Today, Kristen, Dana and I had the privilege of speaking and demonstrating at the Preparing for International Adoption seminar put on by UAB’s International Adoption Clinic. We showed families preparing to adopt babies and toddlers a few carriers from our library and our personal stashes to help them prepare to reap the benefits of babywearing for their chosen children.
It occurred to me after the seminar that if my husband and I were preparing to travel abroad to adopt an older baby or toddler, I’d probably choose a mei tai for the trip. A mei tai distributes the baby’s weight to both shoulders as well as the waist, and it packs down pretty small … certainly smaller than a soft structured carrier. For ease, unisex appeal and a tried-and-true brand, I might choose a “KozyKozy“or maybe a “Kamon Patch on Steely Blue” Toddlerhawk.
Any other ideas for what to take?
I’ve told quite a few parents getting read for their pick up (and visit) trips to take a Mei Tai. I agree with your thoughts on that one!
Susie,
Also, my husband does a lot of the carrying & he prefers a SSC b/c of ease of use.
I sooooo wish I had known about babywearing before I traveled to China. It took being home almost a year and still struggling with attachment problems to lead me to babywearing. Wearing my daughter was the thing that helped her heal the most.
As far as what to take abroad. If you are new to using a baby carrier I would say a soft structured carrier. My favorite carrier is Mei Tai, but I would not want to be learning to use a MT with a new, scared, uncooperative baby. Also, if you do take a MT, make sure you choose dark colored straps b/c in China it is impossible to keep anything clean.
I would take a SSC, but a MT is definitely a better choice that what I took. It was soo uncomfortable. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
Happy travels!
Thanks, Donna! Advice from experienced adoptive parents is oh so peferable to advice from me.
These folks will be doing front carries for attachment and bonding purposes. Dana demonstrated a front carry with a Beco, and the ability to cross the straps in back, I think, makes it a great SSC for front carrying. Plus, no long straps to drag around. I think the espresso and black ones are super dad-friendly. I found this espresso one: http://www.tendercargo.com/html/Beco-Baby-Carrier—Espresso.html
This is so awesome. So often adoptive parents don’t have a clue until they’re in the middle of mucho attachment problems — ask me how I know — and I am so happy you are doing this!!
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