In praise of slings

This post brought to you by Peanut Shell. That's the brand of the "fashionably functional baby sling" I'm wearing right now and in the photo, which was taken during the inaugural use of the sling at a posh winery event we went to with Richie over the weekend where it drew almost as much attention and comments as the baby himself.

We've just discovered that Richie finds it irresistible. It looks uncomfortable and squishy for him, but pop him in there, and he's snug as a bug in a rug and good for hours of sleep and hands-free activity for Mom. Sure my back will probably pay the price when he gets heavier, but for now I can take the 8 pounds dangling around my midsection.

In the last two days, I've discovered that I can type, cook, eat, empty the dishwasher, put out the laundry, use the toilet (sorry to be blunt but it's true), and even blow dry my hair with him in the sling, and he'll sleep right through it. All of these activities are of course much harder if not impossible with one or two hands needed for holding and consoling a fussy baby.

Slings have been around for ages and supposedly work by simulating the cozy environment of the womb and keeps baby close to the heart. All good things, but this newer, snazzier version has added padding where you need it and a handy pocket and clip at the front for a pacifier, cash, keys, etc. and is reversible so I can wear it with the pretty pattern on the outside, but Paul can wear it with the plain purple side out. It weighs next to nothing and has no buckles to adjust or irritate you.

I have to say it is my favorite thing of late and has revolutionized my days at home with the little guy. Not to mention the ability to pop it in the diaper bag and pull it out while shopping or use it for a walk without having to get out the stroller. I highly recommend it and would welcome any freebies for endorsing this product!