Welcome to the second in a 4-part series about the most common caregiver types we see at Mama & Roo's! This series is designed to help you figure out where to start on your babywearing journey based on where you are in your life now. Use these guides as a jumping off point, and don't be afraid to send us questions via the chat! We're always happy to help =).
Continuing the saga... Which Mama & Roo's parent are you?
"I've got 2 kids under 2, and it can be exhausting! My older child is into everything. I feel bad when I have to spend time with the baby but the toddler needs me, too. Babywearing lets me give both kids the attention they deserve. I can cut up grapes for one while carrying the other in my wrap. I can even tandem wear them if I need to. Babywearing helps me keep up and enjoy watching them grow together. When we go out as a family, I can have my hands free for other things knowing one or both kids are safely attached to us."
Let's chat about being an "experienced parent": someone who has multiple kids to care for. See our recommendations for this stage below!
Experienced Parent (not currently pregnant):
The journey continues! Perhaps you wore your first baby, or maybe you knew nothing about babywearing then and are excited to give it a try now. We’re so happy you’re here!
As a second (third, fourth, fifth…) time parent, you can of course enjoy all the advantages of a first time parent babywearing, plus some extra ones! Parenting with babywearing is nice with your first baby, but to be honest, I’m not sure how people have more than one kid without babywearing!
Advantages to wearing with your second (third, etc.) baby (not pregnant currently—if you are pregnant, we'll be chatting about your needs in Part 3! And don't worry, you'll love these tips once the new baby arrives):
- Chasing older kids: Look, we know those toddlers and big kids don’t stop moving, whether the baby needs you or not. Babywearing lets you tend to the big kids while still giving your baby the attention they deserve
- Care on-the-go: You can breastfeed and even bottle feed in a carrier! This allows you to more easily continue with your day—and the demands from the rest of your family—while caring for baby. Even if you’re out and about!
- Tandem carries: Do you have 2 (or more!) little ones that just can’t get enough of you? Tandem carrying is here! It’s so normal for older siblings to feel jealous and left out when a new baby is born. Wearing both at once allows you to accommodate the quick ups of the older child while allowing the younger child to rest and bond with you as they grow
- The little moments: Many parents of multiple kids feel like life speeds up with more kids to care for. Babywearing allows you more time to enjoy the little moments with your new addition without feeling stretched thin
Here are our top recommendations for this stage of the journey:
- Stretchy Wrap: If your youngest is still a newborn, you can't go wrong with a super soft knit stretchy wrap to start. The gentle stretch is great for building confidence, too, if this is your first time wrapping! Our stretchy wraps are nicely weighted, high quality knit with the perfect amount of stretch. Tap here to see the collection
- Long woven wrap: This is a great option for single wearing or tandem wearing! A long woven wrap is a long piece of woven fabric safe for heavier babies or even 2 kids at once. We recommend starting with your base size for wrapping one baby. For most caregivers this is a size 6/M, with size 7/L being the second most popular. For wrapping 2 children, consider 2 wraps (1 base size and 1 base -2), or 1 wrap in your base +1 or base +2 size. The advantage of 2 wraps is that it's easier to unwrap the more active child when they are in their own carrier. It's also easier to tighten individually. The advantage of a single longer wrap is that you're just using 1 wrap, so it's less to keep track of when out and about. Long woven wraps can be used from birth until your little one no longer wants to be carried. Tap here for the collection.
- Ring Sling: Another great option for tandem carrying. Pairs nicely with a long woven wrap (base size is a good place to start), or potentially another ring sling on the opposite shoulder. You can even tandem with a soft structured carrier! The versatility here is really nice. A ring sling is a shorter piece of fabric with sewn-in rings. It's nice and light and easy to stuff in a diaper bag. Usable from birth through toddlerhood, ring slings are great for cozy snuggles for little ones and quick "ups" for older kiddos. Every family should give a ring sling a try for its portability and ease of use. Tap here for the collection. Is your little one especially desperate for snuggles? Shower in peace with a mesh ring sling--made for water fun, including the shower, so you can comfort your baby and meet your needs--check it out here. (P.S. I designed these water slings for you!)
- Half-buckle meh dai: If you're worried about getting your little one on you faster than a wrap, definitely give the half buckle meh dai a try. A combination of a backpack and wrap, this carrier style is cozy, comfortable, and easy to use. Because of the great range (birth to 2 years+), you can easily adjust between your children if needed. Parents love the familiarity of the buckle waistband, the magnetic pocket, the cozy straps, and the removable hood! Tap here for the collection (you'll want the standard size for a new baby, and the preschool size for a little one in 2T pants or larger)
- Soft Structured Carrier (SSC): Last but not least, an SSC is a excellent choice for a busy parent. It rolls up nicely, isn't bulky, and has no long straps to fuss with. Easy to master and quick to put on, you'll love your baby backpack for any outing. Easily adjust between children if needed. Parents love the magnetic waistband pocket, ability to cross or ruck the straps, adjustable height & width panel to grow with your baby, and the removable hood. Tap here for our collection of SSCs made to use from 4 weeks old to 2.5 years old.
Babywearing with multiples is an exciting adventure! What carriers have you used for this stage of parenting?
We recommend having several styles on hand. We all develop preferences for different styles for different adventures (around the house, at the store, on a hike, etc.). So don't be afraid to choose one to start =).
Part 1: The First Time Caregiver
Part 3: The Experienced Caregiver (currently pregnant)
Part 4: The Caregiver with Physical Limitations