Bird’s Eye View

The design of prams and strollers has always frustrated me. But as a grandmother that frustration has become annoyance.

I really struggle to communicate with my grandchildren when they are facing away from me, especially in crowded or noisy environments (not that we have been in many of those since covid-19!) This makes interaction really hard and conversation disjointed.

#babywearing, by contrast, completely supports the shared experience. Their voices are right near my ears and my voice carries easily to theirs. Our shared perspective overcomes physical barriers (it's frustrating how so many "family friendly " spaces like zoos have solid walls at child height in viewing spaces). We can talk about what we see as we see it and there is no overwhelm from small bodies sitting amidst adult bums and legs.

A toddler carrier also elimates the need to lift small children up and down from your hip, which is the reality of engaging them in many activities. My back injury was not improved by hip carrying my own children once they outgrew the limited carrier designs of the 80s and 90s: toddler and preschooler carriers are a wonderful extension of supported carrying.

People are often amazed when they see me bearing a 3yo on my back, exclaiming they must be heavy or admonishing the child they should be walking now. But as a person with multiple sclerosis, I use babywearing as an aid to my quality of life. I have even been known to wear a child on my back while pushing an empty pram for stability!