Slings are hip now, no longer hippie. I own, uh, eight. But
that doesn't make me hip, just obsessed maybe. Anyway,
babywearing has a long history. Used for centuries in many countries and
cultures, in recent years in Western cultures it was mostly in the purview of
those annoying attachment-parenting-practicing parents (Yes! I am one!) and championed by Drs. William
and Martha Sears as a
cure-all to practically anything that could possibly ail a baby.
So
I get that wearing your baby, carrying it around all day, helps them
feel comfortable and nurtured, and gives you time to get stuff
done. I get that. The problem is, until fairly recently,
babywearing gear was butt-ugly. When my older son was born, being
the Good Mommy that I was trying to be, I asked The Ex to bring home a
baby carrier. I had in mind something sleek and simple, like a
Baby Bjorn. But no. I got a powder-blue Ugly Snugli.
Which I could not bear to be seen wearing in private let alone in
public, so that child ended up in the stroller. Which he adored.
Read More...
