I've converted to Marsupialism

Dave and I have taken an interest in the Pediatric advice offered by William Sears M.D. and Martha Sears, R.N. Perhaps you are familiar with some of their books. They adhere closely to the idea that the more physical interaction a baby has with its parents the more that child will thrive.

Their theories are not the only theories that can work, but much of what they say feels right to Dave and me and the way we want to approach parenting (initially at least.)

I believe much of their advice would not "sit right" with many parents, such as sleeping next to, or very near, your child so that the baby never learns to fear going to sleep. But there is one of their ideas that I particularly like: "wear your baby."

They suggest a sling. You can choose from hundreds online, but I thought most were a bit pricey for me, so Dave found instructions on how to make your own, and that's what I did. I paid $8 for the fabric (enough to make two), and $5 for the special sling rings we ordered online (don't use ones from crafts stores, they weren't meant to hold that kind of weight.)

I won't parrot the psychological and emotionalbenefits received by both mother and baby, but I will throw in my support regarding its convenience!

I was shopping at Wal-mart with Paige in her car seat. She quickly reached her limit of shopping and passionately declared her dislike for it. Out of the car seat and into the sling she went. When it became obvious she was just hungry I found a discreet isle. got her latched on, and then walked around with her all covered (by the long sash). When we got home I put her back in the sling and she again nursed, but this time she did it all by herself and both my hands were freed up to carry groceries inside - I haven't been able to do that again, but I'm working on it.

I carry her while I do my hair and make-up, while making dinner, conducting the Relief Society music, or just tidying up. She watches everything I do, and when she gets tired I take her out of the kangaroo hold and slide her into the cradle hold where she can easily fall asleep and stay asleep. Oh, and Dave can use it, too.

I'm flying to Spokane today and I'll keep Paige in the sling in the airport and plane. This will hopefully keep her more calm, making feeding her easier, and protect her from potentially virus-infected admirers. There are lots of other ways to wear your baby in a sling, but she isn't old enough for those yet. So we're trying this out for awhile to see how we like it. So far so good.