My baby is teething

My baby is teething.

You know, that sounds pretty innocuous. Like he’s just knawing at stuff sometimes, chewing on one of those little ring things – or maybe a frozen carrot – and letting those little buds of teeth push through.

And that’s a far cry from what is actually happening.

What is actually happening is night screaming – and I’m talking the back arching, kicking everything in sight, screeching, red in the face, full-on HOWLING. Coupled with this is the relentless – and I do mean relentless – all night nursing.

And like “teething”, “nursing” sounds pretty innocuous. Baby tethered to mama, all gentle and in soft focus like the pictures that urge us Mamas to nurse our little ones.

And that’s not what’s happening.

What is actually happening is he chomps down on my nipple and PULLS it with his entire body while he kicks me in the stomach, pokes his finger directly in my eye, nose and does a thorough mouth examination while he’s at it.

It’s as if one type of inflicted pain isn’t enough for this kid.

When I disengage him and try to latch on again gently, sans all the kicking, he starts the camper-shaking-howling. So we go at it again. And again. And again. And again. And again. And again. And again. And again.

Then I start to feel like a battered mother and it was a choice between trying to let him cry it out if/when he howls when I disengage him (and chance the entire beach camp crying too) or I got lucky and he fell asleep.

But then I remembered my Ergobaby Carrier.

He loves his Ergo – he dives into it like a thirsty puppy dives into a bowl of water. I have found that if I put him in and just walk him at night by the beach, the sounds of the ocean waves soothe him and he can relax enough to fall asleep.

When he passes the “limp hand” test (you lift up the baby’s hand and gently drop it to see how fully asleep baby really is), we go back into our camper and I lean forward until his back is on the bed before I release the clasps of the Ergo.

It works like a charm.

Baby’s happy, mama’s happy. Win-win and once more, Ergo saved our day – or in this case, night.

We’re still deep in cold & flu season and it’s still important to stay healthy during this season of sniffles and seemingly constant coughs.   Are you overwhelmed by the amount of Tylenol and antibiotics you take every year?  Read on for some holistic tips on thriving through cold and flu season…
1.     Wear a scarf

Grandma was right!  It is crucial to cover your neck, especially the back of your neck and the occipital ridge.  There is a saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine, “wind is the leader of a thousand diseases.”  Cover your neck (and head too, when it’s really cold) so the wind doesn’t whisk pathogens into the body via the acupuncture points along the back of the neck and head.  Even during summer, it’s important to keep our necks covered and away from drafts when we are constantly in and out of air conditioning.
2.     Get Acupuncture

It is especially important to get acupuncture at the change of the season.  Acupuncture helps boost immunity, regulates the endocrine system, reduces inflammation in the respiratory system (and elsewhere), and is excellent at bringing your immune system into high gear when you are fighting a cold or virus.  If you think you’re coming down with something, see your local acupuncturist, and get her to prescribe some herbs for you to take home.  This time of year, many of our patients call us for a treatment at the first sign of a cold; we often get a call the next day letting us know they are once again feeling 100%.
3.     Take adaptogenic tonic herbs to help fend off colds and flu

Adaptogenic herbs are plants that have a regulating, normalizing effect on the body; in other words, they stimulate our body to do what it should in order to restore us to optimal health.  One single herb may cool down your mother’s night sweats while it warms up your cold hands and feet.  Adaptogenic herbs are useful for reducing stress as well as keeping us healthy through the Cold & Flu season.  The best way to determine the best herbs for you is to see a Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist.  We can prescribe stronger, medicinal herbs to treat illness and we can also prescribe more gentle, tonic herbs to boost immunity and keep you healthy.
4. Get as much sleep as you can!

This may seem impossible if you have young children (as I do), but if you want to stay healthy through the cold and flu season (roughly October through March), sleep is worth prioritizing.  Getting restful sleep is more important than having a clean house.  It’s more important than keeping up with social media.  It’s more important than dashing around “trying to get stuff done” as soon as your kids are asleep.  When we sleep, we build new cells, our Nervous System and brain regenerate.  Nighttime is Yin Time; we need a balance of yin and yang each day, and if we do yang activities (such as working out at the gym, cleaning the house, catching up on email) during the yin time, we drain our yin substances and make ourselves more open to getting sick.  So go to sleep already.  Ahh, sleep is so good…
6.     Take Fermented Cod Liver Oil (liquid or capsules)

The best source of Vitamin D in food form, FCLO helps boost immunity through cold and flu season, improves foggy headed-ness, and is an excellent source of essential fatty acids during pregnancy and nursing.  You can find it here.
5.     Eat Real Food that is in season

Salads are for summer!  In the colder months, when the days are shorter and the nights are longer, we are supposed to eat food that is grown locally and in season, and that warms our body.  Check your local farmer’s markets: right now, in Southern California, the markets are full of root vegetables, pumpkins, dark leafy greens, apples, pears, pomegranates, and fermented foods such as pickles and saurkraut.  You’ll also find organic grass-fed beef, bison, pasture-raised chickens, local eggs, goat cheese.  You won’t find a lot of lettuces, cucumbers and spinach: even in Southern California, the cold raw veggies don’t like the colder nights.  In the Fall and Winter, the best thing you can feed your body is a variety of freshly prepared COOKED vegetables, warming slow-cooked soups and stews, organic cooked grains such as barley, oatmeal and rice, fermented foods, and good fats.  Locally grown organic fruits in moderation are also helpful.
7.     Eat your meals sitting down

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, meals should always be eaten sitting down, with both feet on the floor.  This encourages better digestion and absorption of our food.  Try to resist the easy quick meal eaten in the car or while chasing your kids around.  Take time to enjoy a meal with your family.  When you’re at work, don’t eat at your desk, in your car, or while shopping at Target.  Please.
8.     Eat Nature’s probiotic: fermented foods

80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system.  “You are what you eat” has never been more true!  Probiotic foods (such as fermented veggies, saurkraut, pickles, beet kvass and kombucha) can modulate your body’s immune response via your gut’s mucosal immune system.  Avoid cheap commercial brands with added vinegar, and make your own or buy them at your local farmer’s market, a good health food store, or my favorite local “food club,”Culture Club 101 in Pasadena.
9.     Sit in a Salt Room

If you are prone to chronic colds, allergies, or you or your child has a history of asthma, spend time relaxing in a salt room.  According to Salt Studio Pasadena, halotherapy (also known as salt therapy) is “an all-natural, drug-free treatment that benefits the lungs and skin with the use of dry sodium chloride (salt) aerosol…salt therapy reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract and aids in mucous clearing, leaving patients breathing easier.”  Some traditional Korean spas also have salt rooms.  45 minutes spent chilling out in a salt room will leave you refreshed and feeling like you had a 3-hour nap!
10. Meditate

In a recent study at Harvard Medical Center (May 2013), Dr. Herbert Benson reported that “a range of disease-fighting genes were active in the relaxation practitioners that were not active in the control group.”  (Citation.)  So, meditation is not only for stress relief: it keeps you healthy.  I enjoy doing mini-meditations with my kids (who are 3 and 5) on weekend mornings when we’re not rushed, and in between patients during my busy days at the clinic.  I also wake up before the rest of my family a few days a week so I can do 20-30 minute meditations by myself when the house is quiet.  I am convinced that meditation helps keep me healthy, especially when I’m treating sick people every day. If you’ve never tried meditation before, check out Oprah and Deepak Chopra’s 21-Day Meditation Experience. Or try sitting in a quiet spot outdoors, closing your eyes, and listening to the birds.  Focus on your breath, count to 100 and back to 1 again.  But if it’s chilly, wear a scarf.

This post originally appeared on Abigail’s blog Mama Float and was adapted from her presentation at the Fall Health Panel at BINI Birth in Sherman Oaks, in association with SoCalMOMS, along with Dr. Lauren Feder, MD and homeopath (of Center for Natural Family Medicine) and Rachel Myers (of Green Hugs).

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Types of Baby Carriers

You may need to try a few baby carriers to find the right fit

The sheer number of baby carriers on the market can make an expectant parent’s head spin. Yet there are really only four types: sling carriers (also called wrap carriers), front carriers, convertible carriers and backpack carriers.

The best carrier for you is one that you and your child both feel comfortable with, is easy to use, and holds up over repeated use, including washing and drying. Most baby carriers are well padded, adjustable and made with child-safe fabrics. Organic fabric choices are widely available. One important note: Always keep your receipt. You may have to try a few different carriers before finding one that fits both you and your baby.

Sling or wrap carriers support the baby with soft fabric that is draped across the parent’s body. Most styles also drape over the shoulder for extra support. Some slings have rings that help with adjustments; others are simple pouch-like designs that are best for babies once they have full head control.

The most important thing to know about sling carriers is that a baby should never be curled in the carrier with his head forward in a C-shape. This is a suffocation hazard and has led to infant deaths and product recalls. It’s crucial to read and understand all instructions for use before using one of these carriers with a baby, especially a child under 4 months. However, when used properly they are as comfortable and enable a mother to nurse discreetly. They can be used from infancy to toddlerhood.

Front carriers are soft-structured carriers that can be used from birth, although sometimes they require an insert for newborns. Some front carriers can be worn either with the baby facing the parent, or with the baby facing outward (once he or she has good head control). Front carriers are padded and adjustable, and the best of them distribute the baby’s weight between the shoulders and hips to ease the strain on the parent’s back.

A few of these carriers have the old-style “crotch dangle” type of carry, which means the part of the carrier that holds the baby is narrow and does not support the baby’s hips. Some experts worry that this lack of support may lead to hip dysplasia or affect healthy spine development. Front carriers are a good choice for infants and younger toddlers.

Convertible carriers are front carriers that can also be worn on the back or shifted to put the baby’s weight on the hip. Most convertible carriers have an outward-facing option when used as a front carrier, but some do not. The best convertible carriers have good padding and a number of adjustments for comfortable weight distribution. These carriers are good for infants to older toddlers, depending upon the variety of carry positions.

Backpack carriers are for the active parent who wants to take their child along on hikes or long walks. These carriers enable a child to sit up high and see the action. The best backpack carriers are ergonomically designed so the child’s weight is evenly distributed between the shoulders, back and hips. It should have a five-point safety harness for the child. There should be storage options for gear as well, just like in any serious hiking backpack, and it should be possible to put it on and take it off without help. These are for older babies with good head control.

ConsumerSearch has analyzed dozens of expert reviews and hundreds of owner reviews to evaluate baby carriers in all four categories for comfort, ease of use and durability. The result is our picks for the best carriers for you and your baby.

The best front baby carrier is comfortable and easy to use

Probably every household with a baby has a soft-structured, front baby carrier in their nursery, and chances are it’s either a BabyBjorn or an Ergobaby. These two wildly popular carriers appear on virtually every best-of list, and there are good reasons why they always come out on top.

The BabyBjorn Miracle  (*Est. $150) squeaks by as our top choice because it gets raves from experts and owners for its comfort for both baby and parent. It can carry an infant without an insert in a wide-legged position that supports their hips. The weight of the baby is distributed between the parent’s shoulders and waist, and owners say they can wear it for hours without discomfort, in spite of thinner padding on the shoulder straps than other BabyBjorn models.

As a bonus the baby can face forward once he or she has full head control, a feature that the Ergobaby Original lacks. However, the Ergobaby gives you the option of carrying your child on your hip or back — though parents say you can’t load the baby on your back without assistance. The Ergobaby is rated for babies from 12 to 45 pounds; using it with a newborn requires an optional insert (*Est. $25). The Ergobaby is a great choice for parents with back problems as it distributes the weight on the hips, reviewers say.

A throwback to an earlier time when it was the only game in town, the BabyBjorn Original  still has the “crotch dangle” design that some experts say may lead to hip and spine issues. It gets rave reviews from parents of newborns and infants, but they say their child outgrows it long before they reach the 25-pound upper weight limit. With its ergonomic design, experts say the BabyBjorn Miracle is a much better pick in the BabyBjorn line, and it surpasses the Ergobaby in reviews.

The best convertible baby carriers shift position easily

Front baby carriers often advertise weight limits up to 45 pounds, but according to reviewers, they’re best for newborns to infants who weigh 15 pounds or less. Once they start getting past that point, it can feel like you’re hauling a carrier full of bricks. This is where convertible carriers come in — the ability to shift the baby’s weight from front to back to the hip can prolong your baby wearing without undue pain and suffering.

The best bet in convertible carriers is the Beco Baby Carrier. With four carry positions – two front, one back and hip — it’s versatile and easy to shift the baby from one position to another. It’s simple to adjust, and parents say it fits so well that the baby feels secure even when they bend over. However, it’s 35-pound weight limit is not as high as that of other carriers.

The Ergobaby Performance Carrier has a 45-pound weight limit, but it has one flaw that keeps it from the top rankings: The baby can’t face forward in the front-carry position. There are also a number of complaints about scratchy fabric and stiff sides. However, unlike the Beco, parents can use the Ergobaby as a back carrier for light hiking when their babies are too young for framed backpack carriers.

The Cybex 2.go has a 44-pound weight rating and five carry positions, but it falls short on ease of use. Parents say it’s complex and confusing to adjust. It takes two people to put the baby in the back carry position, which some parents say limits its usefulness. Also, in spite of that weight rating, reviewers say it doesn’t fit older toddlers well.

All of these carriers are machine-washable, versatile and comfortable for infants, but the Beco Gemini can’t be beat for ease of use and a secure fit.

Sling- and wrap-style carriers shouldn’t be hard to adjust

Incredibly popular with some parents, slings (also known as wraps) can confound even the most determined parent with their complex assembly and adjustments. The Baby K’tan  (*Est. $50) is an exception. It eliminates the extra fabric of most wraps but still holds the baby closely swaddled to the parent. The baby can be carried in at least five positions — step-by-step illustrations are in the owner’s manual — and it even accommodates newborn twins.

Unlike most carriers, the K’tan is not adjustable for different-sized parents. But owners love it as a travel carrier, since you can just fold it up and toss it in a diaper bag, unlike the Moby Wrap , which is bulky and can fill an entire tote. The Moby Wrap is also very complex to wrap and tie, and some parents say they never get the knack of it. But once they do, moms love its ability to allow them to nurse discreetly.

The Maya Wrap Ring Sling also enables moms to nurse hands-free, but like the Moby Wrap, it can be hard to adjust, and some parents say they never feel their baby is secure enough to let go with both hands. Also, there are a number of complaints of back pain and shoulder strain with both the Maya and the Moby. Some experts say this is due to incorrect installation and positioning because the two wraps are so hard to figure out.

It’s vitally important with slings and wraps that the baby is properly positioned to be sure they have a clear airway. Follow all instructions that come with your sling or wrap carrier, and if you have any doubts as to whether or not you’re doing it right, don’t use it.

The best backpack baby carriers distribute weight evenly

A backpack baby carrier is a must-have for parents who like the outdoors. Made for older babies with full head control, these framed carriers have child seats where you would normally find a place for a sleeping bag or bed roll.

The best of the best of these is the Deuter Kid Comfort III . Pricey? Maybe, but experts and parents say you’ll never regret this purchase. It’s super-safe for the child, with a five-point harness and great head support for napping. Most importantly, the weight is so well distributed that even small women say they can hike with it for hours without fatigue or strain. It’s also so easy to load and unload the baby that one person can do so without assistance. It’s equipped for serious hiking, too, with space for a 2-liter hydration system.

The Kelty Transit 3.0 doesn’t get the high marks for parental comfort as the Deuter, but it comes pretty close. It has a lower weight limit than the Deuter — 40 pounds versus 48.5 pounds — but it’s also better suited for non-trail uses. Compared to the Deuter, which is a dedicated backpack that happens to be fitted to carry a child, the Kelty is almost like a diaper bag you can wear on your back, complete with changing pad.

The Chicco Smart Support Backpack  (*Est. $90) is less expensive, but reviewers say it is not in a class with either the Deuter or the Kelty when it comes to serious hiking. However, it’s a good choice for light hikes and using around town or around the house while doing housework, according to some parents. However, we saw a lot of complaints from shorter women who said this was very uncomfortable for them. As long as you’re tall enough for a good fit, experts and owners say your child will love this carrier. It gets raves for comfort for kids, and, like the Deuter and Kelty, the seat adjusts in height as your child grows. It also folds flat for easy transport.

These three carriers are more closely ranked than the carriers in any other category, making any of the three a worthwhile purchase. However, more than any other type of carrier, the backpack baby carrier you choose is highly dependent upon how you’re going to use it.

If you’re off on a demanding hike, take the Deuter. The Kelty is great for less strenuous hikes or even just for long walks through scenic park trails or through town. The Chicco, light and easy to put on and take off, is a great choice for carrying your baby around the neighborhood or for a trip to the zoo, where your child may want to walk part of the time and ride part of the time — while still being able to see what’s going on around him.

How to Buy a Baby Carrier?

How to Buy a Baby Carrier

A good baby carrier can be a lifesaver. The right carrier enables mom or dad to hold baby close, while freeing up their hands to get something else done. Some even allow hands-free nursing. ConsumerSearch analyzes hundreds of expert and owner reviews to recommend the best baby carriers from infancy to toddlerhood.

The best baby carrier is
Safe. Baby carriers are generally very safe. However, the improper use of wraps and slings can lead to a dangerous situation called positional asphyxiation. This can result in suffocation. Some experts say slings and wraps are not safe and should not be used at all. Other experts say that as long as they’re used properly, they’re perfectly safe. Be sure to read and follow all instructions for your sling or wrap carrier.

Ergonomically designed. The weight of the baby should be distributed evenly between the parent’s hips and shoulders. For backpack carriers, it should be the hips, back and shoulders. There should be good head support for infants, and the baby’s hips should be fully supported. Carriers with narrow support that allow baby to “crotch dangle” are not recommended by experts.
Well padded, yet breathable. In order to be comfortable, a baby carrier needs good padding on the shoulder straps, hip belt and where the baby’s head lays. However, it should be made from a breathable fabric to allow body heat to escape so baby and parent don’t get too hot.
Easy to use. If a baby carrier is too complex, it won’t get used. If possible, try before you buy. This includes putting it on and bending and lifting and reaching — but don’t use your actual child, a plastic baby doll will do. It should also be easy to install and remove the baby, ideally without waking a sleeping child. Some carriers also allow nursing mothers to breastfeed.
Know before you go
What will you use the carrier for? A committed baby-wearer will want a carrier that gets high marks for comfort over long periods of wear. A new mom who only wants a carrier “just in case” will want one that’s highly rated for infants. Hikers and backpackers will need a dedicated baby backpack, not just a soft-structured carrier.

How long do you plan to carry? Many parents completely eschew the stroller, opting instead to carry their babies well into toddlerhood. These parents need a carrier with a higher weight rating that can shift to different positions as their baby grows — parent-facing to forward-facing, to back carry to hip carry. This will keep the child from getting restless and enable the parent continue to comfortably carry as their child gets bigger and heavier.

Who will be using the carrier? Many carriers accommodate a range of sizes; others come in small, medium, large and extra large, just like clothing. If mom, dad, grandma and auntie all want to get in on the babywearing action, be sure to look for a carrier that is highly adjustable and specifies a range of torsos/heights that it fits. If just one person is using the carrier, carefully study the sizing specs of the carrier to be sure you choose the correct size for you.

Buying tactics and strategies
A baby carrier is not a particularly pricey piece of merchandise, but many parents waste money on something that they find too uncomfortable to use. Here are a few tips to be sure you don’t end up with a pile of baby carriers in the back of the nursery closet:

Buy used. We don’t recommend buying a preowned sling or wrap carriers because they stretch with use and may be unusable by the time they’re passed along. However, soft-structured carriers and backpack carriers can be a good value when bought used, especially the higher-end brands.
Buy from an authorized dealer. Baby carriers, especially high-end brands, are one of those products that are popular with counterfeiters. Before you buy, check out the list of authorized retailers on the manufacturer’s website to be sure you’re getting the genuine article.
Know the return policy. Be sure you can return the carrier if it doesn’t work out. If the store won’t take returns, check your credit card’s policy; there are many cards that give you a 30- to 90-day return window.
Think gender-neutral design. Baby carriers are incredibly durable. All of the baby carriers we reviewed get super high marks for lasting forever — even after repeated washings. If you’re planning to have more children, think about looking for a fabric that will work for a boy or girl baby, as well as for the man or woman carrying it.

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