Images by Ailee Petrovic
Eating with one hand. Not being able to help my toddler. Never getting any work done.
This is life with a newborn who loves to be held.
I’m officially 4 weeks postpartum, and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to hold my sweet girl. She’s squishy and warm and at this age, there’s nothing better than snuggling a teeny newborn who needs you and only you. I know Tova is happiest when she’s being held, and why should I deny her that?
There’s only one problem with this: life doesn’t just stop for baby.
I am currently trying to figure out how to balance life with a newborn who loves to be held and my business, my family (including a rambunctious 2-year-old), my exhaustion, and about a million other things. Most of the time, I’d be happy if I could just eat not standing in the refrigerator.
One of the only things that’s saved my sanity thus far is that Tova not only loves to be held, but she loves to be worn. I wore my toddler until I couldn’t see over her head. I found babywearing so much more convenient than putting her in a stroller while I was trying to get things accomplished. I hated, for instance, being at the mall and having to search for an elevator to get the stroller up to the next floor. Wearing the baby, I’d hop on the escalator and go.
That’s why I’m thrilled to team up with Solly Baby for the launch of their SS16 collection. It is my favorite soft carrier for a number of reasons. Not only are the colors gorgeous (how awesome is this berry color?), but the fabrics are soft and the carrier is easy to put on (don’t be scared!). It comes with instructions that are incredibly easy to follow and I was able to put it on perfectly in one try. The Solly allows me to wear my infant now, when she’s too small for other carriers, and it grows with baby as she grows. There are several different ways to wear it so that as she gets bigger, we’ll be able to continue using it. It’s a win-win: we both get baby cuddles and bonding time, and I get to make dinner and do some work.
On top of that, they make this darling carrier for KIDS, called the Solly Dolly. I couldn’t get over how adorable Naomi looked wearing her Solly Baby Wrap, or the proud look on her face when we put the doll in the sling. She was so excited, she wanted to walk over to our neighbors’ house and show them. She then proceeded to take her rain boots off and jump in muddy puddles in her socks, but hey. It was a cute moment.
I was worried that Naomi would be jealous of me wearing her little sister, but because Solly so graciously sent a wrap for her too, we can wear our babies together. It’s a bit of a bonding thing.
I keep trying to remind myself during these hard days that time is fleeting and not to wish this time away, even though that’s hard to do. I’m exhausted, sometimes frustrated, and still trying to figure it all out. But the Solly makes my life just a little bit easier. And a month into life with a newborn and a toddler, that means everything.
Shop the new Solly Baby collection now. Were you into babywearing? What did you like or not like about it?
My wife had a similar experience. I love your images and how your little one has now started to wear her own baby – too cute!
Your girls are adorable! I wish baby wearing had been a thing back in the day. I would have rocked it! I always hated fighting with strollers and always looking for the elevator while out shopping.
My soft carrier was my sanity in the early weeks. Like you my tot was just over 2 years old when my newborn arrived. I can’t thank wraps enough. Your daughter is so cute wearing her little wrap.
I’ve heard this a lot lately from friends who just had babies! Adorable pictures by the way!
My daughter loved to be held when she was a baby. She is expecting her own baby in April and has been looking at different baby carriers to make her life easier. I will have to tell her to check out Solly.
I have always been jealous of your babywearers. When I tried it my back hurt too much!
I love this! When my son was born, this was the only way I got anything done. I can’t imagine how hard it is with a two year old.
The purple is beautiful! I have a grey one and use it every single day with my three month old. I’m so thankful for it when I’m trying to prep dinner or get some blogging done when she’s fussy in the witching hours. I pop her in it and put a paci in her mouth and she’s out. It’s so nice!
I wore my last two babies. It just makes your life so much easier because they are happy and you can get things done! Highly recommend!!
How adorable are your girls? I’m not a parent (unless you count my furbaby) but I know a lot of mothers (and fathers) who love wearing their babies <3
I didn’t wrap my first baby (he didn’t like it much) but I look forward to wrapping my second once she’s born!! It sounds like it rocks and helps out so much!
xoxo
Lauren
http://www.dressingdallas.com
@dressingdallas
The Solly looks great! My second had to be held 24/7 and I had a 2 year old as well. Wearing her saved my sanity too! Naomi and her solly dolly are too adorable for words.
I do not have kids yet but this is absolutely something I think I will invest in when the time comes. Also I love that they have a version for dollies, that is just too sweet!
This looks like a cute and very useful product. I’m sure many mommies would love to have this, including me.
I love that they do a dolly one too, that is so cute! In Zambia the women wear babies on their backs all the time.
This is beyond adorable. I love the look and the level of functionality and comfort – if we have a surprise I would love to try this out.
Ive tried wearing babywearing once with my daughter. It just wasn’t for me. I honestly had such a hard time wearing one since I gained tons of weight during my pregnancy. I wish they made me bigger for larger women.
So freaking cute, I wore both of my kids when they were itty bitty babies. It was some of my favorite moments with them. I could cuddle with them and still get things done.
How cute is your little one wear her baby. Love it!
I only have one little one right now but I completely agree that it is so much easier to get things done when he allows me to baby wear! We’re on a bit of a strike right now but I’m anxious for him to start loving it again! Also, I love that they sent you on for your toddler. She is adorable and looks so proud!
Your daughter looks so good in her matching wrap! I love having the baby attached to you!