February is love month. Many a October/November births will be made this month! :)
When I had my first 2 children in 1990 and in 1997, the process of caring for a newborn still included warnings about "spoiling" a baby. I have since done my research and realized that this is not possible. During the newborn phase, you are all that your baby knows. Transition to the world is not easy. If you've ever moved to a new city or state, or even a new neighborhood, remember how long it took to "get used" to your new environment. Your baby feels the same way.
Many a mom becomes overwhelmed when babies enter this transition phase. I hear many things like, "The baby will only sleep if he is being held." or "Unless I'm holding her or nursing her, she is crying." The babies on the commercials who sit in swings and bouncy seats cooing and watching their mom from afar are adopted alien babies! Your baby may do this when they are a little older, but not as a wee one.
Enter babywearing. Babywearing is strongly supported by the Attachment Parenting community. See a link from Dr. Sears: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T130300.asp
Babywearing enables you to keep your baby close and secure while having 2 hands free! It produces a bond and a feeling of security for your baby. A more secure baby will usually equate to a less fussy baby. There are many different ways to wear your baby. Check out this site for an overview and parent reviews: http://www.thebabywearer.com/
My son is over a year old and I still wear him around the house. I don't know how I would get anything done if I didn't. I tell people my humorous story of having to take my older son to the doctor with baby in tow. I enjoyed tucking Jude into the sling(he was about 4 months old at the time) and keeping him unexposed to all the sick kids running around the waiting room. Upon leaving, I really needed to use the restroom. Thanks to my sling, I could use the restroom without having to worry about where to put the baby, or guiding a giant stroller into a small space. LOL It seems funny but at the moment, I couldn't have been more grateful for that sling!
For more information on babywearing and attachment parenting, see these websites:
http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sling.html
http://babywearinginternational.org/
http://www.babycenter.com/2_baby-wearing-how-carriers-help-you-and-your-baby_1486841.bc
Let your baby be your most beautiful accessory!
