Babywearing [Paperback]

Maria Blois (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2005

If someone told you they knew a secret to help your baby sleep better, cry less, and learn better, you would certainly be interested... Babywearing, the practice of carrying baby in a soft carrier close to our body as we go about our daily business, is parenting's best kept secret. Good things happen when we wear our babies. Babies who are worn cry less, are more calm and content, sleep more peacefully, nurse better, gain weight better, enjoy better digestion, and develop better. Babywearing benefits parents! It enhances parent-baby bonding, is practical, facilitates breastfeeding, helps working parents reconnect, and makes transitions from one caregiver to another easier. But most importantly, it allows you to meet your baby's need to be held while allowing you to meet your need to get things done! Anyone can wear baby - mom, dad, sister, brother, grandparents, baby sitters, and day care workers. The more baby is worn the happier baby is. And, a happy baby makes a family happy. In this book you will:
*Learn about the benefits of babywearing.
*Hear from babywearers all over the country.
*Learn how to choose and use the carrier that is right for you.
*Learn how to make your own baby carrier.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Maria Giangiulio Blois, M.D., lives in Texas with her husband, Erik, and their two children, Giovannina (4) and Alanson (2). She graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and holds a M.A. in sociology from Ohio State University. She currently volunteers as a La Leche League Leader, providing information and support for women who choose to breastfeed, and she lectures in central Texas. Wearing her own babies has provided her with the passion and curiosity to pursue this subject. Babywearing is her first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: Pharmasoft Publishing (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972958339
• ISBN-13: 978-0972958332
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,221,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Babywearing Resource! February 4, 2006

By J. Mehl

Format:Paperback

I am a mom, doula, and an Attachment Parenting International (API) leader, so I was thrilled that a babywearing book was finally on the market. What an inspirational, supportive resource for babywearing. Well organized, with wonderful pictures to teach you how to wear your baby or toddler in many different positions and with the various soft slings/carriers/wraps on the market. Lists the numerous benefits and history behind babywearing. Great resources listed in the back of the book. Any new parent or veteran of babywearing will cherish this book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for New Parents April 5, 2006

By Erica K. Etelson

Format:Paperback

At last, a book that combines well-documented information about the physical and emotional benefits of keeping your baby close along with practical instructions on how to actually use those tricky wraps and slings. This is the book I wish I had before my first child was born. Great photos remind the reader that babywearing is not just for able-bodied moms--moms in wheelchairs, dads and other caregivers can all put on a sling or carrier and give that baby the unconditional love and affection she needs to thrive. A perfect gift for any expecting parent.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book but needs updating March 6, 2010

By Jackie C

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been wearing my now 16 month old since birth and have used several different types of carriers. I enjoy learning new things about babywearing which is why I purchased this book. I believe the author did a great job explaining the benefits of babywearing and showing in detail how to use different carriers. I do belive however that this book needs a little updating because I noticed there are some carriers that were recommended that no longer exist. Also the author recommends the Baby Bjorn and similar type carriers which can be bad for babys spine and hips because they put pressure on the baby's crotch instead of having baby froggied or in a sitting position this is also true for foward facing carries which are recommended. And finally the author says that it is okay to do a back carry in a stretchy wrap which is dangerous. Please if you want to carry your baby on your back do not use a stretchy wrap, get a woven wrap or other type of carrier.

All in all it was a good read. I just believe that those few things need to be updated for the safety and comfort of parents and babies.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book for Anyone and Everyone who Care for Infants and Toddlers! January 18, 2007

By Aradia Paganus

Format:Paperback

The book opens with a brief biography of the author, and her into medical school and to babywearing. Then the book is organized into every style of cloth carrier, where to buy, how to make, what to use and of course- detailed directions to using them (with pics!) (With instructions for adapting carries for newborns to 2-3 year olds!)

I strongly reccommend this book for all new mums, dads, nannies, grandparents- EVERYONE who will be caring for a little one.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute best! October 21, 2006

By Lynette W. Strickland

Format:Paperback

What a wonderful resource for parents wanting to bond with their children. I am a mother of 7 and an advocate of babywearing/breastfeeding and this book is a must-have for any new or prospective parent. Great baby shower idea: give this book and a gift certificate for their choice of baby carrier...they'll thank you from the bottom of their hearts!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book on Babywearing May 9, 2008

By Rachel B. Ramey VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I've been using a sling to carry my babies since my now-five-year-old daughter was born, but I'm still rather inept at it, having experience with only one or two carries. Thus, when I came across Babywearing, by Maria Blois, M.D., my curiosity was piqued. I was not disappointed. Babywearing is a fairly easy read, and yet it is so full of information that I know I will refer to it again and again. Dr. Blois answered all of my major questions, and more.

Every aspect of babywearing is covered, from the "why" to the "what" (Which carrier is best for me?) to the "how." Each is treated in sufficient detail to leave the reader feeling well-equipped, but not in so much detail as to overwhelm. Other resources are recommended, as well, for those who may desire to dig deeper. Scientific information and statistics are well-referenced.

The book begins with the benefits of babywearing. These benefits are varied, for both mother and baby. For mother, the benefits are largely practical - babywearing makes her life easier! For baby, the benefits are largely medical and psychological - baby is healthier and more content when carried often. This section also includes brief references to the history of babywearing, and the effect of our babywearing example on others around us.

This section is followed by two about babywearing in special circumstances. A variety of circumstances are addressed, including special needs of babies and special needs of mothers. Fostered/adopted babies, multiples, and disabled parents, for example, can all benefit from babywearing. Kangaroo care - the close, skin-to-skin contact with mama for the sake of health, especially for preemies - is given an entire section.

From this point forward, the book gets very "hands-on" practical. Dr.... Blois (a babywearing mama, herself) suggests basic babywearing tips, offers general instructions for things like getting baby onto your back, and gives an overview of the types of carriers available. Then she really digs into the options. Each major type of carrier gets a full section. The author describes the carrier, tells us what its major features are, explains what styles are available within the category being discussed, and provides step-by-step instructions (with photos!) of how to wear them various ways. Each section also includes a comparison chart, which compares the features of the major carrier options within the category.

There are carriers here that I had never even seen! Slings/pouches are the first type of carrier to be described. These are worn over one shoulder and under the other arm, like a sash. Second are wraparounds - long pieces of fabric wrapped around the body and tied. One terrific feature of the wraparound section is that Dr. Blois tells you what lengths are needed for various wraparound styles, and offers instructions for making your own. Front/back packs are the third category. This includes the constructed carriers with which many modern parents are familiar, along with several simpler carriers of mostly Asian derivation. Finally, torso carriers are discussed. These carriers wrap around the parent's body, but do not go over the shoulders.

The book concludes with frequently-asked questions about babywearing, such as, "which carrier should I try first?" and, "will I spoil my baby if I wear him?" The appendix lists quite a few resources, including sources for carrier patterns and parts, and children's books that incorporate babywearing.

The only thing I found disappointing about the book was that the many photographs did not designate which carriers they depicted (by brand name). I frequently found myself thinking, "I like that carrier; I wonder what it is," and it was often not obvious, even when compared with the charts.

Nevertheless, this was such a great overview, thoroughly addressing all aspects of babywearing without overwhelming, that it would make a terrific shower gift. The style is unassuming and encouraging, with very much a "one mother to another" feel. Common doubts are acknowledged and calmed, not belittled or ignored. I finished the book feeling much more confident about my ability to do this. Read more ›

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource October 28, 2006

By B. Wickens

Format:Paperback

I got this book because I am new to babywearing and there are countless suggestions, websites, and insights from other parents on which carriers work well.

Well worth the money!

10 of 65 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not the best advise! March 20, 2007

By E.B.

Format:Paperback

I will admit that I did not read this entire book, but the part that I did read (which made me promptly put down the book) was the part about how you can even ride a horse while wearing your baby in a sling. I have a horse and I've been riding since I'm a little girl and that has to be the dumbest and most dangerous idea I have ever heard!!! That section of the book made me question the authors judgement and I certainly didn't want to hear what else she had to say.