I put my toddler in a backpack tonight. I didn’t take her to school, and I didn’t put anything else in the backpack with her. She was in a backpack made for little ones, with a belt for her and a belt for me. I swept while she was in that backpack and we had a good time together. I played classical music from Papa’s office and we cleaned the wood floors in the living room, hallway, kitchen and the tile in the bathroom. Alleluia, it’s done – until the men come home from shopping and track as they bring in what they bought! The only precaution I had to take, besides not bending all the way down (one bent knee was the most I could do for her safety), was moving things out of the way before she was in the backpack so I wouldn’t have to try when it wouldn’t be as safe. I think she really enjoyed watching me, and it was much easier than trying to keep her away from what I’m sweeping if she were walking around on the floor. I had both hands to use, too, unlike some of the time when she is in a sling and I instinctively support her with one hand. I recommend this method to mothers who have access to a baby backpack and need to sweep – I haven’t tried vacuuming with her yet (there is too much on the floor in the carpeted rooms) but I think now that she is old enough to stand the noise, she might like doing that with me, too.
I think this is really awesome. I love seeing mothers carrying their babies in slings or backpacks–the physical contact seems so very necessary for the security of the baby, and such a wonderful and easy way of sharing love.
Thank you Syndra! It was not only the most practical, it was also the most fun way and as you said, a good way to share love. I keep her on the front side, in the sling or in my arms or in a stroller, most of the time we are outside (and the backpack for my exercise walks close to home) so that I can be assured that she is okay – there is a funny shortage of mirrors in the great outdoors.
I hope you are able to experience this someday! God bless you, and thank you for the comment.