Popit wrap - new to our carrier library!

Amy from Popit Wrap www.popit.co.nz has generously donated one of her stretchy wraps in aqua/black to our carrier library. So we thought it would be a good opportunity to review it.

Popit Wraps are 100% NZ designed and made. They're made from 100% light weight cotton knit which only has width wise stretch for more support and safety. They're machine washable and dryable - a big plus with babies, especially newborns! They also come with an instruction DVD (included with your hire) showing different tying methods.

They're the first stretchy wrap I've seen with two sides - colour on one side, black on the other. I really like this, as you can change it to suit your mood. When you have the black side facing out, the colour peeks through at the edges which looks cool. It's also a good way of making sure the wrap hasn't twisted as you're tying it.

Believe it or not, this was the first stretchy I have tried and I was pleasantly surprised when I put Audrey (15 months and around 10 kg) in it. It was comfortable, supportive and not nearly as 'stretchy' as I'd thought stretchy wraps were. Sarah C had one when Holly was born and enjoyed using it with a newborn. The fact it came with instructions on DVD was a big plus, and she liked how many different colourways they come in.

The instruction DVD has well paced video instructions with a voiceover explaining the different steps. I think it would be easy to follow for a beginner wrapper. The DVD contains instructions for 6 different carries, including front carries, a hip carry and a back carry. Because the Popit Wrap only has 2-way stretch it is theoretically safer for back carries, however it is not overly wide (compared to a woven wrap) which means you would need to wrap very carefully to ensure a safe carry. I would recommend only trying this if you are an experienced wrapper and don't have a child who likes leaning back.

The Popit Wrap is available to hire from Babywearing Wellington's carrier library. If you're interested, please let us know at the next slingmeet or by emailing babywearingwellington@gmail.com.

Amy would appreciate any of your feedback once you have tried it out too.

Thanks again, Amy!

Tips for Successful Babywearing - The Early Days

You've done the research, bought the sling and are completely committed to wearing your baby. So what does a new sling mumma do if their baby doesn't seem to 'like' being worn?

We've all experienced some degree of difficulty in those early days of babywearing, so here's a few ideas for successfully working through those hard times, and wearing your beautiful newborn successfully and safely. These tips are based on our own experiences of those early days of babywearing, and what we did to overcome our own personal hurdles.

- Practice the different carries first with a teddy or doll. The doll won't wriggle or cry like a newborn baby might, but the practice will set you in good stead for when the baby comes along. This is particularly important with a wrap sling, so you can understand the body mechanics required for wrapping your baby.

- Practice putting your baby in the sling when she isn't too tired or hungry. Often people use slings as a last resort as a sleeping tool (I certainly did!), with first attempt when baby is completely overtired. This may mean that the experience of getting baby into the sling is traumatic both for the wearer and baby - it is no surprise that many people give up if this happens a lot.

- Have your partner, friend or relative be a support person when putting your baby in the sling. Your support person can assist hugely by boosting your confidence and keeping you calm while you put the baby in the sling. They can also assist with the more difficult wrapping techniques. However, you may find that once you get your wrapping mojo, an extra pair of hands can be more of a hindrance than help.

- Enlist the help of an expert, preferably in person. Babywearing Wellington committee members are available to give advice whenever you need it. We also hold monthly slingmeets, which are a brilliant place to get some help and practice the different carries.

- Don't be rushed. Take your time to get the carry right and don't be afraid to start again from scratch if you need to. 

- Try different carrier types. Sometimes a baby won't enjoy a wrap sling, but will love, love, love a mei tai! Sometimes the wearer will find a certain sling type or brand uncomfortable, but finds another type or brand to be the perfect fit. The Babywearing Wellington Sling Library gives you the opportunity to 'try before you buy'. We have a range of sling types and brands that might just be perfect for you.

- Be patient and keep trying if it doesn't work the first time. It may also help to have a break and come back to it again later (after a nice cup of tea and a well deserved piece of cake!).

The most important thing is to feel comfortable asking for help if you need it. We are a phone call or email away, and are ready and willing to help you with any aspect of Babywearing. Don't hesitate even for a second to reach out to us. :)

Kia Kaha,

The Babywearing Wellington Team

Slingmeet March 4th - Stretchy Wraps

Stretchy wraps tend to be 4.5-5.5 meters long and made from a knit jersey or interlock fabric. They can me made from natural or synthetic fibres, though natural fibres like cotton have the advantage of being more breathable. Fabric with any spandex or lycra content will tend to be very stretchy - carriers which are 100% cotton or other natural fibres will tend to have less lengthwise stretch.

All wraps are incredibly versatile. Though they can not achieve as many holds as a woven wrap, there are still a wide range of ways to tie a stretchy wrap. The most common seen is the ‘front pocket cross carry’ but you can also achieve cradle holds, outward facing and hip carries.

Outward facing in Popit Wrap

Hip carry in a Popit wrap

They make hands-free breastfeeding very do-able in the cradle hold or upright position.

A lot of people find stretchy wraps are easier to learn to use than wovens, as you can pre-tie it onto your body before placing baby in. This is also helpful when removing baby, as you take baby out before removing the sling. This ‘poppability’ is really useful, as when you are out and about you don’t need to worry about re-tying on the street front after a car trip or toilet stop.

Stretchies are often used as a ‘starter’ wrap, as they are an awesome way boost the carers confidence in wrapping because they are very forgiving while you're learning, and they are still very comfortable even when not tied on perfectly.

Though a lot of retailers recommend them for back carries, we do not, as often they’re not as wide or as supportive as a woven wrap. Baby can push against the carers back, pushing themselves backwards, which combined with the stretchy nature of the sling puts the baby at risk of falling or getting into an awkward position on the carers back.

I tend to direct people to stretchy wraps if they have a colicky baby as it is so easy and comfortable to have the baby in an upright position (helping avoid stomach acid rising up) from newborn as their head can be fully supported. Being upright really seems to help soothe baby and the motion from the carer often helps them bring up wind.

The wonderful thing about slings, particularly stretchy wraps, is that baby can self regulate their stimulation by looking out sideways at what's happening around him, or up to the carer, and can snuggle into the carer and sling easily when they feel the need. Babies are really good at regulating themselves, and a sling enables them to do this easily. This is one of the criticisms of the outward facing position.

When a baby is facing out to the world they are unable to turn in when it is getting a bit much for them. The baby may signal this with a wriggle or whimper, and if not picked up by the carer the baby can become overwhelmed and unsettled. Stretchy wraps are a great way to balance this as you can help you baby avoid this by being aware of the risk and changing babes position in this wonderfully poppable carrier when they are showing signs that they need less stimulation.

 We have a couple of stretchy wraps in the library, including the New Zealand made Popit wrap - so you can hire them to try or just have play and feel the different fabrics that various brands use.

And thank you to Natasha, Michelle, Rachael, Rhian and Popit for the use of your beautiful photos.

Slingmeet 4 March 2011 - Woven wraps

For anyone that missed out this morning, here's the information I handed out on woven wraps at this morning's slingmeet:

WOVEN WRAPS – INS AND OUTS

Information:

• At its simplest, a wrap is just a long piece of fabric tied around you and your baby.
• German-style woven wraps such as Storchenwiege and Didymos are designed specifically for carrying babies and children. They are woven with the right amount of diagonal stretch, support, mouldability and breathibility. They are expensive because they are made by hand in Europe under strict quality controls and use all natural fibres.
• Woven wraps are soft and comfortable enough to use for newborns, but also wide and supportive enough to use up to age 3-4.
• They can be used for front, back, hip and torso carries.
• Woven wraps provide even weight distribution over your back and shoulders so are great for people with bad backs.
• There is a big learning curve to start with, but once you get the knack it is just as quick, if not quicker than putting on a soft-structured carrier.
• They can be used by both parents or other caregivers even if different sizes.
• They can be pretied in a 'poppable' carry for easy ins and outs, or retied each time.

Tips and safety:

• Only practise new carries when your baby is fed, changed and content. It's normal for them to fuss a bit to start with, especially if you're not sure what you're doing. They'll usually stop once you've tied it properly and start moving around.
• Make sure wrap is spread out over your back and not twisted (each edge of the wrap – called 'rails' – are usually different colours to help with this).
• Make sure the fabric is tucked under your baby's bottom and spread from knee to knee (if their legs are out).
• Your baby's knees should always be higher than their bottom. Newborns should have their legs 'froggied' inside the wrap.
• Always keep one hand on your baby at all times.
• Your baby should be high enough for you to kiss their head and the fabric should be snug along their back (keeping their spine in a gentle curve).
• You can tuck your baby's head in for them to sleep but make sure their face is clear so they can breathe.
• Always practise back carries with a helper or over a bed to start with. Lean forward while you're making any adjustments.
• For back carries, pull as much fabric as you can in between your baby's legs and your body to create a 'seat'.
• Remember the wrap adds at least an extra layer so don't dress too warmly.

Carries:

• Front carries – front wrap cross carry, front cross carry (poppable), kangaroo carry.
• Back carries – rucksack tied tibetan, rucksack tied in front, back wrap cross carry, secure high back carry (good for newborns), double hammock carry.
• Hip carries – simple hip carry, Poppin's hip carry, Robin's hip carry, front cross hip carry.

For more information and instructions on the different carries, see www.slingbabies.co.nz and www.thebabywearer.com or ask one of the Babywearing Wellington crew for a demo.

Brands:

• Storchenwiege (www.mynaturalbaby.co.nz)
• Didymos (www.didymos.co.nz)
• Girasol (www.keoni.weebly.com)
• Hoppediz (available on Trademe)
• Neobulle (www.bebops.co.nz)
• other overseas brands include Lana, Vatanai, BBSlen and Bali Baby.

Woven wraps are generally available in 2.7m (size 2), 3.2m (size 3), 3.6m (size 4), 4.2m, (size 5) 4.6m (size 6) and 5.2m (size 7) lengths. The most common length is 4.6m which is suitable for doing lots of different carries.

If you want to make your own wrap, you should look out for fabric that is cross twill and has a good amount of diagonal stretch but no vertical stretch.

Babywearing Babies

We all know how babywearing allows parents and caregivers to get on with their everyday activities while comforting, interacting and bonding with their babies, but what about our kids? They're busy people, too. They have games to play and a whole world to explore, but they want to keep their favourite toys close. That's when they take a leaf out of our books and wear their babies.

I present Babywearing Wellington's younger generation demonstrating the latest in stylish and functional mini carriers.

14 month old Audrey is thrilled about the ease with which she can pop her "baby" in and out of her mini Moby.

2 year old railway tycoon, Leith, prefers a chic fringed woven wrap from his mother's wardrobe.

Very nearly 3 year old Lillan wears her doll in a beautiful mei tai made by her mum.

Gorgeous sisters Mia (6) and Evelyn (16 months) take their babies for a walk together in wraps coodinated with their outfits. Babywearing even leaves them free to hold hands.

19 month old Mika finds his short Storchenwiege Vicky wrap handy when he wants to take his teddy bear for a motorcycle ride. (Do not try this with a real baby, or a real motorbike!)

18 month old Natalie finds her linen blend woven wrap cool enough to carry a penguin in.

On the road with Miss Nearly-Three

by Isa

“I like the bus” says Miss Nearly-Three as we walk to the bus stop. “You don't have to click me in on the bus”.

And I agree with her. The bus is great. As it turns up around the corner Miss Nearly-Three starts waving. And then she greets the bus driver with a cheerful “Hello”, before racing along to find just the seat for her.

A few hours later we set off to take the bus home. Miss Nearly-Three is tired and whiny, and begging for a breastfeed. It's time to whip out the mei tai from where it lives at the bottom of my bag. With the promise of a feed, Miss Nearly-Three lets me tie her onto my front (this is the way we both prefer it, I find my back and hips hurt when I carry her on my back). I get her settled and feeding (discretely, although that isn't actually that relevant to either of us, anymore), and feel her whole little body relax, as I once more set off to the bus stop. I kiss the top of her head, and think how lucky I am to have her.

And she'll probably fall asleep as soon as the bus is moving, which is fantastic now she rarely sleeps in the afternoon (but still needs it). She'll sleep and we'll both get a rest.

I don't wear her as much now that she is older. But there are times when it is useful. She doesn't have the strength yet to walk as far as we do. And she gets tired when we've been out all morning. That's when it is so practical to get the mei tai and get her settled. We enjoy going for walks. A while back we walked up Mount Kaukau, and Miss Nearly-Three walked all the way up herself. Then she slept on Daddy's back all the way down! And there are times, very occasionally, when she is miserable, tired, sad, clingy. That's when the mei tai comes into its right at home.

And I remember, as I watch my baby sleep, her little head resting heavily on my chest, a time, not so long ago, when she was in the mei tai much more. She had her day-time sleeps in there, at home or about, at other people's houses, on trains, buses and aeroplanes (though I preferred the Ergo on the plane). I walk a lot, and use public transport, so she was always there with me. Where I could see her, talk to her, sign to her, and see everything she saw. Sweet memories now. But also the odd long night with an inconsolable baby, and walking around in the dark with her in the mei tai until she calmed, fell asleep and we could get her back to bed. Other nights at parties, where my little girl had a blast until she got tired, and I got her settled in the mei tai. And we could enjoy the rest of the evening, with her sleeping peacefully on my chest. Not so long ago. A year ago or less.

I step off the bus, one hand on Miss Nearly-Three's head, and one on her back, and set off, up the road and up the 200 steps, and I am grateful I'm no longer dependent on the push-chair, as in my little one's early months. In a few minutes we'll be home, and Miss Nearly-Three will be rested and ready to raid the garden, have a smoothie and turn a dining chair into a climbing frame!

Fit mums wear their babies!

Sometime ago a fellow babywearer was telling me about an online forum discussion about getting babies to settle in their prams. It appears to be a common conundrum. Some babies don't like prams - fair enough too, they've just spent 9 months curled up all cozy and snuggly inside their mummy then they go through the trauma of being born into this cold, bright world without the constant lulling of built-in rythmic sound and shock absorbent rocking motion. The obvious answer is WEAR YOUR BABY! The response to which often appears to be "but I want to exercise".

You can't wear your baby and get a decent workout can you? Well yes, actually, you can.

Although it wouldn't be safe to go for a run while wearing your baby, walking is a great aerobic workout and if you add weight (i.e. a carried child) and hills it's even better. You could even throw in some squats and lunges using your own and your baby's weights as resistence if you're keen.

This morning I spent an hour walking around the local hills wearing 1/4 of my body weight (aka my son) and burnt approx 2000kjs which is several hundred more than I would have burnt if I'd gone for a run. It was much easier on my joints too but the best part was that when Andrew woke up from his wee kip on my back he was in the prime position for us to interact, practice talking (him not me) and enjoy the scenery together.

So to all those mums that have issues getting their babies into their prams against their wills but really want to get out and exercise - WEAR YOUR BABY!!