Don’t accuse me of sacrilege by pushing babies as mere accoutrement, but I see so many adorable baby slings out there, who needs a pretty purse with a pet chihuahua?

In fact, I’m almost ready to ready myself (and my uterus) for one of my own just so I can pick out a cute baby carrier. Almost.

With all the hoopla about attachment parenting and the positive potential for better everything if you carry your baby in a sling – how could I resist? But seriously, holding your little warm and cuddly close to your heart does sound sort of sensational, does it not?

It makes perfect sense that mommas everywhere are wearing their babies up close and personal. The benefits of babywearing include baby crying less and learning more – because living at mom and dad’s eye-level can’t help but involve and stimulate a baby more than laying or sitting in a crib or stroller.

Mod Mum Sling (above) – fawn&forest, $54.

How many times have you leaned down to interact with a baby? And if you aren’t leaning down, what does said baby experience? That’s right, your legs and a whole lot of nothing else. Being in a baby sling engages a baby rather than leaving it lonely.

And yes, I’ve read about the recalls and all I can say is tragic and troubling but please don’t throw away a wonderful way of connecting and being present for your baby without serious thought.

I believe being present is the best way to prevent such accidents from occurring, so please, if you plan to wear your baby in a sling, pay attention and stay connected, which is really the point, isn’t it?

Okay, now let’s have some fun and pick out the perfect accoutrement for your most precious accoutrement.

Market Sling (above) – Serena & Lily, $129.

Maya Wrap Ring Sling (above left) – Maya Wrap, $65.95.

Hemp Baby Ring Sling (above right) – Pretty Momma Sling, $92.

Mod Mum Sling (above) – fawn&forest, $54.

If the sling thing isn’t for you, ERGObaby makes a slew of front-carrier options that achieve the same positive effects as the sling.

ERGObaby Organic Carrier (above) – ERGObaby, $120-$148.

Moby Organic Stretchy Wrap (above left) – Peppermint, $59.95.

Beco Gemini Carrier (above right) – Peppermint, $129.

Market Sling (above) – Serena & Lily, $129.

Whether you fancy a ring, pouch, sling, wrap or front carrier, attaching your precious cargo to your body, leaving your hands free and fully focused, is simply smart and very present parenting. Try it with care.

The post Baby Wearing: Do You Sling? appeared first on EcoSalon.

You can’t go wrong with attachment parenting. It may be a relatively new practice in the Western world, but this type of parenting embraces the ancient art of maintaining a deep bond with your baby once he or she leaves the womb, allowing them to experience the world with a steady physical and emotional attachment to their parents. At its core, this style of parenting is as good for babies as it is for the earth. As a mother who is raising a toddler in this fashion with a newborn baby on the way, here’s why I believe attachment parenting is an amazing gift to children and the planet!

Some of the mainstays of the attachment parenting philosophy are: co-sleeping, babywearing, breastfeeding, parental interaction in place of toys, a gentle, realistic approach to discipline, and a back to basics mentality that puts the parent-child relationship above all else.

My daughter is almost three years-old, and I can honestly say that for the first two years of her life, I wondered whether I was doing the right thing by practicing attachment parenting. I have the luxury of working from home, so I have been able to dedicate this time to her upbringing; and while I have always known in my heart that I am making the right decisions raising her, there have been many naysayers, which have included close family members, along the way. Here’s a sampling of what I’ve been up against. “Co-sleeping? You’re asking for trouble!” “You’re her slave!” “You need to get her out of that baby carrier, stat!” “Just let her cry, it’s good for babies to cry.” Thankfully, my husband and I have always been on the same page with regard to our parenting choices, and we have been each others support system when times are tough.

And the full circle result has come to fruition. We have a confident, highly intelligent, loved and lovable, independent and inquisitive little girl who has blossomed due to our commitment to attachment parenting. We not only chose this route for her benefit, we chose it with the intention of preserving the environment as well. Here are five reasons why attachment parenting is good for mother earth:

No Crib Required: You can skip the need for a big clunky crib and co-sleep safely with your baby, or opt for a co-sleeper that attaches to your bed. I wish we had known this beforehand, because we bought the crib and the fancy bedding, and it never got used!

Less Toys, More Parental Interaction: There’s no need to spend money or precious resources on toys with bells, whistles and sirens. What baby most wants is your time and attention, and the precious experience of learning your face and your voice. You can read her The New York Times for all she cares, as long as you’re enlightening her and engaging her with your presence. Not to say a few choice toys won’t be enjoyed and cherished, but you’re by far baby’s favorite playmate.

Getting Back To Basics Requires Less Gadgetry: Baby monitors and bouncy chairs be gone. If you keep your baby close to you at all times, you can do away with a whole category of baby gear designed to take care of your child in your absence.

Breastfeeding Saves Resources: Eliminate the need to purchase formula and the need to wash and use bottles regularly. If you’re able to breastfeed your baby, nursing is the healthiest, least expensive and most eco-friendly way to nourish and bond with your baby.

The Art of Babywearing: Ditch the stroller and wear your baby close to your heart in an organic baby carrier. She’ll love seeing the world from your perspective, and you’ll be able to teach her and share with her much more readily when she is in such close proximity to you. My favorite baby carrier is the ERGOBaby Organic Baby Carrier.

For more information on Attachment Parenting visit Attachment Parenting International and Ask Dr.Sears.com.

Images: Beth Shea

The post Go On, Attach Yourself to Your Baby: It’s a Win-Win Situation appeared first on EcoSalon.

Years ago, when I was traveling in Peru, I became enamored with the way Andean women carried their babies – in blankets tied around their backs.

It made so much sense; after all, strollers are heavy, expensive and impossible to push up a mountain trail or crowded cobblestone mercado. The mamachas had their hands free and their young children were safe and secure, held so close to their mother’s body. I vowed then and there that if I ever had children, I’d wear them that way too.

And now that I’m a mom, that’s what I do; I wear my baby.

Easy and practical, babywearing is commonplace all over the world. The health benefits are many for both baby and mom.

Benefits for Baby:

Held babies cry much less than those kept in a crib or stroller.

Closeness to mom makes baby feel safe and secure.

Allows baby to see the world the way we do, rather than through the bars of a crib or at knee-level in a stroller.

Baby’s temperature, heart rate and breathing are better regulated when they’re close to another human body.

Proximity to mom makes it easier to get needs met.

Baby gets to bond with you, not toys and furniture!

Benefits for Mom:

Increased bonding and communication with baby.

With your hands free and your child happy, it’s easier to get things done!

Increase your core strength and get more exercise.

No need to struggle with heavy car seats or drag strollers out of the car.

Discreet and hands-free nursing.

It’s easier to play with your toddler while holding your baby close to you. Keeping both kids happy is priceless.

Your baby is closer to you, thereby easier to hug and kiss! (And isn’t that what it’s all about?)

And of course, it’s good for the environment!

Babywearing is stylish, too. Gone are the days of clunky baby backpacks. Now you can get downright sassy with the fashion, with slings coming in every kind of cloth, print and style imaginable. Mamas: wear your baby and show the world your eco-friendly, down-to-earth values, too.

The sling I use: Baby K’Tan

Highly recommended by friends: Moby Wrap and Maya Wrap

Great for dads: Baby K’Tan and Baby Bjorn

And for the crafty among you who’d prefer to make your own: DIY baby carrier links.

The post The Healthy Habit of Babywearing appeared first on EcoSalon.