Cuddle Love

Ever wish you had a third arm, or a fourth, or a fifth? It can be quite a challenge to answer the phone or prepare a meal or chase your toddler if you have another little one that also wants all your focus and to be held close. This is when babywearing is your best friend. Babywearing is simply the practice of using a sling or other carrier to keep baby close while having your hands free to do the multitude of other things that fill your mommy-day. As mothers, we want our children to be as happy and content as possible. But, it just isn't feasible to hold your baby all day. Or is it? Using a sling definitely makes it easier for you to keep your baby happy and get on with your life.

There are lots of documented, researched benefits to wearing your baby in a sling. Sling babies cry less (43% less according to one study), learn more, and have enhanced physical and emotional development. Wearing your baby allows you to hold and comfort your baby without getting sore arms and a sore back. The sling is great for discrete public nursing and for getting a little exercise while baby naps all snuggled up against you. It is freeing to have your hands unoccupied. It saves you from lugging that awkward infant carrier seat around everywhere and trying to maneuver a stroller through tight store aisles. Just stuff your sling in your diaper bag and go. It is easy and convenient and good for you and baby.

But the thing I love the most about babywearing- having my babies close to me. I love feeling their skin on my skin, hearing their soft precious breaths. I love when they lay their head against my chest or my shoulders and I can feel them let their body fully relax and bask in the comfort of being close to mom. I love when my baby lays his cheek against my chest with eyes wide open and learns about the world from the safety of Mom's embrace. Isn't that what we as moms want to give our children- the ability to experience life but with the knowledge that we are always there to support and uplift them? Having my boys in the sling, to me, is such a perfect picture of the type of mom I strive to be. I love that when either boy cannot be soothed any other way, I can put them in the sling and give them a safe and secure place to calm their little souls. And yes, I still put my toddler in the sling (all 35+lbs. of him). He still wants/needs it at times. It is not a lot or for long periods of time (I use other carriers for longer wearing with him). But the moments I do wear him are moments I cherish. It reminds us both of how we are deeply connected no matter what happens the rest of the day. That I care for him, that I cherish him, and that I will ALWAYS be there to meet his needs in anyway I can from now to forever. And by wearing the baby, I am teaching him that those things are true for him too.

Beyond the convenience of my sling, it is a tool I use to help me nurture my boys. To hold them close, cherish the snuggles while I can and lay the foundation of love and nurturing that will hopefully last their entire lifetime. I would love to share this must-have-mommy tool with all of you. Comment here and be entered to win a ring sling of your own plus the instructional DVD called Tummy-2-Tummy. That way, you'll be sure to get the hang of it and get the most out of your new sling. And as always, share this on your blog or twitter or Facebook and we will give you a second entry. The winner will be announced next Monday the 27th.All BabyLove Slings are 100% cotton for the strongest, softest sling possible. They can be used with newborns up to kiddos 35-40lbs. You will love the cuddles and the convenience.


If you want to find out more information about babywearing or how to purchase a sling, please visit my website BabyLoveSlings.com. Once you start to wear your baby, you'll wonder why you didn't know about this before. It has been a lifesaver tool for me and hopefully it can be for you too.

Be sure to check out all the other giveaways here at Dupage Mamas. And there are more to come!!

Massage for Mama

Barefoot Books

Homemade Gourmet