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In ’10 babywearing questions to’ we ask parents 10 questions about babywearing. This time we ask 10 questions to Els.

Els is 32 years old, has a relationship with her big love Bas for more than 11 years and together they have 3 children. Three sons! Liam 6 years old, Jelle 3 years old and Twan the youngest is 1 year old. Els works 24 hours per week with young adults with

Els is 32 years old, has a relationship with her great love Bas for 11 years and together they have three children. Three boys; Liam is 6, Jelle is 3 and Twan the youngest is 1 year old. Els works 24 hours a week with young adults with mild intellectual disabilities and often complex behavior. Very varied and challenging work! In her spare time, Els likes to play sports, going out with her family and enjoys a drink with her friends.

How did you start babywearing,  or who made you enthusiastic to carry your own child in a babywrap or baby carrier?

I used a baby carrier from Babylonia with my oldest two sons. Very practical and I used it regularly. Yet I wanted to try something different with my youngest son Twan. During the pregnancy I fell in love with a woven wrap. I received this baby wrap as a maternity gift from my mother. And then my love for babywearing started.

Did you start babywearing immediately after birth?

I have worn Twan from the first moment. I find skin-to-skin contact very nice and important with a newborn child. Where I could cuddle skin on skin with Liam and Jelle for hours, and I didn’t have to do that much yet, I had a busier schedule when Twan arrived. The wrap is really a solution. I held Twan close to me and at the same time I had my hands free for the eldest two children. I also noticed that wearing him in an upright position helped against cramps.

Wearing your child for practical reasons or for social and emotional reasons?

The main reason to carry my child is really from the social and emotional point of view. I really like the feeling of comfort and security, but also the idea that they can hear my heartbeat. Of course babywearing is also very practical! When Twan was born we also had to bring Liam to school. Twan was able to sleep comfortably in the wrap while I brought Liam to school. I also brought Twan in the wrap to swimming lessons, to the playground or to the forest. Twan was always in the wrap as standard during birthdays. I think it’s fine if people want to hug our children, but if they are so small and constantly going from hand to hand, I find that terrible. In the wrap he sits nice and close to me and people also understand better that he just stays there.

Carrying with a babywrap or baby carrier?

When I wore my son in the wrap I immediately had a ‘Wow’ feeling. So with small children I immediately say a wrap! The cloth fits nicely and gives the perfect support. In the beginning I sometimes did not like wrapping, but you will become very handy in it. After Twan’s first birthday, I also bought an Isara baby carrier. My husband is also very happy with this. He finds it easier to carry with the baby carrier than with the wrap.

When do you experience the benefits of babywearing the most?

I was happy to put Twan in the wrap when he suffered from cramps. As I walked back and forth with him, the pain subsided and he fell asleep quietly. Even if the oldest boys wanted to play outside, it was nice that Twan was in the wrap. That way I could easily go from playground to playground. Not everything is easily accessible with a pram, so the wrap offered a solution!

Do you have a partner, grandpa, grandpa, babysitter that also wears your child?

Bas often takes Liam and Jelle under his wing and I carry Twan during trips, but every now and then Bas takes the carrier himself.

What are your favorite places to go to with your children?

There are many nature playgrounds in Amersfoort, a great paradise for children. Water, sand and sticks to build huts. We also like to go to the Leusderheide or Soesterduinen.

What is your most beautiful, nicest or funniest babywearing moment?

When my son falls asleep quietly against me, it really feels like a moment of happiness for me.

Do you ever had an embarrassing moment while carrying?

Um, yes … Twan gave some milk back when I put him back in the wrap after feeding. This ran into my shirt through.

Do you have babywearing tips for other parent (to be)?

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the different ways of babywearing.

Which mum or dad do you nominate for the next ’10 baby wearing questions to’?

I nominate Lisse (@lissevandegroep)). Lisse is mother of Wolff and newborn baby Lotus.

Did you like to read this ’10 babywearing questions to? Keep an eye on our blog for the next 10 questions or our other blogs to read.