6 Back Carry Friendly Babywearing Exercises

Recently I told you how babywearing benefits babies, but there are also some benefits for moms, as well!  One of these benefits is that it helps mom lose the "baby weight."  Now, this is just referring to regular ol' babywearing.

However, some of us like to take it a step further and exercise while babywearing.  Whether it's frequent or occasional, babywearing and exercising can be an efficient way to get your exercise in while keeping baby close and happy.  Baby also acts as a natural weight for momma during the workout.

I compiled a list of back wearing friendly workout moves for babywearing moms (or dads) and then scoured YouTube to find some videos on proper form (if you cared to know).  Put these together in whatever combination works for you and you have a Back Carry Babywearing Workout Routine!

I also came up with a quick routine for you, if you didn't want to wing it.  It's at the bottom of the post.

1. Squats

2. Planking

3. Push ups

4. Lunges

5. Chair Dips

6. Lunge Kicks

BONUS!!!

6 Ways Baby Benefits from Babywearing

I discovered babywearing when my daughter was still a squishy new baby.  She turned 1 in May and is actually asleep in a carrier on my back right this second! Babywearing has been pure love for us and even my 5 year-old likes to get in on the fun.

There are many benefits and you might encounter a few people who are less than supportive of your choice, so why not be armed with these 6 ways babies benefit from babywearing!

1. Babies cry less.

This isn't just one person's impression, experience, or opinion.  There was actually a study done on the matter and babies cry 40-50+% less!  Carried babies have lower stress levels.

2. Helps regulate baby's body temperature.

If you've read my post on some of the benefits of bed sharing, this might sound a little familiar.  Anyway, mom's body temperature will rise or fall a degree to help regulate baby's temperature, as needed.

3. Aids in muscle development.

One of the biggest concerns nay-sayers tend to have is something along the lines of, "He'll never learn to walk!"  This is definitely not true.  Babywearing aids in the the development of muscles required to sit, stand, and walk.

4. It's safe!

No I'm not going to drop "that" baby. #wearallthebabies #babywearing

A video posted by momingabout (@momingabout) on Jan 11, 2015 at 2:25pm PST

Cuddled against mommy or daddy is the safest place for baby to be.  Keeping her away from unwanted touching and holding and germs!  On the other hand, you know where baby is at and never have to experience the nightmare of a missing child.

5. Aids in healthy social and emotional development.

Being around mommy or daddy's eye level, baby experiences things as her caregiver does (not from the floor).  Baby can feel secure in her experiences because she is so close to a loved one and not be overstimulated by the world around her.

6. Facilitates breastfeeding!

With babe close to mama and close to her source of food and being able to nurse in most carriers with some practice, babywearing really helps facilitate breastfeeding.

What is your favorite benefit of babywearing? Share your favorite babywearig memory  in the comments below!

1 – Kostandy et al., “Kangaroo Care (Skin Contact) Reduces Crying Response to Pain in Preterm Neonates: Pilot Results,” Pain Management Nursing 2008: 9:55-65
1 – Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A random-ized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648

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20 DIY Baby Shower Gifts

Now that finals are over and my kids are almost out for the summer, I'm wondering...

Am I the only person that has been invited to a million baby showers between February and July, not counting the women I know who are pregnant and not having a shower?

I guess part of that has to do with all the mothering-related groups that I'm a part of and the fact that everyone I knew in high school is currently in their twenties and having babies.

I don't mind.  I love baby showers!  I love babies (usually).

Really, though, most (if not all) of these DIY baby shower gift ideas totally trump most of the gifts I've ever given!  They're double cool because they're homemade and unique!

Nursing, Teething, & Babywearing Necklaces

1. T-Shirt Yarn Nursing Necklace from Wayfarer Homemaker

2. Crochet Nursing Necklace from Repeat Crafter Me

3. Silicone Nursing Necklace from Chaos Parade

4. Fabric Nursing Necklace from How Does She?

5. Make You Own Amber Teething Necklace from Make Sew Baby

6. Allspice Teething Necklace from Montana Solar Creations

Toys

7. DIY Stackable Rings for Baby from Domesticesq

8. B&W Baby Rattle from Lis Gillet

9. Activity Mat/Gym from Thoughts & Thimbles

10. Baby Butterfly Soft Toy from Sew Mama Sew

11. Pentagon Fabric Ball Tutorial from And Other Silly Things

12. How to Make Cloth Books from Cloth Books for Baby

Diaper Cakes & Related

13. Diaper Babies from Frugal Fanatic

14. Diaper Wreath from The Mandatory Mooch

15. Basic Diaper Cake (Easily Customized) from Susie Stamp A Lot

16. Diaper Bouquet from Frugal Fanatic

Miscellaneous

17. DIY Baby Bibs from Alice & Lois

18. DIY Burp Cloths from Sew She Sews

19. Baby K'Tan Carrier from Lobolita

20. DIY Pacifier Clips from Make It & Love It

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