THE WELL WORN BABY:

With all the packs, slings and other carriers for keeping an infant up close and snuggly on the go, has anyone considered just wearing the baby? That’s what the folks at Lalabu want you to do with their new Soothe Shirt, a sturdy-but-stretchy tank-top-like garment with a built-in baby pouch and nursing bra. The pouch expands to grow with the baby, and incorporates a head support that flips up for extra bracing as the little one sleeps, then tucks back inside the pouch when not needed. A breathable mesh panel between the shirt and the pouch provides aeration and enhances the close contact between mom and baby. The built-in nursing bra, which has two absorbent fabric layers, has a soft elastic band for support and opens inside the shirt via sliding panels instead of clips, so nothing hard or abrasive intrudes. The shirt fits like shapewear to provide sufficient support for your bundle of joy. And since the Soothe Shirt covers the stomach and back while nursing, a woman can be as discrete as she chooses when and where, and if that’s an issue. The Lalabu web site provides detailed measuring instructions for choosing among six Soothe Shirt sizes — from XS to 2XL — and sweet but crucial usage guidance (baby’s head should be above the breasts, high enough for you to kiss). Lalabu thinks dads should be able to wear their babies, too; hence, the “Dad Shirt,” a V-neck, short-sleeved version of the Soothe Shirt, including the mesh panel, but minus the bra. Available in medium to 2XL, the Dad Shirt is meant to fit snug, for baby’s support. The pouch section is relatively flat when unoccupied, so it can be kind of undercover, while at-the-ready. Both styles of this kangaroo wannabe come in gray or an especially calm blue (the nursing version also comes in black). So there you have it; no wrapping, adjusting or tying. Just slip baby into your pouch and hop to it.