BabyWearing

For the past few weeks I've been researching various ways to keep a baby happy without having to hold her in-arms all day.  My first-born loved the Baby Bjorn so naturally I assumed the next one would, too.  Those of you with multiple children are laughing right now, knowing how completely different two babies can be.  I discovered that babywearing is considered a given in most of the world and is, thankfully, gaining popularity in the US.  While Baby Bjorn makes truly wonderful, high-quality products, there's an entire world of other carriers out there.

Our second wants to be held absolutely always.  Like any parent, I can't spend all day holding the baby; I have way too much to do, yet my sweet baby screams and screams if put down for more than 5 minutes (severe reflux).  With my once-tiny baby already clocking in at 7 kilos / 15.4 pounds, my shoulders and back are always sore.

I've narrowed it down to a wrap AND a Mei Tai.  Paying US$45 to $180 for a simple piece of fabric (wrap) is too steep for me particularly since I already own natural fiber fabric and love being resourceful.  I found a wonderful thread on making DIY wraps (without dropping major dough) at The BabyWearer.  They discus which fabrics work well and which may cause binding or pinching; they also mention that you can even use a bedsheet.