Any parent who has ever visited an online parenting discussion forum knows all about the superior brand of mommy who knows it all and does everything perfectly. I was recently flabbergasted by a post in a community I belong to accusing stroller users of being lazy and unnatural when babywearing is clearly the way to go. Since I am a fan of both options, depending on circumstances, I tried to stay calm (and remember how lucky I am that I can afford these options). The conversation quickly degenerated into much finger pointing and a discussion of which modes of carrying a baby are really babywearing (wraps and ring slings) and which are dangerous and unnatural ways of suspending a baby for the mother’s convenience (Bjorn baby carriers).

Now, I have used all three of these. I don’t feel one is superior. I use the Bjorn fairly frequently, and I don’t believe it is hurting my baby’s spine. Neither, by the way, does our chiropractor. I would continue to recommend this carrier to new parents, and try to take online comments with a grain of salt. If you wish to join me in my selfishly unnatural child suspending ways, you can purchase one on sale for $49.99 at AlbeeBaby.com.

I was at the hospital recently in the Maternity waiting room with my sister. Her daughter was having her second child, a little baby girl. My sister was watching her grandson (the new big brother to be) and she had packed all kinds of things for him to do during the long wait.  His “activities” backpack was PACKED! In the waiting room with us was another grandmother with her two young grandchildren who were hopping and running around the room - no activity backpacks in sight.

I like this Travel Art Portfolio by Zookies because it’s lightweight, self-contained, and portable. This would have done nicely for both my sister’s grandson and the other children in the room.  You should always be prepared without overdoing it.  This neat portfolio would keep things to an easy minimum while still providing plenty of fun.  It’s completely refillable and priced at $28.00 at babysoyusa.com.  Don’t leave home without it!