Baby Bites Column: Kiddy Sings!

Babywearing has come full circle and is being enjoyed by a whole new generation of mums these days. Whether by sling, front pack, or mei-tai style wrap, babies are riding high and safe with a view of the world every place you go. There’s no better view for a little one than up at shoulder height! As a dedicated sling wearer myself, I am often asked by my four year old – “where’s my sling mum, for my dolly?”

So I had a big smile on my face when I saw these mini-sized slings from Furchin and Unido.

Furchin’s mei-tai sling is a mini version of their adult-sized baby carrier, but simplified by using a clip to secure the waist straps. Designed to fit most children from around 2-8 years, the waist straps are adjustable and the shoulder straps are 50cm long. Handmade from quality, hardwearing 100% cotton canvas, it’s totally machine washable.

Likewise Unido’s patterned and colourful child slings are made to order, and can made to match your adult-sized sling when you order yours. Their website has a fantastic function where you can literally mix and match their fabrics to choose your own unique combination. Creative and cool! Unido also has a great ‘resources’ page where you find links to the best babywearing websites in New Zealand, including Slingbabies, which has safety tips and full instructions on how to wear all types of baby carriers. Check them out today.

Read my original column on Kiddy Slings over at http://www.babybites.co.nz/ online magazine!

PS: Check out my other post on slings for the top five reasons you should try one - go on, it will change your life!

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It's International Baby Wearing Week!

Greta and I have both loved using our slings for our baby no. 2s. For both our first babies we had a go at front packs - I can clearly remember using it for a quick 4pm walk around the block to calm no. 1 down at the start of the witching hour. And we both used them highly successfully at airports, going through the waiting lines and customs, etc.


But to be honest I never really got into them for use every day, because firstly, they had so many straps and secondly, five years ago, they were not very good looking and were made of that synthetic waterproof material that doesn't breathe. (Today, they are great! Lots of natural materials. My husband loves his backpack).

By baby no. 2 I think I'd become so much more relaxed about holding my baby and carrying her around a lot - in fact with such a busy life I have really enjoyed carrying her around when I can, as it means I have more touch-and-feel few moments of "yes, baby, I'm here, and paying you attention, despite doing a million other things".


And I'm also now obsessed with patterned 100% cotton fabrics too, so I started investigating fabric slings. I've found that today there are several lovely New Zealand businesses making gorgeous slings out of 100% cotton fabrics, stretchy breatheable fabrics, and merino...like Mobi Wrap, Little Kiwi Baby, Unido, Dulce & Zoet, Black Bow, Bellaroo...and lovely Australian imports too like Peanut Shell.



When bubs was still little, I had a go at making the style of "cap shoulder" slings, and made three for myself (to match different outfits!), one for Greta, and a few for other kindy mums. These are a couple of pictures of my slings.








If you don't already know about it, there is an amazing group called SlingBabies (http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/ ) who have reviews and 'how to instructions' on all types of slings, including how to measure and wear them properly to keep your baby comfortable, and safe.


When no. 2 gets too old to be carried, I am planning on turning the fabric from my slings into a cushion cover or a purse, for her glory box :)



This week is the start of International Baby Wearing Week and I'm aware of at least two initiatives Kiwis can join: the inaugural "Australia and New Zealand Babywearing Week", a Babes in Arms initiative sponsored by Ergo Baby, is in full force on facebook, generating long lists of sling events happening all around NZ and Australia and donating to charities. And in Auckland, Slingbabies is supporting "Auckland Sling Walk 2010" around Mission Bay, on Oct 16th. Check them out!

HIGH FIVE for SLINGS


Five reasons to try out a sling during International Babywearing Week:




1: It is invaluable when dropping off and picking up no. 1 from kindy - I use it everyday still with no.2 at 11 months old - it keeps her nicely up high to view what's happening and also out of the paint!









2: It takes two seconds to pop on when you run into the mall to go to the Post Office - no dramas getting the pram in and out of the boot.





3: It's an invaluable breastfeeding cover in the early days, and you can still do your chores with them rocked to sleep by your walking during that newborn witching hour (come on, you know they won't sleep in a cot at that time, so just get on with it!)





4: It supports your back and spreads their weight evenly- I've NEVER had back pain with no.2, when with no.1 I had fortnightly chiropractic appointments.





5: You get more 'hands on' time with your precious no.2, when time is a luxury :)

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Oh no...it was for her glory box

This morning I am so annoyed at myself. I have lost my sling. I clicked on the way to kindy this morning that last night I left it on the roof of the car when I got Lori out...then later last night drove off to bookclub without checking in the dark. I'm devastated, to be fair. Lori LOVES her sling and together we've been everywhere together with her on my hip...kindy drop offs for her sister, playdates at the park, quick trips to the post office and the mall. It's actually an item of sentimental value too - when she was born eight months ago it was first creation (after many years of learning to sew as I go) that got people telling me to start my own label. People always admire it and how smiley and happy she is in it. Luckily for me, I've now got a whole stock of beautiful fabrics to make another, now that I've started lily pad designs. But there will never be another one that was destined for her glory box...

PS - I don't make slings to sell at markets/retail...I believe they should be made to measure for safety reasons...but contact me if you're interested in a tailor-made one :)

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