Choosing a Baby Carrier

Now that you know about the mei tai carrier, I wanted to share a bit about other carriers that are out there. I haven't put together videos yet, but they are forthcoming!

Wrap Carriers

A wrap baby carrier is a long, continuous strip of fabric that can be tied on in a variety of different ways to carry baby. They are one of the most versatile carriers, in that you have many options for different carrying positions. Wraps are best suited for front and hip carries. If you are mostly interested in using your wrap for a hip carry, there are shorter wraps available that are perfect for that purpose (called Rebozo length). Back carries are possible with a wrap, but be warned that it is best to use a non-stretchy material (such as a woven cotton wrap) and you will want to have a spotter unless you are an old pro at it!

Above: The Moby Wrap is an example of a stretchy wrap.

Above: The Ellaroo Wrap is an example of a woven wrap.

Pouch Carriers

The Pouch Carriers are especially beginner friendly. They are worn across the body (as you would wear a sash...because, you know, we all wear sashes on a regular basis...). The fabric of the pouch forms a pocket in which you can carry your baby. For infants, they work great for cradle carries. As baby gets a bit older, they may enjoy facing forward in the pouch in a kangaroo carry. Pouches can even be used with older babies for a hip carry. I always keep a pouch in my car for running into the store quickly with the baby. With pouch carriers, sizing can be important, unless you are looking at an adjustable pouch. If you are looking at a sized pouch, be sure to measure accurately to ensure it will fit you properly. If you are shopping while you are pregnant, be sure to allow for your changing size post-pregnancy.

Above: The Slingling Pouch Carrier

Ringsling Carriers

Ringslings are similar to the pouch carriers in that that baby is seated into a pouch in the fabric. The difference comes in that with a ringsling, you are able to adjust the fit by sliding the fabric tail through 2 rings (usually aluminum or plastic). This allows the carrier to adjust to a growing baby, or be used by 2 different sized adults. The tail on the carrier comes in handy as a nursing cover, wind block, shade, or even a shield if you are trying to keep curious hands away from a sleepy baby. Ringslings can be used for front carries, hip carries, and even back carries! My husband and I loved our ringsling when Lincoln was newborn. I never did master a back carry, but I do still like it for the hip carry.

Above: The Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ringsling

My husband carrying our then 2-month old son in the ringsling.

Mei Tai Carrier

(I know I already covered these...but I wanted to include it for anyone who is just jumping in on this post later on...) : )

Mei tais are inspired by traditional Chinese baby carriers. They are made up of a rectangular piece of fabric with 4 straps (one attached to each corner). Mei tais can be used for infants through toddlers and are adaptable for front, back, and hip carries. The weight of the baby is distributed over both shoulders evenly. Mei tais may have lightly padded straps, or may not have padding at all. Whether you go with padding or not is just personal preference. Mei tais are my personal carrier of choice.

Above: The BabyHawk mei tai carrier

Soft Structured Carriers

Soft structured carriers are similar in function to a mei tai carrier, but with the addition of buckle closures instead of ties. The material is generally a bit firmer as well. Soft structured carriers vary in the type of carries they offer, the material used to make them, the way the weight is distributed, the padding used on the shoulder straps, the type of buckle closures used, and more. There are many types out there, so more than likely there is one to fit your needs! We use and like the Beco Soft Structured Carrier. At this time, we do not carry a soft structured carrier in our store, but we are on the lookout for one to add soon!

Above: My son in the Beco, helping me in the garden (well, what we hope will someday be the garden, anyway...)

I hope this information was helpful as you start/add to/continue your search for a baby carrier! Enjoy babywearing your child!

Mei Tai Baby Carriers (International Babywearing Week)

Today I wanted to talk a bit about mei tais (pronounced may-tie). A mei tai baby carrier is inspired by traditional Chinese baby carriers. They are made up of a rectangular piece of fabric with 4 straps (one attached at each corner). Mei tais can be used for infants through toddlers and are adaptable for front, back, and hip carries. The weight of the baby is distributed over both shoulders evenly.

I put together a video today demonstrating how to do a forward carry in a mei tai carrier. The mei tai I am using is a Maya Tie by Maya Wrap. We do carry these in the baby, naturally LLC store! Please let me know if you have any questions about this carry. I will also link to some videos of other mei tai carries for you.

I hope you enjoyed the video! Please stop by tomorrow....for our FIRST giveaway!!!!

AND, don't forget....10% off all orders with the purchase of any instock baby carriers with the cody IBW2009 (order must include a baby carrier for discount to be valid).

International Babywearing Week 2009 is Here!

(Maya Tie)

Welcome to the kickoff of International Babywearing Week! Here at baby, naturally LLC we are kicking off the celebration with a brief introduction to the benefits of babywearing. Throughout the week, we'll be sharing a bit about the various types of carriers out there, so if you have questions, let me know and I will try and answer them in an upcoming post! We also have two (TWO!) exciting giveaways planned, so be sure to follow along on our blog, Twitter, and Facebook for more information!

So..... why babywear? Isn't it hard on your back/shoulders? Won't the baby resist?

The reality is that yes, if you have a poorly designed carrier, your shoulders and back WILL get sore. If you have a carrier that is uncomfortable for the child, they WILL resist. But, the reality is also that it doesn't have to be that way. There are fantastic carriers available that are designed to evenly distribute weight, meaning you can wear your child for hours or while doing doing activities such as hiking, housework, shopping with no pain. Many carriers are so comfortable that your child may even be lulled to sleep.

(Moby Wrap)

Ok... but what are the benefits? Why not just use a playpen?

Many parents, desperate to get something done around the house or even get a shower, rely on the playpen to keep baby safe while starting the laundry, etc. The beauty of babywearing is that you can still do all those things, but your baby will be with you. You don't have to worry that they are getting into something they shouldn't, or that they are bored or lonely, because they are along for the ride! When I wear my son, I always notice how intently he watches what I am doing. He is up at my level, so he is able to see more of what goes on. He is able to tune into my speech because he is near my voice. If you have to run to the grocery store, you can wear baby in a sling and avoid hauling in the car-seat or messing with a germy cart. Bring your baby along on a hike--a wonderful way for them to enjoy nature and places a stroller can't go!

Which type of carrier should I use?

The type of carrier you decide on can vary from person to person. Important questions to consider: when will I be wearing the baby? Only around the house? Out and about? How old is my child? Do I want a carrier that will grow with baby, or several different carriers? Many families choose to buy a few different carriers for different situations. For example, I like to keep a pouch carrier in my car for quick trips into the post office or store. When I am doing work around the house, I like a soft structured carrier or mei tai. When my son was a newborn, I relied on a ring sling.

(BabyHawk)

During the week, I will go into more details on what the different types of carriers are. For now, though, let's get on to the good stuff!

baby, naturally LLC is pleased to announce that we are FULLY STOCKED with a wide variety of baby carriers, just in time for International Babywearing Week 2009! Brands you will find:

• BabyHawk mei tai
• Ellaroo Wraps
• Ellaroo Podaegis
• Ellaroo Chinese Embroided Mei Tai
• Moby Wrap
• Storchenwiege Wraps
• Slingling Pouches
• Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Slings
• Maya Ties

This week only (September 21-28, 2009), you can get 10% off any order that contains a baby carrier! Just use promo code IBW2009 at checkout! *Your order must contain at least one baby carrier for discount to apply.*

Please be sure you are following us on twitter, facebook, and here at the blog. There will be some giveaways coming up, some great deals, and great information about babywearing! Please join us!

International Babywearing Week 2009

(My husband and son making quick work of the dinner clean-up)

We are gearing up to celebrate International Babywearing Week 2009 next week (September 21-28)! Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close. It allows you to move around the house and get things (like the mountain of laundry....) done, all without taking your eyes of your little one. It works like magic (at least for us...usually...) to wind down a fussy baby or help them to fall asleep. Wearing your baby means you don't have to haul the carseat into the grocery store. You can breeze through the airport without worrying about your stroller. You tune into your baby's needs because your baby is right there.

Next week, I will be focusing on the variety of carriers available, and hopefully answer questions you might have about babywearing. If you don't follow the blog, you'll want to be sure to do so because there may or may not be a babywearing giveaway planned! Stay tuned!

This video was created for Babywearing International as a PSA for babywearing. You can visit Babywearing International to learn more about babywearing and International Babywearing Week 2009 here!