Why I'm Choosing NOT To Use An Infant Carrier

First of all, I wanted to share a blessing I received today. I went in for my second PT session today. It went very well. We did more exercises, stretching, and she did some manual manipulation. I won't get on a soap box... While our health insurance is the best and most expensive plan offered... co pays and co insurance rates can still add up quickly. Today, the girl working the front desk said that they called to verify my benefits and saw that it would cost $35/session. Not horrible... but going two times a week quickly adds up to $280/month. So my PT decided to waive everything that my insurance won't cover. So now it will cost me $0/month. I can't tell you how kind and generous that is. I know it won't make a dent in their pocket... but that was a huge blessing for me.

While we are still going to pursue every opportunity we find to get us back to BG, ASAP... I'm thinking it might not be time just yet. Based solely on what God has given us in terms of medical care for this baby, I'm thinking maybe the move will come this summer after Baby M is born.

Now, because some interest has been shown in my choice not to use an infant carrier, I'll go ahead and explain a bit.

While I understand why and how an infant carrier can be super convenient, we are going to go with the "Baby Wearing" route. {Disclaimer: My personal opinion... in no way do I pass judgment on those who use infant carriers!!}

1. As I mentioned before, I like to do things simply. I don't want a bunch of baby gadgets and toys with lights and batteries. We'd like to take a more simple, more organic approach. If something is only going to be used for a few months... I'd like to try to pass on it. Those car seats with a 10-20 lb baby in it are heavy and awkward! I imagine I'd use it for maybe two or three months before I was sick of lugging it around.

2. There are many benefits of baby wearing. You can google the benefits on your own if you'd like {or you can read this or this } One benefit I particular am fond of is the bonding infant wearing promotes. I know that babies and mommies are still bonded just fine without infant wearing, but its an extra way to promote that physical touch and bonding.

3. I think it would be easy to allow the baby to be in the carrier... in the bucket position for too long. You put the baby in the carrier, load up in the car, drive to where you're going, do your shopping or whatever, drive home, unload car. Sure you may take baby out for a few minutes here and there, but I think often times... it adds up to quick a bit of time in the same position.

4. When you wearing a baby out in public... there's going to be less opportunity for the baby to be touched by stranger's germy hands. I'm not a germ-o-phob... I don't even use alcohol hand sanitizer (I use a natural hand cleaner from Whole Foods that is awesome!!) But I don't want strange hands on my baby.

5. Safety. A recent study was published about the number of accidents related to infant carrier seats. Shopping carts are not meant to hold those things. They are often set on dangerous or unsteady surfaces. I don't think there is a single mom or dad out there who intentionally put their baby carrier somewhere they didn't think was safe. But accidents and thoughtlessness happens. And how about the number of recalls on everything. In December... a bunch of those seats were recalled because the handles would snap and fall off!

6. I know it may take a little more thought and may not be quite as convenient opting not to use a infant carrier... but women managed for years and years and years before the infant carrier was a standard piece of baby equipment. My mom managed three kids close in age without having one. It may be a little more work, but its more work I'm willing to do.

7. Its great exercise!

8. And as far as the winter goes... I still have one of those bundle things for my car seat that stays in the car. Baby M will be six months old before the temperature really starts dropping... and if its that cold... we'll likely stay home.

Like I said before... there are many more benefits to infant wearing. And while I'm not a complete attachment parenting person... as our bed will remain for me and Nathan, no kids allowed... I do tend to gravitate towards that type of thought.

There you have it.