Hip and Back Carries

My intention today was to film a few short videos to show you how to do hip and back carries.  However, my 2 yr old is feeling a little under the weather today and decided naptime was to be had on my back in a simple ruck carry. So my "quiet time" has been exchanged for blogging while she sleeps on my back :)  How I love baby snuggles, no matter how old they are!

So, what I will do is put up some links for some decent videos.  If you have any questions about them (or are local and need help), let me know.  Next month we are filming professional instructional dvds for the carriers, so I'll put those videos up once they are edited.  I will try to film short clips this week for you guys.

Before I put up links I will preface them all by saying this: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR BABY! When trying new carries, practice over a sofa, bed, or other soft surface, and get as low as possible.  If possible, practice with a baby doll first.  That being said, it is best to have another person spot you and baby.  *When I first started doing back carries, it took me about a dozen times with a 5mo old before I was comfortable.  And even then, some babies are more mobile or wiggly than others.* Another note, baby and you are adjusting to this new carry; so go for a walk or dance or sing a little to show baby that this a good carry and you can both enjoy it.

Another safety note (lots of safety notes today!) : STRETCHY WRAPS ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR BACK CARRIES! The only two exceptions are the Bali Stretch and the Calin Bleu Fleece(they are considered hybrid carriers between true stretchy and wovens).

I really like the videos and instructions that are provided on wearyourbaby.  Also, youtube can be a great resource for learning new carries as long as you are smart about knowing which ones look safe. If you are a member of TBW, then this page is awesome for carries!  The Baby Wearer dot com is essentially an online babywearing forum with fantastic information, resources, videos, and more!  Moby wrap also has some great instructions for stretchy wraps.

I hope that helps all of you with learning new carries (now that I've sent you to every other site but mine! LOL) Practice, practice practice! And now my two year old is starting to wake up, so I'll film what I can while the other two are napping!

ETA: BACK AND HIP CARRY VIDEOS! Go see our channel on youtube.com to watch videos of ruck carry, wiggleproof back carry, secure back carry, getting baby down, and hip carry.

Happy Babywearing!
~Erin