When Lucas was a baby I used baby carriers with him but never the fabric wrap ones. I always thought they looked complicated even though they have so many pretty designs that I love! This time with Morgana, we decided not to get a pram as where we live is very rural and there are barely any footpaths so if a car was to pass, I would have to go onto a grass verge or ditch with her in the pram. Instead, baby carriers have been her form of transport since day one.
Due to this, I wanted to try the wrap carriers as they are softer than the structured carriers I had with Lucas. I came across Amawrap which are based in the UK but ship internationally.
I received a beautiful oyster grey baby sling. The material Amawrap use has been created exclusively for them and it is 100% cotton. The wraps have been made with exactly the right amount of horizontal and vertical stretch to make it supportive yet comfortable. There is no elastane in their fabrics, as they have ensured that the wrap is knitted in such a way to allow for the stretch without the need for elastane.
The main reason I have always been wary of getting a sling wrap is thinking it would be too difficult to tie and be safe to carry a baby. However, Shab’s, the owner of Amawrap is amazing and has made a simple to follow YouTube video to show how to tie it correctly and she really does make it easy. I could tie it the first time I watched the video but I would say after 3 attempts, I had it where I was confident that I had it in the right place to be safe to carry Morgana and be comfortable for both of us. As well as the YouTube video, there is an instruction manual with your wrap and loads of Instagram stories highlighted on the Amawrap Instagram account. Shab’s is also very happy to assist you if you want to message her with any concerns and to check how it looks. That is the great thing about supporting a small business, you get these personal touches and peace of mind that you wouldn’t get with a bigger brand.
As well as wraps, Amawrap also sells nursing and maternity wear and reusable washcloths.
I absolutely love the wrap, it is so soft and Morgana is very content in it. It’s lovely to be so close and babywearing has many benefits.
The benefits of babywearing
- It makes getting out easier. For me, this was the biggest reason, I wanted to be able to get out without worrying about cars passing, I can go for walks, go shopping etc with Morgana safely in front of me. When we are inside, if she wants carrying, it’s also easier to wear the wrap when I need to get jobs done around the house, still having two arms free.
- She can see me and have eye contact easily. Studies have shown that baby’s that are carried, cry less as they know exactly where you are and feel close to you, they are in a quiet alert state which is how they learn best.
- Carrying a baby is good for their cognitive development, they can see and hear what you can and be more involved in your everyday life.
- I can respond to her cues easily and touch her quickly to reassure her.
- Carrying baby’s prevents flat head syndrome which can happen when they lie down too long. Being in the carrier can also help with digestion and prevent reflux as they are upright.
- It’s great for bonding and having more skin to skin contact. Not only for the Mum and baby but for other family members too as the wraps can be used by others.