Babywearing in Argentina

First off, if you're not interested in babies, parenting or babywearing don't even bother to read the rest of this post unless you're looking to learn something about the above :)

Babywearing has become more and more popular and there are now tons of different types of carriers   and just as many websites to provide information about them and the benefits of wearing your baby. Carriers can range from wraps to asian style carriers to ring slings to structured baby carriers (no the Baby Bjorn is not the only carrier out there).

Wearing your baby is excellent for promoting bonding both for mothers as well as fathers, and if you're adopting a baby there is no better way to bond with your new addition. Some of the most widely known reasons for wearing your baby are: resting your arms, providing hands free freedom of movement, soothing fussy, colicky infants, and making breastfeeding on the go - easier. Carried babies are often more alert, cry less and are safer - just take a look at Caitlyn in our ringsling on an airplane, well actually you can't see her because she's tucked down where it's warm and the air is moist and away from germs.  

I've also worn her in places like the Puerto de Frutos market in Tigre and even grocery shopping which drew all kinds of looks from people and lots of questions. One thing that's important though is not all carriers are suited for all types of weather - my ring sling was perfect for the hot Buenos Aires summer but my stretchy wrap was way too hot but would be perfect for fall and winter.

In Argentina it's begining to catch on in the more mainstream lifestyle but there aren't many carriers available, one of the most widely commercially available ones being the Wawita Portabebe which I found to be a bit bulky and cumbersome and definately too hot for the summer, but at least they're making the effort to get them out there. However, with so many seamstresses in Argentina there's absolutely no reason not to have your own made (just make sure they use VERY STRONG thread and double stitch things) - I'm listing plently of links that give the instructions on how to made sewn carriers and how to construct a simple wrap as well as well as proving information about how to choose a carriers, forums where you can talk to other baby wearing people, and tons of other information.  

One of the biggest sites on the internet is The Baby Wearer which although it can be overwhelming has excellent information on choosing a carrier, forums where you can talk to other people, ask questions and even connect with people in Argentina. There is also plenty of information about how to make your own carrier.

NINO (Nine in Nine Out) a nonprofit babywearing organization to promote babywearing by educating the general public about its benefits.

Mamatoto Wear Your Baby Project where you can learn to wear baby wearing positions from their excellent videos, sewing instructions for making your own carrier and even how to make a SPOC carrier (simple piece of cloth)

The Rebozo Way Project has lots of information and also some excellent articles. Este sitio Proyecto " A La Manera del Rebozo" esta en Espanol tambien y tiene muchos articulos en Espanol.

Another great site is Kelly Mom which not only has great information about baby wearing but also lots of breastfeeding information as well - excellent resource.

Last but not least is another favorite, although not just about babywearing that one of my good friends in Argentina turned me onto, Mothering.com. The site has excellent information on everything from babywearing, attachment parenting, cloth diapering, breastfeeding, and also a "tribe" forum where you can connect with other people around the world (I'm hoping they'll add a South American tribe). A huge plus for expats - they just launched a digital version of their magazine.

I hope this information is useful and would certainly love to hear comments!

Comments

[Michelle]

Travel Guy, to answer your question, I've flown on several occasions with my baby girl in an Evenflo Snugli Comfort Vent Baby Carrier and I would recommend it to any parent in a similar situation. I was worried about how my daughter would do on the plane, but this carrier allowed her to be in a well-supported position and, even more importantly, let air through so that she didn't get uncomfortable during the flight. It's also great for navigating through crowded airports. If you want to do some more research, here's the site I used: http://wize.com/baby-carriers/evenflo-snugli-comfort-vent-baby-carrier/91499?t=780

[Travel Guy]

We've actually been looking for a carrier. Do you have any experience traveling with any specific carriers? Airlines and such?

[Heather Sauerbrey]

I love to read blogs from Argentina!!!

And your is especially dear to me as another attachment parenting, baby wearing mom. I miss Argentina and long to visit, but thats a bit tricky with 4 kids now and a 5th on the way :) Glad that you are sharing the love of ap-ing and bw-ing there in Argentina! I love all the sites you posted.

[Wabash Cannonball]

Hi! I'm going to put up a link to your blog on my site as a great expat mom blog to read. I love your glimpses into daily life. Makes me want to visit!