Baby Carriers: Why Splurge?

I never registered for a baby carrier for my baby shower. I found one that was on sale for $12.99 and figured that it could do the job just as well as those pricier ones out there. Boy was I wrong. I finally experienced the difference between quality baby carriers and cheap baby carriers and now I can tell you why you should splurge on a baby carrier (or at least register for one).

REASONS TO SPLURGE:

• Safety 
• Ease of Use
• Comfort & Ergonomics for You and Baby
• Style
• Flexibility & Longevity of Use

Introducing the Stokke MyCarrier. This baby carrier fits the bill, excelling in each of the above categories. I decided to "baby wear" Asher when we toured NC last Tuesday using the MyCarrier and I have to say, I don't think I would have been comfortable walking around on this rock 2280 feet in the air with Asher in any other carrier.  The Stokke MyCarrier features the same technology in it's straps and fasteners as mountaineering gear. He was not going anywhere.

In addition to its high level of safety, this baby carrier is simple to use. It can be worn 3 ways - front forward facing, front rear facing, and on the back. Switching from one mode to the next is easy and quick. Sizing the straps to fit one parent to the next takes seconds. 

COMFORT. The ergonomic engineering of carriers is probably one of the main reasons that one will cost more than another. This is probably the biggest reason you would want to splurge on a baby carrier. If you buy a carrier that does not offer comfort, you won't be baby wearing very often! The MyCarrier is supportive all around and takes the comfort and positioning of your baby for optimum development into consideration, as well. It has an optional aluminum back support bar that John and I took advantage of and I did not feel any back pain after walking around with Asher in it throughout the day. 

The Stokke baby carrier can be used from birth to 3 years, which is pretty awesome if the need arises far down the road. It looks nice and sleek, too, in my opinion. Even John didn't mind sporting it around town, so it is great for daddy baby wearing, too! There is also a little pocket on the side where you can put your keys or cell phone AND it has a sun/sleep shade if your little one falls asleep. Awesome!

I used the bib accessory which is shown in all of the pics with Asher sucking and chewing on it. :) The pack came with two so I can throw this one in the wash and still have one to use.

The Stokke MyCarrier is definitely worth the splurge whether you are looking for a new carrier or you are adding one to your shower registry. I wish I had gotten a nice one like this sooner! I definitely would have been baby wearing more often and probably would have made it to the grocery store a lot more frequently in those early months with our little guy. You live and you learn! We'll be trying out the other carrier positions very soon, so keep your eye out if you want to see the 3 in 1 in action! 

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Happy Father's Day to the #1 Dad

I always knew John would make a wonderful father. He just has the qualities that an amazing dad should. He's kind, patient, loving, and I can just tell he is so proud to be a father. He does so well with Asher, has since the day Asher was born, so tiny and fragile. He talks of the future when he and Asher will be "boys" together - hunting, fishing, playing soccer in the yard. The truth is, he will love and support Asher no matter if he wants to do those things or not. He will not judge or hold him up to any standards. He will be there for him during the proudest of moments and the moments that a dad is needed most.

Asher is blessed to have John as a dad, of that I am sure. He already lights up when John is around. A few days ago, John was home when Asher was getting his bath, which is unusual with our current work schedules. Asher looked up while playing with his bath toys and saw John standing behind me. His eyes grew wide and the biggest smile spread across his face. He started playing more actively with his toys as if to show his dad all the new, fun things he could do. It was a beautiful, simple moment that so perfectly captured what this first Father's Day is about - a new dad, a new baby, and the wonderful relationship that is growing between them. 

Happy Father's Day, John. You are and always will be a perfect father to our little baby Asher. He loves you more than anything already. Soon you'll be an inseparable pair. I love you!

Here are some of the first moments captured of our new father and son duo:

Asher's first diaper change.

We celebrated Father's Day early in the morning as the rest of the day would be spent with our extended families. John loved the shoes Asher picked out for him ;) and I found some inspiration on Pinterest for a fun Father's Day craft.

I had some father-son pictures printed on CHOCOLATE at Cocoagraph.com for a unique Father's Day treat for John.

Asher helped me craft this Pinterest idea!

Then, we headed to John's dad's house to wish him a happy Father's Day. After that, it was out to dinner with my family to celebrate some more. Happy Father's Day to all the great dad's out there!

 

I'll finish up with some fun outtakes from our attempted Father's Day photo shoot... 

Asher was not in the mood! :)

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