Yes, You Can! Borrow From our Lending Library

Happy Blog Day!

International Babywearing Week is fast approaching  - it's October 5th through 11th - and we have so much fun in store for you! You will be hearing a lot about fundraising efforts in the weeks before, and during the week itself. We have T-shirt sales already in progress, a refreshed logo and more t-shirts in the works, and some fantastic prizes that we are working on how to raffle off . . . I mean, really. It's going to be a week-long blitz of babywearing awesomeness.

 

I know all of you are curious about why we fund raise and where money goes. The majority of all proceeds are used to purchase carriers for the Lending Library. Some funds are used to purchase business cards. Others are used for miscellaneous things that the group needs to get the word out about us, like printing fliers, or other advertising costs (a few publications are free, but many charge a nominal fee to print anything about our events or the group itself).  Unlike other groups, we are independent of any larger organization (we are not a Babywearing International Chapter, and International Babywearing Week is not a week sponsored solely by BWI). Since we are independent, we do not charge any membership fees. No portion of the funds we raise is dedicated to a larger body. It all stays local, to benefit existing members and grow our group.

The Lending Library

Shakespeare is often quoted:

Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
Hamlet, Act I scene 3

Melissa and H borrowed this wrap from Jackie.
H loved it so much, Melissa had to get one of her own.

But you know what? Shakespeare is wrong. Yes. Wrong. At least when it comes to loaning baby carriers. We have gained so many friends through the loaning and borrowing of baby carriers. It's this generosity of spirit that I think has really helped to grow our local babywearing community. I have heard so many parents, close to giving up on babywearing, say: What I have doesn't work for me. My back hurts. My baby hates it! Help! And a babywearing friend steps in, says, hey: try THIS, or this, or this,  and somewhere along the way, the different carrier clicks, and the parent, once so close to giving up, is now a babywearing convert and outspoken advocate. That, my friends, is why I love our group.


So what is the Lending Library, exactly?

The Lending Library is a group of carriers "owned" by the group, for the sole purpose of having members try them, borrow them, and return them. Our particular library started mostly from personal donations of the leaders and a few generous members. We've solicited major brands for donations and discounts, and a few have graciously responded. Tula offered us a discount, and thanks to our last fundraiser, we were able to add both a standard and a toddler sized Tula to the Library. Boba generously donated a Boba 4G to our Lending Library just in the last month. We've also won or had donated a few woven wraps. Slowly, our Library is growing.

How does it work?

Can anyone borrow a carrier? Just about. We do require you to attend at least two meetings, or play dates, or a combination of both. Why? We want to get to know you! We also have a responsibility to make sure that you are borrowing a carrier that will work for you (i.e. not borrowing the Toddler Tula when you have a 4 month old), and that you know how to use it before you take it home. We certainly don't expect you to be an expert in its use prior to borrowing it, but we do need to know that you can use it safely, and we expect you to get better as you practice.

How much does it cost? Your first rental is FREE. Subsequent rentals cost $5.00. Whether it's your first or fourteenth rental, you do need to leave a deposit for the replacement value of the carrier. This can be in the form of a check (which is not cashed) or other means (we've done debit card numbers, for example). The check (or other form of deposit) is returned to you intact, when we receive the carrier back.

How long can a carrier be loaned? Right now, the loan term is one month. 30 days to play with, explore, familiarize yourself with a carrier. To figure out if you want to buy one of your own. To determine what does, and does not, work for you. For example, maybe you borrowed the Tula, but after a couple weeks, you realize you don't really like how the shoulder straps fit. Or maybe you took the Kinderpack home and discovered that no matter how hard you try, you just can't get it comfortable. In other words, enough time to really know the carrier and make some solid decisions.

Why do people do more than one loan? Well, for some, because the first thing they tried didn't work for them. Others are just curious. Some parents borrow our carriers as they work to save up for one of their own. Yes, you can buy some carriers more cheaply (like any one of the Infantino line), but often times, after trying on something different, a parent may realize that it really is worth the extra money to get a more expensive carrier.

What's available in the Lending Library?

A view of our lending library
(plus a few additions from our leaders)

The list below is the full list of what is in our Lending Library.

Woven and Stretchy Wraps:

from top left: Hybrid stretch, NB Feathers, Didymos Jonas
NB Snowflakes, Little Frog woolie (not LL), NB Raspberry (not LL),
dark purple wrap, and Didymos Geckos

Moby-(Chocolate)
• Sleepy Wrap-(Off White)

Both the Moby and the Sleepy Wrap are very similar. These carriers are best for newborns through up to about 15 lbs. If you are very deliberate with your wrapping, you can comfortably carry even a toddler in stretchy wrap. The main complaint I hear about either is that they are hot to wear, due to the material content (it is not very breathable) and the fact that a supportive carry is several layers of not-very-breathable fabric. For Front Carries Only.










Wrapsody Hybrid Stretch- (Brigid/green)

The Wrapsody Hybrid Stretch is one of my favorite options for those on a budget. These are soft, moldable, with just enough stretch, in the right direction, to make for a comfortably supportive carry, yet not so much stretch that they get saggy at a certain weight point. Also, unlike the Moby or Sleepy Wrap, the Hybrid Stretch is thin and breathable, making it much more comfortable to wear in our South Carolina heat. This is the only wrap with stretch that is safe to use in a back carry.

Brady using the Breeze

• Wrapsody Breeze- (Kimber)

The Wrapsody Breeze is a sturdy gauze wrap. It is very breathable and a great choice in the summer. This wrap is never going to be as soft as the Hybrid Stretch (which feels like a well-loved t-shirt), but it is incredibly supportive, even with heavier toddlers. Safe for front, hip, and back carries.

Ellevil Jade long 4 -

Ellevill Jade is a 100% cotton wrap, so it is easy to care for, on the thinner side, and is well broken in (read: soft). Ellevill wraps are known for having long tapers (tapers are the ends of a wrap, often cut at an angle. When laid out, most wraps are shaped like a parallelogram). The longer tapers make for smaller knots when you are tying, which some people do prefer.

Natibaby Graphite Feathers 4-

Emily in Feathers

Natibaby Feathers is a linen blend wrap. Linen is slightly pickier to care for (but don't worry - you don't need to do anything regarding care/washing for wraps while they are in your home), but it's incredibly supportive and breathable. Linen is a top choice for parents with heavier kids who live in hot climates, and this is fantastic addition to the Library for that reason alone. Natibaby wraps in general have a dense, flat weave which makes them a bit slippery, but the linen in this wrap gives it enough grip to make sure that your passes stay in place.

What you can probably do with a size 4 wrap. Note that the mama in the link is a tiny 114 lb person. I'm size 16 and I can actually do most of what's on her list with a size 4, too, albeit with shorter tails.

Hoppediz Acapulco 6-

Hoppediz Acapulco

Hoppediz is a less well known European brand that makes sturdy cotton wraps.

Natibaby Winter 6

Chris, in Winter

Natibaby Winter is a wool blend wrap. Don't let the wool scare you away! Wool isn't just for winter;
this is not a super thick wrap, and the inherent properties of wool make it a great choice for all seasons, since it wicks away moisture and breathes well. Wool is also notoriously smooshy and comfortable on the shoulders. It does require special care and handling while washing, so please, please, do NOT wash this wrap.

What you can do with a size 6 wrap - for the average parent, this is the base size; in other words, what you can do beginner multi layer carries like Front Wrap Cross Carry and Double Hammock in.

 

Didymos Geckos 7-

Katrina, in Geckos

Didymos is one of the oldest woven wrap manufacturers, and Geckos is one of their famous jacquard weaves. Jacquard weaves are great, because they are sturdy, not prone to pulls or snags, and are very supportive. A size 7 is great length for most plus size moms and some dads to start with. It's my preferred size to do a Front Wrap Cross Carry, Double Hammock, and Tandem Wrap in.
 
What you can do with a size 7 wrap.
 




Ring Slings:

Emily in the SBP linen

I love Ring Slings. They are my favorite carrier choice for newborns, due to how easy they are to use, and I am loving ring slings again with my 24 lb 17 month old, who wants front snuggles and to get up and down a lot to explore. We have 2 very different ring slings available to try.

• Sakura Bloom Double silk (orange and Brown) -

Sakura Bloom slings have a gathered shoulder, are very classy and comfortable. This is a natural/raw silk so has a dull sheen and a bit of grip to it. The double layers make it supportive, but may also make it less breathable.

Sleeping Baby natural Linen-

Sleeping Baby is the gold standard in compliant WAHM businesses. This sling has her standard pleated shoulder and is made of oatmeal colored linen, which is a great choice for it's breathability and light weight.

Katrina in Ellaroo MT

Mei Tai:

• Kozy mei tai- (echino owl/tiger)
• Baby Hawk mei tai (star trek)
• Ellaroo- (blue and tan striped)
• Infantino Sash-

All regular Mei Tai are an affordable option that many parents prefer as a go-to carrier. Less expensive than woven wraps, but with similar versatility, and as easy to use as a buckle carrier/SSC, but without the adjusting of clips and buckles. Mei Tai can be used newborn through toddler.



Pouches:

• Hotslings pouch- (Brown with white polka dots, size 4)
• Peanut Shell pouch - size small aqua with brown dots

Pouches are a convenient option for many parents because they fold up small and easily fit in any diaper bag. They are sized though, and must fit the wearer in order to be used safely. These are best used in upright tummy-to-tummy carries with newborns or in a hip carry with older infants and toddlers.


Soft-Structured Carriers:

All of the SSC available in our Lending Library

We have quite a few SSC to choose from, and are always looking for more; they are by far one of our most popular Lending Library items. Why so many? because different carriers fit different bodies and babies differently. What a tall, fluffy mama might find incredibly comfortable, may not fit a petite mama as well, and vice versa. Each carriers shoulder straps and waist fits differently, making trying these before buying one imperative, in my opinion, especially since many of these can't be found in big box stores.

• Ergo (tan with bugs and butterflies, matching infant insert and belt extender)

The original Ergo is a gateway carrier for many parents. The newborn insert is generally used from birth to 3 or 4 months. The purpose is to lift the baby up inside the carrier and provide a narrower seat for a smaller baby. Ergo can be used for front, back, and hip carries for most infants and toddlers, though many parents choose to "size up" to a different carrier in toddler-hood due the short back of the Ergo being problematic for leaners.

• Ergo Sport (Black)-

Like the original Ergo, the Sport is usable as a front, back and hip carrier. What makes it different from the original is more breathability in our hot climate.

Justin, in the Angelpack

• AngelPack--(animal print)

AngelPack is a smaller SSC, some would call it more of a buckle-tai in that the shape of the body is
not as structured as most SSCs, it is more flat and rectangular like a standard mei tai.

• Standard Tula (Spotted Love)-

This Standard Tula is a popular lending item due to the brand's increasing popularity. Tulas are known for their slender shoulder straps and structured waist bands. Standard Tulas fit beginning around age 3 months until sometime close to a year, give or take, depending on your baby.

• Toddler Tula (Prepster) -

The Toddler Tula will fit most 2 year olds, on up, and is popular for many of the same reasons as the Standard size. The main drawback I personally find with the Tula line is that the shoulder straps are sewn onto the body of the carrier, making crossing the straps in back when front carrying impossible.

• Boba 4G

The Boba is a new addition, generously donated by the company. I personally owned a 3G and loved
it - it had a higher back than my previous Ergo making it a good fit for my toddler. I also liked that the waist and shoulder straps were longer, making it a more comfortable fit for my plus size self and extra-tall husband.

Things we are looking to add to the Lending Library:

A Kinderpack - many of you have them, have seen or heard of them, and want to try out their awesomeness. Unfortunately the company itself no longer does Lending Library discounts, so we are on the look out for one at a killer price. If you know of one, please message one of the leaders on Facebook. We did have one in our Library, but it is an older version that has seen a lot of love and is no longer available for lending. We are trying to keep the Library as current as possible, so when you try something and love it, you know what you are buying is very similar to what you already know and love. Ideally, we would love to have both a standard and a toddler sized Kinderpack in our Library.

Woven Wraps: Right now we are on the look out for good shorty wraps. So far our requirements seem to include: different colored rails for ease of use and be made of a sturdy cotton, hemp, or linen blend.

Ring Slings: Ring Slings are also very popular. Any carrier we include in our Library must be made by CPCIA compliant company, so we can not offer any DIY ring slings for loan.

If you have other suggestions of things you'd like to see added to the library, let us know!

Upcoming Events:

 

Thursday, August 28th - Ring Slings and Rebozos - Join us at 10:00 a.m at the LDS Church on Broad River Rd to learn about, troubleshoot, and tweak your Ring Sling and Rebozo knot skills.

 

Saturday, September 6th - Ergonomics of Babywearing - Join us for a special joint event at Capital City Chiropractic. This is a great event to invite new or potential babywearing friends. This starts a little earlier at 9:00 a.m.

 

Saturday, September 13th - Our usual monthly meeting at the LDS Institute on Assembly St. Join us at 10:00 a.m. - You won't want to miss what we have in store!

 

Thursday, September 25th - Our usual monthly weekday meeting at the LDS Church on Broad River Road. We can't wait to share with you what we are planning!

 

International Babywearing Week - October 5th - 11th - We have several events planned, some in person, some will be online only. This is going to be a great opportunity to share the babywearing love, you won't want to miss a thing!

Yes, You Can - Wear Your Baby Facing Out

Happy Blog Day!

As summer draws to a close and many of us look forward to crisp, cooler weather and sending children off to school again, or for the first time, or gather homeschool supplies, I find myself looking backwards - reminiscing over moments from this summer and summers past. It always feels like I did not do enough with my children over the summer. Time goes by so quickly, and the long list of activities I had planned often does not get anywhere near half way done.

Me, wearing two of my three kids

When I am out and about with my three, often wearing one, or sometimes two, of them, there are two questions I get frequently that are hard to answer, yet no matter how often I'm asked, they don't get any easier to respond to. The first question: "where did you get that?" is challenging because the answer is not simple. I vaguely answer "The internet . . ." because explaining Facebook buy/sell/trade groups and various European and American baby carrier makers is not a succinct reply or at all what the curious parent expects to hear. I wish I could say Target. Or Babies R Us. or BuyBuyBaby. These stores do, in fact, sell baby carriers, I just haven't ever bought one there. (But I did try them on! see reviews of the ones available HERE).

The second question I am almost always asked by new parents is, "can you face the baby out in that?" and for the carriers I have owned, the answer, generally speaking, is NO. Which 90% of the time, turns the new parent off entirely. They are no longer curious about what I have to offer, because they insist that their baby loves facing out, and hates facing in. I'll be honest. In the past, I rolled my eyes a bit. I have three kids and have never worn them facing out. Why haven't I? A few reasons.

1) It looks uncomfortable to me, both for me and for the baby.
2) In most carriers where the baby faces out, they are leaning away from the wearer, which really changes your center of gravity and takes a good bit of adjusting to.
3) Until recently, in most carriers where facing out is an option, when baby is facing in towards you, their seat is no more ergonomic than it was facing out.
4) My babies, and toddlers, have all been perfectly content to ride facing me, and once they were older, they were happiest on my back.

The top reasons I hear why parents want a facing out carrier:

1) Baby wants to see and interact with their environment
2) Baby doesn't like and/or seems uncomfortable facing in.
3) Economics - they were given or found one inexpensively and it works for them.

Before I get in to the facing out options, let me give you my ergonomic spiel first. Ergonomics is about comfort, both for you as the wearer, and for your baby or toddler, the wearee. Having a carrier that provides a good seat - that is, it is supportive for your little one across their pelvis and most of their thighs, so that their weight is distributed over a wider base - is far more comfortable for your little one. It's also more comfortable for you, because when baby faces in, their weight is distributed across your torso and hips, and makes wearing your baby for longer periods more comfortable for you, the wearer. A carrier with a wider base of support will also last you longer as your child grows and continues to want to be held or worn. There are tons of other Ergonomic things I could talk about, but I'll link you here for further reading.

What's in a name?



Baby T looks happy to me

You might have heard them called Crotch-Danglers, Front-Packs, or the newer Narrow Based Carrier. I like Narrow Based Carrier (NBC) the best, as it's descriptive without being judgey or having other negative connotations. Nearly all carriers you buy in a big box store fall in this category. Baby Bjorn is the most well known, but other NBCs are made by Chicco, Infantino, Evenflo, and other brands. They all work basically the same, with an X across your back, and a front pack that you slide baby into and snap on the support. Many of the newer versions include a waist belt to help distribute baby's weight better across your hips and torso, so that baby's weight isn't just pulling on your shoulders.

 

Dispelling Myths

Mr. Robinson and Baby B

You might have heard a bit about hip dysplasia and these NBCs. Using a Narrow Based Carrier will not cause your little one to develop hip dysplasia. If your baby already has, or has a medical condition that pre-disposes them to hip dysplasia, you may want to avoid Narrow Based Carriers so that the issue is not exacerbated. But there hasn't been, to my knowledge, any studies proving that hip dysplasia is CAUSED by the use of NBC's.

 

Caveats:

I would not use a NBC in the facing out position for long periods of wearing, especially once your little one is asleep. You and baby will be much more comfortable if baby is facing you, and able to curl into your body to rest.

Mr. S and Baby E enjoying the zoo

I would not use a NBC in the facing out position for a newborn without good head control. Facing out, there is nothing supporting the newborn's head and neck. The instructions in any NBC will agree with me on this.

I would use a NBC in the facing out position for an older baby who wants to see things, especially if I was not yet ready to try back carries.

Ashleigh and Emily demo'ing the NBC

I would use a NBC in the facing out position if I was going to be sitting a lot, like on a bus or train. In my experience, my babies do not like being worn facing in when I'm sitting.

This reads a bit like a Dr. Suess book, but you get the idea There are times and places and situations where facing out can be preferable. So what are your options?

What to buy:

If you want a carrier that can face out, I would get one that is as ergonomic as possible in other positions. This means that there will be some adjustments you will need to make to the panel to get it to fit best depending on how you are wearing it. This may be a pain, but I think you'll appreciate the versatility and longevity of a carrier that is more ergonomic for both of you.

Carriers that meet this criteria: Lillebaby, Beco Gemini, Ergo 360, and the Bjorn ONE. Of these, my favorite (and I've tried them all on, except for Beco) is the Lillebaby. It's the most affordable, at right around $100 brand new, and was by far the most comfortable to put on and easy to figure out. The Ergo 360 is not bad, the main deterrent is a wrap around Velcro waistband. There is nothing positive to say about that waistband. NO.THING. The Bjorn was surprisingly comfortable, once I figured it out. I mostly just found it unnecessarily complicated after the relative ease of the Lillebaby and the Ergo.

Bjorn ONE. decent carrier, price could be better

Ergo 360 - note the waistband -

Stokke - over $200 of unnecessary complications

Chicco NBC - Not our favorite

Can you face out in other carriers?

Stretchy wraps. I've seen this done, and generally I would not advise doing it. When I've seen it done, baby is often very low, the fabric is far too loose, and it just does not look safe. If you can manage a high, snug carry. . .maybe. But mostly I'm going to say, NO.

Woven wraps. I've seen posts. And there is this YouTube video.  (Even Babywearing Faith, who is a well known guru puts this caveat on her video: "I do not normally recommend outward-facing carries; hip carries and high back carries are better options for babies who want to look around. If you REALLY want to do an outward-facing carry in a woven wrap, this is a good way to do it.") I tried it with my 17 month old. He was not a fan, and neither was I, but if you were desperate to have a baby facing out? Maybe . . .  but if your baby wants to see things, come to a meeting and let us help you with hip and back carriers. You and baby will be much happier. Not to mention more comfortable.

Mei Tai.  You would need to cinch the base like you would for a newborn or young baby, but sure, you can forward face in a Mei Tai.

cinched mei tai with hairband

cinched Kinderpack

SSC/Buckle Carriers. Again, you'd need to cinch the base, but it can be done.








Bottom Line: If your baby really wants to face out, I'd buy a carrier designed for that purpose. I've tried, or had friends try the make shift versions, and their babies and mine were not nearly as happy or comfortable as they were in carriers designed for forward facing.


I know many parents whose first carrier was a narrow based carrier, and some of them look back on that purchase with regret. I hear "when you know better, you do better" quite often. If you are one of those parents, take heart. You were wearing your baby. In a safe carrier! You reaped all the benefits of babywearing: you got to bond with your baby, you were hands free, you had a happier baby, you were able to get things done, you might have even figured out how to nurse in your NBC. These are all good things. No. These are GREAT things. Fantastic, even. You, my friend, are a babywearer; no matter if you were using a narrow based carrier, a cut up table cloth, a hand-me down ring sling, an Ergo, a Tula, a Didymos woven wrap, a handwoven woven wrap, or a gorgeous custom creation made by elves in Poland. Babywearing is about wearing your baby. It's not about the carrier.

For those of us that have owned or started with a narrow based carrier and then moved on to other things, that's fabulous! I know you and baby are more comfortable in a more ergonomic carrier. I know you want to get the most out of your babywearing experience. I know other parent-baby dyads that have tried more ergonomic options and keep coming back to the NBC because that is what their baby is happiest in. Who am I to argue with a safe and happy baby?

Did you start with a NBC? What did you love about it? What did you hate about it? Share your experiences in the comments, and upload your pics in our Facebook Group. We love pictures!

Upcoming Events:

 

Ring Slings and Rebozos, Thursday, August 28th and 10 a.m. Read more on how to use Ring Slings here, and Rebozos, here.

 

Ergonomics of Babywearing - a joint event with Capital City Chiropractic - at 9 a.m.

 

As always, we will continue to have online chat on Wednesday evenings, time is variable. Generally between 8 and 9 p.m. is when we start, and we continue until no one is chatting anymore. Join the conversation! It's a great way to catch up midweek.

 

Play dates happen whenever and wherever people want to meet. Mention it in the Facebook group, and we will make it happen. If you need a leader there, or have a specific question you want help with in person, let us know, and we'll figure it out.

Tying the Knot - Rebozo Style

Happy Blog Day!

This weekend has been rainy and muggy and well, not fun to be out in. Yet I'm thrilled that so many of you came out, with your babies, to join us yesterday to learn more about using a ring sling and tying a rebozo.

What is a rebozo?

Rebozo can refer to a couple things, actually.

Originally, Rebozo is traditional Mexican textile, with multiple uses, including use as a scarf or shawl and use as a baby or bundle holder. Typically about 2 yards long, this woven fabric is woven or dyed with various indigenous patterns and bright colors. They are still very common in Mexico and are inexpensive.  Inda Jani is a relatively new company selling Mexican rebozos for babywearing. They are in traditional patterns, but they are selling them in several different lengths.







In the babywearing community, Rebozo refers to the actual style of carry, that we use similar to traditional Mexican women. This basic carry is a one shouldered hip carry tied with a slip-knot, but in the babywearing world, we've renamed it a Rebozo knot.



Melissa, with H in a Rebozo carry

The Rebozo knot is not just used in Rebozo carry. Many Babywearers use it to tie off shoulder carries as its flexible nature allows the wearer to adjust the carry - lower it, raise it, tighten it, or loosen it - without unwrapping all together. If you search YouTube, you can find examples of finishing a Semi-FWCC with a Rebozo Knot, as well as several different Tied-At-Shoulder (TAS) back carries. Tying a Rebozo knot is a handy skill to learn, I admit.  Full disclosure: I, your usually know-it-all blogger, have yet to master a Rebozo knot. I've tried. I get it while watching the video. But trying to repeat it without the video leaves me tangled and confused. And I also will admit that I'm probably not trying all that hard and just resort to other carriers, carries, and methods of wearing my baby. Please do not let my ineptness deter you from trying this on your own! It's such a versatile skill that I'm sure will come in handy for many of you.

 

What can you use to Rebozo?

A shorter woven wrap works best for this, a size 2 or size 3, which is roughly 2.7-3.1 meters long. Table cloth shorties, which are made from 120" table cloths also make great rebozos. I would suggest something not too thick, because rebozo knots are bulky in general. But really, honestly, you can rebozo in anything.  Especially as you are getting started, if you have the option of something with different colored rails (the top and bottom long hems of a wrap), that makes it easier to keep track of where you are, avoid getting tangled, and makes it easier to see where to tighten.

How to do it?

This is a step-by-step picture tutorial - I find these somewhat easier to follow than videos since I don't have to stop, start, and rewind to keep finding my place.

If you prefer a video - This one I found very helpful

I normally use a ring sling, which means feeding any slack towards the rings and pulling through. In a rebozo, you feed the slack over your shoulder, above the knot, and pull downwards. (yes, Babywearers, I just did a rebozo knot to help figure this out. I used the photo tutorial. I don't know if I'll be able to repeat it, but I'll give it a shot!)

If this knot, and adjusting it, is giving you a hard time, or you are just up for the challenge, there is a variation, called the reverse rebozo knot. Many people find the reverse version easier to adjust.  In the reverse version, tightening is just like a ring sling, you are tightening the front pass, in front of baby.

Rebozo knots aren't your thing? Give Ring Slings a try!

I don't like repeating myself (a fact which my children have yet to catch on to, unfortunately), so HERE is my post on Ring Slings.

We are working on putting together a list of reputable (and compliant) Ring Sling makers, If you know any sling makers that are both, please let us know over in our Facebook Group. We love sending business to local businesses (even if they aren't local to us, they are local to someone, and that's still pretty awesome).

Upcoming Events:

 

Every Wednesday Evening (somewhere between 8 and 9 P.M.) join us for our weekly chat. It's a chance to just get to know each other better, catch up, and find out what everyone is up to. The chat lasts as long as people keep talking.

 

Our next official meeting is Thursday, August 28th - We'll be talking about Ring Slings and Rebozos, so come let us help you learn how to use either, troubleshoot any difficulties you may be having, and just hang out. Children of all ages are welcome, however peanuts are not. This is a peanut-free facility.

 

We will have playdates in between now and then, join the conversation in our Facebook group to find out when, or suggest a date, time, and place.

Rules. What Are They Good For?

Happy Blog Day!

 

We've passed the 375 member milestone, and then some! As our group, and the babywearing community in general, continues to expand and grow larger, it's really imperative that we take a minute (or a blog post) to make note of some of the changes that are happening among makers of babywearing items. You may have heard some of these terms floating around, like "BCIA" and "CPSIA" and "compliant versus non-compliant" . . .  what do these mean? How do they affect you, as the consumer of new and used baby carriers? Do they affect you when you sell your second hand carrier? What about moms who make their own carriers? Hopefully this post will answer some questions and break down everything for you.

 

 

What I want you to walk away understanding is: most baby carriers you see and might buy are perfectly safe when used appropriately. However, if you are buying from someone who sells via Etsy or Facebook, I want you to be able to tell, or to ask the right questions to determine if you are getting a safe carrier.

 

Alphabet Soup

 

BCIA  - Baby Carrier Industry Alliance - This is an internationl body of people who are interested in baby carrier safety. Anyone can join, you do not need to be a manufacturer/maker of baby carriers in order to become a member. Does a maker of baby carriers need to be a member of BCIA in order to legally make carriers? NO. But being a member does have distinct advantages, I've included an excerpt from BCIA's page here:

This is where joining the BCIA is a huge help. Experts in the field have spent hours creating and refining the ASTM standards, along with the CPSC and other governmental agencies. They are intimately familiar with the intricacies of the standard, and can help guide you through the regulations, find accredited labs that may be more affordable to the small business, and work through the testing process. Though testing is not inexpensive, BCIA has worked hard to lend the voice of the microbusiness to the standard and continues to work to make compliance affordable for as many manufacturers as possible. If you want to remain in the baby carrier business, you must submit your product for testing. The lab will look through the instructional materials you provide with your carrier (and you absolutely must include written or video instructions with the carrier — there’s no excuse for not doing so, and just pointing them to a website is not adequate) and, using those directions to fix the carrier to the test model, will then run the carrier through a number of tests to determine whether your carrier is safe.

For more information, you can view their full summary HERE .

 

Just in my opinion, if I'm buying a carrier off of Etsy or Facebook or Ebay, I'd like to see the maker be a member of BCIA. It tells me, as a consumer, that the maker is serious about making safe carriers and staying up to date on compliance and legal issues. The "bag sling" recall of 2008 was and continues to be a sore spot in babywearing history. This post talks about the dangers and testing involved in that recall, and I think is a must read for anyone considering making or buying older carriers.   Linnea Catalan of the BCIA makes an excellent point about this, and references the "bag sling" recall that happened several years ago.

 

In the current market, there is really no excuse for non-compliance. It really doesn’t matter how large or small your business is. Everyone in the industry takes infant safety very seriously (as well we should), and if the CPSC feels that a carrier is putting children at risk, they will take action. One of the first carrier recalls after the SlingRider was of a ring sling where only 40 had ever been sold — clearly a very small manufacturer, yet the recall was made anyway. Don’t feel that because you’re small, you’ll fly under the radar. That may have been true ten years ago, but it isn’t true now.

Which brings me to the next acronym

 

CPSIA - Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act - this is the law under which baby carriers must be compliant in the United States.  These are things that each baby carrier maker must do in order to legally sell the baby carriers that they make.

 

So what are you, as the consumer, looking for to determine compliance?

 

 

 

When you receive your carrier:

 

1) A Postage Paid Registration Card - it must be attached to the carrier such that the customer has to interact with the card to remove it — it can’t just be placed in the bag or box with the carrier. Some well known carriers we know of are still working on conforming entirely to this part of the legislation. These are relatively new standards and while people in the industry have known about them for a while, I think many home based manufacturers are still figuring out the nuances of compliance.

 

 

2) Labeling - You should see on your carrier a permanently affixed label, which should include the following: Place of manufacture, date of manufacture, and a unique identifier like a model or batch number. The label must be permanently attached to the carrier - stickers do not count.

No Label - non compliant
(this was a home-made ring sling in my own stash)

Completed Label - compliant
example of a label done by www.sleepingbaby.net

 

 

Behind the scenes:

 

1) Testing on parts and textiles to ensure that they are shown not to contain lead or phthalates. Any maker must keep record of all the "general certificates of conformity" of all their materials. As a consumer, you probably won't really notice this part of compliance as you won't see the GCC's yourself. But this is one reason why you see people insist on the use of certain products, like Sling Rings, for babywearing products. Sling Rings have been tested specifically for this purpose and are known to hold up to industry standards.

 

2) Different types of carriers are having ASTM  (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards rolled out at different times.

The ASTM standard for SSCs and Mei Tai will be mandatory in September of 2014.

The ASTM standard for wraps, ring slings, and pouches will be mandatory in mid- to late-2015. To read more about upcoming potential changes, go here. Included on the right hand sidebar are a few comments and concerns by the babywearing community.

 

 

 

Once the standards become mandatory, look for manufacturers who state their compliance and avoid those who say they have not tested their products, since it will be illegal to sell them at that point.

 

To see more on a Consumer's Guide written by one of my favorite babywearing people, Jan of Sleepingbaby.net, go HERE.

 

Buying and Selling Second-hand carriers

 

This will be able to continue as it has in the past, unless of course, a carrier is recalled. The buying and selling of recalled items is strictly prohibited (as I'm sure most parents already know).

 

One big change that will happen is the market for wrap conversion carriers. Due to the testing requirements and other changes in the pipeline, it appears selling wrap conversions from used woven wraps will no longer be allowed. However, conversions from new in box, direct from manufacture wraps should still be permitted. This is expected to limit the customization and diversity of wrap conversions in the market in the future. These changes for SSC and Mei Tai are effective September 2014. That is not very far in the future! 

 

What about the DIY community?

 

You are still able to create baby carriers for your own, personal use. You can still make a carrier as a gift for a friend.  If you want to sell a carrier at a profit, you will need to conform to all the standards under the CPCIA.  To that end, technically you can sell your DIY carrier for the cost of materials only.

 

After-Market Accessories, like different hoods, suck/drool pads, waist pouches, etc.

Most of these makers are on Etsy or Facebook and make some beautiful and functional products. Sometimes I love everything about my carrier except one thing. Like the hood (I really can not begin to tell you how much I detest the flat hood on my Kinderpack with Comfort Mesh. Purely personal preference, but it is far to small. In my opinion) and want to look for something to replace it. These replacement/additional accessories are not regulated, so it is really buyer-be-aware. It's up to you, as a consumer, to use your common sense regarding whether you really want your baby chewing on certain fabrics, or playing with too-long reach straps. The BCIA is working with ASTM to update the guidelines to at least include some mention of length of reach straps, since they are a major choking hazard and/or strangulation risk. You can read more about their efforts HERE.

 

Bottom Line:

If a shop is new, or you haven't heard of it, ask in our Facebook Group. Before investing in any carrier, whether it's a $30 Infantino Mei Tai, a $50 Ring Sling, or a $200 Buckle Carrier, ask questions! We all as parents understand you want your carrier to work well for you, you want it to be safe, and you want it to be a worthwhile investment. It is an investment. If you are like most of us, you plan on selling your carrier one day, and you will be able to sell it more quickly and for closer to its retail value if it is a compliant carrier.

 

Upcoming Events

Rachel - Ring Sling

Laura - Rebozo

Saturday August 9th - 10 a.m. at the LDS Institute of Religion on Assembly Street - we'll be demonstrating and trouble shooting how to do a rebozo knot and how to use ring slings - both great options for short carries that don't use much fabric and are therefore great carries/carriers in the summer heat.

 

 

 

 

We'll be covering this same topic again at our weekday meeting, Thursday, August 28th, at 10:00 a.m, at the LDS church on Broad River Rd.

Both of these locations are peanut-free. Snacks and drinks are welcome, but please choose what you bring with care.