Good bye International Babywearing Week!

International Babywearing Week has come to an end, but after twitter parties (where I won a carrier, wooot!) events around the world there is hopefully more awareness of the benefits, importance and ease of babywearing.

Here's a video of the Babywearing in Phoenix Flash dance mob

Until next year, happy babywearing!

My backward adventure into babywearing - sling pictorial

HAPPY BABY WEARING WEEK!

Baby wearing was never odd to me. I was worn by my mom - she had me while she was still in high school and often we were without a car. I remember her wearing my sister (she's 5 years younger than I am) when we'd walk to the A&W for $.25 ice creams and I'd pick up these plastic caps along the way.

But today, I'm the mom of two and a strong advocate of baby wearing. Today, I had to mark myself as "maybe" or likely no for a baby wearing event.

My reason?

"Neither kid has napped so heading out of here at 5 pm may be dangerous. If one was sleeping I could handle it, but babywearing a  4.5 year old and a 2.5 year old when you're 4'11'' on a good day (and i'm not sure that it is one of those!), may not happen!"

Most recently acquired was my Boba - great, awesome especially since my kids are older and most of the baby wearing happens while out at the mall in the evening or hiking.



Before that I purchased a new Beco with the infant slot that I so wanted when I had my daughter, it had "just" come out, but I didn't have the money or at least not the inspiration to purchase it then. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have any photos of us using this one!

Prior to that we picked up a Sakura Bloom Pixie Baby Sling from Mom's Milk Boutique that was great for travel and quick time since I had a young infant and a 2 year old.

It was awesome for our trip to India as well.



Prior to that I picked up an Ergo from babysteals, that allowed my 10 month old son participate in "holi" a very colorful Indian festival.
 

Here we are hiking with ergo and old Beco, which you'll hear about next. Not my son's head being um... moved away!

Prior to that I had a different Beco, which you can't see but I wore in Michigan when my daughter was around 16 months old (with the ring sling).

and my husband wore her when she was around 2.5 and we had just moved into our first non-apartment "home"

and it allowed us to go hiking

Prior to that I had a mei tai, which we used in India, including in front of the Taj Mahal (she's a bit loose here as I was sitting with her while she slept for a bit)

and I nursed in in a train in London in it.


Prior to that I had a UV moby, which we took to Mexico when our daughter was around 8 months old


Prior to that I had a Moby D, which I wore on my first Mother's Day.

From More of Viveka

Prior to that I had an Infantino that my college friend's mom had gifted me before birth.


I think I caught them all... but it all goes back to really knowing that babywearing was right for us. It is great for baby's need for close and positive touch and I'm really not the touchy-feely type. Baby wearing helped me do what I needed to keep my baby safe, secure and close :)

And just because... My daughter wearing her dollies... In the Sakura bloom ring sling of mine :)

Win your favorite baby carrier, learn about new carriers! Enter here!

Did you know it is time to celebrate something traditional but seen as new-aged?


It's International Babywearing Week, and to celebrate, we're participating in a huge event, that includes Giveaways, and is hosted by Happy Mothering, as well as Eco-Crazy Mom and Green Moms Media.

Eight lucky readers will win a baby carrier - it helps keep babies close... Will you be the winner!?

These wonderful babywearing sponsors are providing the following carriers to eight lucky winners:

Onya Baby Carrier {$149 value; US/CAN entries}

A new one to me is the Onya Baby Carrier. Apparently it allows traditional babywearing on your front and back – but also enables you to convert nearly any adult chair into a safe seat for your baby, and is the only carrier to do so! Plus it is good for children up to 45 pounds. Read the Happy Mothering's review here.

The Kozy Carrier Mei Tai, sponsored by QuirkyBaby {$89 value; US entries}

Mei tais are asian inspired carriers and the Kozy is one such carrier. This one features a breast cancer awareness pattern, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This carrier is versatile with two-shoulder straps and is great for  newborns through toddlers and has flexible and adjustable shoulder and waist straps that will fit most baby wearers. Read Happy Mothering's review here.

Ergobaby Organic Lattice Carrier {$145 value; US/CAN entries}

The Ergobaby Organic Carrier has all the advantages of the original Ergobaby carrier, including being crafted with soft 100% certified organic cotton twill and sateen. The carrier has padded shoulder straps which helps for comfort and the waist belt is padded as well to comfortably distribute baby’s weight between your shoulders and hips. The carrier holds and cradles your baby just the way you do, with your baby’s legs properly supported in a natural sitting position.

Catbird Baby Mei Tai Carrier {$89 value; US/CAN entries}

The Catbird Baby Mei Tai Carrier is simple yet beautifully designdl. No worries about buckles or straps and no wrapping required. It has wide straps that are padded, as well as a small hood for head support and can be used for wearing babies who weight between 8 and 40 pounds in multiple carrying positions. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

Snuggy Baby Wrap {$56.00 value; US entries}

With comfort, style and support, the Snuggy Baby wraps have everything that you could want in a baby carrier in wrap style. This baby carrier is entirely adjustable so one size fits all. It works well between various care givers in a variety of body types. Because how you wear it is versatile you create a custom fit every time you tie it on. This allows the wrap continually grows with your child, ensuring that they get a comfortable secure fit from the time that they come home until you are ready to stop carrying them (generally around 35 lbs. or 3 years). The decorative panel lets you avoid having the same old boring solid wrap that you see everywhere else, and there are many designs to choose from!

Boba 3G Carrier (Value $120-$125; US entries}

The Boba Carrier 3G is designed for babies and toddlers alike (7-45 lbs.) with many incredible features not seen on other soft structured baby carriers. Available in 4 beautiful patterns and 3 stunning solid color combinations, the Boba Carrier 3G is the perfect option for any baby wearing family! This carrier is made from 100% cotton, comfortably fits heights 5’0” – 6’3”, and has a waistband range of 25” – 58”. Features include front and back carry options, an adjustable sleeping hood, easy adjustments for easier fit & breastfeeding, removable foot straps, adjustable chest straps, multiple pockets for on the go storage, and more!

Lil Peeper Keepers Woven Wrap {$35.00 value; US entries}

Lil Peeper Keepers woven wraps lend needed support far past the snuggly newborn stage, all the way up to the heavy chunker toddler stage! Because of this, woven wraps are the logical choice for a wrap that will work from newborn to toddler. These wraps are ideal for year round use as they are made from very lightweight cotton gauze, offering great comfort for both mom (or dad) and baby. Length: 5.75- 6 yards, Width: 22-25 inches, Fabric content: 100% cotton, Edge: Rolled hem. Many gorgeous colors to choose from!

Moby Wrap, Sponsored by Dinker & Giggles {$44.95 value; US entries}

The Moby Wrap is a versatile, 100% cotton babywearing option that uses your entire back, as well as your shoulders, to carry the weight of your baby. This carrier is being sponsored by Thanks Mama, a family owned cloth diapering and natural parenting store based in Boston, MA. Read Alaina's post about the Moby Wrap here.

Are you ready for your chance to win one of these amazing baby carriers in celebration of International Babywearing Week? Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below. The more entries you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win!

  Please note: you’ll see this giveaway posted on a number of blogs. Please only enter on one blog. Thanks and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway


This contest will run through October 14, 2012 at 9:01 pm PST (October 15, 2012 at 12:01 am EST). The winners will be chosen the following day and announced on Happy Mothering, Eco-Crazy Mom and the participating blogs once winners have been confirmed. US/CAN entries welcome (each sponsor has individual country requirements). Must be 18 years or older to win. The sponsors provided us with free samples of these products to review or compensation, and we were under no obligation to review them if we so chose. Nor were we under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Happy Mothering and not to Facebook. Please note that Happy Mothering, Eco-Crazy Moms, Green Moms Media, the International Babywearing Week Giveaway Event and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Mommy Must Have a Quality Carrier - Boba review

Those who have followed this blog know that I'm a strong advocate of baby wearing. Baby wearing has a multitude of benefits, and coming into International Baby wearing Week, many moms will be telling you all about those benefits, which include:

• bonding
• convenience
• having use of your hands for say another kid, or shopping, or (the list goes on)
• breastfeeding (baby is near for prolactin and for convenience, and a built in cover if one desires privacy
• helping baby sleep

5'10 skinny man with 2 year old on a hike.

The fact is there are a lot of carriers out there. Many will do the above, but not all are easy to use and not all are good for baby OR mom (dad/caregiver).

Boba has some specific benefits. I like that me, being short and stout, can wear it and we can easily adjust it within seconds for my husband who is tall and lean to wear it.

Boba has a higher shell than other soft structured carriers - this is great because my husband likes to take our 2 year old out hiking and he (as in the 2 year old) likes to walk up and then sleep on the way down. It also works nicely for our 4.5 year old as well.

I'm working on learning the foot straps, but I've seen them in use and it makes sense. You can see in the photo here that my daughter isn't in a full sitting position, so for a long day out, this would be beneficial. I know that since my daughter wasn't walking until 14 months, we had some time when this would have been especially nice to have!

From Boba Family website:

Boba is a Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) that is intended for babies and children between 7-45lbs. Boba offers several innovative features not seen on other carriers:

The foot straps attached to the waist belt keep older children comfortable while enabling a healthy sitting position. The footstraps not only give tired little legs a rest, but support the legs in a flexed abducted (froglike) position which naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets and aligns the spine.

The new infant conversion option allows you to use the Boba Carrier 3G with babies over 7lbs. The best part is that there is absolutely no insert or accessory needed! Simply follow the instruction booklet included with your Boba Carrier to learn how to use the new Boba Carrier 3G for your newborn.

Boba has a few extra inches of height to keep your center of gravity closer to your body and support your little one’s back. The Boba Carrier 3G is approximately 2-3”  higher than other soft structured carriers.

The new 3G design is made to fit parents of all shapes and sizes without purchasing an extension belt or accessory. All straps are fully adjustable, and elastic bands are provided so you can comfortably tuck the straps away once you have the carrier adjusted for you and your child.  

You can see the same carrier on someone under 5' tall and extra padding, um, ah... fluffy and someone thin and tall. It works nicely and I love that it is comfortable.

Even my husband, who at first didn't see a difference, LOVED this carrier. He indicated it was much easier to hike with our two year old on his back, especially the support that the higher shell offered when our son fell asleep.


This is part of the Mommy Must Have Series. Read more reviews on great items and enter giveaways here.

Disclosure: I received a Boba to review for this series. This does not impact my opinion or what I write here.

New Babywearing page for Phoenix-area families

Babywearing International of Phoenix has a new Facebook page! 

Be sure to go like them!


Their website and Facebook will likely be the best places to find out how to celebrate babywearing during International Babywearing Week, coming up in October!

Phoenix babywearing photo shoot request

Are you a baby wearer who lives in the Phoenix-area? I am seeking babywearers for a photoshoot. I am not a professional photographer and these photos will be used for this blog and you will be able to use the photos for your own personal use as well.

If you having difficulty viewing this form in the page, please click here.

Please share with your like-minded local friends as well!

Babywearing a requirement at the Olympics

The Olympics is a happening place. Just like a coffee shop in Australia, parents of young kids must babywear at the Olympics. YAY! I don't like forcing anyone to do anything, but JEEZ people, strollers take up space! It isn't the end of the world to have to put a young baby in a sling when heading to a crowded place such as the Olympics. A baby in a sling is less likely to get lost if mom turns around to see where the correct spot is either - take your hands off the stroller and who knows what could happen in such a crowded place!

The Olympics and Babies

Babes in arms aged 12 months and under will be permitted access to London 2012 venues without a ticket provided they are securely strapped to their parent or carer by way of a baby carrier, sling, papoose or similar.

This policy applies to all London 2012 venues except the following, where there are existing licensing agreements that mean all spectators must have a ticket, including babies aged 12 months and under:

• Wembley Stadium
• St James' Park
• Old Trafford 
• North Greenwich Arena

London 2012 venues will be extremely crowded and you will have to queue. Because of this, we would advise you to think very carefully before making the decision to bring you baby along to your event.

(Okay Olympics typo in the line above, not mine)

Not allowing strollers may be the best thing for families and businesses

A stroller takes up room, and baby wants you anyway!

I am honestly not sure if this is a rant or just me voicing what is likely a logical but not an especially popular opinion, even among the "not so soggy" group of moms.

Pick up your child. Okay that's not my rant... My thought is more that strollers aren't as necessary as we're led to believe.

This post comes in light of the apparently "discrimination" occurring in Australia where a coffee shop doesn't allow strollers in on weekends. Why? Strollers take up a whole bunch of darn room.


It isn't that mamas and daddies aren't allowed in to this coffee shop, it is that there isn't room for the strollers... Parents can go in, it just means they have to pick up their kids.

powered by Fotopedia

Whodda thunk?

Babywearing doesn't take up
as much space as a stroller!

With my daughter I was hard core anti stroller. I actually didn't even put her in one, she was wore all the time. I remember when my daughter was around 13 months old, she wasn't yet walking and I was alone at a shopping plaza and had to use the restroom. I actually wondered... where do people who don't put their babies when they don't baby wear... And then I remembered that most people use strollers... oops!


I think the parents who are upset in Australia about this cafe just do not realize how easy it is to babywear. All this cafe wants is to make sure there is room for all their patrons. Perhaps that cafe can have some babywearing advertising so parents realize... you are still welcome here... we just don't have room for your friggen pram!

Really, though, you choose where you go... if you want to go to this cafe, pick up your kids, get a decent sling and enjoy your time with your baby.

And for the sake of the rest of us... perhaps this should be more common practice. I really hate when I'm at a kid's play place and people bring their strollers in. Now if you have a reason like a physical handicap or you're bringing in three kids, two of whom aren't walkers, okay, I understand it. But if you're walking from your car to the front door with your one child, come on! I really don't see how unpacking your stroller for a 15 step walk is easier. I really think it is a matter of practice that becomes preference... so if more businesses started this practice, I'd definitely raise my hand in support!

Bjorn, Infantino and now Britax: Crotch dangling baby wearing...

Britax is the latest of crotch dangling possibilities for your child in need of spine and hip issues!

Ugh, another crotch-dangler. There’s been many complaints in the baby-wearing community regarding the Bjorn classic baby carrier that has a super narrow crotch. Now, the beloved Britax company has a crotch dangler of their own. A good position for a baby or toddler (or preschooler or very tall kindergartener wearing (You know who you are!)’s legs is one where their entire bottom is covered, forcing them to be in a seated or “froggy” leg position, as close to a 90 degree angle as possible.

http://www.britaxusa.com/baby-carriers

Are they trying to be a Bjorn or a Snuggli? Apparently they know it is good to keep baby’s legs in a seated position, but they don’t have it a default since they have a “removable infant insert”. Honestly, I am not sure why. From their website “How does my child benefit from a carrier that features a Removable Infant Insert?

The Removable Infant Insert elevates your baby and provides a wider seating area by cradling their bottom and thighs, allowing them to splay their hips and legs when facing inward. This ensures that your smaller baby will be more comfortable and closer to you, while maintaining a natural sitting position.
How does the Removable Infant Insert work?

The Removable Infant Insert easily attaches to the BRITAX BABY CARRIER using integrated zippers and snaps creating a "hammock" that elevates your smaller baby.” (Retrieved 10/25/2011)

While they mention the idea, they don’t seem to fully grasp the reasoning for good position of baby. For more information on great baby wearing, seek out your local Baby Wearing International group and visit sites such as Storchenweige which has great reasoning behind getting a quality baby carrier. For those in Phoenix, Babywearing in Phoenix is a great resource!

Carseats are meant for cars

Please people, keep the bucket carseats in the car. Not only is a young baby at risk for not getting enough oxygen, but your baby CAN DIE, as this 3 month old did.

Do you see the warning listed below in the carseat manual for the popular Graco Snugride. This is in all tested carseats - you're clearly misusing when you place the carrier in a shopping cart. Please, keep your baby safe!

Baby wearing is a great way to not only bond, but keep your baby SAFE and your hands still free to do your shopping or even hug your other children.

Babywearing - protect your right, love your baby

Ugh. I have to start this post with that 3-letter word. The CPSC has decided they would like to shutdown babywearing. While not everyone can sew their own, either due to lack of time or talent, there are many happy babies out there being worn by their parents, either because of necessity, because they realize the benefits, or because soemoen else did it (heck, not the best reason, but I'll take it!).




In the end we have to find a way to ensure that safety is a priority, and it is with work-at-home parents. A "gateway" babywearing divice, HOTSLINGS, appears to be out of business (their website is down, and there's a letter of goodbye to them on the Babywearing Industry Alliance website). So, what's next?



Earlier this year, the CPSC issued a recall on bay-style carriers because some babies died. Yes, this is tragic (and I'll get slightly political, 4 times more babies die each year from circumcision...), but it doesn't mean that all babywearing is bad. In fact, babywearing is nothing new. It is something done for centuries out of necessity and to promote bonding. As a baby- and toddler-wearing mom, I am outraged that there appears to be action against babywearing.



According to their abstract, "The Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME), Father Involvement and Developmental Quotient (Griffiths) scores. Results: 1) Kangaroo mothers created a more stimulating context and a better caregiving environment than mothers in the Traditional Care group; 2) this environment was positively correlated to father involvement and 3) the family environment of male infants was most improved by Kangaroo Mother Care" ... basically, babywearing works and is better than plopping the baby in a stationary item or bucket... (Citation: Tessier, R., Charpak, N., Giron, M., Cristo, M., de Calume, Z., & Ruiz-Peláez, J. (2009). Kangaroo Mother Care, home environment and father involvement in the first year of life: a randomized controlled study. Acta Paediatrica, 98(9), 1444-1450. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01370.x.)



We know that infants, especially premature babies benefit from kangaroo care (babywearing).

We know that many babies and toddlers love to be worn for comfort and love to be touched

We know that this has been done for generations and is not something new

We know that babywearing is best for babies

We know that Dr Sears (and many others) indicate that sling babies cry less

We know that babies learn more when they're content, and sling babies cry less...



We KNOW that babywearing can be done safely.



Please help save SAFE babywearing - get rid of the "bag" carriers (made by large companies, not by moms who care!), educate for safe waring... and please contact government:





1. Stop all recall actions against baby sling companies until



2. We can finalize the ASTM voluntary sling standards (scheduled for November) and



3. Force the CPSC to follow their own internal procedures, stop using bullying tactics, and use sound science.











SENATE: Mark Pryor – Chairman, AR (202) 224-2353 (202) 224-2353



Byron L. Dorgan, ND (202) 224-2551 (202) 224-2551



Barbara Boxer, CA (202) 224-3553 (202) 224-3553



Bill Nelson, FL (202) 224-5274 (202) 224-5274



Claire McCaskill, MO (202) 224-6154 (202) 224-6154



Amy Klobuchar, MN (202) 224-3244 (202) 224-3244



Tom Udall, NM (202) 224-5941 (202) 224-5941



Roger Wicker – Ranking Member, MS (202) 224-6253 (202) 224-6253



Olympia J. Snowe, ME (202) 224-5344 (202) 224-5344



Jim DeMint, SC (202) 224-6121 (202) 224-6121



John Thune, SD (202) 224-2321 (202) 224-2321



Johnny Isakson, GA (202) 224-3643 (202) 224-3643



David Vitter, LA (202) 224-4623 (202) 224-4623











HOUSE: Bobby L. Rush, IL, Chairman 202-225-4372 202-225-4372 ; 773-224-6500 773-224-6500



Jan Schakowsky, IL, Vice Chair 202-225-2111 202-225-2111 ; 773-506-7100 773-506-7100



Ed Whitfield, KY, Ranking Member 202-225-3115 202-225-3115 ; 270-885-8079 270-885-8079



John P. Sarbanes, MD 202-225-4016 202-225-4016 ; 410-832-8890 410-832-8890



George Radanovich, CA 202-225-4540 202-225-4540 ; 559-449-2490 559-449-2490



Betty Sutton, OH 202-225-2266 202-225-2266 ; 330-865-8450 330-865-8450



Cliff Stearns, FL 202-225-5744 202-225-5744 ; 352-351-8777 352-351-8777



Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ 202-225-4671 202-225-4671 ; 732-571-1140 732-571-1140



Joseph R. Pitts, PA 202-225-2411 202-225-2411 ; 717-303-0667 717-303-0667



Bart Gordon, TN 202-225-4231 202-225-4231 ; 615-896-1986 615-896-1986



Mary Bono Mack, CA 202-225-5330 202-225-5330 ; 760-320-1076 760-320-1076



Bart Stupak, MI 202-225-4735 202-225-4735 ; 231-348-0657 231-348-0657



Lee Terry, NE 202-225-4155 202-225-4155 ; 402-397-9944 402-397-9944



Gene Green, TX 202-225-1688 202-225-1688 ; 281-999-5879 281-999-5879



Sue Wilkins Myrick, NC 202-225-1976 202-225-1976 ; 704-362-1060 704-362-1060



Charles A. Gonzalez, TX 202-225-3236 202-225-3236 ; 210-472-6195 210-472-6195



Tim Murphy, PA 202-225-2301 202-225-2301 ; 412-344-5583 412-344-5583



Anthony D. Weiner, NY 202-225-6616 202-225-6616 ; 718-520-9001 718-520-9001



Phil Gingrey, GA 202-225-2931 202-225-2931 ; 770-429-1776 770-429-1776



Jim Matheson, UT 202-225-3011 202-225-3011 ; 801-486-1236 801-486-1236



Steve Scalise, LA 202-225-3015 202-225-3015 ; 504-837-1259 504-837-1259



G. K. Butterfield, NC 202-225-3101 202-225-3101 ; 252-237-9816 252-237-9816
Robert E. Latta, OH 202-225-6405 202-225-6405 ; 419-668-0206 419-668-0206
John Barrow, GA 202-225-2823 202-225-2823 ; 912-354-7282 912-354-7282

Joe Barton, TX 202-225-2002 202-225-2002 ; 817-543-1000 817-543-1000


Information from http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/showthread.php?416887-Brace-Yourself

(A TBW link to a 2008 indication of the lack of safety of BAG style slings: http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/showthread.php?205359-Concerns-about-quot-bag-slings-quot-PIC-HEAVY-amp-LONG)