The Africa you don't know: How to carry a baby à l'africaine

A while back, I was roaming the streets of Cape Town, Ghana with a fellow American expat, who genuinely seemed to question the laws of physics that govern a baby being strapped to its mother’s back with a pagne. I, on the other hand, was unfazed by this scene; after all, it’s how my mom, my aunties and grandmothers pacified my cries. And as far as I know, I didn’t suffer any concussions or other bodily injuries.

Although not exclusively African, this method has been employed by generations of African women across the continent, mainly due to its convenience. Whether you’re working in the field, selling produce at a market stall, cooking or just around the house, there’s no need to fret over watching the baby and multitasking. There’s also no need to purchase an extremely expensive baby carrier, all you need is two yards (six foot) of pagne! In my opinion, I’m no baby psychologist, it provides an incredible bonding experience for the baby and carrier. But above all, it’s probably the easiest way to navigate on foot with a baby in tow in some of these cities. I would be flabbergasted if any woman tried to push a stroller through le marché d’Adjamé in Abidjan…it’s not pragmatic.

Every country has it’s own technique to carry babies, in the US it tends to be gadgets full of straps, the latest fad is wraps and shoulder slings; our method just happens to be a little more colorful. You might be tempted to question the safety of the child with his head dangling to the side or the baby who appears it might slid down, if his mother takes one more step. But don't, they are fine and extremely comfortable. Trust me, I’m a living example!

Life was so simple