If you’re a Mom or Dad, you’ve gotta carry your babies. Can’t really get out of that one. So, how are you going to go about it?

A great thing about the babywearing info class I attended yesterday at the Valparaiso Public Library (hosted by Region Moms) (I’m a new member!) - there were slings of all kinds to touch and ogle and try on and what not. There were plenty of seasoned babywearers on hand to field questions and share expertise. I heard that such babywearing meetings will become a regularly scheduled event for Region Moms, so you might want to check out the next one! I will probably be there!

Side note: Region Moms is NWI-wide, with Moms from Porter and Lake Counties doing all sorts of fun activities throughout the month.

Some of the most common questions at the babywearing info class today were:

What is the best sling for the first couple months?

Most of us agreed on the ring sling. A popular one is the Maya ring sling, I’m a big fan of mama-made ones and Sakura Bloom if you can go that route.

What is best for a bad back?

I think the Ergo is probably best at distributing weight, also the BabyHawk Oh Snap was featured, and regular mei tais have been a more comfortable solution for me. (My favorite is Baby So Smart.) Not mentioned at the meeting- a woven wrap. Hard to find, but wrap-lovers swear by them! Please note: must be woven, not stretchy as stretchy wraps tend to sag and offer less support.

What is best for heavy babies/toddlers?

See above answer. Also, consider a heavier fabric with a ring sling- like a double layer linen, etc.

How do you tie a wrap?

THIS is my favorite babywearing video demo EVER. Dad putting his newborn in a wrap. Awwwwwwwwww.

How do you tie a mei tai?

(And I am 99.9% sure in all my babywearing years it is pronounced MAY-tie.) BabyHawk has some great photo and video instructions here.

Where’s the best place to buy slings and carriers around here?

Mothering By Nature Center is brand spanking new in Chesterton. They are currently working on a new website but do carry ring slings and wraps for $40, mei tais for $55, as well as Ergo carriers and other awesome baby items. Cutie Poops & Bottoms in Orland Park, IL has a nice selection of slings and pouches as well. There are also Moms in the Region Moms group that have carriers available for purchase. Just let me know if you need more info!

If you aren’t up for going to a whole big playdate featuring babywearing but have more questions or are local and would want to meet up at the park sometime so I can help you out or show you some moves (heh heh) please feel free to get in touch with me. I’d love to help if I can.

If you’re not local, check around for babywearing groups in your area on Facebook, The Babywearer.com (they have a “babywearers near you” forum but I think their site is getting a makeover so you’ll have to poke around, usually your local La Leche League will be filled with babywearers, and also peruse the bulletin boards of healthfood stores, libraries, etc!

Hungry for more babywearing info & links? Check out my super huge post about babywearing here: Adventures In Babywearing 2.0

About the author: Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .