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Wearing Your Baby is Awesome, But It Doesn’t Make You a ‘Better’ Mom
Before I became a mom, I had this vivid image in my mind of the kind of parent I wanted to be. I envisioned myself effortlessly carrying my baby around town, looking all maternal and chill. The idea of babywearing just seemed so appealing—like a badge of honor that said, “I’ve totally got this parenting thing down.” Naturally, I registered for a baby wrap as one of my first purchases. When it arrived, I was ecstatic until I unwrapped what looked like a 20-foot-long piece of fabric. Seriously, it was massive. I was confused but determined.
Fast forward an hour of struggling with YouTube tutorials. I was sweating, crying, and feeling like a total failure because I couldn’t even wrap a stuffed animal, let alone a real baby. Trying to figure out “body origami” while eight months pregnant? Not my brightest idea. Eventually, I got the hang of it, but I never felt completely comfortable. I constantly had to keep a hand under my child, so I wasn’t hands-free at all. In the end, I opted for a more traditional backpack-style carrier, which felt much safer.
What really bothers me is when companies try to sell baby wraps while insinuating that moms who don’t carry their babies everywhere are somehow failing. One company even refers to babywearing as “exterior gestation,” as if we’re all supposed to mimic kangaroos. Seriously? Kangaroos are born blind and tiny, needing their pouches to survive. That’s not how humans work.
Another point that irks me is the idea that because many mothers carry their babies, it’s somehow unnatural for infants to spend time in strollers or cribs. Are we really saying babies are being left alone in Tupperware? Come on! If you’re selling baby wraps, why not just focus on how they can make life easier? Tell us they’re comfortable and practical, not make us feel guilty for using a stroller. I’ve never seen a stroller ad that says, “Buy this or your child will turn into a giant man-baby!”
New moms already face enough pressure and confusion about whether they’re doing things right. Parenting tools should simplify our lives, not add to our guilt. Plus, it’s kind of ridiculous that all this marketing is targeted solely at mothers. Oh wait, I just said it.
Yes, babies thrive on being held, but implying that using strollers makes you a disconnected parent is just plain unnecessary. If you’re interested in more insights like these, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination. And if you’re exploring pregnancy options, Make A Mom is a fantastic resource. For further information on fertility and IVF, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and Fertility Preservation is an excellent resource.
In summary, babywearing can be a lovely bonding experience, but it shouldn’t be seen as a measure of how good a mom you are. We all do what works for us and our little ones, and that’s what truly matters.