My son, Dylan, wouldn’t settle in the buggy. As soon as I put him in it he would start screaming and wouldn’t stop until I took him out and held him. He hated being put down, I remember getting terribly frustrated with him because he would cry as soon as I set him down and I didn’t understand why.
A friend at work had taken me through the carriers that she used; a mei-tai, a buckle and a ring sling but at the time it had seemed overwhelming. There were so many different carriers on the market and I had no idea which one would be suitable for me. So I did what I usually do in this kind of situation. I asked Facebook.
“Can anyone recommend a baby carrier so I can do things around the house without putting the little man down?” I asked. Within minutes I had been offered a second-hand Close Caboo by a lovely friend.
From the moment I tried the Close Caboo I knew that it was exactly what I needed. It’s easy to put on, the straps are easily adjustable, it’s lightweight and stretchy and hugs your baby to you so you both feel safe and snuggled. It completely changed my life. As soon as I started wearing Dylan he stopped crying. It was as simple as that. He went from being stressed and ‘clingy’ to being satisfied and happy. In the Close Caboo I could wear him out and about, and around the house. I could wash up, eat, go for a walk, even breastfeed - all of the things that had been so difficult before.
I quickly became a baby-wearing addict, and the Close Caboo was my gateway carrier
I cannot recommend baby wearing enough. It’s not for everyone, everybody and every baby is different, but I strongly urge you to try it. It might change your life!
Early Days
Babywearing
Benefits of babywearing
A reduced risk of postnatal depression. While carrying your baby, your body produces oxytocin which improves the emotional bond between you and your child.
Carrying your baby reduces the risk of ‘flat head syndrome’ which is associated with prolonged periods of time spent in car seats or buggies.
Carrying your baby chest to chest can help to regulate their breathing, potentially reducing the risk of SIDS.
A carried baby will often develop social and speech skills earlier as they are closer to their parents and able to observe and listen more easily.
It instantly calms my son down, even now that he’s a toddler, if he’s worked up, ill or teething, I can throw him in a wrap and he’s immediately happier, and so am I!
It’s convenient. Especially for things like public transport or going for a walk. I never have to miss a bus because the buggy section is full, or struggle to get up the stairs at a tube stop. And I can walk over cobbles or gravel, or go up and down steps, or even trek up a mountain with my baby in his sling.
"He hated being put down, I remember getting terribly frustrated with him because he would cry as soon as I set him down and I didn’t understand why."
Charlotte Derrick shares her experiences of babywearing and discusses the different types of slings and baby carriers available.
continues overleaf