tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23868608907814905572024-03-14T09:57:53.136+13:00Babywearing WellingtonBabywearing Wellingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745844826305532080noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-67909991430548297012013-10-02T00:13:00.001+13:002013-10-02T00:13:57.489+13:00New Website<div>
We have moved!</div>
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Come on over to our new website <a href="http://babywearingwellington.org.nz/">babywearingwellington.org.nz</a> for all the latest news on Babywearing in the Wellington region. </div>
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See you there! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zrx8sW2DdY/UkquTVI4fYI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/8exs7aO79lM/s1600/website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zrx8sW2DdY/UkquTVI4fYI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/8exs7aO79lM/s320/website.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-31614885278393983032013-06-12T14:06:00.002+12:002013-06-12T14:09:40.831+12:00Counterfeit carriers - buyer beware!The range of baby carriers available has expanded a great deal over the last 10 years or so. Unfortunately, as carriers become part of the mainstream, some unscrupulous people are trying to cash in by making illegal copies of popular carriers. These copies are a problem as there is no guarantee of workmanship, materials or quality control. You trust your baby carrier to safely support your baby and it's also something that they're likely to chew on. With a fake you just have no idea what you're getting - whether they used safe dyes, whether the stitching is appropriate etc, etc. These counterfeiters are sneaky and use the original marketing material from the proper carrier manufacturers (without permission), so what you think you're buying could look completely different when it turns up. Proper carrier manufacturers have put time and money into their testing and marketing, which of course is reflected in the price of the carrier. Yes, genuine carriers can be expensive but I know what I'd choose to use with my children. Carrier manufacturers are working hard to shut down the counterfeit trade but with all this talk of fakes it can seem a bit overwhelming if you're in the market for a new carrier and don't want to get ripped off. So here's some tips to help you ensure you end up with the genuine article.<br />
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<li>The most copied carrier is the <a href="http://www.ergobaby.com.au/">ErgoBaby</a>, followed by the <a href="https://www.togetherbe.com/freehand-mei-tai-2">FreeHand mei tai</a> (the fakes are labelled as <a href="http://www.dhgate.com/10pcs-minizone-mei-tai-carrier-baby-carrier/p-ff808081300cd7a901301638c3293423.html">Minizone</a> but use all the FreeHand stock photos). Manducas have avoided being copied so far.</li>
<li>If buying a new carrier, make sure you go through an authorised stockist. This is especially important in the case of ErgoBaby carriers. Babes in Arms is Australasian distributor and has a list of authorised Ergo stockists on their website <a href="https://www.babesinarms.com.au/ergo-online-stockists">https://www.babesinarms.com.au/ergo-online-stockists</a>. They also have a list of known <a href="http://www.babesinarms.com.au/known-counterfeit-sites/?___store=default">counterfeit sites</a>. The counterfeit sites look legitimate on first glance but then you realise the English is not right and the prices are too low. </li>
<li>If buying second hand through somewhere like Trademe, ask the seller where they purchased it from. If they can't tell you, I'd give it a miss. If there's a new Ergo on Trademe, check the sellers other listings to see if they're selling other ones. If so, they'll be fakes as Ergo won't allow second parties to sell via auction sites. Same goes for eBay and ones sold directly by Amazon (authorised Ergo sellers who sell via Amazon are fine though). </li>
<li>If the price of a carrier seems to good to be true, it probably is. </li>
<li>There's been a few small businesses here recently selling cheap mei tais (around the $40 mark). The photos for these have been the same as the Minizone ones which are the fake FreeHands. Again avoid. This review says why <a href="http://southlondonslings.com/sling-info/safe-babywearing/untested-baby-carriers-and-illegal-fakes/">http://southlondonslings.com/sling-info/safe-babywearing/untested-baby-carriers-and-illegal-fakes/</a></li>
<li>Other tips here <a href="http://www.first-signs.com/fake.html">http://www.first-signs.com/fake.html</a> and <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/counterfeits">http://store.ergobaby.com/counterfeits</a></li>
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If you're unsure about the origins of your own carrier and worried it might be a fake, there are a few sites with some things to check:</div>
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<a href="http://thehumbledoula.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/how-to-spot-a-fake-ergo-baby-carrier/">http://thehumbledoula.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/how-to-spot-a-fake-ergo-baby-carrier/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Spot-a-Counterfeit-Ergo-Baby-Carrier/10000000065082150/g.html">http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Spot-a-Counterfeit-Ergo-Baby-Carrier/10000000065082150/g.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://counterfeitergobabycarrier.blogspot.co.nz/">http://counterfeitergobabycarrier.blogspot.co.nz/</a></div>
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<a href="http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/about-month-ago-i-was-messing-around-on.html">http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/about-month-ago-i-was-messing-around-on.html</a></div>
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However, some older versions of the Ergo may take some or all of the boxes for being a fake despite having been purchased from an authorised retailer. This is because early counterfeits went off previous Ergo versions. Ergo then updated their design to try and stem the fakes. Pre 2007 ones are less likely to be fakes. These sites have some info on the matter <a href="http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-1275219.html">http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-1275219.html</a>, <a href="http://www.aias.ca/2012/10/the-case-of-not-counterfeit-ergo-baby.html">http://www.aias.ca/2012/10/the-case-of-not-counterfeit-ergo-baby.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mothering.com/community/t/1354673/ergos-for-cheap/20">http://www.mothering.com/community/t/1354673/ergos-for-cheap/20</a></div>
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If you're unsure of the origins, though, and your one meets the criteria for being a fake, I'd err on the side of it being fake. </div>
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It's a real shame that these fakes have created so much confusion around what should be a simple purchase. Hopefully ErgoBaby and other carrier manufacturers will be able to get on top of the countereits in the future. In the meantime, we hope this has helped out anyone planning to buy a carrier. </div>
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<br />Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-12068677492570851482013-05-22T16:51:00.002+12:002013-05-22T16:51:48.707+12:00Babywearing as a nanny<br />
Here's a lovely story from Isa about her introduction to babywearing while working as a nanny:<br />
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A few years before my own baby was born, I worked as nanny in a nanny share situation. I looked after two little boys from two different families, one was 22 months when I started, the other 15 months. The families provided me with a twin stroller – a total disaster in Wellington, in my opinion, unless you're using one to stroll along Oriental Parade. So I opted to try the single mountain buggy and a framed baby backpack. It worked, but was very tiring. I really didn't like trying to push (and hold on to) a heavy push chair up and down the hills of Wellington and the framed backpack was killing my back. It hurt the whole time I was using it, and then for days after. But it was better than the alternative. So I taught the older boy to walk on his own, and by the time he was 2 ½, I usually carried the younger boy on my back while the older one walked.<br />
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After a year of working with them, the younger boy's family told us they were moving overseas in a few months time. Another family was found, with an 11 month old, and for a while I had the three of them. This little baby cried for eight hours the first day. It was awful. He only wanted to be held (because he was so miserable, not because he was necessarily used to being held). My arms and back ached, and when I came home from work that day I researched ways to carry online and found – wraps! I bought five metres of woven fabric, folded it over lengthwise and stitched it together. My first sling! It was pink with little flowers on it, and I was very proud of it. The little baby liked it too, he stopped crying and rested against my chest, and I wore him all day in it, with no pain at all. Yay! The first few times it was a hassle trying to tie it on right but I soon I got the hang of it and could do it anywhere.<br />
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This was early in 2007 and I'd never seen anyone around Wellington with a wrap or sling or even an Ergo. My home-made sling got quite a bit of attention at music groups and playgroups, as well as out in public. It made my life a lot easier. For the time I had all three boys, the middle child went on my back in the framed backpack. It allowed me to do projects with the older kids, or prepare meals, with the baby tied to me, resting and cuddling. It made outings easier, and I could get involved with the older children at music and other activities.And I found that babywearing is a wonderful way of bonding quickly with babies and young children. This makes a huge difference as a nanny, when you are usually left on your own with children who do not, at first, know you very well. It benefits the child greatly, as there is a much shorter period of adjustment so less stress all around.<br />
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The wrap quickly became an important part of my life as a nanny - easy, nice, gently. And I couldn't<br />
wait to have my own baby to wear!<br />
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(Unfortunately when my own daughter came along she hated my lovely wraps with a vengeance! But that is another story...)<br />
Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-23402537596762552742013-02-22T20:17:00.001+13:002013-02-22T20:18:02.383+13:00The Real Perils of BabywearingThere always seems to be a lot of discussion about common babywearing myths, such as the 'risk' of carrying your baby too much for physical development, which has been disproven time and time again – my 5 and ½ month old crawler snorts at this myth. Or somehow making a child too needy where in actual fact it's often the opposite: worn babies become super independent toddlers because their need for closeness has been and will be met. However, there are some real and actual babywearing perils that we need to explore here:<br />
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<b>Beware! The busybody</b><br />
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The first peril is of course dealing with people who perpetuate such myths as mentioned above. These people are usually well intentioned albeit misinformed, but occassionally a babywearier will encounter a parental nightmare: the Busybody. These strangers roam the streets looking for parents to opress. They lurk in supermarkets, carparks, libraries, and will leap out at unsuspecting parents when they least expect it. Babywearers are particular targets because of the lumpy protrusion of a baby on their fronts, hips or backs. This has a magnetic effect for the Busybody. Most busybodies are fairly harmless, but to a sleep-deprived parent, their ill-informed advice can carry quite a sting. Solution: partner or helpful friend must apply oil or lotion to the shoulder region each night for two weeks. Witty insults uttered retrospectively also have a soothing effect.<br />
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<b>Be Alert! The Wet Wrap Sling</b><br />
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This is something that all Wrappers dread. A sleep deprived Wrapper can easily forget that her tail is dragging when relieving herself in the lavatory. The result: a nasty, wet surprise. This can be easily dealt with by having more than one wrap (which, let's be honest, is actually necessary to ensure your colourway doesn't clash with your outfit), and alternate the two between active duty and washing machine. The other solution: negotiate a better sleep deal with your baby... [insert disbelief, laughter and derision here].<br />
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<b>Be Alarmed! The Food Baby</b><br />
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It is a wonderful thing that Babywearers have time to make some food and even [gasp!] eat that food with both hands free and baby happy in a sling. Many of us have, however, needed to lick the top of our baby's noggin to remove food spills. This can be harrowing if your baby has a lot of hair. Solution: wear a large lobster-style bib at every meal.<br />
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<b>Be Concerned! An Early Life of Crime</b><br />
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One of the wonderful benefits for a worn child is that they too can experience a world geared for an adult's line of sight. My bub is always happy looking around shops with me, perched high in his carrier, whereas my little girl gets impatient in her stroller, where all she can see is knees, bottom racks, the last word on a poster, etc. However, there is a high risk of a worn baby entering a life of crime drastically early: shops displays are very tempting for grabby hands. All too often I have had to return, rather sheepishly, an item of merchandise lifted by the hands of my sweet angel.<br />
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<b>Be Warned! The Addiction</b><br />
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All Babywearers start out with just one sling. Then you meet other parents with awesome slings and carriers and get a bit jealous. Then people start listing gorgeous pre-loved slings on Trademe at Very Reasonable Prices. Before too long, you have a sling for each day of the week and month of the year... and one just for special occassions.
Sarah Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00810597159652887259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-48562112221349854622012-09-19T20:00:00.000+12:002012-09-19T20:00:04.944+12:00September slingmeet - ring slings and pouches (Part 1)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/430993_3313742532913_1171761789_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/430993_3313742532913_1171761789_n.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my 2 year old in a Didymos wrap<br />converted to ring sling by Keoni Slings</td></tr>
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Our topic for September was ring slings and pouches. These two types of carriers share many features - they're both one-shouldered carriers, they're both 'poppable', and they're both fairly easy to get the hang of. This post will cover ring slings, including information on the ones available from our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.co.nz/p/carrier-library.html">library</a>.<br />
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<b><u>Ring slings</u></b><br />
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This form of baby carrier is based on the way many cultures around the world traditionally carried their babies using a simple piece of cloth tied to make a shawl. In 1981, Rayner Garner came up with the concept of using two rings in place of the knot in order to make the carrier easy to adjust. Thus, the ring sling was born! The fabric is attached to the two rings at one end, then is brought around your body and threaded through one ring then the other. The weight of your baby locks the rings in place but it's also easy to loosen when you've finished carrying. This simple but innovative idea has spawned many variations over the last 30 years, which generally fall into two types:<br />
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<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Open tail ring slings - </i>the fabric that passes through the rings and hangs down is called the tail. In open tailed ring slings the fabric is left loose and flowing. The advantage of this is that it's very easy to adjust each edge (rail) of the sling to get a perfect fit. The fabric can also be used as a sun shade or to provide privacy while feeding. However, some people find they don't like a lot of fabric hanging down. Because they are so adjustable, they suit all body types and can be used for tummy to tummy, cradle, hip and back carries so are very versatile. </li>
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<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Closed tail ring slings - </i>these carriers usually have padding along the rails and the fabric that that passes through the rings (or in some cases clip) is sewn together so it's much smaller than the rest of the fabric. This makes for less fabric dangling but it also means this form of sling is harder to adjust as you can't easily adjust each rail separately. Because of this, they're really only suitable for cradle carries for newborns and then hip carries for older children. </li>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Positioning - </i>start with the sling threaded through the rings, making sure it's not twisted and is moving easily through the rings. Place diagonally over your body, with the shoulder bit on whichever shoulder feels most comfortable. Make sure the rings or clip are near your shoulder to start with - once you tighten they'll end up around corsage height. Make sure the fabric is spread out on your back and not twisted. Place baby in the sling. If in a tummy to tummy position, have your baby upright in the middle of your body. If in a diagonal cradle (baby's head close to the rings), your baby's head should be just resting on the outside rail and their head further away from your body than their bottom. If in a nursing cradle (head opposite to the rings) their head should again be just resting on the outside rail and their body nearly horizontal (head slightly raised). In a hip carry for older babies, they should be straddling your hip with their legs out the bottom. Adjust the rails so that your baby is high and snug, tucking fabric between you and your baby if their legs are out. For specific instructions, see the Slingbabies instructions for <a href="http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/Site/Instructions/RING_SLING_-_Tummy_to_Tummy_Carry.ashx">tummy to tummy</a>, <a href="http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/Site/Instructions/RING_SLING_-_Diagonal_Cradle_Carry.ashx">diagonal cradle</a>, <a href="http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/Site/Instructions/RING_SLING_-_Nursing_Cradle_Carry.ashx">nursing cradle</a>, <a href="http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/Site/Instructions/RING_SLING_-_Hip_Carry_w_Open_Tail.ashx">hip carry</a>, <a href="http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/Site/Instructions/Nature_s_Sway_-_Fitting_Wearing.ashx">closed tail</a>. The <a href="http://zolowear.com/Wearing.aspx">Zolowear</a> page is also a great resource for instructions, including videos and troubleshooting. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Pros and cons - </i>ring slings are generally easy to adjust, so are great if you're swapping between wearers of different sizes. They're very poppable, so you can take your baby in and out easily. This means they're a good option to keep in the car for shopping trips or school drop off. They're great for newborns and also great for older toddlers who want to walk places but get tired (even if they're heavy, it's a lot easier than just carrying them in arms). They fold up nice and small too to keep in your nappy bag. They also come in some beautiful fabrics, and can be a very 'dressed up' babywearing option. They're also fantastic for breastfeeding on the go as it's very easy to shift your baby to breastfeeding position then back up again. The tail can also provide privacy or sunshade if desired.<br />
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The main downside to ring slings is the fact that all your baby's weight is on one shoulder. This means that they're not the best option for extended periods of wearing. They can also be difficult to get right if you have an older baby/toddler who likes to straighten their legs.<br />
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<b><i>What we have in our library -</i></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.breezebaby.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/file_33_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.breezebaby.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/file_33_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breeze Baby ring sling <br />(image from www.breezebaby.com.au)</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><u><a href="http://www.babesinarms.com.au/breeze-baby">Breeze Baby ring sling</a> (open tail)</u> - this ring sling is designed to be used in the water or hot climates, as it's made from a quick drying, breathable polyester mesh fabric that won't get weighed down in the water. The fabric is slightly slippery which makes it easy to adjust through the rings but because it's so lightweight it's not the best option for extended wearing or for older children. However, it's fantastic for taking your younger baby to the pool with your older child, or for wearing your baby in the shower. One of our committee members loved using this with her baby when her baby needed frequent showers to help congestion from a cold. A much easier option than trying to hold onto a slippery baby! Thanks again to <a href="http://www.babesinarms.com.au/">Babes in Arms</a> for donating this sling. </li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/resized/Storchenwiege_Ri_50026a689700e_150x150.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/resized/Storchenwiege_Ri_50026a689700e_150x150.png" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storchenwiege Anna ring sling<br />(image from www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u><a href="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/shop.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=49">Storchenwiege ring sling</a> (open tail)</u> - this German-made ring sling uses the same specially woven fabric used in Storchenwiege's woven wraps (including the same beautiful colourways). Storchenwieges are known for their support and strength which makes them great for older children as well as newborns. I can still wear my nearly 3 year old comfortably in this sling! This sling is also nice and wide so it's easy to get a great 'seat' for your baby in a hip carry. The weave, like in woven wraps, is designed to have diagonal stretch which moulds around your baby's back. The fabric flows well through the aluminium rings so it's really easy to adjust but stays put once you've tightened. The shoulder part is pleated and cups your shoulder nicely to spread out the weight well. The width across your back also helps with weight distribution. Included is an excellent instruction manual with illustrations of the various carrying methods, including a back carry. Thanks again to <a href="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/">My Natural Baby</a> for donating this sling. </li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.unitybabysling.co.nz/resources/limegroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.unitybabysling.co.nz/resources/limegroup.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unity ring sling (image from<br />www.unitybabysling.co.nz)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.unitybabysling.co.nz/">Unity ring sling</a> (closed tail) - this New Zealand-made ring sling has a closed tail but is open at the point the fabric goes through the stainless steel rings. This allows for adjustability with less fabric hanging down. The sling is designed to naturally form a pouch to help you put your baby in either a cradle, hip or back carry with ease. The rails are padded for comfort and the fabric is wide across your back to help distribute the weight. There are lots of different <a href="http://www.unitybabysling.co.nz/resources/Unity%20Baby%20Sling%20Fabrics.pdf">colourways</a> available and the slings come with detailed instructions. Thanks again to <a href="http://www.unitybabysling.co.nz/">Unity Baby Sling</a> for donating this sling.</li>
</ul>
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<ul><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/site/naturessway/images/Tony%20new%20design%20sling-large%20email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/site/naturessway/images/Tony%20new%20design%20sling-large%20email.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natures Sway sling (image from <br />www.naturessway.co.nz)</td></tr>
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<li><a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/product+support++faqs/Baby+Slings.html">Natures Sway sling</a> (closed tail with buckle) - this New Zealand-made sling uses a buckle and safety loop instead of rings for ease of use. Natures Sway has recently updated these slings. We have an older version (featured <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.co.nz/2011/09/natures-sway-carriers-now-available.html">here</a>) and have just been given one of the new ones. Like the previous version, the new one has a line of diagonal stitching in a contrasting colour to help you achieve the correct diagonal cradle position. This is a great feature as this can be tricky to get right when you're learning. The new version has flatter wool padding on the rails for a closer fit and the same wool padding on the shoulder for comfort. The wool helps wick away moisture in hot weather too. The best new feature is a double adjustor on the back of the sling to help you adjust each rail individually (which is normally hard or impossible to do with a closed tail ring sling). And like the previous model, the new one is made from either 100% cotton canvas or an organic blend of 55% hemp/45% organic cotton. The slings come with instructions and there's also video instructions available on the website. Thanks again to <a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/">Natures Sway</a> for donating these slings. </li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thepeanutshell.com/c.1257897/site/images/products/10_Whisper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.thepeanutshell.com/c.1257897/site/images/products/10_Whisper.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut Shell sling in 'Whisper'<br />(image from www.peanutshell.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.babesinarms.com.au/peanut-shell/adjustable">Peanut Shell sling</a> (closed tail with buckle) - this American-designed sling uses a buckle and safety strap instead of rings. Like other closed tail slings, it has padded rails. The sling forms a premade pouch which is a good size and moulds well to your baby as the fabric is made with a slight stretch. The slings come in a variety of pretty fabrics. Unlike traditional ring slings, these slings have limited adjustability. They're more like a pouch that can be resized between different wearers. Just like a pouch sling, the lower part of the sling is meant to be no lower than your hip bone, and there's a curved seam to place your baby's bottom against as well. Thanks again to <a href="http://www.babesinarms.com.au/">Babes in Arms</a> for donating this sling. </li>
</ul>
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<b><i>Other brands - </i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b>New Zealand</b></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mamamaternity.co.nz/shop/earthbaby-ring-slings/">Earthbaby</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/HipMamaSlings">Hip Mama</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/IndigoBabywear">Indigo Babywear</a></li>
<li><a href="http://keonislings.weebly.com/">Keoni Slings</a> (ring slings made from woven wraps or your own fabric.) </li>
<li><a href="http://oyako.co.nz/Ring_Slings.html">Oyako</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>International</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.didymos.de/en/DIDYMagazine/Baby-Carriers/DidySling/">DidySling (Didymos)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ellaroo.com/index.php/products/info">Ellaroo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bellaroo.co.nz/baby-slings/ring-slings/hava-ring-sling-mia">HAVA</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?searchtype=SELLER&member=54335">Hoppediz</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mayawrap.com/">Maya Wrap</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/">Sakura Bloom</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/">Sleeping Baby Productions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.taylormadeslings.com/">TaylorMade</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.zolowear.com/">Zolowear</a></li>
</ul>
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<b><i>DIY -</i></b><br />
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Jan Andrea from Sleeping Baby Productions has a great <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sling.html">tutorial</a> on how to make your own ring sling. Make sure you only use sling rings approved for baby carrying (either aluminium or stainless steel). Rings available from <a href="http://www.slingrings.com/">www.slingrings.com</a> and <a href="http://www.nudeyrudey.com/categories/sling-rings/black-sling-rings">http://www.nudeyrudey.com/categories/sling-rings/black-sling-rings</a>. They also pop up on Trademe from time to time.Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-68395967133157220212012-05-20T10:06:00.002+12:002012-09-26T08:42:32.957+12:00May is for mei tais<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For anyone who missed Isa's great mei tai talk at the May slingmeet, here it is (thanks Isa!):</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kozycarrier.homestead.com/ponfrontfloral2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://kozycarrier.homestead.com/ponfrontfloral2.jpg" width="192" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kozy carrier</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our road to babywearing was long and far from straight. I made a simple woven wrap when I worked as a nanny for an 11 month old, and loved it; it made life so much easier, and I was a babywearing convert. But when my little girl was born she couldn't stand the lovely <a href="http://www.storchenwiege.com/">Storchenwiege wrap</a> we'd bought for her, and it took many months before I could get her into it (usually facing out, as anything else was unacceptable to her). She still didn't like it, and getting her into it was awful. Instead, we stuck to the Mountainbuggy, until she suddenly stopped sleeping in it at 8 months. Luckily, a friend lent me her <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/">Ergo</a>, and my baby went straight to sleep! We bought the Ergo, and it made life so much easier. But I had loved wrapping, and found that so much more comfortable. By this time, it was obvious to us that our daughter hated being restrained (she always wanted to be held, but just loosely), and the wrap was too much for her. I'd joined a Swedish babywearing forum online, and found out about mei tais there, and there were mums there who made their own mei tais. I got the pattern from one of them (it is adapted from the <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/FrankenKozy.htm">FrankenKozy pattern</a>), and I adapted it a bit more, as I liked the look of the <a href="http://www.babyhawk.com/">BabyHawk mei tais</a>, with panels. This way I could get a mei tai with spreadable bands, like a woven wrap. I love the mei tai, as it takes the weight much better than the Ergo, so I can wear my 3 year old without trouble. When she was younger I used to wear her for hours, for her sleep, and we went out at night (it can look really stylish with evening wear!), and I wore her sleeping at parties. It is a lot thinner (although made with double fabric, for strength), and is therefore much cooler, which we both prefer. I also like that it takes up very little space - nowadays it lives at the bottom of my bag, and it is just really practical to always have it with us when we need it. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://oyako.co.nz/Home_files/shapeimage_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://oyako.co.nz/Home_files/shapeimage_3.png" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oyako mei tai</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In it's simplest form, a mei tai is a rectangle of woven fabric, with a waistband attached at the bottom (like an upside down apron), and with two long bands (around 2 m long) attached to the upper corners. They have been used for hundreds of years in Asia, and are sometimes called Asian baby carriers. The fabric can vary - there are mei tais made of various materials, including corduroy and canvas, but also softer cottons. They may or may not have a hood, which can be handy to support baby's head when asleep, or to shut out light. One big benefit is that your mei tai will fit mum, dad, grandma and the nanny or babysitter, without any need for adjustments. And they are very easy to learn to use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are two main types of mei tais, ones with spreadable shoulder bands, which you spread out over your shoulders like a wrap, and ones with padded shoulder bands, like a back pack. I really like the spreadable bands, because it gives the carrier the very best of a woven wrap, and an SSC, like an Ergo or Manduca. With no straps or buckles, a mei tai is very comfortable (some mei tais combine a buckled waist strap with the long shoulder straps. Sometimes referred to as a half buckle carrier, these can be good if you don't like having two knots to tie).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mei tais can be used with a newborn, but also with a toddler or much older child (a friend of mine used to carry her newborn in a stretchy wrap on her front and her big 6 yo on her back to get him home from school). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can wear the baby on your front, back or side. It is very easy to use, just tie the waistband around your waist, and move the panel to where you like it, pick up the baby, pulle the panel up, and toss the shoulderbands over each shoulder. Hold baby with one hand, and cross the bands over your front, back or side, depending on how you want to carry. Then pull the bands around the baby. If the baby is quite light still, you can tie around the baby's back (we did this until my daughter was over 18 months, but she was quite light weight. It is more supportive with a heavier child to cross the bands again over the child's bottom, and pull each band under each leg, and tie on the opposite side to the baby.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hoppediz.de/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/150x200/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/h/t/ht_kapi_150x200_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hoppediz.de/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/150x200/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/h/t/ht_kapi_150x200_1.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hop-tye mei tai with spreadable bands</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If the mei tai is made out of a more light-weight material it may over time wear out, and this may happen quicker than with a harder material. As long as you check for wear and tear before using you should be fine. Ours is quite lightweight, and we've used it all the time for nearly two years, with no issues (and we've used it a lot, as I don't drive, and we haven't used a pushchair since my daughter was 8 months old).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For those of you with DIY skills, it is quite easy to make a mei tai. You need a waisband, about 1.70 m long, padded with fleece in the middle. And two shoulder bands around 2m long - if they're spreadable they need to be about 30 cm wide, but you taper them off at the ends to tie easier. The front panel, however designed, can vary in size and shape. You can make it a bit smaller to fit just a newborn really well, or quite a bit bigger to hold a toddler or preschooler really well, or something in between, to fit most (around 40 cm high, 30-40 cm wide, preferably tapered to 30 at the bottom). At the top it can be rounded, or have square ends in various ways. You can add a hood or head support. Most important is to sew on the shoulder bands and the waistband really securely (if you do a search on mei tai patterns there are loads to choose from to suit all tastes/crafting ability).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We have several mei tais available to hire from the <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.co.nz/p/carrier-library.html">Babywearing Wellington carrier library</a>:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.littlelove.co.nz/">Little Love</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=8&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=57">Kozy carrier</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.co.nz/2011/07/new-to-our-library-little-tree-baby-mei.html"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Little Tree Baby</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Little Ruby</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://oyako.co.nz/Mei_Tais.html">Oyako</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Other mei tai brands available in NZ are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.babyhawk.com/">Babyhawk</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.funkeebabee.co.nz/webapps/i/76564/175964/266505">FunkeeBabee</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://keonislings.weebly.com/mei-tais.html">KeoniSlings (wrap to mei tai conversions)</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.snugglez.co.nz/">Snugglez</a></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And even more available from overseas vendors if you search. Some vendors may even be able to sew you a customised mei tai to your specifications. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy wearing!</span></div>
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Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-53469057045530507742012-05-02T17:47:00.003+12:002012-05-11T17:38:59.105+12:00Babywearing to the other side of the world and back<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ35HN0b6EweqDs02JXtO_GdBg0EBD6PEjR7P-Ix765wZzpsiRe9ZhAdGAsJciE2QgoS0nM4Ys4myIymQvtTBBT8p-3fwoDLNWll_bF20Zyl8tEedcVuC5Xi8ARBV1dTlYfHvH_BBgy8/s1600/2011-09-27+10.34.45.jpg"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC32cYFsTb7f_8IxYRiDMFBQMZo2xa8NWE3i7RQKq81etLE19juHFuhd28eDr5lvhgttPcaydN80P3SWkSIUL8FYh16_i2RiGdhO8PmfzlefhirXtQL4MAc5DpCNyHeUYFh7rWSAVVos/s1600/2011-09-27+04.40.38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC32cYFsTb7f_8IxYRiDMFBQMZo2xa8NWE3i7RQKq81etLE19juHFuhd28eDr5lvhgttPcaydN80P3SWkSIUL8FYh16_i2RiGdhO8PmfzlefhirXtQL4MAc5DpCNyHeUYFh7rWSAVVos/s320/2011-09-27+04.40.38.jpg" width="240" /></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.340441915005806" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.340441915005806" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Towards the end of last year, I decided to travel to the other side of the world, solo, with my eight month old daughter. It was quite a daunting prospect, but a necessary one, seeing as she hadn’t yet met the majority of my side of the family. My husband sadly couldn’t join us as he had to work, ahem, watch the Rugby World Cup, ahem, I mean work.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As an avid babywearer, taking a carrier wasn’t the issue, but choosing which carrier(s) to take with me was a mindboggling question. My considerations before travel were:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">a) it had to be super comfortable to wear over long distances while carrying luggage and pushing a trolley, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">b) it had to be comfortable for me if she fell asleep in an airport/train/coach on me and I had to recline back, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">d) it had to be easy to ‘disrobe’ at airport security (should that be necessary – I found out that not all security doorways require you to take off your baby, regardless of what part of the country you enter. It did appear, however, that it was only when bubs was asleep that I had to completely remove her, handy!).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I didn’t own a Manduca or an Ergo which would have been my first options, although I could easily have hired one from the <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.co.nz/p/carrier-library.html">Babywearing Wellington Library</a>, but I wanted one of my own, so I invested in a mei tai, suitable for back, front and hip carrying.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Another question pre-travel was whether to take a breastfeeding pillow with me on the 29 hour, 2 stopover journey. Bubs was 90% breastfeeding and 10% on solids, the pillow was bulky but not heavy, and although a bassinet was booked, she tended to sleep better on me, as did I, rather than wake only when she was loud enough to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Another consideration was to have a shawl or cover for helping give her some sensory deprivation while travelling through bustling, busy, brightly lit areas such as airports. This shawl also doubled as an easy to make 'pouch sling' for general carrying about on my hip.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTYVsT7WKNIfQa38lIZgmdqncACiGkXATPSDk1qwyXEam1vtIBy3IDcWOqbVMSqUlPU3jb8lq22L6jPLCS_hYLMuPxpnMbDXaZecSgfBbIsCvVt01Jy2I-KXDhY49oxK09xC8Vel3FkY/s1600/2011-09-29+03.42.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTYVsT7WKNIfQa38lIZgmdqncACiGkXATPSDk1qwyXEam1vtIBy3IDcWOqbVMSqUlPU3jb8lq22L6jPLCS_hYLMuPxpnMbDXaZecSgfBbIsCvVt01Jy2I-KXDhY49oxK09xC8Vel3FkY/s200/2011-09-29+03.42.23.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc9hXap0LAHRmS30D0QB4zptWqGZgzTomnpJI6x-COgyFo37lCXZ0UTlOibEhqgFCLmHfPYIw7Wo__Yj0WOopXAiWChLtYN4aQeVDwfMgbm_EFHY2_AjgpPmYORkleizNF98tRLQ9jNQ/s1600/2011-09-27+10.31.06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc9hXap0LAHRmS30D0QB4zptWqGZgzTomnpJI6x-COgyFo37lCXZ0UTlOibEhqgFCLmHfPYIw7Wo__Yj0WOopXAiWChLtYN4aQeVDwfMgbm_EFHY2_AjgpPmYORkleizNF98tRLQ9jNQ/s200/2011-09-27+10.31.06.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Therefore my ‘must-haves’ to travel with were now: a comfortable light baby carrier, breastfeeding pillow and a light blanket/cover. I took one backpack and one nappy bag. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I carried the nappy bag on alternative shoulders, but it was light, as nappies do tend to be very light. It was also a great height to perch on a seat, then perch the backpack on top of, while it was still attached to me, at train station seating for example. **Warning though, don’t forget you left the nappy bag on the seat on the platform, as you can suffer a mild heart attack when you spot it from the train.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Our journey took us from Wellington to Sydney, a three hour wait for our next flight to Singapore, via Adelaide. You know, one of those handy ‘get everyone and everything they have with them off for an hour then back on again to the same seat’ stops. Singapore was a stop for a day, then it was non-stop to London. All those changes required lots of carrying baby on and off the five plane journeys, various security checks, various tube journeys, one taxi and one bus trip before ending up at my destination. My mei tai was a lifesaver. I have no idea how I wouldn’t have busted a gut carrying her through all those wait-in-line queues where you couldn’t take trolleys.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The great thing about carrying your baby and standing in a queue is that people will always talk to you and your baby. It makes a lonely journey interesting talking to people who ordinarily may not talk to you. They take an interest in your child and your child loves taking an interest in people. With carrying, they are at eye level and so don’t miss anything, and don’t get whacked by passing briefcases, unlike my shins.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When in Singapore, I had a short connection between airport and where I was staying. It is not illegal to travel with a baby unrestrained, but I fed the seatbelt around the both of us and made it clear to the driver to be slow and careful of other traffic. Ditto for the bus journey at the other end, seatbelt on at all times, although she did get confused as to why she couldn’t get out when we weren’t ‘moving’. Both of these times, the rocking of the vehicle made her fall asleep, so getting off didn’t require any transferring to a buggy, we just up and left.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On and off the tube is a doddle, full stop. Up and down stairways into tube stations is a doddle, full stop. And how gorgeous to just pop out of an apartment, into a tube station, off at a market, and wander round crowded stalls quickly and easily.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In Singapore airport, my flight was delayed 5 hours (booo!!) and she was just heading to sleep. This of course meant she would now be awake for the journey rather than sleeping through it. You go with ‘Babytime’, when they sleep, you sleep. I rocked up at a cafe, bought a milky drink, explained to the server that I had to sleep with baby, because of the sign that said ‘no sleeping here’, and set the alarm on my phone to wake me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Train journeys are fabulous too. If anyone has queued at a station in the UK in rush hour, they will know it is not pleasant at the best of times. Wearing bubs is a lot easier than trying to negotiate the step between the platform and train with a lot of bolshy people thinking they should get in front of you first. And bubs can get out of the carrier on a train and clamber all over the seats (I wouldn’t recommend the floor though).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Short journeys at my destination which required one overnight bag were easy with a baby on the front and a backpack on the back. As baby’s weight was counter-balanced by the backpack, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable, but I would suggest a certain level of fitness for the sheer weight I was carrying - 7kg on the back, 8kg on the front. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t get me wrong, the buggy had its place, and for me it was either at home and at the other end, not during transit. It was wonderful for Nana and Grandad to take their little angel for a walk to the park and to feed the ducks, and she often fell asleep and slept happily in their back gardens in the autumn sunshine.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So I’d say using a baby carrier to travel with makes the journey both much easier and much nicer. From the hands-free aspect to the random conversations with strangers prompted by wearing a cute baby, it makes things a lot smoother. Plus having baby so close during a journey surrounded by strangers gives you both a little bubble of love to shield you from the hustle and bustle of travelling.</span></div>Stefaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579448398540684301noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-58152177960773987442012-04-28T11:55:00.000+12:002012-04-28T11:56:29.450+12:00May SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to <b>Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet</b><br />
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<b>from 10 am on Friday 4th May, 2012</b><br />
<b>in the Guest Room<br />at the Southern Cross</b><br />
<a href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">http://www.thecross.co.nz/</a> 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.<br />
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We have a short presentation on a particular aspect of babywearing, followed by an informal session when you can try a range of different carrier types, ask any questions you like, hire a carrier from our library or just chat with some friendly folk over a coffee.<br />
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<b>This month's presentation is about mei tais.</b><br />
Isa will be talking about the features of
the versatile and beautiful mei tai, how to
use them and what to look for when
purchasing or making one.<b> </b><br />
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We're happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time.<br />
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As always, our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html">carrier library</a> will be available for browsing and borrowing.<br />
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You don’t have to wait until the slingmeet to hire a carrier or become a member: Contact us anytime via email to <a href="mailto:babywearingwellington@gmail.com">babywearingwellington@gmail.com</a> ... or come along to Friday's meeting.<br />
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<b>Bring your friends!</b>Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested - friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a babywearing supporter!Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-36386821761803071272012-04-09T20:46:00.002+12:002012-04-09T20:52:36.852+12:00April SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to <b>Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet</b><br /><br /><b>from 10 am on Friday 13 April, 2012<br />at the Southern Cross<br /></b><a href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">http://www.thecross.co.nz/</a> 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.<br /><br />We’re very happy to report that we’re back in the Guest Room which is less noisy and much more comfortable for a group our size!<br /><br />We have a short presentation on a particular aspect of babywearing, followed by an informal session when you can try a range of different carrier types, ask any questions you like, hire a carrier from our library or just chat with some friendly folk over a coffee.<br /><br /><b>This month's presentation is about babywearing safety.</b><br />Hester will talk about about safe baby positioning, things to be aware of with different carrier styles, and about the ins and outs of baby facing outward.<br /><br />We're happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time.<br /><br />As always, our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html">carrier library</a> will be available for browsing and borrowing.<br /><br />You don’t have to wait until the slingmeet to hire a carrier or become a member: Contact us anytime via email to <a href="mailto:babywearingwellington@gmail.com">babywearingwellington@gmail.com</a> ... or come along to Friday's meeting.<br /><br /><b>Bring your friends!<br /></b>Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested - friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a babywearing supporter!Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-74578670086673818792012-02-26T12:04:00.003+13:002012-02-26T12:11:40.676+13:00March SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet<br />from <span style="font-weight: bold;">10 am on Friday 2 March, 2012</span><br />in the lounge at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">Southern Cross</a><br />39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.<br /><br />We have a short presentation on a particular aspect of Babywearing, following by an informal session when you can try a range of different carrier types, ask any questions you like, hire a carrier from our library or just chat with some friendly folk over a coffee.<br /><br /><b>This month's presentation is about wrap style carriers<br /></b>Wrap style carriers are the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to babywearing: they distribute the weight of the baby over shoulders and back, adapt to all sizes of wearers and babies, and can be tied to accommodate wearing baby on the front, hip or back. Emma and Sarah C will talk about woven and stretchy wraps and we’ll demonstrate a few carries.<br /><br />We're happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time.<br /><br />As always, our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html">carrier library</a> will be available for browsing and borrowing.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bring your friends!</span><br /><br />Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested - friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a babywearing supporter!Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-42267016728071677712012-02-24T16:22:00.000+13:002012-02-24T16:39:16.228+13:00NZ Babywearing Week 2011 events rundownBetter late than never, here's a write up of how Babywearing Wellington celebrated NZ Babywearing Week last October.<br />
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The week kicked off with 13 people plus babies/toddlers attending a fun babywearing cha cha class at the Dowse gallery, led by the lovely Hiria (who was 'wearing' her son in an SSC). The choreography was simple enough to pick up, and the gentle dance moves soothed some of the babies off to sleep. And dancing with a toddler strapped to your back is a pretty good workout!<br />
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Later in the week, Hester helped a few people shop for material then use the material to make their own stretchy wraps. Thanks to our regular venue, the Southern Cross Garden Bar for the use of the Guest Room for the DIY session.<br />
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Ending the week was our second ever sling walk. We decided to change the route this year to make it a bit easier to walk (ie flatter!) so registration was at Frank Kitts Park. Last year we had around 25 people attend so were expecting a similar number, maybe a bit more.<br />
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So we were pleasantly surprised to see lots and lots of people with carriers turning up to register, so many in fact that we ran out of goodie bags. All up we had around 60 adults and around 40 children attend which was a fantastic turnout! <span style="text-align: center;">And an even bigger surprise was to discover that NZ Babywearing Week organiser Helen MacMillan and Slingbabies founder Jess Richards had flown down from Auckland for the day to attend. It was lovely to finally meet Helen and to see Jess again. </span><br />
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Wellington had put on a stunning afternoon for us, and we set off along the waterfront in the sunshine, attracting lots of looks from people wandering the other way. So much babywearing en masse was obviously quite a sight!<br />
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We walked around Te Papa and then along to Courtney Place, and up Dixon St. Then a lovely stroll taking in the sights and sounds of Cuba St before we arrived at the Southern Cross - the destination for afternoon tea and the prizegiving. Thanks again to the Southern Cross for hosting us and providing some yummy food platters.<br />
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Thanks to the generosity of the NZ Babywearing Week sponsors and some local businesses, we had a great range of prizes to give away.<br />
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<li>A limited edition Manduca SweetSoda valued at $255 courtesy of <a href="http://www.wickelkinder.de/">Wickelkinder GmbH</a> won by Cassie</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">An aromatherapy/massage voucher valued at $60 from <a href="http://www.leesscience.co.nz/">L’esscience</a> won by Catherine</span></li>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">$50 voucher to spend at the <a href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">Southern Cross Garden Bar</a> won by Laurel</span><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">$50 voucher to spend at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Over.the.rainbow.nz?ref=ts">Over the Rainbow</a> won by Olivia and Richard</span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pair of BabyBanz sunglasses valued at $39.95 from <a href="http://www.babyonthemove.co.nz/index.php?route=information/storelocations&region=wellington">Wellington South Baby on the Move</a> won by Laura</span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Manduca front pouch valued at $39.95 courtesy of Wickelkinder GmbH won by Karin</span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A one year subscription to <a href="http://www.thenaturalparent.co.nz/">The Natural Parent Magazine</a> valued at $32.00 courtesy of The Natural Parent Magazine won by Kathryn </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A pair of Manduca fumbee shoulder strap protectors suitable for baby carriers, carseats and push chairs, valued at $29.95 courtesy of Wickelkinder GmbH won by Anna</span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 x $25 vouchers from <a href="http://www.wishskinspa.co.nz/">Wish Skin Spa</a> won by Iona and Jenny</span><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An OURS DVD valued at $25.00 courtesy of <a href="http://www.oursdvd.co.nz/">OURS DVD</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A bag of Rockin’ Green eco laundry detergent valued at $22.80 courtesy of <a href="http://www.rockingreennz.co.nz/">Rockin’ Green NZ</a> won by Cassie </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A pair of Huggalugs leg & arm warmers valued at $19.95 courtesy of <a href="http://www.huggalugs.com.au/">Huggalugs</a> won by Holly </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Tummy2Tummy Babywearing Instructional DVD valued at $19.95 courtesy of <a href="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/">My Natural Baby Ltd </a>won by Louise </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">7 copies of the latest issue of The Natural Parent Magazine valued at $9.90 each courtesy of The Natural Parent Magazine </span></span></div>
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We hope that all the winners enjoyed their prizes!<br />
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At the end of the prizegiving, the committee got a prize of our own - a new Storchenwiege Albert woven wrap kindly donated from Helen (who also runs <a href="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/">My Natural Baby</a>). This brightly coloured wrap is a fantastic addition to our carrier library and is available to hire at our slingmeets. It was a lovely way to end a great afternoon.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who attended for supporting us and helping to make the afternoon such a success. We're all looking forward to this year's one now!<br />
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<br />Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-36974164471687461422012-02-16T19:48:00.003+13:002012-02-16T20:15:51.495+13:00Heart to Heart Stretchy Wrap Available in Our LibraryThe Heart to Heart wrap is one of the stretchy wrap carriers available to hire from the Babywearing Wellington library. The team at Heart to Heart generously donated this gorgeous wrap to the library last year. Check them out at www.babywrap.co.nz <br /><br />I have one of these wraps myself, which was perfect for my little lass when she was a newborn. Being cotton, it was very easy to take care of. I just threw it in the wash after one of the many messy incidents involving a number two. <br /><br />The features that I really like about the Heart to Heart wrap is that it is extra wide, allowing plenty of space for those larger or taller babies such as my bonnie wee lassie. It is truly 'one size fits all': wide, long, with tapered ends, which makes it easy to tie. <br /><br />Heart to Heart wraps are made from 100% quality cotton milled in NZ (no imported fabric). I love made in NZ!<br /><br />The advantage of being a stretchy wrap means you can put your baby in and out without taking it off or re-tying. I also found it rather supportive of the baby's weight, especially if you get a nice snug tie and tighten it up rail by rail (come to our March slingmeet on Friday the 3rd and I'll show you how - more details about the next slingmeet to follow shortly).<br /><br />The Heart to Heart wrap comes with a pocket sized instructions, which is a useful thing to throw in the nappy bag and have on hand. <br /><br />These lovely wraps are available in a gorgeous moss green, beautiful blue, white or black. The one in our library is blue.<br /><br />This photo is one of my earliest outings with in the my wee lassie in the Heart to Heart (at just 8 days old). Fond memories of those newborn days!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxItNyrzko0qxV6eKi7BuO32JSEOzKFpHOjMaR8GGrosv0GmGBJPvcJTlUnaugCfLu45uSkTTiHtf_XeN1F01XRBuLShmSqeQ9DYAnUive3yqVW9FepozfivVYmDWvFlTNeQpPNIgPQ1A/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxItNyrzko0qxV6eKi7BuO32JSEOzKFpHOjMaR8GGrosv0GmGBJPvcJTlUnaugCfLu45uSkTTiHtf_XeN1F01XRBuLShmSqeQ9DYAnUive3yqVW9FepozfivVYmDWvFlTNeQpPNIgPQ1A/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709627694868321762" /></a>Sarah Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00810597159652887259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-47581547841860194272012-01-21T19:42:00.003+13:002012-01-21T19:51:14.100+13:00February SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet<br />from <span style="font-weight: bold;">10 am on Friday 3 February, 2012</span><br />in the guest room at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thecross.co.nz">Southern Cross</a><br />39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.<br /><br />We have a short presentation on a particular aspect of Babywearing, following by an informal session when you can try a range of different carrier types, ask any questions you like, hire a carrier from our library or just chat with some friendly folk over a coffee.<br /><br />This month's presentation is on <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Babywearing 101"</span><br /><br />In this introduction to babywearing, we’ll also talk about the benefits for mum (or dad) and baby, and cover safety. We’ll also demo different styles of carriers “in action” (i.e. with our babies / toddlers on board).<br /><br />We're happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time.<br /><br />As always, our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html">carrier library</a> will be available for browsing and borrowing.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bring your friends!</span><br /><br />Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested - friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a babywearing supporter!Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-10050773093290533072011-11-24T22:33:00.002+13:002011-11-24T22:42:55.506+13:00December SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet<br />from <span style="font-weight: bold;">10 am on Friday 2 December</span>,<br />in the guest room at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">Southern Cross</a> <br />39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.<br /><br />This month's theme is "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Babywearing on Holiday</span>" - very appropriate for the season! This time we're going to run our slingmeet a little differently. It'll be an informal exchange of stories about using babywearing as a parenting essential when on holiday . We'd love to hear your babywearing on holiday stories too! Come along for a relaxed chat about the many advantages of babywearing when you're on the move, and swap some tips and tricks of the trade.<br /><br />We'll have the full <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html">carrier library</a> available for you to try out and practice with, and for this month only we're offering an extended hire period of up to six weeks! This means you can hire a carrier over the Christmas and New Year break, and don't have to worry about arranging to return it to us until the 2012. All our carriers are hired out on a first in first served basis.<br /><br />We're also happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bring your friends!</span><br />Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested, friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a Babywearing supporter!Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-90402717221049694452011-10-28T23:47:00.002+13:002011-10-28T23:52:03.360+13:00November SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet<br />from <span style="font-weight: bold;">10 a.m. on Friday 4 November</span>, 2011<br />in the guest room at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">Southern Cross</a><br />39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.<br /><br />The topic of this month's meeting is <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Babywearing Safety"</span>. Come along and learn how you can safely wear your baby!<br /><br /><br />We're happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of Babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time.<br /><br />As always, we will have our<a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html"></a> <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html">carrier library</a> available for browsing and borrowing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bring your friends!</span><br />Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested, friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a Babywearing supporter!Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-67236965467019807492011-10-09T22:55:00.009+13:002011-10-09T23:11:04.669+13:00New Zealand Babywearing Week Events, October 10 - 16New Zealand Babywearing Week is about to start and we're very excited about it. We have a number of events planned and would love to see you at any or all of them.<br /><br />Our first event is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">free Babywearing Dance Class</span> on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday, October 10th</span>, from <span style="font-weight: bold;">10:30am</span> at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt</span>.<br />In this 45min class you will learn the basics of Cha cha, how to Cha cha safely with your baby, a lovely choreography to dance with your baby at home and how to add in your partner to your Cha cha fun! All welcome, no previous experience or rhythmical talent required.<br />Check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103442106432800">facebook event</a> for more details.<br /><br />Our second (and third) event will be a <span style="font-weight: bold;">DIY stretchy wrap workshop</span>.<br />This event will have two parts - the first is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">fabric shopping trip</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Fabric Warehouse</span> (126 Hutt Rd, next to Spotlight) at <span style="font-weight: bold;">10:30am</span> on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, 11th October</span>. The fabric Warehouse have offered us a very generous discount on fabric for the workshop. The discount is only available during this trip, so come along to take advantage. More details on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=259457944098997">facebook event</a>.<br />The second is an informal <span style="font-weight: bold;">craft session</span> at The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Southern Cross</span>, at <span style="font-weight: bold;">10:30am</span> on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, 14th October</span>. Bring your fabric and your creativity and we will be on hand to offer help in shaping and embellishing your wrap. Have a look at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156692334424685">facebook event</a> for more details.<br />Come along to either or both events and make a wrap for yourself or share the wearing by making one for a new parent in your life. The only cost involved is for the fabric you purchase.<br /><br />And to round off the week we have our main event: our annual <span style="font-weight: bold;">Slingwalk</span> through central Wellington. It should be a lot of fun and there are some great giveaways and amazing prizes to be won!<br />Check out the separate post about it <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-zealand-babywearing-week.html">here</a> or have a look at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=294619140554253">facebook event</a>.<br /><br />For events happening in other parts of the country you should have a look at the <a href="http://newzealandbabywearingweek.wordpress.com/new-zealand-babywearing-week-events/">New Zealand Babywearing Week site</a>.Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-46909723885720470242011-10-02T20:26:00.001+13:002011-10-06T22:39:12.938+13:00New Zealand Babywearing Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRSB8jnPJEhiFsU8C9gWpr9ngLp_Z7Hw-vRAIwUfpFivwDT_6P_5KhinxYA3-tJEu-Cv_VPZS7MXzfxwJqTAvfwUmA8vnli3N0gAQ_1dwj0jEi0BiWO_Gp7_8Y4LkknD_YGPDRN95rfw/s1600/manducabuddies.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRSB8jnPJEhiFsU8C9gWpr9ngLp_Z7Hw-vRAIwUfpFivwDT_6P_5KhinxYA3-tJEu-Cv_VPZS7MXzfxwJqTAvfwUmA8vnli3N0gAQ_1dwj0jEi0BiWO_Gp7_8Y4LkknD_YGPDRN95rfw/s200/manducabuddies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655855924310632898" border="0" /></a><br />Here at Babywearing Wellington we're looking forward to the first ever <a href="http://www.newzealandbabywearingweek.co.nz/">New Zealand Babywearing Week</a>, which will run parallel to <a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/babywearingweek.php">International Babywearing Week</a> from 10-16 October.<br /><br />Babywearing Wellington will be organising a few different events to celebrate the week, the main one of these being our annual sling walk through town on 16 October. This year we've decided to go for an easier (flatter!) route, starting at Frank Kitts park at 2pm then walking past Te Papa, onto Courtenay Place and then Cuba St ending at the <a href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">Southern Cross</a> Guest Room, our regular slingmeet venue. Check out the route map below.<br /><br />Register on the day from 1.30pm to go into the draw to win heaps of great spot prizes from the NZ Babywearing Week sponsors Wickelkinder (Manduca), My Natural Baby, Rockin' Green NZ, Ours DVD, The Natural Parent magazine (more details at bottom of this email) and local businesses Le'esscience, Baby on the Move and Wish Skin Spa. The main prize will be a <a href="http://www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=289&category_id=12&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=57">Sweet Soda limited edition Manduca</a> valued at $255 provided by Wickelkinder! In addition, the first 30 families to register on the day will receive a small goodie bag with giveaways and vouchers.<br /><br />We'd love to see you all there with your child/ren and favourite carriers, and it would be great if you could spread the word around your friends and family. Everyone is welcome - you don't need to have a 'worn' baby to attend, and the route is buggy-friendly. The idea is to get as many supporters of babywearing together as we can! The sling walk poster is available <a href="http://saladmaster.org/bww/poster2011.pdf">here</a> for you to print out and distribute if you can - the more advertising the better. So we have a vague idea of numbers, we'd appreciate it if you could let us know by <a href="mailto:babywearingwellington@gmail.com?subject=slingwalk">email</a> or by RSVPing to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=294619140554253">Facebook event</a> whether you think you can make it. In the meantime, check out the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54886267@N07/sets/72157625055834217/">photos</a> from last year's sling walk.<br /><br />In addition to the sling walk, we're planning a Latin-inspired babywearing dance class on Monday 10th and a 'Make Your Own Stretchy Wrap' with our resident craftster, Hester, on Friday 14th. More details to come on both these events.<br /><br />Hope to see you at one or more of these events!<br /><br />For information on events in other parts of New Zealand, check out the list on the <a href="http://newzealandbabywearingweek.wordpress.com/new-zealand-babywearing-week-events/">New Zealand Babywearing Week</a> site.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://saladmaster.org/bww/slingwalkmap.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 516px;" src="http://saladmaster.org/bww/slingwalkmap.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-69871859875457668922011-10-02T10:07:00.003+13:002011-10-02T10:17:31.378+13:00October SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet<br />from <span style="font-weight:bold;">10 a.m. on Friday 7 October</span>, 2011<br />in the guest room at the <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">Southern Cross</a></span><br />39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.<br /><br />The topic of this month's meeting is <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Babywearing around the world"</span>, which ties in with the theme of next month's International Babywearing Week - "A world of possibilities". And don't forget next month also marks the first ever New Zealand Babywearing Week. We hope you're looking forward to what we have planned as much as we do!<br /><br />We're happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of Babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time.<br /><br />As always, we will have our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/carrier-library.html">carrier library</a> available for browsing and borrowing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Bring your friends!</span><br />Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested, friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a Babywearing supporter!Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-59391835600379931012011-09-20T14:03:00.000+12:002011-09-20T14:03:35.894+12:00Unido pouch slings available from our libraryIt's high time we did a write up on one of our earliest library donations - two beautiful, 100% NZ made pouch slings from Sarah at <a href="http://www.unido.co.nz/">Unido</a>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/i-cFhJrFh/0/M/DSC5991-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/i-cFhJrFh/0/M/DSC5991-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our two Unido pouches - S on left, M on right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Like all pouch slings, Unido slings are great for quick and easy babywearing and fold up nice and small when you're not using them. They can be used for front, back and hip carries. What sets Unido apart, though, is the fact that their pouches are fully customisable. You can buy them direct from stockists around NZ but if you want one that is exactly tailored to your body size, all you need to do is go to their <a href="http://www.unido.co.nz/">website</a>, put in your diagonal shoulder to hip measurement, choose your coordinating fabrics and place your order. There's an extensive range of fashionable printed cotton fabric to choose from for the outside, and the solid coloured fabric on the inside is a diagonal weave for added strength and durability. Unido slings are fully reversible as well, so you can wear them with the print on the inside for a different look. Another nice touch is that you can order a matching mini pouch for your child to wear their 'baby' in as well. Unido also provide a comprehensive illustrated <a href="http://www.unido.co.nz/instructions.pdf">guide</a> to using their slings.<br />
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Please check out Unido's <a href="http://unidobabyslings.blogspot.com/">blog</a> or their Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/unido?ref=ts&sk=wall">page</a>.<br />
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The Unido pouches in our library are a small (fits size 10-12 or 59-63cm) and a medium (fits size 12-14 or 63-68cm). We'd love you to come and try them out at one of our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/slingmeets.html">slingmeets</a> and they're also available to hire at any time by contacting our <a href="mailto:babywearingwellington@gmail.com">librarian</a>.<br />
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Thanks again, Sarah!<br />
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<br />Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-33079439315457670622011-09-19T11:26:00.000+12:002011-09-19T11:26:07.256+12:00Natures Sway carriers now available from our libraryThe team at <a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/">Natures Sway</a> have kindly donated three carriers to our library. Natures Sway (NS) have recently added to their range - in addition to the NS sling which you probably already know about, they now also make a soft structured carrier (NS Pouch Pack) and a stretchy wrap (NS Carry Wrap).<br />
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Here's some information on each of the carriers:<br />
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<u>NS sling</u><br />
<u><br /></u><br />
The <a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/product+support++faqs/Baby+Slings.html">NS sling</a> is available in either 100% cotton or an organic blend of 55% hemp/45% cotton (which we have in the library). The design of the organic sling has been updated to make it easier to adjust and more comfortable for both you and your baby, especially in the hip carry position. The sling is designed to be used from birth till around 2 years old. The slings are easy to adjust between different wearers as they do up with an adjustable buckle, and they are also great for breastfeeding in, as shown below.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/12807023_gLBqtS#1368288601_j2G5LQn-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/i-j2G5LQn/0/M/EmmaNS-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NS slings now come with a yellow safety loop which goes around the buckle for added safety. Also, in terms of safety, rest assured that the NS is not a 'bag sling' however it's very important that you place your baby in the sling correctly following the NS <a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/site/naturessway/files/images/instructions/sling%20instructions%20Oct%2008.pdf">instructions</a>. Your baby needs to be lying diagonally along the line of stitching (which indicates the placement of your baby's head and spine). Here's a video from NS showing exactly how to do this:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eDgCuZD88yo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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For more information on NS sling safety, see<a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/product+support++faqs/Sling+Safety+-+Press+Release+from+Natures+Sway+-+Infantino+Slingrider+Sling+Safety+baby+sling.html"> here</a>.</div>
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<u>NS Pouch Pack</u></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/site/naturessway/images/Pack_Pics/Pack__Glen_small_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/site/naturessway/images/Pack_Pics/Pack__Glen_small_crop.jpg" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/product+support++faqs/Pouch+Pack.html">NS Pouch Pack</a> is a soft structured carrier so is more comfortable for extended periods of wearing and can be used from birth to around 3 years of age. It can be used as a front or back carrier, as well as on your hip if desired. Like the organic NS sling, the main fabric of the body is 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton, with a front panel available in several different patterns (we have a fabric sample book available for you to look through). The front panel has a zip to extend the height as your child gets older. The wide shoulder pads are padded with wool for comfort on your shoulders, although, like all SSCs, the waist strap means the weight is largely distributed to your hips. There is also some padding around the the bit where your baby's legs go for added comfort. It's easy to use, and folds up relatively small to put in your bag if necessary.</div>
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<u>NS Carry Wrap</u></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/site/naturessway/images/Carry_wrap/Wrap__Tony_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/site/naturessway/images/Carry_wrap/Wrap__Tony_small.jpg" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/product+support++faqs/Carry+wrap.html">NS Carry Wrap</a> is a stretchy wrap with a woven panel. The woven panel adds extra support around your baby's spine and helps prevent sagging, while the 100% organic cotton knit on the rest of the wrap is comfortable for your shoulders and back. The woven panel (available in the same range of patterns as the panel on the Pouch Pack) also means it's easy to find the centre of the wrap and tie it correctly. The wrap has a built in storage pocket so it's easy to fold up and put in your nappy bag. </div>
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NS have a great <a href="http://www.naturessway.co.nz/product+support++faqs.html">comparison chart</a> available on their website comparing the features of each of these carriers to help you work out which one is right for you. If you'd like to check out any of these carriers, they'll be available to try and/or hire at our <a href="http://babywearingwellington.blogspot.com/p/slingmeets.html">slingmeets</a> or you can email our <a href="mailto:babywearingwellington@gmail.com">librarian</a> anytime. </div>
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Thanks again to Natures Sway for making these available to us!</div>
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<u><br /></u>Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-24592993913515057112011-08-27T18:52:00.002+12:002011-08-27T18:56:35.679+12:00September SlingmeetWe hope you all can come to Babywearing Wellington's next slingmeet
<br />from 10 a.m. on Friday 2 September, 2011
<br />in the guest room at the <a href="http://www.thecross.co.nz/">Southern Cross</a>
<br />39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.
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<br />After the success of our earlier "Babywearing 101" talk (which covered the basics of babywearing), this month's talk "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Babywearing 201</span>" goes further and focuses on the many health benefits of babywearing. It turns out that babywearing is not only convenient for mum, but also very good for baby! So do come along, hear our talk, check out the carrier library and mingle with other parents who "wear" their babies!
<br />
<br />We're happy to answer any questions you may have about all aspects of babywearing and about any type of baby carrier. Please feel free to bring any questions you have with you on Friday, or contact us at any time.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bring your friends!</span>
<br />Our meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested, friends, family, other mums and dads... you don't have to have a baby to be a Babywearing supporter!
<br />Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-9602279035690371532011-07-21T21:42:00.003+12:002011-07-28T00:08:10.784+12:00No August SlingmeetThere will be no Babywearing Wellington slingmeet on the 5th of August as the date coincides with the <a href="http://www.womens-health.org.nz/index.php?page=big-latch-on-2011">Big Latch On</a>.<br /><br />Our usual venue, <a href="http://thecross.co.nz/">The Southern Cross</a>, will be the central Wellington venue for the Big Latch On. There will be Babywearing Wellington committee members attending there and others at the <a href="http://www.dowse.org.nz/">Dowse Art Museum</a> in Lower Hutt. We invite you to join us with your children in carriers at either location.<br /><br />Slingmeets will resume as usual on the 2nd of September.Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346462263326735585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-48887283715168472442011-07-12T13:13:00.006+12:002011-08-29T23:52:07.768+12:00Library update - Hoppediz woven wrapI'm happy to announce that our carrier library now includes a woven wrap - a <a href="http://www.hoppediz.de/en/">Hoppediz</a> in the bright and beautiful Delhi colourway. <div><a href="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/12807023_otgu7#1379507614_Xnjcnjt-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/i-Xnjcnjt/0/S/DSC5502-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div><div>It was kindly donated by <a href="mailto:info@maybaby.co.nz">MayBaby</a> who currently sell Hoppediz wraps through <a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=54335">Trademe</a>. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Hoppediz are very similar to Storchenwiege woven wraps and the Didymos stripes range of woven wraps. They have quite a dense, thick weave which makes them super supportive, especially as your child gets older and heavier. In addition, they're really wide (this one is about 4 cm wider than my Storchenwiege Inka which is already considered a wide wrap) so they are great for back carries for toddlers. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Like other European woven wraps, Hoppediz are made from high quality cotton free of pesticides and chemicals. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Hoppediz have a couple of extra handy features - firstly they have middle markers on both the top and bottom rails of the wrap. This is very helpful when doing back carries. In addition, they come with a little pocket at one end to put your keys, phone etc. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Hoppediz have lots and lots of different colourways, possibly more than any other manufacturer, so there is something for everyone. The Delhi colourway we have is very cheerful in shades of red and orange. </div><div><a href="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/12807023_otgu7#1379507767_Wf6PMbc-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/i-Wf6PMbc/0/S/DSC5512-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The wrap comes with an extensive instruction booklet so it doesn't matter if you've never used a woven wrap before. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>All in all, a very good example of a woven wrap for you to try out. Please email <a href="mailto:babywearingwellington@gmail.com">our librarian</a> if you'd like to try it (or ask at one of our slingmeets). </div><div>
<br /></div><div>If you're thinking of buying one for yourself, let them know that you're a Babywearing Wellington member and you'll get a 10% discount. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thanks again to Anna at MayBaby!</div><div>
<br /></div>Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-10167032598093440842011-07-05T12:53:00.002+12:002011-07-05T13:39:53.244+12:00Babywearing and breastfeeding<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/12807023_otgu7#1368288601_j2G5LQn-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://emandstu.smugmug.com/Other/Slings/i-j2G5LQn/0/S/EmmaNS-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Babywearing helps facilitate breastfeeding. </li></ul><ul><li>Human milk is low in fat and protein and is easily digested meaning newborn babies require frequent feeding. </li></ul><ul><li>Humans are classed as 'continuous feeders' – other animals in this category carry or are followed by their infants and so are in almost constant contact. It makes sense for humans to do the same by babywearing. </li></ul><ul><li>Frequent feeding following your baby's cues is important for breastmilk supply, especially in the early weeks. </li></ul><ul><li>Being close to their food source is comforting for babies and encourages the frequent feedings which stimulate supply. This is even more important for low weight gain babies as they don't need to waste energy by crying for their food. </li></ul><ul><li>Having your baby close to you stimulates production of the breastfeeding hormones oxytocin and prolactin, also important for supply.</li></ul><ul><li>Some babies need the movement of being worn to 'organise' their sucking. Babywearing can also soothe and relax babies who arch their backs when breastfeeding. </li></ul><ul><li>If you're using a carrier but taking your baby out to feed it can feel exhausting having to keep popping them in and out, or retying, each time when they're feeding 8-12 times a day. </li></ul><ul><li>Learning to feed in a carrier is very liberating – you can meet your baby's need for frequent feeds but not be tied to the sofa. This is especially great when you have older children to look after.</li></ul><ul><li>Being able to feed in a carrier means you can feed while out and about without worrying about finding a place to sit down – I've fed in the carrier waiting for the bus, pushing my older child on the swing at the park, during a wedding reception, doing the supermarket shopping, and out walking. </li></ul><ul><li>Breastfeeding in a carrier can also be very discreet – most people would have no idea that your baby is feeding. </li></ul><ul><li>Breastfeeding can also be a good way to encourage babies who protest against being put into a carrier. Once they're in and latched on and you're moving around they'll more than likely settle and hopefully go to sleep.</li></ul><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tips for breastfeeding in a carrier:</span><br /><br /><ul><li>It's a good idea to wait until you're confident about using your carrier and have successfully established breastfeeding. It's important to have your latch sorted out first as it can be harder to ensure a really good latch in the carrier especially when moving around. </li></ul><ul><li>Wear something that can be pulled down from the top – it's a lot harder trying to pull up your top when your baby is in the way (and avoids flashing any wobbly bits while walking around!). </li></ul><ul><li>It's easier to feed in a cradle position when your baby is little but as they get older and taller they'll probably prefer to be upright. </li></ul><ul><li>To get your older baby into the right position, loosen the straps (or the knot in a wrap) and bounce the baby down till their head is at the breast height. You may have to manipulate your breast to get the right angle. However, older babies are usually pretty good at latching on by themselves!</li></ul><ul><li>Once your baby has finished feeding, tighten the carrier so that your baby is at 'kiss height' again. </li></ul><ul><li>Breast size can affect how easy you find it to feed in a carrier. A tip for more well-endowed mums is to prop your breast up with a muslin so it's in a better position. Hip carries might be more suitable if this is the case, too, as your baby is more to the side of the breast. It may just be a case of trying different things to see what works for you. No baby or mum is the same! </li></ul><ul><li>All carrier types are suitable for feeding in but some are easier to get the hang of than others. Like all aspects of babywearing, practice makes perfect!</li></ul><ul><li>TheBabyWearer has lots of good information and pictures of feeding in carriers <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/showthread.php?59295-Instructions-amp-Pictures-Links-for-BFing-while-BWing">http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/showthread.php?59295-Instructions-amp-Pictures-Links-for-BFing-while-BWing</a></li></ul><ul><li>Dr Sears also has a good page on the benefits of babywearing for breastfeeding <a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fussy-baby/baby-wearing/babywearing-while-breastfeeding">http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fussy-baby/baby-wearing/babywearing-while-breastfeeding</a></li></ul>Emma and Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08488836131041971055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386860890781490557.post-46968269504830226122011-07-03T08:16:00.006+12:002011-07-03T08:57:18.817+12:00New to our Library - Little Tree Baby Mei Tai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdB-tndqscIz2Tn2uJQNULbOk4CUMWBwktkWT48fjsqL5ZBPE2gJKWVM1n_k8TdolCAeDecCMggBgY9hWte6Zre7n9bFZY2owZOLnfxkkhi9nI4vqoc-_JsHNAlR9aomVCah1P08ce4M/s1600/IMG_2538.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdB-tndqscIz2Tn2uJQNULbOk4CUMWBwktkWT48fjsqL5ZBPE2gJKWVM1n_k8TdolCAeDecCMggBgY9hWte6Zre7n9bFZY2owZOLnfxkkhi9nI4vqoc-_JsHNAlR9aomVCah1P08ce4M/s320/IMG_2538.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624859820714427218" /></a> One of the beautiful new carriers to our library has been donated by the wonderful and generous Sita of Little Tree Baby - a stunning Mei Tai. <br /><br />One of the things that struck me about this Mei Tai was the fabric selection. The colours and patterns are absolutely gorgeous. The photo doesn't do it justice - you'll just have to see it for yourself! <br /><br />When purchasing a Mei Tai, I think the fabric selection is the hardest part - so many beautiful fabrics to choose from! I think by leaving it to the expert and letting Sita choose the fabrics for us, she came up with something really creative, unique and special. <br /><br />There's also the option of a waist buckle or tie. This particular Mei Tai has a buckle. A buckle means you only have one knot, but it is entirely over to personal preference. You may feel a tie is better to get the right fit for you. <br /><br />This is the first time I've tried a Mei Tai, and I was surprised just how easy and comfortable it is to wear my heavy toddler in it. It was really supportive, and I quickly got the knack of tightening the shoulder ties. I loved the fact that I could fold up the Mei Tai and fit it easily into Holly's nappy bag. And, did I mention I loved the fabric? I felt rather stylish strutting around with Holly in it on my back. :)<br /><br />It was also supremely easily to adjust a front carry for Holly to breastfeed in it. This is the first time I've successfully breastfed Holly in a carrier!<br /><br />Thank you to Sita from Little Tree Baby for this awesome donation. We love it! You can visit the Little Tree Baby facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/LittleTree-Baby/140239479243<br /><br />If you'd like to hire this gorgeous carrier, simply email us at babywearingwellington@gmail.com with your contact details, and Emma will be in touch.<br /><br />Much respect,<br />Sarah CSarah Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00810597159652887259noreply@blogger.com0