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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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Still Wrapping!**UPDATED**


UPDATE: We want to thank Katrina for her post about her personal experiences with baby wearing. We have received some comments that do not agree with this method of babywearing. We have decided to post these comments however The Cloth Diaper Whisper and its parent company, Kelly's Closet, Inc do not endorse specific baby wearing methods and we refer customers to the manufacturer for instructions.

My youngest son, Brendan, is now 21 months old. Gone are the swaddling blankets, pacifiers, small diapers and sleepless nights. However, one item from those infant days still gets a lot of use in our household… my Moby Wrap. I did almost as much research into baby carrying and different wraps and slings as I did into cloth diapering when I first began thinking about giving it a try. I finally decided on the Moby Wrap due to the wide variety of holds it offers, as well as the ability to carry a child weighing up to 35lbs. It has definitely been the best baby gear item I’ve owned throughout my son’s infant/toddler stage.

I began wearing Brendan in my Moby Wrap shortly after bringing him home from the hospital. I was able to do laundry, vacuum and do other chores around the house all while he was safely snuggled in the Cradle Hold happy as can be. I can’t begin to count the number of hours he napped there as well. As he got older I switched to the Hug Hold, followed by the Lotus Hold. My Moby Wrap granted me the freedom to get out of the house fairly easily to go grocery shopping. My oldest son, Ian, would have been running wildly around the store had I been forced to put Brendan in the cart allowing Ian to walk on his own. The Moby Wrap has been a lifesaver!

When I really stop and think about all the places I’ve worn my Moby Wrap I am simply amazed. Perhaps the most memorable time was our trip to Orlando when Brendan was 11 months old… and the airplane ride to get to Florida for that vacation. We had purchased a ticket for Brendan for our flights enabling us to take his carseat with us on the plane for him to sit in. I had flown with Ian as an infant sitting on my lap for the duration of the same long flight and the thought of repeating that fiasco made the decision to take the carseat an easy one. That said, we now not only had to load two children onto a plane, but a large carseat as well. We solved the problem by wearing Brendan in the Moby, thus freeing my hands to hold onto Ian, as well as some luggage. My husband was then able to carry the carseat onto the plane and get it secured into the seat. (We learned the hard way to always ask for a seatbelt extender if you want to easily remove the carseat from an airline seat!) I can’t tell you how many people at the airport asked about my Moby Wrap. I think I may have even sold one to another mother who was seated near us in the terminal as we waited to board our plane.

Now that Brendan is 21 months old, and weighs somewhere around 30 lbs, I still find myself grabbing my Moby Wrap at least once a week. Due to Brendan’s size, I have now made the transition to using the Hip Hold and the Hike Hold. The Hip Hold is very simple, and can easily be done without any help. I use this hold for short shopping trips, and times Brendan just wants to be held and I can’t let him run around on his own. For longer shopping trips and walks where I have my husband with me, I use the Hike Hold. I’ve even used this hold for a short mountain hike and it worked great. Brendan leaned over to look over my shoulder while we hiked and had a huge smile on his face the whole way. We hiked for a full 60 minutes in pretty rough terrain (I even hoped over 2 small creeks with my husbands help of course!) and my back held up great with Brendan happy as could be. I would have never been able to hike with my family if it hadn’t been for my Moby Wrap. Now that I know it works so well for us, I’m anxious to try it out on longer hikes. I was an avid hiker before having children, so I’m thrilled that I will be able to return to my favorite form of exercise as soon as the weather cooperates.

It seems so many people think of newborns and infants when they consider wraps and baby wearing. With the Moby Wrap, you can continue right on through the toddler years. I know that there are many situations where I can’t let my little guy run around on his own, and the Moby Wrap has been there to save the day. Right now our family is house hunting in a new city after a cross country move. My husband works full time, so I am the one doing all the foot work and touring possible homes. I don’t know how I would be able to stay sane doing this while trying to keep track of a 3 ½ year old and a 21 month old in a strange house. It’s been so easy for me to slip Brendan in the Moby Wrap using the Hip Hold, and take Ian by the hand as we tour the homes. I don’t mean to repeat myself, but I’ll say it again because I really mean it… the Moby Wrap is a lifesaver!

If I could only give one piece of advise to any new mom, or mom to be, it would be invest in a Moby Wrap. It’s the one piece of baby gear that you will use for at least two years, and is worth every penny. In my case, I’m sure we’ll be using it beyond the two year mark up until Brendan reaches the weight limit, and I can begin to trust him walking on his own.

By Katrina W.

34 comments:

The Titmi said...

I felt the same way until about 2 weeks ago when I decided my baby got into too many things when I carried him on the front. He is 9 months now and I want to carry him on my back and although I feel proficient carrying him on all other holds, the back hold never felt safe. I bought the Ergo last week and am loving how safe he feels on my back and how less rowdy he feels on the front. I will still use my Moby still I am sure but not as much as I was.

Anonymous said...

Im still wrapping my 22 month old..he loves it..he asks for it when he see the carrier he says mama back

Jessica said...

Great post. I was nervous to use a wrap with my son. I felt like I wouldn't be able to wrap it correctly and he would end up falling out. So I went out a bought what was basically a cheap version of a Baby Bjorn baby carrier. My son hated it! I couldn't get anything done. Hearing things like this though make me want to try out wraps for our next child (whenever that may be).

Megan said...

I think I'm convinced that the MOBY wrap is the way to go. Thanks for the post. I've tried lots of different carriers, but this one sounds great. Maybe I'll get one for my next baby.

Dani said...

With my second child, I'm finally using the Moby Wrap and loving it. I had a difficult time putting it on (which is why I gave up with our first child), so I found some great videos on You Tube and it really helped!

Anonymous said...

Aren't stretchy wraps not recommended for toddlers or heavy babies? Also I thought it was dangerous (despite Moby's claims) to wear in the back and should only be used as a front carrier at all times--there have been stories of older children's pushing out of the wrap (since it's so stretchy) and falling out and hurting themselves.

I know woven wraps are awesome since they have give but don't "stretchy"...higher learning curve but safer with older babies.

Amy B. said...

While the Moby is a good newborn wrap, it's too stretchy to be good for older children. It's also not recommended for safety reasons to carry your child on your back in the Moby. There are several great alternative wraps/carriers to this though.

Ghost Archivist said...

I am an avid supporter of babywearing and wrapping in particular but, a stretchy wrap like the moby is *not* a safe carrier for back carries as pictured here. Nor will it really be comfortable for carrying a heavier child (like your 21 mth old). His weight and your movement will cause a lot of bounce in the stretchy jersey fabric. I urge you to try a woven wrap instead. I think you will find it much safer, more supportive and ultimately more comfortable.

Anonymous said...

It's actually very dangerous to back carry in a stretchy wrap like a moby. I don't have time to list sites to back this up right now. Anyone reading this needs to do their research before doing back carries. I have personally seen a baby fall from a stretchy wrap on a back. Back carries are fine in woven wraps...I have a moby that I love, but realistically a moby wrap is not comfortable past about 15 or so pounds (around 4 mos.).

Sadie said...

I ask you to please, do not make this recommendation! The moby wraps are slated to 35 pounds but are NOT SAFE after more than 15. Stretchy wraps of any sort are just not good for older babies/toddlers. Moby itself has bad business practices that have led me to boycott that brand specifically.
If you want to get a wrap, invest in a woven wrap. I have friends that are still SAFELY wearing their 60 lb children! Good woven wraps are Didymos, Storchenwiege, Neobulle, Girasol, Hoppediz...
PLEASE, don't get a Moby!

Secret Mommy said...

I'm totally with you! I own 3 different styles of carriers and like and use them all, but the one I LOVE and use the most is the Moby.

The adventure of a redneck mommy. said...

i am expecting my third baby to be born on Jan 22nd, and i purchased a moby wrap to use with her but started "practicing" on my 2 yr old who is 28 lbs and i use it on him a lot, my 3yrold is almost 38lbs and i have worn her once or twice in the back hold..I LOVE MY MOBY and wonder why i didn't know about them when i had my first baby ..it would have made life so much easier..Definitely a must have baby item..

Savannah said...

I, too, love the Moby! My DD is 8 months and I use my Moby several times a week. My favorite time to use it is at church. I work with the kids at church for 2 hours each Sunday. I am on my feet almost the entire time...getting kids from classrooms, taking rolls around, helping with singing and lessons, making copies...you name it, I do it! It has been a lifesaver to be able to carry her in the Moby wrap. I don't get tired, she's happy, and she gets her nap in! It's wonderful! I also used mine traveling across country on planes when she was 1 month old. I don't know what I would have done without it! I'm glad to hear about other mama's who love it so much!

Arizona Girl said...

I heard so many good things about the Mobys I just look at them and are so intimidated by whether I could properly wrap up my baby.

Yara said...

awesome!
I have been wondering all week where my wrap is, as I've misplaced it somehow
babywearing rocks!

Alycia said...

I bought a Baby K'Tan thinking it would be easier than figuring out all the ties with the Moby and while it's wonderful for right now (DS is 4 months and 12lbs) I know it's not going to last through toddler hood. I probably should have invested in the Moby from the get go.

Your DS looks adorable in the moby and so comfortable!

Erin_A said...

I love love loooooove the Moby Wrap! I got in a little late on it with my first child. He was almost at the weight limit when we bought ours for a three day vacation in New Orleans. We used the hiker's wrap on him when he was too tired to walk or when we were going to places that were too crowded for us to feel safe letting him walk and hold a hand. Not only did it help us feel safer with him, it was light and breathable so he didn't overheat in it either! We've got two new little ones on the way and plan on making a second Moby Wrap purchase before they arrive! This time we'll be able to use them for the whole two years they'll last!

DiscoverHope7 said...

I have a moby... but I only wear him one way.. and I have no idea what's it called.... I need to learn your other carrys

Anonymous said...

Did you know that Moby removed the instructions for back carry because it is unsafe in such a stretchy wrap. There were some incidents where children were hurt and because of mass e-mail Simone or someone removed the instructions. I loved my Moby too, but after 15lbs or so, it would sag and was too stretchy which is then unsafe. A lot of people recomend woven wraps for bigger babies.

***Babywearing is a great way to bond***

mandymershon said...

I love that you are still wrapping your toddler but I am very concerned to see you still using a Moby, especially on your back. As a babywearing advocate, I never recommend Moby because they include back wrap instructions which I know to be very dangerous. Your toddler can lean back and pop right out of that wrap while on your back. Also a Moby may claim that you can safely wear your baby up to toddlerhood, but I know a woven wrap like a Didymos is so much more supportive. I love that you are so excited about babywearing, I just wish you were using something safer and more supportive.

DiJe said...

Normally I have a live and let live attitude about most things, but I have to step in here for a sec. Back carries in any stretchy wrap are NOT SAFE. The possibility of the child flipping himself out because of the give in the material is too great. By all means, wear your child on your back, but do it with a woven wrap. Stretchy wraps are also not ideal for a child weighing over 18 pounds; sure, it'll hold them, but a woven will be MUCH more supportive.

Alesha @ Full Time Mama said...

I recently got a Moby Wrap and can't wait to use it! So glad to know it can be used for so long!

Leslie said...

I love, love, love my Moby, too. I'm still using it, and my daughter is 13 months. They're so versatile!

gina said...

I agree that wraps are THE BEST! Slings and buckle carriers just don't compare. Both of my babies love to be "wrapped up" and they really are a lifesaver at the grocery store and out and about. They are a must have for every mother :D

Jut and Chris said...

LOVE my Moby wrap!!!

EarthMama said...

I love that you are still baby wearing! I'd continue carrying my son (almost 3, but small)but I have a bad back (scoliosis) and a nearly 1 year old as well. I've never tried the moby wrap, though I hope to with my next child. With my daughter I started off with a sling, but it just never really worked for us. I then discovered mei tais. The are very supportive and sturdy. They have padding in the straps which greatly help my back, and can be worn on the front back or hip, but you're not supposed to use them until the baby can support it's own head which is why I'm considering a moby for that first stage with the next baby.

Paige said...

I don't understand all the comments saying that stretchy wraps aren't comfortable after 15 pounds. I wear my 20lb daughter all the time and she doesn't sag and it isn't anywhere near uncomfortable! I love my stretchy wraps!

Anonymous said...

I have used a Moby, another brand of stretchy wrap and wovens. My son is only 13 lbs but even with him being light, I notice a big difference between my stretchy wraps and my wovens. I'd suggest trying a woven; you may be pleasantly surprised. If you still think the stretchy is the best one for you, you can always sell the woven; they have good resale value among babywearers as long as there are no stains/pulls/holes.

Anonymous said...

I gotta say if you have never used a woven wrap, you may think your stretchy wrap is great, cause you don't have anything to compare it to. I suggest the sling exchange as you can try out different types of carriers before buying one. You may find that as great as you think your stretchy wrap is, you love a woven a million times more.

The Starwarsmamma said...

In my opinion Sleepy Wrap is actually a better wrap than the Moby. No matter what wrap you choose (Moby, Sleepy, Woven, MT, DIY) carrying your baby is awesome!

Amanda said...

I love my Moby! I used it for the first time on a shopping trip with my mom and my 10-week-old daughter loved it! She was not fussy and actually fell asleep about about an hour. I was comfortable the entire time and didn't have to worry about carry around her car seat or pushing a stroller. I had several people stop me and ask what I was wearing. I would totally recommend this wrap!

NaturAle said...

I am a baby wearing junkie, I have different kinds of slings, wraps and carriers. My top picks are the Moby Wrap and the Ergo Baby. Both me and my husband used the wrap a lot in the begining but once the summer days rolled in it was too hot for being outdoors so we got an Ergo and we absolutely love it. Our baby is 9 months now and we still use the Moby at home. I highly recommend both of these carriers, they rock!

Megan said...

I'm going to make one. Any tips?

Caroline said...

Yay! I just got a Moby Wrap for my girlie due in two weeks! Can't wait.