in the marketplace these days you might ask yourself, "Why should I even need a baby carrier?"

Well here are five reasons why a baby carrier might be a terrific solution for you. The

number one reason is flexibility. The baby carrier allows you to function like a "mommy

octopus." You can do things like grocery shop, fold laundry, deal with your other kids, do

office-type work at your computer. Your hands are free so you’re gaining so much flexibility,

and meanwhile you’re with your baby. Number two is really convenience. You might live

in a city where you’re frequently on and off buses, public transportation, or even

if you drive, a baby carrier is a really wonderful way to easily get in and out of the car. Pop

your baby in and go along your way. And there are certain carriers that are made almost

for this reason that they’re so easy to get the baby in and out, such as a ring sling

for example. Number three: nursing. In my view, a baby carrier is very supportive of

nursing for two reasons. You have that close, physical proximity to your baby, crucial for

nursing. It’s that physical proximity that allows the hormones in your body to begin

to produce milk. So it’s absolutely key, especially in the early months when you’re

developing your milk supply. So from that perspective it’s wonderful. And it’s also

easy once you learn how to do it with certain carriers to nurse your baby in the carrier.

Bonding also is part of this, wonderful way for you to bond with your baby, and wonderful

way for dad to bond with the baby. So often dads can feel excluded when the mother’s

nursing. So this is a great way to involve dad and to give him that physical intimacy

with the baby. So it’s a really wonderful thing. Cost. Many of these carriers are reasonably

priced compared to other expensive strollers on the marketplace. There are people who don’t

even buy strollers. They just buy carriers. And finally, interestingly enough, exercise.

One, a great way to get yourself back in shape after you’ve had a baby is to have your

baby in a carrier and to walk. It can help you develop your core strength again. And

in fact certain women, after certain types of deliveries, it’s suggested to them to

have their baby in a carrier and to walk, because it’s wonderful exercise. So those

are five reasons why having a baby carrier can be a terrific choice for you. I have a

whole slew of videos coming out on baby carriers so please watch them. Please weigh in with

your own experience on Cloudmom.com. And thank you so much for watching.