Before I became a mom, I envisioned myself as a vibrant, on-the-go woman seamlessly babywearing my little one. The idea of effortlessly maneuvering through life with a baby attached felt so nurturing. I thought that if I could juggle tasks while holding my infant close, it would signify that I was nailing this motherhood thing. Naturally, I added a baby wrap to my registry, eagerly awaiting its arrival.
When it finally came, I was stunned to find it was nearly the length of my entire Brooklyn apartment. Seriously, it was around 20 feet long. Determined yet bewildered, I set out to learn how to use it. After an hour and several YouTube tutorials, I was in tears, struggling to secure a stuffed toy in the wrap—let alone a real baby! Attempting this while eight months pregnant was probably not my brightest idea.
Eventually, I figured out the wrap, but it never felt quite right. I was always worried it wouldn’t hold, and I found myself supporting my child with one hand instead of being truly hands-free. Eventually, I switched to a backpack-style carrier, realizing that babywearing isn’t for everyone.
What really frustrates me is when companies selling baby wraps imply that mothers who don’t carry their newborns everywhere are somehow failing. One brand even coined the term “exterior gestation,” suggesting that we’re meant to carry our infants around like kangaroos. This is a stretch—literally and figuratively! Kangaroos give birth to tiny, underdeveloped joeys that must stay in their pouches to survive, which is certainly not the case for human babies.
Furthermore, one brand claims that more and more newborns are left alone in cribs or strollers instead of being held close. Are we really talking about babies spending their days in plastic containers? This kind of guilt-laden marketing is unhelpful and unnecessary.
Can’t we promote our products without making mothers feel inadequate? A baby wrap should be marketed as a convenient solution for parents rather than a measure of their attachment. Strollers, for example, are not evil; they serve an important purpose. I’ve never seen a stroller ad that says, “Use this stroller or risk raising a giant man-baby!”
It’s crucial to remember that new mothers face enough pressures without adding guilt about whether they’re doing things “right.” Parenting tools, like baby wraps, should simplify life, not complicate it with more worry. And let’s not ignore the fact that this messaging is often directed solely at mothers.
Yes, babies thrive on being held, but suggesting that modern conveniences like strollers equate to being a disconnected parent is simply misguided. For more insights into pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from the CDC. If you’re interested in alternative methods of conception, don’t miss our other blog posts, including one on the at-home insemination kit from Make A Mom.
In summary, while babywearing can be a beautiful way to bond with your child, it doesn’t determine your worth as a mother. Let’s celebrate all parenting choices instead of shaming those who opt for different methods.