The K'tan

So, why the K'tan and not other things? I researched a lot and decided the K'tan was the best option for me. First of all, I was having a baby in the summer. I didn't want something bulky like the structured carriers for older babies that have a huge padded insert for newborns. I also didn't want something that had a ton of extra material that was going to be wrapped around me like a mummy, because with Multiple Sclerosis, heat is not your friend.

I guess that's the first time I've mentioned Multiple Sclerosis. The fact that I have MS factors into EVERY decision I ever make. My big worry with a sling was that if I got something I had to wrap and tie around me every time I wore it, I would get exhausted quickly. To be honest, I've never tried a wrap like that, so I can't really comment on them. I figured if my arm is too weak to fold a sheet, then those types of wraps just looked too hard for me.

The K'tan is two loops connected by a band and it can be worn in many different ways, which gives your baby a lot of options depending on what is going on. I wore Zoe for the first 6 weeks in the kangaroo position, then a couple of weeks in the explore position, and now we use the adventure position when she's super alert. Check out their website for pictures and instructions.

Update: 12/2011

We walked 5 miles in NYC and Zoe was in the Ktan the entire time. She even walked across the Brooklyn Bridge.

I also started wearing her more facing out like at the Old Town Alexandria Art Fair. She is an art lover obviously.

It a little modified from the position on the website because I'm more comfortable when I leave her with one arm out instead of both of them being under the sling.

I have never worn her in anything else, so I can't really compare it to any other babywearing options. It was super easy for me and very compact to carry around so it was always with me. It is sized so if you and your partner are different sizes then that may sway you to a different carrier. Yannos and I are pretty much the same size, but he had a hard time being comfortable so we'll be looking into a backpack style carrier soon for him.

Is There a Baby In There?

BY FAR, I get the most questions about the sling I wear Zoe in. Older women run up to me on our neighborhood walks wishing they had something like that when they had kids. Men stop me to talk about how cozy it must be in there. I don't think I've left the house a single time in the past 11 weeks without someone asking, "What is that?"








It's a K'tan and I love it. I wear her everywhere, for everything. Like what, you ask? Here's a list:
Shopping, walking, cooking, eating, cleaning, doing laundry, brushing my teeth, flying (she's been on three airplanes and an airport shuttle) paying bills, writing a blog, and playing Frisbee. Confused by that last one? Here's proof.

When I went through airport security at BWI, the TSA agent asked me if there was a real baby in there. You're not supposed to be allowed to wear a baby through airport security, but I guess I look trustworthy, because my answer "yes" was enough for me to be allowed to keep it on. Then all the male TSA agents at that line came over to ohh and ahh at Zoe and told me that "bad people" are taking those creepy realistic baby dolls and turning them into bombs and that's why you aren't allowed to wear a baby in a sling through security. I just thought it was funny that they were telling me all about the rule that they weren't making me follow.

I'm not the best rule follower anyways. The manufacturer recommends not using the K'tan until your baby is eight pounds. Well, I read that when Zoe was 4 weeks old and I started using it when she was a week old (around six and half pounds). I'm happy to report that she is still alive. They also say not to use the adventure position until your baby is 6 months old. When your baby is trying to break her neck to look around at things, you're going to turn her around so she can see, even if she is only 2 months old. Besides, how else was I going to play Kan Jam?

Remember when I said everything reminds me of a song. Well today when I wrote three airplanes and an airport shuttle, I immediately started singing two turntables and a microphone (thanks Beck).