My carrier journey

My babywearing journey began 6 years ago when I was pregnant with my first. I did a ton of research and settled on the Beco Gemini because you can cross the straps. A girlfriend of mine had a few carriers and was of a similar build so it worked out well to test them. I put it in on my registry and was beyond happy when I received it, and could not wait to try it out. I loved it from the moment I used it. I would go on to carry my first for 2.5 yrs before upgrading to toddler version. We also used a ring sling from time to time but he pretty much lived in the Beco Gemini. He hated the stroller and loved to held so it was perfect.

Babywearing Number Two

Fast forward a few years, and I was pregnant with my second, I still had all my carriers (a short woven wrap, a stretchy wrap, a ring sling and my trusty Beco) but wanted to learn how to better use the others so I booked an appointment with Allie from Little Zen One. I was 8 months pregnant at the time, big belly and in I walked with all my carriers asking her to help me. Turns out it can be a bit challenging to test carries with a giant belly, but the consult was still great. I left ready to use my wraps as soon as Little X came out.

When your Second Baby doesn't like the Same Carrier

As soon as he was a few days old I got him into a stretchy wrap, it was easy enough to use, with Allie’s instructions but I did not find it supportive enough. So I went to teach for my Beco thinking Myles loved it so much he would too WRONG! He hated it, I was heartbroken because it was easy to use and comfortable for me. Then one day I saw the wrap of my dreams it was navy with yellow stars, I fell in love. I contacted Allie and she found it for me. The day it arrived I put Xavier in it and he immediate snuggled in, the way M used to in the Gemini. I knew this was the start of something good. It was the first time he let me carry him for more than 10 minutes without a fuss.

 

 

Learning to Back Carry

As he got bigger he started to get heavy for a front carry and Allie suggested I learned a back carry, back I went to LZO’s showroom and learned how to carry X on my back safely. I also tried a few other carriers that would not but pressure on my sacrum like the Beco; turns out that after two kids and a tailbone injury a buckle carrier no longer worked for me and left me in pain for days. Allie was great and very patient as we tried on a few different types to see what would be best. In the end I left with a shorter wrap ready to take on the back carry.
I know I said that the stars wrap was THE wrap of my dreams, turns out Didymos did it again the Zephyr stole my heart. I had to have it. This wrap is dreamy in every way. It is softer with each wash; so much so that even when Xavier is not being carried in it he wants to snuggle with it.

My New Wrap and Sling Rings

The morning I learned to back carry I also left with a set of rings to extend the versatility of my wrap. Not only can I back carry with it, Allie taught me how use it as a ring sling, as well as do a simple front carry with it. It is great to know that when I am out I can pack one wrap and a set of rings that will give me various options (since we know that toddlers can be very temperamental). Xavier likes to snuggle me close and rest his head on my chest when he is tired, have a view of the world on my hip, and be up high ready for adventure on my back. What once felt daunting now comes easily thanks to the time I took to get properly acquainted with the wrap and rings.
I cannot say enough about Allie and LZO. Her knowledge about her stock is amazing, and she really takes the time to find what is right for you and your growing baby. She is passionate about what she does and it shows. I highly recommend going and getting fitted for a wrap or carrier if you are new to baby wearing and are unsure where to start. She has a wide variety of stock as well as types of carriers. Her babywearing consults would make the perfect gift for any new parent.

 

 

Danielle Lewis (Check out her awesome business)