearing these reasons.

For some it’s convenience – allowing carers to be hands free so they can get on with daily tasks while still being in tune with their babies needs. For others it’s about being able to spread themselves equally among their children – being able to focus on older siblings while holding younger kids close.

Babywearing is also a great way to travel – to work, on school runs or even across the world. It makes life easier.

Very importantly, babywearing builds bonds- it encourages attachment, fosters feelings of love and contentment and makes babies and wearer’s happy. More recently I’ve noticed how it builds connections and communities, bringing together likeminded people who share the same passions and interests. It harvests friendships.

And it’s fun. There’s an element of excitement to it. Choosing a carrier, trying out a carrier, cherishing a carrier. Spending short minutes or long hours carrying your little treasure around, being able to breathe them in, being close to them as they laugh or experience new places for the first time. It’s fun. Pure and simple.

There are hundreds of reasons to carry. Some practical, others emotional. But each reason is personal and of great importance to the individuals involved.

For me, babywearing helped me to identify a part of who I am. As a wife, as a friend and most importantly, as a mother.

When I became a mom, I felt I needed to mould out a new identify for myself. To discover who I am, and what type of mom I wanted to be. My kids are my life changers and I’m so happy about the changes they’ve brought about in me. They forced me to find my place in the world. And the mom I moulded out includes one who adores wraps, slings and babywearing. I’m a mom who gets excited when she touches a new sling, or when she can share her passion with a willing (sometimes unwilling *ahem husband*) listener. Babywearing above all the other main reasons I wear, helped me to find my passion and in turn a part of myself. So I buy, try and churn because it’s just who I am now and it’s what I enjoy!

So why do you wear your baby?