What do you think of when you here the term baby wearing? If the vision you imagine is a granola eating hippy carrying her baby in a burlap sack, you are sadly mistaken and probably lean to the right when you talk. All joking aside baby wearing can be way more that just a totally awesome way to soothe your baby, and more than a way to get daily chores done. When you get right down to it, baby wearing is a fashion statement.
Wear your baby proudly on your chest for the whole world to see. Baby bling as I like to call it. A great plus to this approach to transporting your baby is that people are less like to touch your baby if it means having to be all up in your grill just to do it. A winning reason in my book, and something I have never understood in the first place anyway. It's a baby, leave them alone. Didn't their mother's teach them to look with their eyes, not their hands?
We are veering off course here. Baby bling is truly the best jewelry that you could ever wear anyway. The most stylish options to carry your baby is usually the soft back baby carriers or in most cases, baby slings. Baby slings are made out of fabric that comes in an endless supply of patterns and colors. From organic cotton to hundred percent silk there is a style to fit everyone's taste and budget.
Baby slings cover almost your whole upper body and essentially becomes more like your clothing, so it is a good idea to pick a style you love. Some people have a sling for every day of the week. Baby slings are so sparse that they are as unique as the mother and child wearing them.
Mom jeans are a thing of the past and mom slings are the wave of the future. Slings are for hip moms that know they have stuff they have to do, but they want to look good doing it. They are fancy enough for a night on the town or a day of shopping and yet still sensible enough for doing chores around the home. Did I mention they are machine washable?
Baby wearing is great for so many other reasons than just fashion, but what a great plus it is. Of course the baby in the sling will always be way cuter than the sling itself but what a way to showcase your little bundle of joy anyway.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
How To Make Your Own Baby Sling
Your journey in making your first baby sling is sure to start with a trip to the fabric store. There are so many choices in fabric that your are sure to become overwhelmed. Not only do you need to consider the durability of the fabric and the softness of the material to ensure ultimate comfort for baby, but you also need to find a cute swatch that matches your style.
Don't get too hasty now, because you should at first find a pattern for a baby sling. Piece of cake right? Maybe, if you have the time to look through all of the books. Find the section for babies and toddlers and your well on your way. Inevitably you will discover that not every book has a wide assortment of baby sling patterns. In fact, on a trip to the fabric store I found one baby sling pattern. Not much of a selection in styles as far as ring slings and other adjustable slings that maybe you wold find in a pattern book specially designed for slings. So if you decide you like this very basic design of sling, great. Now you go on to look for the actual pattern in a filing cabinet and hope that there is indeed a pattern left. It gives you certain guidelines to follow like what kind of material you should use e.g. cotton, twill, nylon. With your first expense of the day tapping out at 13 dollars or so for the pattern, you are off to find the perfect material that will hold your sweet baby and ideally match your style.
Plan your time wisely, you have lots of material to pick through. Weed out the good from the bad, the pretty from the pretty ugly, the busiest to the simplest material. Finally you find it, a shroud, worthy of greatness. Material is likely to span anywhere from eight dollars to over fifty dollars. Following the guidelines on the pattern you will buy a yard or two of material because with the sling pattern also comes a pattern for a cover when your breastfeeding baby and also one to make a swaddling blanket. If you can pull off making a baby sling why not make some other cute things to match.
Suddenly you are on top of the world, you are Martha Stuart, but less annoying. You see other fabric that you like and you decide when you are done with this project you will be back to tackle yet another baby sling. Maybe you will even make a centerpiece out of pine cones and luster dust. You are unstoppable.
When you get home you get out your old needle and thread box and get to work. Thirty minutes of sewing and after poking your left ring finger 6 times your hands start to cramp up. Your left staring at a stitch you wouldn't trust to together with a slight tug, let alone cradle your baby mid-air. So you switch onto plan B. You start looking online for sewing machines and after skimming through the list of 800 dollar machines, you dig deeper and find one for 99 dollars it is the cheapest one. Before you press the order button and commit to a hundred dollars you consider other options. You could give your great Aunt Marcy a visit and ask to borrow her sewing machine, you know the one in the cellar surrounded by a pack of feral cats? Suddenly a hundred dollars doesn't seem so bad. You order it, and wait a week and a half for it to be delivered.
Remember the old saying measure twice, cut once? This definitely applies in sewing. The amount of material that you purchased doesn't leave much room, if any for mistakes. If you misjudge and cut wrong you might as well plan another trip to the fabric store because you will need more. Be sure once you are ready to put the material in the sewing machine you know what you are doing. A steady and quick flow of hands will get the job done. Your finished work should be something that you could trust your babies life in. With seams that are strong enough to embrace your baby in comfort. Seams that will not loosen in the wash. Seams that will not split under pressure. If you are not confident with your sewing job, don't chance it.
It's important that you know that there are baby slings of all kinds and colors that are made by people who know exactly how to make slings. Slings that are BCIA approved for your baby. Slings that experts have handcrafted to cuddle your baby safely. You can rest at ease knowing that your baby is cradled safely in material with seems that have been thoroughly scrutinized. Holding together the material that is strong enough yet still delicate enough for your baby. The only thing you need to worry about is finding your favorite color and style.
Don't get too hasty now, because you should at first find a pattern for a baby sling. Piece of cake right? Maybe, if you have the time to look through all of the books. Find the section for babies and toddlers and your well on your way. Inevitably you will discover that not every book has a wide assortment of baby sling patterns. In fact, on a trip to the fabric store I found one baby sling pattern. Not much of a selection in styles as far as ring slings and other adjustable slings that maybe you wold find in a pattern book specially designed for slings. So if you decide you like this very basic design of sling, great. Now you go on to look for the actual pattern in a filing cabinet and hope that there is indeed a pattern left. It gives you certain guidelines to follow like what kind of material you should use e.g. cotton, twill, nylon. With your first expense of the day tapping out at 13 dollars or so for the pattern, you are off to find the perfect material that will hold your sweet baby and ideally match your style.
Plan your time wisely, you have lots of material to pick through. Weed out the good from the bad, the pretty from the pretty ugly, the busiest to the simplest material. Finally you find it, a shroud, worthy of greatness. Material is likely to span anywhere from eight dollars to over fifty dollars. Following the guidelines on the pattern you will buy a yard or two of material because with the sling pattern also comes a pattern for a cover when your breastfeeding baby and also one to make a swaddling blanket. If you can pull off making a baby sling why not make some other cute things to match.
Suddenly you are on top of the world, you are Martha Stuart, but less annoying. You see other fabric that you like and you decide when you are done with this project you will be back to tackle yet another baby sling. Maybe you will even make a centerpiece out of pine cones and luster dust. You are unstoppable.
When you get home you get out your old needle and thread box and get to work. Thirty minutes of sewing and after poking your left ring finger 6 times your hands start to cramp up. Your left staring at a stitch you wouldn't trust to together with a slight tug, let alone cradle your baby mid-air. So you switch onto plan B. You start looking online for sewing machines and after skimming through the list of 800 dollar machines, you dig deeper and find one for 99 dollars it is the cheapest one. Before you press the order button and commit to a hundred dollars you consider other options. You could give your great Aunt Marcy a visit and ask to borrow her sewing machine, you know the one in the cellar surrounded by a pack of feral cats? Suddenly a hundred dollars doesn't seem so bad. You order it, and wait a week and a half for it to be delivered.
Remember the old saying measure twice, cut once? This definitely applies in sewing. The amount of material that you purchased doesn't leave much room, if any for mistakes. If you misjudge and cut wrong you might as well plan another trip to the fabric store because you will need more. Be sure once you are ready to put the material in the sewing machine you know what you are doing. A steady and quick flow of hands will get the job done. Your finished work should be something that you could trust your babies life in. With seams that are strong enough to embrace your baby in comfort. Seams that will not loosen in the wash. Seams that will not split under pressure. If you are not confident with your sewing job, don't chance it.
It's important that you know that there are baby slings of all kinds and colors that are made by people who know exactly how to make slings. Slings that are BCIA approved for your baby. Slings that experts have handcrafted to cuddle your baby safely. You can rest at ease knowing that your baby is cradled safely in material with seems that have been thoroughly scrutinized. Holding together the material that is strong enough yet still delicate enough for your baby. The only thing you need to worry about is finding your favorite color and style.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Mother's Gift
The best gift a mother can give her child is a cocktail of nutrients that allows their baby to thrive. Flu fighting, immune boosting, brain food. Conveniently enough we mothers have this liquid gold that benefits babies and mothers alike. Whats more is it's free, easily accessible, always fresh, and always perfect for baby. Along with its countless other benefits breastfeeding helps baby and mother bond. Mothers benefit from breastfeeding as well. Baby weight is shed faster, uterus contracts to normal size sooner as if that's not enough good stuff breastfeeding also decreases the likelihood that mother will develop breast cancer later in life.
With all of the benefits breastfeeding provides, you may wonder why some mothers have issues at all. Leaking, engorged breasts, sore nipples with calluses that can strike a match will sometimes consume us and frustrate us to know end. A frustrated mommy means a frustrated baby. Add a baby that can't quite latch, stitches that feel ablaze with fire every time you pee, (and God forbid wipe) plus a pinch of sleep stir briskly and you begin to see how sometimes our emotions get the best of us.
It's important to realize that you are not alone. The swelling will go down, and you will be able to sit sans 'donut seat' sometime soon. Ask friends and family who have been down the path of mommy-hood and breastfed babies. Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before giving birth if at all possible so you can remember the tricks of the trade. Lactation nurses will become your heroes in disguise. The single best resource you can always count on is La Leche League International. They have spread nationwide and chances are you can locate a chapter near you full of helpful moms who are more than happy to get you on the path to breastfeeding.
Learn how to position baby when breastfeeding. There are many different ways that mothers use. Some will pick one position or do a mixture of all of them. Breastfeeding is a beautiful natural act that you should never be ashamed or embarrassed of. However breastfeeding discreetly when you are out in public not only keeps creeps from staring at your milk jugs, but can make you feel more confident and of course covered. There are many products that loosely cover babies face and your chest that you may find suitable. Don't feel like you have no other options though.
If you have a baby sling you can carry baby hands free and breastfeed at the same time. This is super convenient to not only cover baby up but now you are not limited. No more feeling tied to a bench at the park, or being sequestered in a dirt ridden, smelly bathroom corner at the store, walk around while baby eats. Run for that matter. Ok so don't run that is not safe or smart. Plus the every step you jolt down could cause babies jaws to dig into your nipples and that would hurt. So don't do that. But shop in the store, walk around the fair, sink your toes in the sandy beach, mountain climb (again kidding). Be mom. A superhero who doesn't where a cape, only because they can't find a phone booth to change into.
With all of the benefits breastfeeding provides, you may wonder why some mothers have issues at all. Leaking, engorged breasts, sore nipples with calluses that can strike a match will sometimes consume us and frustrate us to know end. A frustrated mommy means a frustrated baby. Add a baby that can't quite latch, stitches that feel ablaze with fire every time you pee, (and God forbid wipe) plus a pinch of sleep stir briskly and you begin to see how sometimes our emotions get the best of us.
It's important to realize that you are not alone. The swelling will go down, and you will be able to sit sans 'donut seat' sometime soon. Ask friends and family who have been down the path of mommy-hood and breastfed babies. Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before giving birth if at all possible so you can remember the tricks of the trade. Lactation nurses will become your heroes in disguise. The single best resource you can always count on is La Leche League International. They have spread nationwide and chances are you can locate a chapter near you full of helpful moms who are more than happy to get you on the path to breastfeeding.
Learn how to position baby when breastfeeding. There are many different ways that mothers use. Some will pick one position or do a mixture of all of them. Breastfeeding is a beautiful natural act that you should never be ashamed or embarrassed of. However breastfeeding discreetly when you are out in public not only keeps creeps from staring at your milk jugs, but can make you feel more confident and of course covered. There are many products that loosely cover babies face and your chest that you may find suitable. Don't feel like you have no other options though.
If you have a baby sling you can carry baby hands free and breastfeed at the same time. This is super convenient to not only cover baby up but now you are not limited. No more feeling tied to a bench at the park, or being sequestered in a dirt ridden, smelly bathroom corner at the store, walk around while baby eats. Run for that matter. Ok so don't run that is not safe or smart. Plus the every step you jolt down could cause babies jaws to dig into your nipples and that would hurt. So don't do that. But shop in the store, walk around the fair, sink your toes in the sandy beach, mountain climb (again kidding). Be mom. A superhero who doesn't where a cape, only because they can't find a phone booth to change into.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Clearing The Air - Baby Sling Recalls
Perhaps you have heard about the million+ baby sling recalls? Well I want to clear the air about about them. The type of sling that was recalled is an Infantino bag sling. It's no wonder why they were recalled. The basic design of a bag sling was flawed from the beginning. The bag is too deep and material would have nowhere else to go but right in babies face. Another major problem with a bag sling is that babies head could easily become slouched over and their chin would rest on their chest. We now know that this blocks babies already small airway passages and they could potentially suffocate. The fact is that no other baby sling should fall into this category.
It is important to realize that recalls on baby products are common place. Baby cribs, bassinetts, playpens, strollers, each one seems to have a new category of products that are unsafe conveniently after the consumer finds out for themselves. Rather than placing a stigma on these products they simply fix the malfunctioning components of it, or discontinue that model or brand and take it off of the shelves. Many have seemed to misinterpret The Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSC) advice which went on to state:
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.
If you continue to read the CPSC warning you will see that in the past 20 years there has been a total of 14 deaths linked to baby slings. A very unfortunate number indeed but this number hardly seems size able compared to the estimated 43 deaths a year connected to cribs and playpens alone. Not to mention that the majority of the infant deaths in a sling were babies that were physically predisposed to problems low birth weight, premature, and sick just to name a few. So if your baby falls into one of these categories it is important to pay that much more attention to them.
Babywearing has been practiced around the world for centuries, so baby slings are hardly a new idea. It is virtually the same thing as holding a baby in your arms except more comfortable. Just like you pay attention to a baby that you are holding in your arms the same formalities apply when your baby is being held in a sling. Be aware at all times of your precious bundle that you are wearing. Make sure they are comfortable, make sure they can breathe, don't let them become encased in fabric, don't let them hang upside down, etc. Never put your baby in a sling unless you are sure you are wearing it correctly and that baby is positioned correctly. When you are testing out your sling for the first time, make sure they are content. A fussy baby is much harder to position and it is also hard to tell if they are uncomfortable in the sling or just upset. Below you will the correct way to position baby in a baby sling as well as the wrong ways.
It is important to realize that recalls on baby products are common place. Baby cribs, bassinetts, playpens, strollers, each one seems to have a new category of products that are unsafe conveniently after the consumer finds out for themselves. Rather than placing a stigma on these products they simply fix the malfunctioning components of it, or discontinue that model or brand and take it off of the shelves. Many have seemed to misinterpret The Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSC) advice which went on to state:
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.
If you continue to read the CPSC warning you will see that in the past 20 years there has been a total of 14 deaths linked to baby slings. A very unfortunate number indeed but this number hardly seems size able compared to the estimated 43 deaths a year connected to cribs and playpens alone. Not to mention that the majority of the infant deaths in a sling were babies that were physically predisposed to problems low birth weight, premature, and sick just to name a few. So if your baby falls into one of these categories it is important to pay that much more attention to them.
Babywearing has been practiced around the world for centuries, so baby slings are hardly a new idea. It is virtually the same thing as holding a baby in your arms except more comfortable. Just like you pay attention to a baby that you are holding in your arms the same formalities apply when your baby is being held in a sling. Be aware at all times of your precious bundle that you are wearing. Make sure they are comfortable, make sure they can breathe, don't let them become encased in fabric, don't let them hang upside down, etc. Never put your baby in a sling unless you are sure you are wearing it correctly and that baby is positioned correctly. When you are testing out your sling for the first time, make sure they are content. A fussy baby is much harder to position and it is also hard to tell if they are uncomfortable in the sling or just upset. Below you will the correct way to position baby in a baby sling as well as the wrong ways.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Baby On My Mind...
Have you ever noticed that once you have one baby the constant question you are asked is when/if you will have another. I guess once we spill the metaphorical beans of motherhood, it's only a matter of time before it will happen again? My son is almost 2 now and it seems to be on the tip of every ones tongue in conversation. Not that it is a bad thing but its still a thing.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
6 Reasons to Invest in a Baby Sling
There are three very different opinions mothers have about baby slings. There are those who have never heard about slings and never tried them. There are those who have tried them but didn't get the full effect of them because either they didn't have the right kind or the right size or they just were not using them correctly. Then there are the ones who are die hard fans of baby slings and they couldn't imagine life without it. Where do you fit in? No matter what category you fall into here are six great reasons to learn about, reconsider, or brush up on your knowledge of slings.
It's no secret why the die hard baby sling users carry their babies, they know how to use them and they work. Any mother or father can find the perfect baby sling, and any mother or father can become an instant fan of slings. Learn more about baby slings. Don't be afraid to ask questions and find your perfect baby sling.
- Extra set of Arms- Ever wish you had four arms instead of two? A baby slings allows you to hold close to you without actually using your hands. You are free to multi task.
- Go Anywhere- A sling makes you and your baby one unit like when you where pregnant. You can go pretty much anywhere you did when you were pregnant with out a bulky stroller or tired arms weighing you down.
- Space Saver- There is nothing that you will find that folds up smaller than a piece of material. You can fold it in any way and it is not going to take up much room in the diaper bag. Your diaper bag is already stuffed to the brim with diapers and bottles and other essentials so a space saver is very important. Plus it is super light weight, no more than a pound.
- Baby is at Your Level- Your baby sees the world as you do when they are in a sling. Studies have shown that a baby is more social and content when they can constantly see your face and experience social interactions with you.
- Baby Loves It- The natural movement, the warmth, the closeness of material, hearing your heartbeat this is all very reminiscent of your womb. This is why a sling can soothe a baby like no other equipment could ever hope to simulate. Pediatricians like Dr. Sears recommend slings especially when you need help to calm a colicky baby.
- Keep Baby Close- See, touch, hear, kiss, breastfeed all with little effort and at any time. Carried babies are much more in-tuned with their mothers. You will be amazed how much more you can interpret your babies cries.
It's no secret why the die hard baby sling users carry their babies, they know how to use them and they work. Any mother or father can find the perfect baby sling, and any mother or father can become an instant fan of slings. Learn more about baby slings. Don't be afraid to ask questions and find your perfect baby sling.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Experience The World In a More Baby Friendly Way
The beating of mother's heart, the gurgling of her tummy, the murmur of voices. These are all noises that soothe a newborn baby. Sounds that have been captured and played through speakers of pricey equipment. Don't be another victim of baby boutique-itis. I will admit I have been lured by the cuteness of baby products that I see, that I never knew of 10 seconds ago and suddenly I need it. I'm quickly put in my place when I see the price tag. The reality is that baby really only needs two main things, a warm body and mother's milk.
To achieve the closeness babies really need, you would need to hold them all of the time. In the first few days of motherhood bliss it may seem like you will never put your baby down. Reality is sure to hit soon after. Those dishes in the sink aren't going to clean themselves, and your cats hair balls are beginning to resemble tumbleweeds in a barren desert. Your arms may be getting stronger but it is a slow process. It's funny how 8lbs of baby in the morning feels more like a 50lb bag of potatoes in your tired arms at night.
So what if there was a way to hold your baby close to your heart and mop the floor? Would it surprise you if I told you it was possible? It's not some new fangled idea or product, people all over the world have been doing it for centuries. It is often referred to as baby wearing or baby slinging. Cultures all over have different ways of wearing their babies but they all use the same principle of using some type of material that is tied, wrapped, or sewn in one way or another creating a baby sling. This frees up your hands for anything else and also helps to distribute the babies weight. If there was anyway to make washing dishes more fun it would sure include being able to see and feel baby resting on your chest.
Baby slings are so cost affective and take up very little room in your diaper bag. Quality slings usually range in price from about thirty dollars to about a hundred and twenty dollars. If you use a baby sling to its full potential it can replace all kinds of pricey baby equipment. No more bouncer, swing, stroller, and no carrying a bulky detachable car seat where ever you go. Even if you don't plan on carrying your baby all the time it is still a good idea to have one for going grocery shopping, going to the beach, and the park with an older child. Have you ever attempted pushing your stroller in the sand? Well I have and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Chasing a toddler is so much easier if you have a sling because you wont have to leave baby behind in a stroller to catch big brother or sister. Some brilliant person (probably a mom) even came up with water slings so you can have baby comforted in your arms while you take them wading (no swimming please) in the pool.
If you want to be able to enjoy your baby to the fullest and you don't have a maid I strongly suggest you look into a baby sling that would suit your needs and style. When you have a sling you will quickly learn that it makes the world a much more baby friendly place.
To achieve the closeness babies really need, you would need to hold them all of the time. In the first few days of motherhood bliss it may seem like you will never put your baby down. Reality is sure to hit soon after. Those dishes in the sink aren't going to clean themselves, and your cats hair balls are beginning to resemble tumbleweeds in a barren desert. Your arms may be getting stronger but it is a slow process. It's funny how 8lbs of baby in the morning feels more like a 50lb bag of potatoes in your tired arms at night.
So what if there was a way to hold your baby close to your heart and mop the floor? Would it surprise you if I told you it was possible? It's not some new fangled idea or product, people all over the world have been doing it for centuries. It is often referred to as baby wearing or baby slinging. Cultures all over have different ways of wearing their babies but they all use the same principle of using some type of material that is tied, wrapped, or sewn in one way or another creating a baby sling. This frees up your hands for anything else and also helps to distribute the babies weight. If there was anyway to make washing dishes more fun it would sure include being able to see and feel baby resting on your chest.
Baby slings are so cost affective and take up very little room in your diaper bag. Quality slings usually range in price from about thirty dollars to about a hundred and twenty dollars. If you use a baby sling to its full potential it can replace all kinds of pricey baby equipment. No more bouncer, swing, stroller, and no carrying a bulky detachable car seat where ever you go. Even if you don't plan on carrying your baby all the time it is still a good idea to have one for going grocery shopping, going to the beach, and the park with an older child. Have you ever attempted pushing your stroller in the sand? Well I have and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Chasing a toddler is so much easier if you have a sling because you wont have to leave baby behind in a stroller to catch big brother or sister. Some brilliant person (probably a mom) even came up with water slings so you can have baby comforted in your arms while you take them wading (no swimming please) in the pool.
If you want to be able to enjoy your baby to the fullest and you don't have a maid I strongly suggest you look into a baby sling that would suit your needs and style. When you have a sling you will quickly learn that it makes the world a much more baby friendly place.
I am a mother and a driving force to make baby wearing more popular. I am super passionate about baby slings and making sure they are safe. If you have any questions I would love to answer them. View my hand picked selection of the best baby slings for your baby.
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